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 managers.

Anthony Richardson

One of the most intriguing dynasty QBs right now is second-year pro Anthony Richardson. Despite only appearing in four games last season, Richardson gave us a glimpse of his meteoric upside.

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Two top-five finishes and a designed rush rate of 18% across his four games could lead to a really fun season for fantasy managers.

Now fully healthy, Richardson had an up-and-down performance this weekend. He did connect with fellow rookie Adonai Mitchell for a TD in the first quarter but threw a costly pick-six just a few minutes later.

If Richardson puts it together this year, I don't believe it's a hot take to say he has overall QB1 upside. However, the floor could also be pretty low. Thankfully, his rushing ability will keep him more relevant than not this season.

Jaylen Wright

While people keep asking how the rest of the league let the Chiefs snag Xavier Worthy, I want to know how the Miami backfield/offense added even more speed in Jaylen Wright.

The rookie turned 11 total touches into 77 yards. That type of dual threat ability (7 rushing attempts / 4 receptions) makes him a valuable asset. He'll certainly start behind De'Von Achane (and Raheem Mostert, to start), but Wright should be climbing dynasty boards.

Jordan Mason

If/when Christian McCaffrey is ever unable to play, whoever the RB2 is for the 49ers will have a significant amount of value. While it's been Elijah Mitchell for a bit, it's looking like it could be Jordan Mason. This preseason, Mason has tallied:

  • 14 rushing attempts
  • 76 yards (5.4 average)
  • 2 TDs

With Mitchell (hamstring) missing time, it's been Mason who has had the chance to earn the No. 2 spot in the backfield. Dynasty managers should take notice and adjust accordingly.

Emanuel Wilson

Another week, another solid outing for second-year RB Emanuel Wilson. On paper, he should be no higher than RB4 on the Packers' depth chart. Even so, the absences of AJ Dillon (stinger) and rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) have opened the door for Wilson to slide into that RB2 role behind Josh Jacobs. For as brutal of a position as RB can be, dynasty managers shouldn't be too quick to write off Wilson.

UPDATE (8/28): The Packers placed AJ Dillon (neck) on season-ending IR and rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) avoided being placed on injured reserve to start the season. While Josh Jacobs could certainly get as much work as he can handle, dynasty managers should dig a little deeper and take a closer look at Emanuel Wilson.This preseason, he totaled:

  • 37 rushing attempts
  • 160 rushing yards (4.3 average)
  • 1 TD
  • 3 receptions
  • 37 receiving yards

He's available everywhere and is now suddenly the second-most healthy RB on the Packers. That's worth a bench spot in dynasty formats

Jermaine Burton

Another week, another TD for rookie WR Jermaine Burton. One of my favorite rookies for the 2025 season, Burton profiles as the future WR2 for the Bengals once Tee Higgins signs elsewhere next offseason (probably, maybe).

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Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) catches a deep pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

Still, there's ample reason to be excited about his contributions this fall. He hauled in four of five targets for 56 yards and a score and was easily the most productive wideout of the evening. His preseason statline is up to:

  • 10 targets
  • 8 receptions
  • 157 yards (19.6 yards per reception)
  • 2 TDs

He's performing well when given the opportunity, he's tied to a great QB, and there's a logical path forward to an even larger role in the future. These are the types of situations dynasty managers need to keep close tabs on.

Adonai Mitchell

He's had a quiet preseason and his box score won't wow you, but Adonai Mitchell is someone I'm extremely interested in this season. The talented rookie has a clear path to the WR2 role for the Colts, behind only Michael Pittman Jr. The injury to Josh Downs has allowed Mitchell additional snaps with Alec Pierce as the only real threat to the role.

This offense will go as far as Richardson will take them. With ample weapons across the board, including Jonathan Taylor out of the backfield, I'm curious how the opportunities will be distributed. Still, Mitchell has the profile and opportunity to make some noise for dynasty managers as soon as Year 1 and definitely by Year 2.

Jacob Cowing

The 49ers spent two draft picks on WRs this past spring:

Neither really popped in our Rookie WR Model, but Pearsall (No. 9) certainly had a better profile than Cowing (No. 19).

Guess which one is having a much more productive preseason? With Pearsall (shoulder) missing significant time, Cowing has brought in seven of eight targets for 90 yards and a score this preseason. He also has a rushing attempt for 19 yards.

If dynasty managers are still focused on the draft capital, take advantage and take the discount on Cowing, who has done nothing but impress. He's a great stash-and-hold as the Brandon Aiyuk situation plays out.

Trishton Jackson

If you're looking for a super deep option for your dynasty bench, Vikings WR Trishton Jackson has now scored in three consecutive preseason games. After spending the last two seasons on the practice squad, he should have done enough to earn a spot on the active roster.

Evan Engram

The AFC South will be one of the more interesting divisions to watch this year as a slew of young QBs will look to take their teams to the next level. For the Jaguars, if Trevor Lawrence can finally take that next step like so many have been waiting for, we could see TE Evan Engram have a monster season.

Engram already had an impressive 2023 when he racked up:

  • 143 targets
  • 114 receptions
  • 963 yards
  • 4 TDs

Still, if some positive TD regression comes his way, he could be the steal of the draft AND someone that dynasty managers should trade for while the attention is on other, younger options.

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