One Last Preseason Pulse

We did it. NFL Football action kicks of TODAY. Starting next week, we’ll put out weekly Tuesday morning recaps that break down injuries, stand-out performances, struggles, and waiver watches to get you ready for the week ahead. Then on Thursdays we’ll do more big picture dynasty profiles, some start/sits, and anything else we can to make sure our readers kill it this year. Let’s hit the Detour.
 

-- Dynasty Detour Ryan

🏎️ It’s Anyone’s Race

In the fantasy landscape, it is quite noticeable when a player rises to the top of their team's pecking order. Justin Jefferson is set to be the WR1 for the Vikings, while McCaffrey (barring injury) is expected to dominate the majority of carries for the Niners. However, as we delve deeper into some of these teams before Week 1, the distinctions become less clear, presenting potential value opportunities. So, where should your focus lie this weekend?

🐬 The Miami Dolphins

Two years ago, Mike McDaniel introduced a revamped offensive strategy for the Miami Dolphins, emphasizing speed and spreading defenses out wide using a mix of fast receivers and misdirection on play calls. This approach has resulted in significant fantasy output for Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and Devon Achane. With Mostert no longer in the picture, Jonnu Smith moving to the Steelers, uncertainty surrounding Waller's return, and some injury concerns with Hill and Achane, the spotlight shifts to three players: Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, and Malik Washington.

All three have displayed flashes of potential, with Wright and Washington stepping up last year due to injuries and Gordon showcasing his skills during the preseason. Monitor the snap share and usage of these three players this week.

⚔️ The Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward is set to lead this offense out of its previous struggles, a change that appears promising. While any improvement from last year would be welcomed, this offense seems to be underrated heading into the season, particularly from a fantasy perspective. Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley are the focal points of the team's offensive arsenal, but there are other players who could emerge as significant contributors this season and beyond. Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, and Chig Okonkwo form a trio of young targets with untested chemistry with Ward. Ayomanor stands out, designated as the starting WR2 for Week 1, but it remains uncertain which receiver a rookie QB will favor until they hit the field.

Ayomanor has seemingly secured the starting role to start, but keep an eye on the target distribution and routes run by the other young talents on the team.

🔴 The San Francisco 49ers

As is customary, uncertainty looms over the players who will take the field for the Niners in the upcoming weeks. It seems like a recurring theme each year, where the Niners' offense appears formidable on paper, only to face challenges by Week 4, resorting to their 4th string RB and dealing with multiple WR injuries. Heading into this season, with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined, Deebo Samuel absent, Jauan Jennings nursing a prolonged calf injury, and numerous RB injuries leading to the acquisition of Brian Robinson last month, the situation is clouded. Apart from Kittle, McCaffrey, and Pearsall, it's uncertain who will be running routes and receiving targets this weekend. The team has brought in intriguing WRs who could potentially make big plays. Perhaps Shanahan can unleash Skye Moore's potential in a way the Chiefs couldn't, or Jordan Watkins will showcase his talents reminiscent of his time at Ole Miss.

One of these players will likely need to step up, solidify their role with consistent performance, and establish a long-term presence with Jennings’ contract request only resulting in a one year pay bump. Pay close attention to their snap counts!

-- Dynasty Detour John

👀 Eyes on the Road

NFL Football kicks off tonight. That means no more speculation, just taking in what we’re seeing and reacting accordingly. Here’s what to keep your eye on tonight and tomorrow to make sure you’ve got your finger on the pulse 🔍️ 

There’s going to be plenty to take in as we get our first look at four premiere offenses, but here’s what I’m most interested in.

🦅 Philadelphia Eagles - The Run Game

It’s no secret Saquon Barkley should be one of the premiere players in fantasy yet again, but this offseason we’ve seen second year player Will Shipley seemingly take RB2 duties from A.J. Dillon and impress with his opportunities. In practically all games that remained at all close, Barkley was a complete bellcow for the Birds last year. With another 378 touches under his belt after last year, turning 28, and a history of injuries while in New York, I’m looking to see if Philly looks to preserve Barkley more, turning to Shipley or any other back more.

I don’t project any massive swing, but more sharing for Barkley means guaranteed regression. Keep an eye out.

⭐️ Dallas Cowboys - Prescott to Pickens

The Eagles defense projects to pick up essentially where it left off: dominant. But with a hole at the second outside cornerback spot, I expect a Dallas team with a lot to prove to go the way of their new weapon in George Pickens. I told you on Tuesday I expect this week to go pretty well for Pickens, and I still believe that, but I will definitely be watching to see if Brian Schottenheimer is able to use Pickens’ strengths to hit this defense where it hurts.

If Pickens is relatively quiet in this one I’m surprised, but not yet panicking. If he has himself a night, his value will rise very quickly.

🔴 Kansas City Chiefs - Travis Kelce

This Chiefs team is no stranger to playing without Rashee Rice, and will be doing so in Brazil tomorrow. Surely the go to option for Mahomes should be his weapon of choice for the last 7 years: Travis Kelce. At age 35, however, I’m curious if there are signs of the cliff finally coming for the Hall of Fame tight end. You’d have to go back to 2015 to find a season Kelce scored less points than he did last year, due in part to a slow start in 2024. Is the start going to be just as rough this year? Is age finally catching up with him? Is Noah Gray going to see a jump in usage? We shall see.

A low point total is not necessarily cause for concern, but I’m looking to see that the Chiefs still are at least trying to use Kelce as their focal point, and make sure he looks like he shows the same athleticism and ability we’ve come to expect.

⚡️ Los Angeles Chargers - The Passing Game

This Chargers invested big time in offensive weapons through the draft, first in the second round with Omarion Hampton and then again later in the round with Tre Harris. While I’ll be interested to see the snap counts between Hampton and veteran Najee Harris, Harris’ very late return from injury makes it quite possible the split we see tomorrow isn’t what we’ll see all year. I’m most interested in whether Tre Harris has carved out a role ahead of the calamitous Quentin Johnston and esteemed but ancient Keenan Allen.

I would be discouraged for Harris should both beat him out in snap counts tomorrow, and curious how good they look in doing so. I will also be very interested to see how much these additions eat into Ladd McConkey’s dominant target share from last year, and what a new workload projects for the highly touted dynasty receiver in this low volume passing attack (27th in pass attempts in 2024).

-- Dynasty Detour Ryan

It all comes down to this. Enjoy Week 1 and remember to always be watching. Stay tuned for our regular season programming next week, and be sure to follow us @dynastydetour on Instagram and X/Twitter to get our reactions and opinions in between issues, as well as email us with any questions at [email protected]. See you out on the road 🚘️.