The game of fantasy football is always shifting. Even when the games don’t count, fantasy managers react to new information rapidly. We’ve seen several significant value shifts over the three weeks of the NFL preseason. Here are the top risers and fallers from heading into Week 1.
Preseason Fantasy Football Risers
Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Justin Fields’ preseason performances have showcased the dual-threat upside that made him a QB in Chicago, but now he’s operating within an offensive system that actually understands how to use mobile quarterbacks.
The Jets’ offensive line improvements and upgraded skill position talent create a perfect storm for Fields to deliver fantasy points per game production that could surprise everyone.
.@justnfields FOR SIX‼️
📺: #NYJvsGB on WLNY, WCBS pic.twitter.com/ykJRUu5lVw
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 10, 2025
The mobility factor alone gives Fields a weekly floor that most pocket passers can’t match. His rushing ability provides a baseline of at least 15 PPG. If he can make strides as a passer, we’re looking at a potential league-winner sitting in the later rounds. Smart managers are grabbing Fields as their QB2 with serious QB1 upside.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
TreVeyond Henderson has absolutely torched defenses throughout August, looking like the explosive back New England Patriots fans hoped they were getting. His preseason usage patterns suggest he is their RB1 of the future. Henderson’s combination of speed and vision has been on full display, consistently breaking off chunk plays that translate directly to fantasy gold.
TreVeyon Henderson
4 rushes
20 rushing yards
1 TDpic.twitter.com/ITRNXZOjfn— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 16, 2025
The Patriots’ commitment to establishing the run game under their new offensive system creates a massive opportunity for Henderson to accumulate touches. His preseason snap count distribution indicates he’s already the clear RB2, and it’s only a matter of time before he overtakes Rhamondre Stevenson.
Henderson went from a 5/6 turn pick to going at the 3/4 turn. Arguably, no player increased his fantasy value more during the month of August.
RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos
RJ Harvey has been the most pleasant surprise of Denver’s preseason, showcasing the receiving skills that make him a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense. His route-running precision and reliable hands have created clear separation from the competition, and Payton’s history of maximizing receiving backs should have Harvey drafters feeling vindicated.
The rookie’s preseason target share suggests he’ll carve out immediate playing time in an offense that loves to utilize multiple back sets.
Denver’s offensive line improvements and Payton’s track record with pass-catching backs create the perfect environment for Harvey to produce immediately. His preseason usage suggests a heavy early down role, and there is enough receiving volume to go around to keep his upside incredibly high.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco has looked completely healthy and explosive throughout Kansas City’s preseason action, erasing any lingering concerns about his recovery from his broken leg. His preseason workload distribution suggests the Chiefs view him as their clear lead back, and his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes in the backfield has been seamless.
“Describe Isiah Pacheco with one play”
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 23, 2025
Pacheco’s preseason efficiency metrics and ability to create explosive plays behind an improved offensive line should have fantasy managers feeling confident about his bounce-back potential.
The Chiefs’ offensive system remains perfectly suited for Pacheco’s skill set, and his preseason usage in goal-line situations indicates he’ll maintain his touchdown upside. Consider him a rock-solid RB2 with weekly RB1 upside in one of the league’s best offenses.
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard has been everything Tennessee hoped for and more, showcasing the explosive playmaking ability that made him a fantasy star in Dallas. His preseason usage as the clear lead back has been encouraging.
Pollard’s efficiency behind Tennessee’s improved offensive line suggests he’s positioned for a massive workload increase that should translate to consistent fantasy production.
The Titans’ commitment to establishing the run game creates significant opportunity for Pollard to accumulate touches, and the injury to Tyjae Spears suggests he’ll handle a three-down role. Pollard’s receiving ability adds valuable PPR upside, and his proven track record of explosive plays makes him an excellent draft target. Grab him as a solid RB2 with legitimate upside.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been a revelation this offseason. The seventh-round rookie has worked his way up the depth chart and compelled the Washington Commanders to jettison Brian Robinson Jr.
JCM’s preseason efficiency between the tackles and ability to fall forward for extra yards has impressed coaching staff and fantasy managers alike. The Commanders’ offensive system appears well-suited for Croskey-Merritt’s bruising running style, and his preseason usage has been very encouraging.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt goes by “Bill”
Bill just went 27 yards to the 🏠
Watch on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/UD9tot9Iau— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025
Bill has been rocketing up draft boards from a complete afterthought into the single-digit rounds.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka has looked like a polished veteran throughout Tampa Bay’s preseason action, consistently winning his routes and building immediate chemistry with Baker Mayfield.
His preseason target distribution suggests the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already view him as a clear starter, and his ability to operate from multiple receiver positions gives him versatility that coaches love. The former Ohio State standout’s route precision and contested catch ability have been particularly impressive against NFL defensive backs.
Emeka Egbuka’s first NFL preseason touchdown was a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/1VEM8aJVLJ
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 16, 2025
Tampa Bay’s passing offense should provide plenty of opportunities for multiple receivers to eat, and Egbuka’s preseason usage patterns indicate he’s positioned to capitalize. His size and skill set make him a red zone threat, and his chemistry with Mayfield has been developing rapidly.
With Chris Godwin nowhere close to returning, Egbuka is set to open the season as the Bucs’ WR2 opposite Mike Evans. It would not be surprising at all if he finished the season as the team’s WR1.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
Calvin Ridley has looked rejuvenated, displaying the route-running mastery and reliable hands that made him a fantasy star in Atlanta. His chemistry with Cam Ward has been building throughout August, and the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to him as the clear top target in their passing game attack creates significant opportunity for Ridley to return to WR2 territory. His preseason snap count and target share indicate he’ll be the clear alpha receiver in this offense.
The Titans’ offensive system appears designed to maximize Ridley’s strengths, particularly his ability to win intermediate routes and create separation. His preseason red zone usage has been encouraging, and his veteran presence should translate to consistent target volume throughout the season. Consider him a strong WR3 with weekly WR2 upside in favorable matchups.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall has flashed the speed and route-running ability that made him a first-round pick, showing impressive chemistry with Brock Purdy throughout San Francisco’s preseason action. His usage demonstrates his versatility, and his ability to create separation has been consistently impressive. Pearsall’s preseason catch rate and yards after catch metrics suggest he’s ready to contribute immediately in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
The 49ers’ receiver depth chart has room for Pearsall to carve out a significant role. Brandon Aiyuk is set to miss at least the first month of the season, likely more than half of it. Jauan Jennings has been out with a combination of a calf strain and a contract dispute. This has allowed Pearsall to cement himself as the team’s WR1.
The Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall hype is warranted. Remember this anticipation dot from Purdy in Week 17 last yearpic.twitter.com/kCwf1GfwDo
— Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) August 17, 2025
Sophomore WRs are historically great bets in fantasy, and Pearsall has all the makings of a second-year breakout. Unfortunately, the price yesterday ain’t the price today.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen has looked completely healthy and sharp since rejoining the Los Angeles Chargers. Being just a year removed from the best season of his career, it’s entirely possible Allen has enough left in the tank to contribute floor-based WR3 production in fantasy.
Naturally, going from unsigned to the WR2 on the Chargers has propelled Allen from a late-round flier to a legitimate WR4 target. There’s no more ceiling in his game, but Allen can still be a “won’t get you zero” guy in an offense that lacks a clear second option behind Ladd McConkey.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Dont’e Thornton Jr. has been a pleasant surprise throughout training camp, showcasing the deep speed and big-play ability that the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense desperately needed. His preseason usage on vertical routes has been impressive, and his chemistry with Geno Smith has developed rapidly.
The Raiders’ offensive system appears designed to maximize Thornton’s speed, and his preseason snap count suggests he’s passed second-rounder Jack Bech on the depth chart. Consider him a late-round flier with significant upside in deeper leagues.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren has been a revelation in Indianapolis’ preseason, showcasing the athletic ability and pass-catching skills that made him a draft day target. Warren’s ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field has been on full display. His preseason usage in both traditional tight end sets and flexed-out positions indicates the Colts plan to maximize his versatility.
#Colts starters have played 35 snaps this preseason. Tyler Warren has been on the field for 34 of them. And posted 4-65-0 on six targets. pic.twitter.com/Ac75ddXa6D
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 18, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive system under Shane Steichen has never had a tight end like Warren, and his skill set appears perfectly suited for this role. His preseason target share and snap count distribution suggest he’ll have a defined role in the passing game from day one. Draft him as a mid-round tight end option with significant upside in a position that desperately needs reliable contributors.
Preseason Fantasy Football Fallers
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray’s preseason has been a disaster of poor decision-making and concerning accuracy issues that should have fantasy managers pumping the brakes. His chemistry with the receiving corps has looked disjointed, and his mobility advantages have been neutralized by an offensive line that continues to struggle.
Coby Bryant picks off Kyler Murray for another @Seahawks INT!
📺: #SEAvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/q0cMfdTJpK— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
Murray’s preseason interception rate and completion percentage on intermediate routes have been particularly alarming for a quarterback entering a crucial contract year.
It’s unclear whether the Arizona Cardinals made any offensive changes after last year’s disaster. Murray’s skill set does not mesh well with Marvin Harrison Jr., and the elite rusher seems not to want to run, which is crucial for his fantasy value. Fantasy managers have taken note, and Murray’s declining ADP reflects this.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Throughout the offseason, new head coach Aaron Glenn has maintained he intends to use Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in tandem with Breece Hall. It appears this is not just coachspeak.
Hall’s preseason usage suggests the Jets are serious about this split. His reduced snap count and limited touches raise serious questions about his upside over a full season. Once considered a 3/4 turn pick with RB1 upside, Hall’s ADP is sinking like a rock.
The emergence of other backfield options has created unexpected competition for touches, and Hall’s inability to separate himself during August action is troubling. Consider him a risky RB2 rather than the sure-fire RB1 many anticipated.
Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans
The vibes surrounding Joe Mixon have been quite literally 100% negative. We have not gotten a single positive report on the Houston Texans RB1 the entire Summer. The only saving grace is that the other backs have not been impressive at all, suggesting Mixon will walk into his feature back role the instant he is physically capable of doing so. Unfortunately, that moment may never come.
Mixon has a history of ankle and foot injuries. He’s now been sidelined for months with an offseason foot issue and has no timetable for a return. At this point, fantasy managers have to assume Mixon is missing a huge chunk of the season, if he plays at all. This concern has sent Mixon from a fourth-round pick into the double-digit rounds.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kaleb Johnson’s preseason has been a massive disappointment, failing to showcase the college production that made him an intriguing prospect. His preseason usage suggests he has a ways to go before he earns a fantasy-relevant role.
Johnson has been a mixed bag rushing the football and looks very uncomfortable as a receiver. He is a pure two-down back who is currently third on the depth chart.
Kaleb Johnson – every rush/target – preseason game three https://t.co/Bty1X9TzTE pic.twitter.com/3NLonAJoFZ
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 24, 2025
There is still second-half upside here, but the fact that he couldn’t immediately displace Kenneth Gainwell is not an encouraging sign. If you draft Johnson, be prepared not to be able to start him for several weeks.
Rachaad White, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White suffered a groin strain in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first preseason game and hasn’t practiced since. While he’s expected to be ready for Week 1, his absence has allowed Sean Tucker to further ingratiate himself into the rotation.
Tucker is far superior runner to White. With Bucky Irving entrenched as the lead back, White’s only role is as the clear passing-down back. At best, he has some PPR value in games where the Bucs trail. At worst, he is completely phased out of the offense. The combination of the injury and White’s middling ability have sent him crashing down draft boards. He has no upside and should not be drafted in any round.
Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Cam Skattebo was supposed to challenge Tyrone Tracy Jr. for the RB1 role. Instead, the rookie has battled injuries and lost valuable camp reps.
Tracy is now the clear RB1, and it’s not even a certainty that Skattebo will be the RB2 ahead of Devin Singletary. As a result, fantasy managers are drafting him later and later.
Skattebo could still emerge as the back to roster later in the season. Right now, though, there’s no denying his fantasy value has taken a hit.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers
Two weeks ago, Brian Robinson Jr. was a seventh or eighth-round pick as the clear lead runner for the Washington Commanders. Now, he’s Christian McCaffrey’s handcuff.
The good news is that Kyle Shanahan was kind enough to let us know that Isaac Guerendo is no longer the backup we want.
“We brought him here to be our two back. Always been a big fan of Brian, loved him coming out of college… We were pumped that he was available and we were pumped that we were able to get him.”
Kyle Shanahan on the 49ers acquisition of Brian Robinson Jr. pic.twitter.com/XjMaQkZapl
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 24, 2025
While this makes Robinson draftable, there is absolutely no path to standalone value. He needs a CMC injury. As a result, he’s gone from a viable RB3/Flex to a late-round dart.
Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
We finally got some good news on Najee Harris. The team is hopeful he will be ready for Week 1. That’s fantastic, but it doesn’t change the fact that he hasn’t practiced at all during training camp due to the eye injury he sustained on the Fourth of July.
#Chargers GM Joe Hortiz gives an update on Najee Harris: “He’s on track and you know, I think he should be able to go, hopefully, week one”.
Seems like a good indication that Harris won’t start the first 4 weeks of the season on IR. pic.twitter.com/oLw48rWWZR
— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) August 24, 2025
Fantasy managers initially viewed this backfield as one where Harris would open the season as the 1a before Omarion Hampton eventually overtook him. Now, Hampton is entrenched as the starter, and Harris may just be a handcuff, which has sent him plummeting down draft boards.
Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins
Jalyen Wright’s preseason has been a major disappointment, failing to build on the promise that made him a late-round sleeper candidate. His inability to create consistent gains has been troubling, and he failed spectacularly at the goal line. Wright’s preseason efficiency metrics and lack of explosive plays suggest he’s not ready for fantasy relevance.
The Dolphins’ backfield competition has been fierce, and Wright’s preseason performance hasn’t distinguished him from other options. His receiving ability hasn’t been showcased effectively, limiting his appeal in PPR formats.
Now, he’s dealing with an injury, while rookie Ollie Gordon II has gotten a chance to shine. At this point, Gordon should go ahead of Wright in fantasy drafts.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill is another player where the vibes are all bad. He’s coming off the worst season of his career. He’s 31 years old. There is a clear rift between him and Tua Tagovailoa. He’s also dealing with an oblique injury that has sidelined him for multiple weeks.
Hill is one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. We may have seen the last of him as an elite fantasy option.
He’s gone from a surefire 2/3 turn pick to falling sometimes out of the third round. Hill is a major fade this season.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin’s fall has nothing to do with his talent or role on the team. The Washington Commanders’ WR1 has fallen purely because of a contract dispute.
McLaurin has been holding in, not participating in practices or preseason games. As we get closer to the season, fantasy managers worry Scary Terry may not be on the field for Week 1.
It would be a major surprise if this were the case. Remember, Ja’Marr Chase held in for the entire month of August last season before signing just before Week 1. Then, he went out and won the WR triple crown.
Necessity is the mother of invention. It stands to reason the Commanders will get a deal done with their top receiver. Until that happens, enjoy the discount in fantasy drafts.
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
We haven’t seen Jauan Jennings in a month as he recovers from a lingering calf strain…or is he? Jennings may very well be using the calf as a smokescreen for a de facto holdout. Either way, Jennings’ absence from training camp has sent his ADP tumbling.
While Jennings has been out, Ricky Pearsall has established himself as Brock Purdy’s go-to target. With Aiyuk likely out about half the season, Jennings could end up being a really good value, especially at his reduced cost. Recently, reports surfaced that he is expected to be ready for Week 1.
“It is healed yes. I expect him to be back. I think he should be back from it but you never know with calves.”
Kyle Shanahan’s update on Jauan Jennings pic.twitter.com/84PxTwSEYq
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 24, 2025
Tre Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
When the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Tre Harris, he was set to be their WR2. Since then, he’s been passed by Keandre Lambert-Smith, outplayed by Quentin Johnston, and now has to contend with the return of Keenan Allen. Suffice it to say Harris’ trajectory has not been what fantasy managers want.
Harris is virtually free in fantasy drafts now. He’s still a second-round rookie. There is upside here. But you can probably leave him on the waiver wire and pick him up if he shows signs of breaking out.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Isaiah Likely broke his foot early in training camp and has missed the entire preseason. Likely was supposed to threaten Mark Andrews for the Baltimore Ravens TE1 job. There were even rumors that Andrews might be cut or traded.
Instead, Likely has been absent, stopping his breakout before it even starts. Now, that’s not to say the young tight end can’t still ascend. He is expected to return either in Week 1 or not too long thereafter. However, the injury has served to lower his fantasy value.
