{"id":119516,"date":"2021-08-16T22:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T02:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=119516"},"modified":"2021-08-19T17:43:54","modified_gmt":"2021-08-19T21:43:54","slug":"nfl-preseason-week-1-nfc-fantasy-football-observations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/08\/16\/nfl-preseason-week-1-nfc-fantasy-football-observations\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Preseason Week 1: NFC Fantasy Football Observations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Week 1 of the NFL preseason is complete and now there is more information to help with fantasy football projections. Teams tip their intentions by their actions, especially with almost every team now only having three preseason games. Let&#8217;s look at each team and identify the important information that can help seasonal league projections. Below is a closer look at the NFC teams, after Week 1 of the preseason.<\/p>\n<h2>Fantasy Football Observations for the NFC After NFL Preseason Week 1<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Arizona Cardinals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Rondale Moore:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Excitement; <\/span>Eno Benjamin:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Relevancy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rondale Moore has assimilated nicely to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cardinals\/\" target=\"_self\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a> offense, with three receptions and two rushing attempts for a total of 39 yards against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/cowboys\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Cowboys<\/a>. He was targeted on the first play of Arizona&#8217;s preseason.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Cardinals immediately open with a screen to Rondale Moore. <\/p>\n<p>7 yards for Thicc Tavon. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ra7jAwCVcZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/ra7jAwCVcZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JoshNorris\/status\/1426367053326323713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 14, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With veteran<\/span> <b><\/b>A.J. Green<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> already injured, Moore projects for a decent rookie workload even in a crowded depth chart. Playing in his<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azcardinals.com\/news\/eno-benjamin-finally-gets-back-into-uniform-for-cardinals\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first game in 18 months,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Eno Benjamin gained the early advantage over<\/span> <b><\/b>Jonathan Ward<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as the number three running back in a fragile Arizona backfield.<\/span> <b><\/b>James Conner<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is on the COVID-19 list and<\/span> <b><\/b>Chase Edmonds<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not profile as a lead running back. The 22-year old Arizona State-product averaged 10 yards per carry on five attempts with a touchdown in Arizona&#8217;s 19-16 win. If Conner is hurt for an extended period of time, Benjamin will be a hot waiver wire pickup later in the season. <span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">NFL Preseason Week 1<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Atlanta Falcons<\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Feleipe Franks: Battling to be the backup quarterback.<\/p>\n<p>There isn&#8217;t much to be analyzed from the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/falcons\/\" target=\"_self\">Atlanta Falcons<\/a> 23-3 home loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/titans\/\" target=\"_self\">Tennessee Titans<\/a>, but on a day where the Atlanta offensive line struggled mightily, UDFA Feleipe Franks found a way to shine. Veteran quarterback A.J. McCarron failed to impress after completing only 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and one interception. Franks only completed two of 10 passes for nine yards but he rushed four times for 76 yards including this 51-yard scamper. <span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">NFL Preseason Week 1 NFL Preseason Week 1<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">CAN WE TALK ABOUT FELEIPE FRANKS. A gutsy 51-yard run!<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AtlantaFalcons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@AtlantaFalcons<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TENvsATL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#TENvsATL<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kcHSEqTraa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/kcHSEqTraa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/1426357256551997444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 14, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Carolina Panthers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terrace Marshall: Impressive<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rookie wide receiver Terrace Marshall impressed with three catches for 88 yards, including this 59-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Terrace Marshall with the 59-yard catch and run \ud83d\udc40<br \/> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/cYdVVlgnai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/cYdVVlgnai<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFF (@PFF) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFF\/status\/1426957866490028035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">P.J. Walker\u2019s frenetic play can cause the coaching staff agita, but his dynamic ability places him in the lead in the backup quarterback battle. Chuba Hubbard made a push towards the backup role to All-Pro <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/McCaCh01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christian McCaffrey<\/a><strong>,<\/strong> by totaling 80 rushing yards on seven carries. Hubbard certainly doesn\u2019t get tackled easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The rookie Chuba Hubbard showing what he can do \ud83d\ude24<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hubbard_RMN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Hubbard_RMN<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Panthers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Panthers<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcfa: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CARvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#CARvsIND<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFLNetwork<\/a> (or check local listings)<br \/>\ud83d\udcf1: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ItciNYd3S4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/ItciNYd3S4<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lWx7DouHlf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/lWx7DouHlf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/1426971409822232579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Chicago Bears<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Justin Fields:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Making headlines<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Justin Fields&#8217; performance was one of the headlines of preseason Week 1. The Ohio State rookie was 14 of 20 for 142 yards and one 30-yard touchdown to tight end<\/span> Jesse James<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>.<\/strong> He also ran five times for 33 yards and another touchdown. Fields did drop a snap and fumbled on his first drive but settled in very well after.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Backpedalling right into the endzone. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JJames18_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JJames18_<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MIAvsCHI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#MIAvsCHI<\/a> <br \/>\ud83d\udcfa: Fox32 &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@nflnetwork<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fqfnl1tZFe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/fqfnl1tZFe<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChicagoBears\/status\/1426623192026730503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 14, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the offensive line can show improvement, Fields certainly has the ability to make big plays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Dallas Cowboys<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4>Observations:<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/P\/PresDa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dak Prescott<\/a>: Exhale, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/CoopAm00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amari Cooper<\/a>: off PUP, Defense still a concern<\/p>\n<p>Quarterback Dak Prescott&#8217;s shoulder strain is healing well, per a follow-up MRI. He is projected to see field action in the Dallas Cowboys third preseason game against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/texans\/\" target=\"_self\">Houston Texans<\/a> on August 21. Wide receiver Amari Cooper was activated from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list after off-season ankle surgery. Per Todd Archer of ESPN, Cooper has stated he is close to 100 percent and has already increased his on-field work. New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has his hands full with a defensive roster filled with new players. Dallas drafted defensive players with their first six picks of this year&#8217;s NFL Draft. The Cowboys recently lost defensive tackle Neville Gallimore for 6-8 weeks with a dislocated elbow. The 2020 third-round pick was projected as a starter<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Detroit Lions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GoffJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jared Goff<\/a>: Intermediate passes; Amon-Ra St. Brown: Impact<\/p>\n<p>Jared Goff provided an expected 6.2 yards per attempt on seven completions for 56 yards. Goff narrowly avoided an interception on his first pass attempt, but his passing comfort zone should mean quality fantasy production for tight end T.J. Hockenson. USC-product Amon-Ra St. Brown used his exception burst, to tally two catches for 12 yards. St. Brown could have a larger impact than expected with the uninspiring Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman listed as the starting wideouts.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Green Bay Packers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Jordan Love<b>, <\/b>Devin Funchess: S<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ilence the doubters<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love was the most pleasant surprise of Week 1 of the preseason, serving as one of the few bright spots in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/packers\/\" target=\"_self\">Green Bay Packers<\/a> 26-7 home loss to Houston. Love was 12 of 17 for 122 yards and this dump-off touchdown pass to Kylin Hill.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Jordan Love \ud83e\udd1d Kylin Hill<\/p>\n<p>TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!<\/p>\n<p>(via <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NFL<\/a>) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/s48mEUlBT7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/s48mEUlBT7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFLonFOX\/status\/1426705924136206338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love&#8217;s performance at least provided a sliver of hope to the post-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/R\/RodgAa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aaron Rodgers<\/a> life for the Packers. His most productive receiver was 27-year old Devin Funchess, who led Green Bay with six receptions and 70 yards. Could Funchess develop as a reliable second wide receiver option after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/A\/AdamDa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Davante Adams<\/a>?\u00a0 Stranger things have happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Los Angeles Rams<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/StafMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Stafford<\/a>: Has weapons galore<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/rams\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Rams<\/a> sat almost all of their starters as usual, but second-year running back Raymond Calais and rookie TuTu Atwell both impressed on special teams. Calais tallied a 46-year kick return and Atwell displayed his lighting speed on a 20-yard punt return that was called back. Not much to conclude, except quarterback Matthew Stafford has a lot of shiny toys at his disposal.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Minnesota Vikings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/C\/CousKi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirk Cousins<\/a>: Praying for his health<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t much to discuss from the Vikings 33-6 blowout loss to the Broncos. The immediate reaction is that <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/vikings\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Vikings<\/a> fans should pray for Kirk Cousins&#8217; continued health. Both backup quarterbacks Jake Browning and Kellen Mond failed to impress, combining to go just 11 of 26 for 79 yards and an interception. Minnesota is a run-first team and their offensive line is always among the league\u2019s best in run blocking, but their effectiveness in pass-blocking will be the bellwether for the Vikings offensive success. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>New Orleans Saints<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4>Observation<\/h4>\n<p>It is a coin flip at quarterback<\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;5012&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HillTa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taysom Hill<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/W\/WinsJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jameis Winston<\/a> continue their quarterback battle, with Hill earning the start against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/chiefs\/\" target=\"_self\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>. Hill played well until he threw an interception due to a communication error with Ty Montgomery<strong>.<\/strong> Winston led New Orleans to two touchdown drives, but the overall results were mixed at best.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Saints QBs vs. Ravens:<\/p>\n<p>Jameis Winston:<br \/>7\/12<br \/>96 Yards<br \/>1 TD<br \/>1 INT<\/p>\n<p>Taysom Hill:<br \/>8\/12<br \/>81 Yards<br \/>1 INT<\/p>\n<p>Who should be the QB1? \ud83e\udd14 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UkkqhHTpXx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/UkkqhHTpXx<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFF (@PFF) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFF\/status\/1426726558010650628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>On the bright side, 2020 UDFA Tony Jones was the player of preseason Week 1 after he racked up five receptions, 120 total yards, and a touchdown. Jones did lose a fumble, as did Latavius Murray and 29-year old Devonta Freeman. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/K\/KamaAl00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alvin Kamara<\/a> needs to stay healthy.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>New York Giants<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offensive line concerns and Devontae Booker as the backup running back<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/giants\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Giants<\/a> took a huge leap when they passed on bolstering the offensive line in favor of Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Despite playing four of five projected offensive linemen, the Giants struggled to protect backup quarterback Mike Glennon against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/jets\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Jets<\/a> pass rush. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BarkSa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Saquon Barkley<\/a>\u2019s workload uncertain for Week 1, Devontae Booker may get the bulk of the work, especially after a Corey Clement lost fumble. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Philadelphia Eagles<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HurtJa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Hurts<\/a>: Growing, Zach Ertz<strong>: <\/strong>Rises from the dead, Quez Watkins: Speed<\/p>\n<p>Jalen Hurts played well enough connecting on 3 of 7 with two dropped passes for 54 yards. His rushing ability is elite, and this game provides something for the second-year signal-caller to build on. Zach Ertz saw more snaps than Dallas Goedert<strong>,<\/strong> catching two passes for 20 yards. Could Ertz regain his Pro Bowl level under new head coach Nick Sirianni? With first-round pick Devonta Smith sidelined, Quez Watkins flashed his 4.35 speed on a 79-yard screen pass that he turned into a touchdown.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>San Francisco 49ers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Observations<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance: Both impress, Running back position: Gold<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest takeaway was Trey Lance producing 128 yards and this 80-yard touchdown to Trent Sherfield<strong>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[pickup_prop id=&#8221;6708&#8243;]<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">TREY LANCE 80 YARD \ud83d\udca3 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BDmoxo0Bzt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/BDmoxo0Bzt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; PFF (@PFF) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PFF\/status\/1426711749051523073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What has been overlooked, however, was of 5 of 14 completion rate and a glaring fumble. Lance has dealt with fumbling problems in the past and Jimmy Garoppolo&#8217;s 3 for 3 and 26 yard performance did nothing to open the door for the rookie. Garoppolo also connected with Brandon Aiyuk across the middle, which was negated by an offensive pass interference call. JaMychal Hasty ran angry for 63 yards and a touchdown reminding everyone that whoever leads the 49ers backfield will be fantasy relevant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Seattle Seahawks<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> DeeJay Dallas: the lone bright spot<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was a rough 20-7 loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/raiders\/\" target=\"_self\">Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, with the offensive line really struggling as usual. One bright spot was DeeJay Dallas breaking free for this 43-yard touchdown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">DeeJay Dallas goes 43 yards for the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Seahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Seahawks<\/a> TD! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SEAvsLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#SEAvsLV<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/VQZhucwmiZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/VQZhucwmiZ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/1426738517359480832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/seahawks\/\" target=\"_self\">Seattle Seahawks<\/a> running backs are always fantasy-relevant, and Dallas remains in contention for the RB3 spot behind Chris Carson and the oft-injured Rashaad Penny. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running back musical chairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second-year rusher Ke&#8217;Shawn Vaughn dominated the backfield opportunities with 13 total touches for 37 yards and a touchdown. While rumors still circulate that Vaughn is in head coach Bruce Arians&#8217; doghouse, the former third-round pick from Vanderbilt appears to have secured the RB4 role. Leonard Fournette started, was replaced by Giovani Bernard on third down, and then gave way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JoneRo01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ronald Jones<\/a> on the next series. Fournette is the current RB1, but his hold on that spot is tenuous at best.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Washington Football Team\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Observations<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ryan Fitzpatrick: Already building rapport, Taylor Heinicke: Ready\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In limited work, Fitzpatrick finished 5 of 8 for 58 yards including a 20-plus yard connection with Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WFT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#WFT<\/a> QB Ryan Fitzpatrick connects with TE Logan Thomas for 24-yards.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas just signed a 3-year, $24M deal this offseason. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/s0fPyaWUVY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/s0fPyaWUVY<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Steve Frederick (@SteveFrederick_) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SteveFrederick_\/status\/1425968849778876422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 12, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All reports also confirm that Washington believes strongly in quarterback Taylor Heinicke, providing confidence in case of a Fitzpatrick injury. Washington\u2019s offensive line also looked improved, coming off a season where they allowed the second-most sacks (50) in the league. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Eagles WR Quez Watkins can flat out FLY \ud83d\udca8 \ud83d\udca8 \ud83d\udca8 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/8l26sk2Q4y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/8l26sk2Q4y<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FieldYates\/status\/1425973631293829123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">August 13, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"jHNLRXyFSUFxNF71kIT7FQ\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1334201540\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'jHNLRXyFSUFxNF71kIT7FQ',sig:'Eo30doX1plyMd8FfF4rkX_axwd3KQEbOx5GwBZiJJP4=',w:'594px',h:'408px',items:'1334201540',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fantasy football observations for the NFC after NFL preseason Week 1. Here are some notes after Week 1 of the preseason.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1103,"featured_media":119623,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[59],"tags":[294,2943],"class_list":["post-119516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy","tag-fantasy-football","tag-nfl-preseason"],"modified_by":"David Latham, Managing Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119516"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119516\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}