Pre-Season Week 2 Breakdown + more

A preseason Week 2 recap that will keep you up to date on who’s headed for big roles this season and who’s losing ground, before we wrap it up with some cheap flex buys I’m adding on every contending roster. Let’s hit the Detour.

-- Dynasty Detour Ryan

📝 Pre-Season Week 2 Breakdown

Situations around the league are getting clearer by the day. Here’s what caught our eye around the league in pre-season Week 2 👀 

🏈 Saints vs. Jaguars

It was Tyler Shough’s time to play with the first team in New Orleans, and both he and Rattler had their ups and downs. Here’s what I noticed in this one ⬇️ 

⚜️ Mason Tipton - Whole 2nd half with 2nd/3rd team | 6/8 receptions for 100 yds

• Tipton had the stat line of the day for the Saints, and that’s not even factoring in the ~30 yard touchdown Rattler missed him on towards the end. He showed the deep threat potential he’s been known for, but also looked really nice running other routes, winning hand fights, and going up for contested catches. The WR room ahead of him is thin and injury prone, I’m liking taking a shot on him.

🐆 Tank Bigsby - 1 drive with 1st team | 2 rushes for 6 yards , 1 rec for 19 yds

• Obviously not a crazy stat line, but the headline here is that Bigsby received starter treatment. He was sent out ahead of Etienne, and was pulled even before Trevor Lawrence. With Etienne trade rumors still swirling, and Bigsby’s new athletic look, we could see a new big name. Bhayshul Tuten looked good as well, and could threaten for a serious work load in a potential post-Etienne RB room.

Spencer Rattler looked pretty solid with the second team in this one. I know we sang Shough’s praises last week, but the fact of the matter is Rattler probably will be the Week 1 starter, and could hold the job for a minute. He showed a willingness to use his legs as well that gives him some fantasy upside. Both guys should be rostered in all leagues, and are totally worth a pick up if they are on waivers.

🏈 Broncos vs. Cardinals

Neither starting QB saw any action in this one, but there were definitely still things to watch, Here’s who popped ⬇️ 

🐎 Troy Franklin - 1st half with the 1st/2nd team | 4/5 for 67 yds , 2 TD

• Franklin had himself a day with the opportunity to show his stuff in Courtland Sutton’s absence, scoring two really nice touchdowns. Franklin didn’t do much for the Broncos last year, and saw the team spend considerable draft capital on rookie Pat Bryant. I don’t foresee a massive role for Franklin in this offense on the rise, but if he puts together another performance like this, perhaps he is worth the add.

🐎 Pat Bryant - 1st half with the 1st/2nd team | 4/5 for 70 yds

• Bryant edged out Franklin to be Denver’s top receiver in this one, though he didn’t find the end zone. I thought Bryant looked like a natural receiver. Nothing was jaw-dropping, but his routes looked solid and he seems like a possible YAC threat. He has my attention for sure, though we’ll have to see how he factors in with Sutton and Mims in the mix.

R.J. Harvey got his first NFL score, and new add Evan Engram took his only target 58 yards. This offense has the potential to be formidable and give managers some serious points.

🏈 Giants vs. Jets

The battle of New York showed us some things— with two “backups” making waves. Here’s what I saw ⬇️ 

🔵 Jaxson Dart - 3 full drives with 2nd team | 14/16 for 137 yds, 1 TD 0 INT, 2 carries for 5 yds, 1 rushing TD

• Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart played so well that head coach Brian Daboll had to reiterate that Russell Wilson is the starter following the game. The Ole Miss product’s day started hot, after coach Daboll surprised him by putting him in the middle of a Russell Wilson drive midway through the second quarter. Dart passed the test with flying colors, cooly adjusting his arm angle to pass around incoming Jets pass rushers, finding TE Theo Johnson for a short pass which turned into a 30 yard catch-and-run. Later, Dart led a 3rd quarter 9 play 71 yard drive ending in a passing touchdown to Greg Dulcich. Dart continued to deliver from short range during the third quarter before taking it in himself with a QB sneak. From a dynasty perspective, it’s definitely stock up for Dart, who’s starting timeline is likely sooner than imagined. That said, I need to see more from him in medium and long range passes before fully hopping on the bandwagon.

  

🟢 Braelon Allen - 3 drives with 1st/2nd team | 7 carries for 34 yds

• The drumbeat for Allen, the Jets 21-year-old backup RB, is getting pretty loud. This was not a stellar outing by any means (solid 4.9 yards per carry), but Allen’s hard nosed running style was on full display early in the game. More importantly, Allen again mixed in with the starters on the very first drive after teammate Breece Hall took the first snap. I truly believe this Jets backfield is moving towards a 1A/1B situation. Allen is going for around a ‘26 mid second on KeepTradeCut, which is a price I’m willing to pay. The eye-test matches all the hype we’ve been hearing out of Jets camp…and imagine if the Breece Hall trade talk starts to heat up over the course of the season (which I think is likely)…

  

🏈 Dolphins vs. Lions

Detroit vs. Miami turned out to be a battle of the backups. But one rookie RB could be a fantasy relevant handcuff. My take below ⬇️ 

🟠 Ollie Gordon II - 5 drives with 2nd/3rd team | 10 carries for 50 yds , 2 rec for 9 yds

• 6th round rookie Ollie Gordon II looked like the better backup RB following an ineffective appearance from presumed ‘Fins RB2 Jaylen Wright. Gordon had a few eye popping short yardage plays, but his most notable run came early in the third. Gordon took an inside handoff, showed off some impressive speed through the gap before running over a Lion at the second level. The explosive run was good enough for 19 yards. I’d probably overpay for him if I were an owner banking on Achane. Let’s remember that Gordon ran for 1,732 yards in 2023, leading all of college football during his sophomore year at Oklahoma State. Is it possible he recaptures some of that magic in the NFL after a disappointing 2024 college season? At the very minimum, I think he could win some valuable red zone work and be a solid handcuff.

🏈 Bears vs. Bills

The Bears starters beat up on the Bills backups early— and looked good doing it. My thoughts ⬇️ 

🟠 Caleb Williams - 2 drives with 1st team | 6/10 for 107 yds, 1 TD 0 INT

• We got to see the long awaited debut of the full strength Ben Johnson led Bears offense, and man, that first drive was special. 2nd year QB Caleb Williams looked in full control under center, leading the 7 play 92 yard drive, carving the Bills (mostly) 2nd string defense. Some nice looks from rookie TE Colston Loveland, who had had a pair of solid grabs (2 rec for 26 yds). The beauty of a drive was capped off with a 36 yard TD from (surprisingly) Olamide Zaccheaus. This is the kind of tape Bears fans should be excited about. That said, the second drive wasn’t as pretty — with just 6 plays and a punt. From a dynasty perspective, I’m not making any moves on Williams until I see how this Bears offense looks against a first-string defense.

Other notable performances:

• Cam Ward (QB TEN) - Ward looked a little lost without Calvin Ridley, who was rested for the team’s trip to Atlanta. Ward went 2/7 for 42 yards, though a Van Jefferson drop for a ~20 yard gain hurt the numbers a little. Elic Ayomanor got the most targets of those vying for WR2 duties, and did the most with Ward. I’m not convinced he’ll have the role just yet, but definitely is worth a stash. As for Ward, don’t panic.

• Zach Charbonnet (RB SEA) - Ken Walker III didn’t see any action in Seattle’s face-off with the Chiefs, and Charbonnet looked fantastic in his short term in the leading role. He rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown on 5 carries, and looked dangerous doing it. Walker will prevent Charbonnet from being anything crazy this year, but I have been buying him everywhere hoping Seattle gives him leading duties next year.

• Dillon Gabriel (QB CLE) - Gabriel got to run with the “first team” in this one, though most of the starting offensive weapons were not out there. He had an okay throw or two, but did look pretty below average in arm talent and processing on his way to 143 yards and a pick six. The Browns will announce the Week 1 starter this week, and I don’t think it will be Gabriel. If/when he gets a shot, I wouldn’t be too excited. To me, he’s not worth the roster spot.

• Efton Chism (WR NE) - Last week I told you to keep your eye on Chism, and I hope you did. The UDFA caught all 6 of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in this one. He still hasn’t shared the field with Maye this pre-season, so let’s not go too nuts, but I do think we’re watching him rise up the depth chart here. I don’t hate adding him now, I have in some leagues, but you can also probably wait.

-- Dynasty Detour Ryan + Dynasty Detour Jesse using the power of friendship

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Who to add to your contending rosters to make sure you can go the distance 🚗 

Obviously, when contending, most teams will trade draft capital and young assets to try and get the more veteran players that will give them points now. Contenders’ future first round picks are probably the most moved asset in dynasty fantasy football, and for good reason. These are not the only moves you can make, though. When I know I’m gearing up a team to go for it all, one of my favorite things to do is build out my flex rotation with high floors so I can survive injuries on the road to the postseason. Here are two of my favorite buys this offseason to fill out my contending teams, all gettable currently for less than a first round pick.

🏴‍☠️ Jakobi Meyers - Meyers is my favorite buy this offseason. Meyers very quietly finished WR19 this year even with missing two games. After his injury, Meyers finished in double figures eight out the ten games he played, and went for 15+ in six of them. So why’s he being ignored by the community, and why am I not concerned?

• Age - Meyers will turn 29 halfway through this season and this will be his 7th season as a pro. This is on the older side, but it does not concern me much. Meyers doesn’t rely on game-breaking speed or crazy athleticism that will begin to go away with age. We still have a couple of near peak years left.

• Contract - This is a contract year for Meyers, so we do not have any reassurances around his situation after this year. I will admit it’s not unlikely we see the Raiders invest elsewhere as they still progress towards their final form. I do think Meyers will get a solid opportunity, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

• Offense - This is a new look Raiders team, and I think people assume it won’t be the most competitive. Even if it isn’t, I think this team passes the ball at a really high volume. Sure, adding Jeanty and Bech could take some touches, but I think the upgrade at QB and the change in scheme will more than compensate.

Adding a player that has never missed more than three games in a year that is coming off the best season of his career and primed to be even better? It’s a no brainer. As for the cost? KeepTradeCut says a mid 2026 2nd should get it done, but I’m willing to do even a touch more than that. If I’m contending, I’m also willing to part with any of the 2nd round guys from this year.

🔵 Stefon Diggs - Diggs is in the same price range as Meyers, and though I definitely prefer Meyers, I think there’s a ton of value in adding him to a WR/Flex rotation. What’s there to love?

• Production - Diggs showed during his stint in Houston that he still very much could be elite for an NFL team and fantasy managers. At the time of his injury, Diggs was the WR6. I don’t think he gets there again, but the videos from Patriots camp have me feeling quite confident he can be a WR1 for a team and produce. The reports are that Diggs looks great, and from what I’ve seen, I believe it.

• Opportunity - The Patriots spent a high third round pick on Kyle Williams, but I still think Diggs is the obvious X receiver here. The offense will run through him, and this is an offense on the rise. Diggs has a good, young QB throwing him the ball and will be his favorite target.

Lucky for us, people are (somewhat fairly) not high on Diggs because of his age, injury, and new situation. Again, I would move a mid-to-late 2026 2nd to acquire his services.

-- Dynasty Detour Ryan

A lot to digest, but we’re happy to chew it up for you. Stay tuned for another Preseason Pulse newsletter this time 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 🚘️.