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We're reaching the point in the preseason where we have to start taking things a little more seriously. That's partially because we're getting closer the start of the season but more because we're getting more football and less coach speak and conjecture.
There are topics we covered early in the year that look far less convincing and rookies we were overlooking who are making cases for significant roles. Now, just because we have to take things more seriously doesn't mean we have to believe everything we hear.
Jeremy Langford is the man in Chicago and should be drafted like it
I was extremely skeptical about Langford's ability, his role and most certainly his ADP early in the year. We had plenty of "reports" telling us Bears coaches viewed their RB situation as a committee, and I was more than happy to believe them. Then the preseason games started.
Langford has completely dominated time with the first team this preseason and he's been fairly successful as well. He not only looks like the No. 1 in Chicago, but a more talented version of his 2015 self. It's time for us to start drafting him as the workhorse he's going to be.
Verdict: Believe it. To a certain extent. My concerns over the committee situation in Chicago are all but gone. Part of this is because of Langford's preseason volume, but a bigger part is that Jacquizz Rodgers looks to be the guy behind him on the depth chart. Jordan Howard was the only back on this roster I was afraid of, and he seems to buried on the depth chart for the time being.
Now, I added the qualifier because I still don't think Langford is a special talent. He's a fine pick as a low-end No. 2 running back, but when people hear workhorse they sometimes start thinking higher than that. Don't make that mistake.
The injury to Dion Lewis means James White should pick up where left off in 2015
We began to suspect something was up last week when Dion Lewis didn't come off the PUP as we expected. Those concerns were confirmed earlier this week and it looks like the Patriots won't likely have their best pass catching back until at least the midway point in the season. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't have a pass catching back.
James White took over last season after Lewis went down and had plenty of success in the passing game. White caught 30 passes for 320 yards in the last six games. Over that time frame he was the No. 8 running back in PPR scoring. Now that Lewis is out of the picture, White should skyrocket up draft boards as a potential second running back drafted in the mid rounds.
Verdict: Don't believe it. While White does instantly become more valuable, you shouldn't expect a repeat of 2015. While the catches were nice, White only had 12 carries (and 22 yards) in those six games. The main factor in him ranking as high as he did was his touchdown total. White scored four touchdowns on 42 touches in those six games and that is not a trend you can count on for a back of his style.
Personally, I'm drafting White as a No. 4 RB in the late rounds, which means I probably won't get him. He's still a sleeper at his current ADP, but if someone in your league thinks he's going to repeat his strong finish, you should let them have him.
Tajae Sharpe is the best wide receiver to own in Tennessee
As you've probably already seen, Dave Richard has fallen in love with Sharpe and for good reason. Sharpe so impressed the Titans during the summer that they unloaded Dorial Green-Beckham for a backup offensive lineman. Then he took advantage of Kendall Wright's hamstring issues to shine with the first team. Sharpe has dominated the wide receiver competition this preseason and looks to be the best wide receiver in Tennessee.
Verdict: Don't believe it. Kendall Wright is still the best wide receiver in Tennessee and he says he's close to returning. We know that Rishard Matthews is going to be one of the Titans starting wide receivers and there's a decent chance that Sharpe starts outside in two wide receiver sets, assuming the team is happy with him as a blocker.
What's more important for Fantasy purposes is which Titans receiver can come in second to Delanie Walker in targets. As long as Wright makes it back next week, my money would still be on him. Sharpe has done a great job to elevate himself into the discussion and has a ton of upside, but if I had to project Fantasy points now, I'd still put him fourth behind Walker, Wright and Matthews.
It's also important to note that none of these Titans wide receivers are likely to finish in the top 36.
Tyler Boyd has a chance to be the best rookie WR
Like Sharpe, Boyd has been awfully impressive in camp and capped his rise with a solid performance in Week 2 of the preseason. Boyd has a huge opportunity, with Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu gone and Tyler Eifert likely to miss time early in the season.
Jones, Sanu and Eifert combined for 226 targets last season. If Boyd can corral even 40 percent of those, he could be well on his way to 70 catches and the best season for any rookie in 2016. Watch Boyd in preseason Week 3, if he excels again, start penciling him into the 10th round in your drafts.
Verdict: Don't believe it. To be fair to Boyd, I do think he has increased his stock and I expect him the be the second best receiver on the Bengals. I just don't think the second best receiver on the Bengals is all that valuable, especially once Eifert is back.
There's just no way I can rank Boyd over Sterling Shepard or Michael Thomas. Both receivers will be featured in offenses that throw the ball a lot more than the Bengals. Both have much higher upside both in 2016 and beyond. Most importantly, I expect both to see a higher usage in the red zone than Boyd.
Boyd is a nice option late in drafts as a fourth wide receiver who could cover you on the byes, but don't get too carried away with a good preseason.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins is going to be the No. 1 TE in Tampa Bay after all
I wrote about ASJ as a breakout back in July and then all but gave up when he fell behind Cameron Brate on the depth chart. Sometimes you shouldn't listen to coach speak. Even when Seferian-Jenkins was in the doghouse, I had little doubt he was the most talented tight end in Tampa. Now he gets a chance to prove it. If he stays healthy, he could be a top-10 tight end.
Verdict: I believe it. And so does Chris Towers. Jameis Winston has a history of using his tight ends, and there is a void over the middle in this Tampa Bay offense. With Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson stretching the field, it's easy to see a world where Seferian-Jenkins bursts into the top-10 tight ends. At the very least, I'd expect him to be the third option in this offense and a viable Fantasy breakout once again. Of course, he'll have to prove he can stay healthy first.
