Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Football Takeaways: How high is too high to rank De'Zhaun Stribling?

Adam Randall is Ian Hartitz's preferred handcuff candidate behind Derrick Henry in Baltimore after being absent from preseason week 2; Hartitz saw him working as the early-down backup in week one of the preseason and identifies him as the favorite in a murky handcuff situation, making him a target in late-round draft strategy.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is part of the Detroit Lions' crowded wide receiver room alongside Jameson Williams and Jir Gibbs, which limits the upside for other receivers like Isaac Nauta even if St. Laporte misses time.

Bo Nix returned from ankle surgery and impressed in Broncos preseason Week 2, scoring 10 fantasy points in two drives with strong first-team usage. He threw a 22-yard wheel route touchdown to RJ Harvey and found Jaylen Waddle for a chunk play down the seam. Ian Hartitz highlights Nix as a reason to wait on quarterback in drafts, noting he often falls to the 13th or 14th quarterback off the board despite his upside.

Ian Hartitz targets Brock Bowers as his ideal tight end in his perfect draft construction, projecting him to fall back to the end of round two.

Played 29% of snaps in three drives vs. Marshon Lloyd's 71%, establishing clear #3 RB depth chart behind Josh Jacobs and Lloyd. Brooks did not appear in previous preseason game; limited snap allocation suggests secondary role in Packers backfield hierarchy.

Caught pass from Jordan Love in preseason week 2; Ian Hartitz's favorite round-6 pick in Yahoo drafts. Watson is part of Packers WR room Hartitz views as 'arguably the most mispriced wide receiver room in fantasy football,' with none of the Packers receivers priced as true WR2s despite upside.

Chuba Hubbard is dealing with a hamstring injury; Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he is confident Hubbard will be available for week one, but limited news has emerged since the injury occurred.

Ian Hartitz projects Cole Kmet will play more snaps than Khalif Raymond in Chicago's offense, given the team's limited wide receiver depth and expected heavy multi-tight end personnel usage (43% of snaps in preseason week 2, up from 33% last year).

Benefits from Chicago's expected heavy multi-tight end personnel usage; Ian Hartitz projects 43% multi-tight end formations in preseason week 2 (up from 33% last year) and notes that Cole Kmet will likely play more snaps than Khalif Raymond, meaning Loveland and other tight ends will compete for targets against fewer wide receiver threats, which is positive for tight end target share. Found on two of five pass downs with Caleb Williams in preseason week 2, getting decent gains. Caught a short pass for 14-15 yards but took a brutal hip drop tackle on the sideline; remained in the game with no postgame injury reported. Mentioned as a round-4 tight end target that Hartitz has not been able to secure in drafts, suggesting he is being drafted earlier than Hartitz prefers.

Courtland Sutton is on the outside in Denver's offense alongside Pat Ryan. Ian Hartitz has not gone out of his way to target Sutton in drafts, implying he is not a priority pick despite the Broncos' passing game improvements.

WR starter with concerning multi-TE snap participation; played only 3 of 18 snaps when multiple tight ends were on the field, a significant drop-off from week one. At 5'11", 180 pounds, his archetype typically produces more in live game situations. Ian Hartitz notes: "Cyrus had a better week one of the preseason. I'm not completely writing them off, but man... if we took an alien who knows nothing about football, made him watch Cyrus Allen and Jaylen Royals this past weekend, they would tell you that Jaylen Royals was the better football player."

Ian Hartitz projects DeAndre Swift as his most likely RB2 target in rounds 4–5 of his ideal draft construction.

Ian Hartitz prefers pairing Dallas Goedert with Terrence Ferguson as two late-round tight end picks to avoid mid-round tight end selections, positioning Goedert as a value target in later rounds.

Ian Hartitz dismisses Dalton Schultz despite a slight bump in opportunity from Jaden Higgins' injury, expressing skepticism with 'give me a break,' suggesting he remains unworthy of draft capital.

Ian Hartitz frames the episode's central question around Stribling's draft ranking: 'How high is too high to rank future Hall of Famer De'Zhaun Stribling?' This signals skepticism about whether Stribling's current ADP or ranking has climbed too aggressively relative to his actual fantasy upside.

Named as Cleveland Browns starter despite playing "a pretty horrific half of football" in preseason. Ian Hartitz explained the decision is driven by cap mechanics—releasing Watson now would create a larger dead money hit than waiting until March to spread the cap hit over multiple seasons. The decision is not based on Watson's current performance but rather sunk cost cap considerations, as Shedeur Sanders has actually outperformed him in preseason. Hartitz warns against sunk cost fallacy in evaluating Watson's fantasy value; the guaranteed dollar commitment should not override present-moment analysis showing the team is better off without him.

DJ Giddens dealing with injury in preseason week 2, which is opening up backfield opportunities for Seth McGoan to receive number two RB work.

Drake London is ranked below Nico Collins in Hartitz's draft rankings and is not his preferred target at the round 2-3 turn.

Dylan Sampson secured the starting backfield role in the Browns preseason game, positioned as the clear lead back ahead of Quinchon Judkins.

Eric All returned to action in Cincinnati's preseason week 2 but did not get a target. Ian Hartitz notes that if the Bengals were to find an every-down tight end long-term, it would be Eric All rather than Tanner Hudson or Mike Jasiki, though this is more relevant for deeper dynasty league players.

Evan Ingram posted a 63% route rate in the first four drives of preseason Week 2, but Ian Hartitz says you can find better late-round tight ends. This suggests Ingram is not a preferred late-round target despite the route involvement.

Isaac Nauta ran 16 routes in preseason Week 2 but had zero targets and zero receptions; he is now one of just three wide receivers in the entire preseason to run at least 25 routes and have zero receptions. Even with St. Laporte potentially missing time due to hip injury, Ian Hartitz has a hard time getting excited about Nauta as more than a touchdown-dependent wide receiver five type, given the Lions' crowded receiver room with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jir Gibbs.

Zero targets on 16 routes in preseason week 2; one of just three wide receivers in entire preseason to run at least 25 routes and have zero receptions. Despite St. Laapora's hip injury potentially creating opportunity, Tesla remains touchdown-dependent WR5 type given Lions' depth (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jamir Gibbs) and uncertainty around Laapora's availability.

JK Dobbins has not yet been seen in preseason Week 2 but is fully expected to be the RB1 for the Denver Broncos, which limits the upside ceiling for pass-catching backs like RJ Harvey in the offense.

Undrafted rookie QB Jack Strand out of Minnesota State Morehead impressed in preseason week 2 with multiple deep downfield completions and a 16-yard rushing touchdown, displaying arm talent and mobility. Per Ian Hartitz, Strand's strong preseason performance is 'not ideal' for Falcons fans given the QB1 battle context, suggesting his emergence overshadows the expected performance of the team's drafted QB options.

WR backup to Rashid Rice with strong preseason performance and waiver-wire upside; made multiple catches with impressive elusiveness and twitchy movement in week 2. Ian Hartitz identifies him as the sharp waiver-wire target if Rice gets injured, noting: "the sharp move potentially could actually be won Jaylen Royals" rather than the obvious Cyrus Allen. Royals was hyped last year and looked significantly better than Allen in week two.

Identified as one of two major free agent/trade target running backs to monitor heading into the season. Ian Hartitz flagged Connor and Kareem Hunt as "the two really big fish out there that we got to continue to keep an eye on" in the context of potential backfield depth opportunities if current starters go down.

Jameson Williams is part of the Detroit Lions' crowded wide receiver room alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jir Gibbs, which limits the upside for other receivers like Isaac Nauta even if St. Laporte misses time.

Javvante Williams is the primary running back for the Dallas Cowboys. If Williams were unavailable, Malik Davis would likely take over in a committee situation rather than as a clear workhorse, and the Cowboys would also call another team for additional running back help. This suggests Williams is the lead back but the team has limited confidence in the backup depth.

Part of Packers WR room Ian Hartitz views as 'arguably the most mispriced wide receiver room in fantasy football.' Reed is Hartitz's second priority in round 6+ after Christian Watson, with Matthew Golden as third option. Hartitz recommends every fantasy drafter target at least one Packers WR given pricing disconnect.

Jaylen Waddle played 66% of his snaps in the slot for Denver in preseason Week 2 (4 of 6 snaps, small sample), compared to only 18% in the slot during his Miami tenure. This slot alignment makes sense given his body type and could lead to more screens and underneath routes similar to his year-one production, while still getting downfield opportunities. Ian Hartitz is very high on Waddle and targets him as a priority pick in rounds 4-5.

Jaylen Noel is surprisingly back at practice despite dealing with multiple injuries as recently as a week ago, suggesting recovery progress.

Ian Hartitz's directive for Jeremiah Love is simply to 'get healthy,' indicating Love is dealing with an injury or health concern that requires recovery before he can be fantasy-relevant for the Arizona Cardinals.

Joe Milton impressed in Cowboys preseason action, demonstrating touch on his passes and executing well off-script plays; Ian Hartitz describes him as 'actually looking like a good NFL quarterback.' Milton has shown similar promise in prior preseason games (Week 18 Patriots game), making him a fun watch with potential upside as a backup quarterback.

Jonah Coleman saw limited action in preseason Week 2 but remains very much involved in the Denver Broncos offense. Ian Hartitz still views him as a mid-tier RB3 with questions about best-case upside, with RJ Harvey's pass-catching role being the more promising path in the backfield.

Jonathan Mingo connected with Joe Milton on a deep pass down the sideline in Cowboys preseason action, showing chemistry with the backup quarterback and demonstrating receiving upside in the passing game.

Jonathan Brooks has not looked like a game breaker in his first two preseason games off a knee injury; he played all but one snap in Carolina's first two drives but managed only five carries for 18 yards plus a short goal line touchdown, failing to demonstrate the dominance expected if he were to take over from an injured Chuba Hubbard. Per Ian Hartitz, Brooks remains the number two back in Carolina's depth chart with Trevor Etchen as the clear number three; if Hubbard misses time or Brooks improves, he could see RB1-viable workload, though the Panthers' offensive struggles suggest that workload would likely translate to RB2-level production rather than RB1 output. Hartitz is not clicking Brooks in round five or six fantasy drafts because he loves too many wide receivers going in that range, though he is drafting Brooks ahead of Hubbard for the time being.

Returning from groin injury with no apparent playing time concerns; expected to play all 17 games with no legal or suspension risk. Ian Hartitz values Jacobs as round-3 target, comfortable at that price; willing to wait until round 4-5 if available. Hartitz believes Jacobs is a 'right running back' capable of pushing 15 touchdowns in strong Packers offense.

Ian Hartitz notes that Khalif Raymond, who has passed 30 and is mostly a career return man and wide receiver specialist, will play fewer snaps than Cole Kmet in Chicago's offense given the team's limited wide receiver depth and expected heavy multi-tight end personnel usage.

Identified as one of two major free agent/trade target running backs to monitor heading into the season. Ian Hartitz flagged Hunt and James Connor as "the two really big fish out there that we got to continue to keep an eye on" in the context of potential backfield depth opportunities if current starters go down.

Kenneth Walker received carries on the first two plays of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason game, establishing himself as the clear lead running back in KC. Ian Hartitz confirms K9 is the primary option in the backfield, with one carry showing field-reversing ability and tackle-breaking similar to his Seattle tape.

Benefits from Chicago's expected heavy multi-tight end personnel usage; Ian Hartitz projects 43% multi-tight end formations (up from 33% last year) and notes that Cole Kmet will likely play more snaps than Khalif Raymond, meaning Burden will compete for targets against fewer wide receiver threats, which is positive for wide receiver target share.

Malik Davis is taking over the RB2 role from Jaden Blue in the Cowboys backfield. In preseason Week 2, Davis played 13 of 15 snaps in the first two drives before resting for all but one pass snap the rest of the game, catching a touchdown and averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Ian Hartitz notes Davis would be the leader in the Dallas running back committee if Javante Williams goes down, though it would likely be a committee situation rather than a clear workhorse role.

Mark Andrews is being drafted in round 2, which is earlier than Ian Hartitz prefers to invest in tight ends. Hartitz has not been able to secure Andrews in his drafts, contributing to his concerns about mid-round tight end selections.

Caught pass from Jordan Love in preseason week 2 on fourth-down play, building chemistry and trust with QB. Part of Packers WR room Ian Hartitz views as 'arguably the most mispriced wide receiver room in fantasy football.' Golden is Hartitz's fallback target after Christian Watson and Jaden Reed in round 6+; Hartitz recommends considering two Packers receivers given the pricing disconnect.

Ian Hartitz has Nico Collins ranked ahead of Drake London and loves the idea of getting him at the round 2-3 turn in drafts. Collins is positioned as the most likely answer to Houston's wide receiver room breakout, with potential to go freaking bonkers.

Ray Davis converted eight touches into 31 yards and a touchdown in preseason week 2 for Buffalo and remains an awfully sky-high handcuff because Tai Johnson has not been practicing; unlike other handcuff situations (Indianapolis, Baltimore, Dallas, Cincinnati, Kansas City) where the backup role is murky, Ray Davis is a clear handcuff target in late-round drafts. Hartitz prioritizes Davis in later rounds as a more viable handcuff than running backs from other teams lacking proven backup depth.

RJ Harvey dominated the first two drives for Denver with Bo Nix in preseason Week 2, catching a 22-yard wheel route touchdown and showing strong pass-catching involvement. Ian Hartitz notes that if Harvey can improve and catch 50-60 passes, he could have a great year; however, he remains a mid-tier RB3 in Hartitz's rankings with questions about best-case upside given JK Dobbins is expected to be the RB1.

Seth McGoan continues to receive the number two RB work in Indianapolis with DJ Giddens sidelined by hamstring injury. Ian Hartitz projects McGoan as the next man up behind Jonathan Taylor in deeper drafts, suggesting a 19th–20th round pick is appropriate; however, he notes the Colts' history of bringing in veteran talent (Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen) suggests they may not be fully committed to McGoan as the primary backup.

Backup QB who has outperformed Deshaun Watson in preseason play. Ian Hartitz noted Sanders "has obviously not been a great quarterback in his own right" but "has he been better than Deshawn? I would say yes." Sanders delivered a strong preseason showing against Buffalo with clean pocket opportunities; he completed 74 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-11 passing with one interception (ruled a drop by PFF). Hartitz credits Sanders' off-script ability and notes he made the easy plays look easy in his first outing. The decision to start Watson over Sanders is cap-driven rather than performance-based, giving Sanders a potential path to the starting role if Watson struggles.

Backup QB who has outperformed Deshaun Watson in preseason play. Ian Hartitz noted Sanders "has obviously not been a great quarterback in his own right" but "has he been better than Deshawn? I would say yes." Sanders had a clean pocket in his preseason appearance and posted 74 passing yards and a touchdown on 9-of-11 passing with one interception. The decision to start Watson over Sanders is cap-driven rather than performance-based, giving Sanders a potential path to the starting role if Watson struggles.

Tank Dell has been back at practice and doing something but is still not really being out there with the team. Appears to be a situation where the Texans are still ramping him up and not quite ready to release him.

Ian Hartitz prefers pairing Terrence Ferguson with Dallas Goedert as two late-round tight end picks to avoid mid-round tight end selections, positioning Ferguson as a value target in later rounds.

Tucker Kraft is apparently out of the snap count for the first bit of the year, limiting his early-season fantasy value.

Tucker Craft got the night off in preseason week 2, indicating rest/health management rather than a role change.

WR starter who received limited preseason snaps in week 2; got the day off after approximately two drives and was firmly featured in heavy multi-TE personnel sets, indicating defined role clarity in Kansas City's passing game.

Texans RB posted 43 yards on 5 touches with 20-yard TD run in preseason week 2; Ian Hartitz highlights Marks as 'real star of the show.' Reports indicate he will share a close split with Dave Montgomery rather than a 50/50 arrangement. Marks had 15+ touches in 8 of his last 11 games last year, showing the Texans' willingness to feed him volume despite poor offensive line play; positioned as a great RB4 with upside if Houston's offensive line improves.

Hutchinson was the main receiver on the field for Houston in preseason week 2, with the Texans signing Sterling Shepard and Zade Jones on Friday to help replace Jaden Higgins who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Xavier Legette suffered an injury that raised concerns about Ted McMillan's role, but preseason usage suggests McMillan will remain in the slot rather than moving outside.

Zachariah Branch made a downfield catch on a deep out route in preseason week 2, but remains the number four wide receiver on the Atlanta Falcons depth chart behind Drake London, Zakias, and Jan Dawson; he will need to overcome Zakias in a similar manner to how Luther Burton had to last year to earn more playing time.