It's not quite "real" football but it's been awesome to have preseason football back after another long offseason.

With so many young players looking to make an impression (and a roster), here are some of the biggest takeaways for dynasty fantasy football managers.

Jayden Daniels

Rookie Jayden Daniels got the start this weekend and his performance has to give fantasy managers confidence heading into Year 1:

  • 12 passing attempts
  • 10 completions
  • 78 passing yards
  • 13 rushing yards

It wasn't flashy but it was good, solid football. We already knew he was a threat to run the ball but his passing coming out of college was also well-noted. For those dynasty managers who snagged him this offseason, you're in good hands.

Drake Maye

It was a step in the right direction which was something all fantasy managers were hoping for this week. Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye played behind Jacoby Brissett on Thursday night but led the team to a pair of scoring drives during his four series.

On one of those drives, Maye rushed for a TD off the right side and flashed some of the athleticism we've seen from him coming out of college.

While his final stat line wasn't great (6-of-11 for 47 yards plus 4/15/1 on the ground), a big drop by fellow rookie Javon Baker would have helped that line look significantly better. After the game, Head Coach Jerod Mayo said the QB1 job is still wide open so there's at least a hope for Maye to earn the job outright by Week 1.

If I had to guess, Brissett will get the start but it remains to be seen how long the Pats will let Maye sit and develop. Like with many things in dynasty formats, we need to stay patient.

Malik Nabers

It wasn't a good showing from Daniel Jones (two INTs, one pick-six) but it appears as though rookie WR Malik Nabers will provide enough value for fantasy managers despite his offensive environment.

The talented first-year player went 4 / 54 on six targets. Fantasy Life has Nabers ranked as a low-end third-round selection and, with enough volume, he should be able to return value on sheer talent alone. Don't let the continued failed Jones experiment dissuade you from targeting Nabers in any format.

Xavier Worthy

Sure, Patrick Mahomes whipped out a new throw (behind the back) to Travis Kelce this weekend, but it was awesome to see rookie Xavier Worthy reel in three of his six targets for 62 yards and a score. He led all players in targets and had one more than Rashee Rice (5).

Worthy is more than just a deep threat and, with the injury to Hollywood Brown, he could end up playing a much larger role sooner than anticipated. I'm sure the rest of the league is just thrilled to see Mahomes with yet another playmaker.

Dynasty managers rejoice.

Jordan Whittington

Did the Rams do it again?

Rookie Jordan Whittington came off the board in the sixth round of the NFL Draft this past spring and he is already turning heads this fall. He's been making plays in training camp and has balled out in two preseason games.

Week 1

  • 6 / 74 / 0 (9 targets)

Week 2

  • 5 / 52 / 0 (8 targets)

Look, I'm not saying he's the next Puka Nacua, but I'm also not ignoring Sean McVay who said, “He’s gonna be a factor for us.” The path to Washington being on the field in 3-WR sets is right there for taking. This is going to be fun.

Parker Washington

I'm always looking to confirm my priors; whatever it takes.

In all seriousness, I have a heart for delving deep into the WR position to find players on the fringes who, if given the chance, could be of benefit to your fantasy team. Last season, rookie Parker Washington of the Jaguars didn't earn a target until Week 13. From then on, he was on the field a decent amount and turned in a pair of mild performances.

He'll open the season as the WR4 at best, but should an opportunity present itself, he's in prime position to be worth the very last spot on your dynasty bench.

John Metchie III

I know there's very little chance that he will turn into a viable fantasy asset for managers, but John Metchie has been such an inspiring story to follow since college and I always enjoy seeing him play well.

This past weekend, he tallied six receptions for 68 yards and a TD on seven targets. He'll be playing behind Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell so, barring an injury, he won't see the field much. Still, in deeper formats, he's worth a casual stash.

Trishton Jackson

If you're looking for a super deep option for your dynasty bench, Vikings WR Trishton Jackson has now scored in consecutive preseason games. After spending the last two seasons on the practice squad, another strong week of practice/preseason could land him on the active roster.

Dalton Schultz

Veteran TE Dalton Schultz has long been a fantasy favorite of mine as he perennially provides top-end fantasy value at a discount. After a strong career in Dallas, he enjoyed a solid campaign during his first year with the Texans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud.

Schultz now has four consecutive TE1 finishes and Fantasy Life has him ranked as their consensus TE10 this season.

With so much attention on the Texans' elite group of wideouts, I like where Schultz is positioned as an under-the-radar option for both Stroud and fantasy managers. He's only 28 years old, durable, and once again tied to a great QB and a fantasy-friendly offense.