As you already know, fantasy football doesn't really take off until the regular season begins. Until then, we participate in drafts, set rosters, conduct rookie drafts and even go through mock drafts on various Internet outlets.
However, one of the most important things to do in preparation for the regular season is to look at some trends taking place during the preseason.
eDraft has you covered there.
Today, we'll check in on what to look for from Thursday's four-game schedule.
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Will Brandon Weeden pick up where he left off in Cleveland's preseason opener? The second-year quarterback complated 10-of-13 passes for 112 yards and a score. While this performance should be taken with a grain of salt considering it was a preseason game, Weeden looked much better than what we saw during his rookie campaign. We are going to look at whether he continues to find a connection with fellow second-year man Josh Gordon in the passing game. Weeden isn't a QB1 option, but he could offer value late as a late-round QB2 for those of you who don't value that position too much.
We are also going to want to see who steps up for the Detroit Lions behind Calvin Johnson at wide receiver. Matt Willis had a productive opener, but he's still behind the likes of Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles, among others, on the depth chart. Broyles represents the highest upside here, but the Lions are taking it easy with him after another knee injury last year.
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
Just how much will the Panthers use DeAngelo Williams with Jonathan Stewart still out with injury? This is a question I am pretty sure most fantasy owners in redraft leagues want an answer to. After all, Williams has been extremely productive when he has touches the ball the last two seasons. The issue with him is that he is averaging less than 10 touches per game during that span. An increased workload will help us get a better understanding about his ability to make a fantasy production.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is in the midst of a two-headed quarterback competition between Michael Vick and Nick Foles. While Foles did get a majority of the first-team reps in the Eagles preseason opener, Vick started the game and performed extremely well. The veteran completed four-of-five passes for nearly 100 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson. If those two can find a rhythm and Vick beats out Foles for the starting gig, we could be looking for bounce-back fantasy seasons for both.
Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens
Not much to see here as it relates to Atlanta. It has everything pretty much set up as it relates to skill-position players on offense. While most of us want to know exactly how the Falcons plan on using running back Steven Jackson, it's foolish to believe we will acquire an understanding of that during the preseason..
Baltimore is the team to watch here as it relates to fantasy football. Recent reports suggest that Ed Dickson will miss Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. This coupled with a season-ending injury to starting tight end Dennis Pitta leaves a whole lot of questions at that position. The signings of Dallas Clark and Visanthe Shiancoe don't really impact the fantasy impact of the game. Instead, we want to see exactly how Baltimore's group of young receivers perform against Atlanta Falcons' starters. Game 2 of the preseason should be telling.
San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears
Who will step up at wide receiver for San Diego? With Danario Alexander out for the season due to injury and Malcom Floyd suffering a knee strain in practice on Monday, a duo of young receivers may be asked to step up. Rookie Keenan Allen put up two receptions on four targets in his NFL preseason debut. He should fill the void as a possession guy on the outside. Third-year receiver Vincent Brown is still recovering from a fractured ankle and has been held back from going full force during training camp.
Another young receiver, Alshon Jeffery is slates to start opposite Brandon Marshall for Chicago. He played pretty well when healthy as a receiver last year and has had a solid camp thus far. While Jeffery might be more of a dynasty-league guy, he could make a solid impact in his second season.