Rookies Barkley, Mayfield impress in first action
It was an exciting first week of preseason NFL action. We saw some impressive debuts and some not-so-impressive performances. Here were my main fantasy takeaways after this first eye test.
Barkley good to go: If you had any reservations about Saquon Barkley getting drafted too high, usually around seventh in the first round, those concerns were put to rest after the rookie’s first carry. Nobody will blame you for taking the Giants running back in the first round. It’s expected. His play last Thursday night should have you resting easier if you end up with a mid-first-round pick, though he did tweak his hamstring.
Browns rookies look solid: Baker Mayfield looked as good as Browns fans could have expected. He completed 11 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Another rookie, Antonio Callaway, caught three passes for 87 yards and a score. Callaway has off-field issues he’s dealing with, but a suspension may not come down for a while. As for Mayfield, despite his great performance, expected starter Tyrod Taylor was 5 of 5 for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Mixon topping posthype list: Joe Mixon was expected to be an early contributor last season but didn’t get going until late, mostly due to coaching decisions. He’ll start out of the gate this time around. He looked good, rushing three times for 9 yards but also catching one pass for an electrifying 24-yard touchdown.
Prescott sharp in brief appearance: It took just one drive for the Cowboys to regain some hype. Dak Prescott went 3 of 3 with a touchdown pass to rookie wideout Michael Gallup on the first possession. It was Gallup’s only catch, but it has fans at least hopeful there will be some type of passing attack without Dez Bryant.
Texans impress: Deshaun Watson returned to action after his ACL injury. It was brief, but you’re glad he’s back in the swing of things. Lamar Miller was productive in brief action, rushing four times for 29 yards. Tight end Jordan Akins caught two passes for 20 yards, both touchdown receptions. Don’t expect too much of that, but he could serve as a red zone target when your usual starter is on a bye.
Packers wideout throws steps up: Marquez Valdes-Scantling put up 101 yards on five receptions and a touchdown for the Packers. You’ll have to wait to see how he plays with Aaron Rodgers before you think about taking a flier on him. If Randall Cobb
McKinnon already a bust? Jerick McKinnon didn’t look good as the 49ers’ starting running back. He rushed three times for minus-4 yards. He did catch his only target for 7 yards. Keep an eye on him the rest of the preseason as he sustained a minor knee injury Sunday, and the team signed Alfred Morris on Tuesday.
Andrew Luck returns: Luck went 6 for 9 for 64 yards in his first live action in over a year. It’s a good sign he’s on the right track to returning to the player he was. Also of note in the game was Marlon Mack going down with a hamstring injury. Monitor the play of Jordan Wilkins and Robert Turbin over the next few weeks. Turbin is going to miss the first four games, so Wilkins could make up some ground.
D.J. Moore impresses: Another rookie flashed in the first week, Moore caught four passes for 75 yards to lead the Panthers. With Kelvin Benjamin in Buffalo now, I think Moore has a great opportunity to lead Carolina in receptions. Devin Funchess is still there, but a late-round flier on Moore could pay off.
Ravens clear on No. 1 RB: Alex Collins rushed just twice but gained 26 yards. He should be the workhorse for the Ravens this season. The only thing to be aware of is Javorius Allen may be in the game on third down. Collins can catch, though, so don’t be surprised if his touches hit the 250 mark.
Quick hits: Sam Darnold could be named the Jets’ starter soon after a more than competent performance . ... The Vikings’ offense is already clicking with Kirk Cousins looking sharp . ... David Johnson looks good after missing nearly all of last season . ... Marshawn Lynch impressed on a long touchdown run that was called back because of a penalty.