Below is a summary for each team from Week 3 of the NFL preseason. The primary focus is on player utilization and usage with the starting offense.

Typically, starters are determined by drives played with the starting QB. Some instances differ depending on who started, as outlined in each team's position section. You can find definitions for all the table abbreviations at the bottom of this article.

This week, I will focus more on the teams that played their starters up top and then transition to takeaways from games where starters rested.

Teams that played their starters

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback

  • Bryce Young played his only preseason drive with 12 snaps and nine dropbacks in Week 3. Young looked crisp, going six of eight for 70 yards. It's a small sample, but the former No. 1 overall pick pushed the ball downfield—including a great intermediate throw on a scramble drill to Diontae Johnson. This is the Bryce Young we saw at Alabama, not the checkdown king he was forced to become with suspect weapons and offensive line play in 2023.

Running Back

  • Chuba Hubbard played 100% of the snaps on the first drive and ran the ball three times for 15 yards.
  • Miles Sanders entered the game after Hubbard and handled 60% of the snaps over the next three drives, while Raheem Blackshear, who the team resigned this offseason, didn't play. Some have speculated Sanders is a cut candidate, given Jonathon Brooks will be one of the top two backs on this team once healthy. It is hard to confirm or deny based on this utilization.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Diontae Johnson had a 100% route participation and a 29% target share on the drive with Young. The rapport between the two might already be in midseason form—they were hand-in-glove on a scramble drill connection. Par for the course for Johnson, this man is an alpha target earner with a WR8 finish already on his resume. We just need a healthy season, and folks will remember his name quickly—he is one of the best values on the board in fantasy drafts.
  • Adam Thielen posted a 92% route participation, with 64% of his routes coming from the slot. Thielen is locked in as Young's No. 2 target behind Johnson to start the season. If you invest early-round fantasy draft capital into young WRs, Thielen makes a nice late-round complement who could give you production in the first month.
  • Jonathan Mingo started with a 67% route participation rate. Xavier Legette could start the season slow after missing time in camp due to an injury, opening the door for Mingo. If Mingo balls out he could hang onto the starting job, but Legette will probably force a rotation or take over as the season progresses.
  • Tommy Tremble (Ayeeeee! It's Tommy Trembles) and Ian Thomas rested.

Offensive Line

  • Three of five starters played with Young in Week 3.

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

  • Anthony Richardson played the first five drives in Week 3. He registered 32 snaps and 26 dropbacks this preseason. He made some amazing throws but struggled overall, with a 57% completion rate. This has caused a bit of panic on social media, but everyone should chill—this has been Richardson's MO since college. Let's not double-count his passing woes. That is why the guy goes multiple rounds after Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts—he has their rushing upside but hasn't proven himself as a passer.

Running Back

 

  • Jonathan Taylor played 100% of the snaps on the first drive and hit the bench, while Richardson remained in the game for four more drives. He has a 59% snap share and 55% rush attempt share on plays with Richardson this preseason. Those numbers will be higher in the regular season. We could see a 70% snap share—I need to up my exposure on Taylor. If injuries have been the only thing holding him down the last two years, he could put up a monster season on that type of workload.
  • Evan Hull looks like the change-of-pace back until Trey Sermon (hamstring) returns to duty.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

 

  • Adonai Mitchell garnered an 86% route participation rate, 22% target share and 21% air yards share with Richardson this preseason. He resided from the slot with Josh Downs (high-ankle sprain) out of action, but kicked outside in 12 personnel looks, bumping Alec Pierce off the field. That last part is a good sign for his playing time once Downs returns. Mitchell is a boom-bust WR5 getting drafted too far after other rookies like Ladd McConkey.
  • Kylen Granson has led the TE room this preseason, but it looks like we are in for another nasty TE-by-committee season from the Colts.

Offensive Line

  • All five starters played with Richardson in Week 3.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

  • Trevor Lawrence got his second start of the preseason and played two drives. He went 8 of 10 for 92 yards and two TDs. He played a total of 31 snaps with 16 dropbacks this preseason.

 

Running Back

 

  • Travis Etienne handled 81% of the snaps and 73% of the rushing attempts with Lawrence this preseason. These numbers are likely slightly inflated, but Etienne is the clear-cut No. 1 in Jacksonville and is one of the more underdrafted backs on Underdog as a Round 4 pick. He will cost you a Round 2 pick in managed leagues, which is a little tougher but not mispriced.
  • Tank Bigsby is the No. 2, moving past D'Ernest Johnson, who didn't register a snap with the starters in the preseason. Bigsby is a good late-round handcuff selection.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

 

 

  • Christian Kirk didn't play in the preseason finale, so ignore his low numbers above.
  • Brian Thomas posted a 73% route participation in Week 3 after logging a 100% rate in the first week. Thomas finishes the preseason with an 81% route participation with Lawrence. We shouldn't read too much into this. The Round 1 NFL Draft selection offers the big-play upside that no other Jaguar offers. He offers significant upside as a WR4/WR5 in fantasy drafts.
  • Gabe Davis hasn't left the field with Lawrence in the game this preseason. The veteran WR is locked into a full-time role and has a nice target share, but I am not buying it. Davis was never able to turn up his target-earning ability in Buffalo despite the team desperately needing a No. 2 opposite of Stefon Diggs. Lawrence has too many other options for Davis to be anything more than a spike-week contributor in best ball. In managed leagues we will never know when to start him.
  • Evan Engram went bonkers in Week 3 with four receptions for 28 yards and two TDs. The man has been an elite TE in games without Kirk over the last two seasons, and we saw that again here. Engram finishes the preseason with an 88% route participation and 29% target share with Lawrence—he is a mid-range TE1 with massive upside should Thomas Jr. flop as a target earner or should something happen to Kirk during the season.

Offensive Line

  • All five starters played with Lawrence.

New England Patriots

Quarterback

  • Jacoby Brissett started but was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury on the second drive. Jerod Mayo said he would have returned to the game if it hadn't been preseason. I don't know, man, that looked brutal. Brissett has looked dreadful this preseason, and Drake Maye might give this team the best chance to win out of the gate, thanks to his escapability behind a suspect offensive line.
  • Drake Maye took over on the second drive after Brissett departed and played through the sixth drive. He dropped back to pass 21 times on 28 snaps and threw for 126 yards and a TD. He also added a scramble for 17 yards but fumbled the snap twice.

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • DeMario Douglas started the game and was done after three drives. He posted an 87% route participation and 31% target share, operating from the slot 77% of the time. Douglas is the favorite to lead this team in targets in 2024 and is a potential value late in PPR drafts. Just don't expect a big TD total.
  • K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton started the game but continued playing after Douglas left. Both players are inadequate target earners, and I expect them to retain playing time only a short way into the regular season.
  • Ja'Lynn Polk entered the game on the second drive and left with Maye. Polk remains my favorite WR to place bets on in fantasy drafts despite the Patriots' insistence to put Osborn and Thornton onto the field. We know better.

Offensive Line

  • Two of the five starters played seven drives. This unit has looked dreadful throughout the preseason, and they nearly got Brissett decapitated in Week 3.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback

  • Russell Wilson played one drive, going 2 of 2 for 26 yards. He has started the last two games.

Running Back

  • Najee Harris played 40% of the snaps and posted a 67% rush share with Jaylen Warren out of the game. This is a tiny sample, but Cordarrelle Patterson stole 60% of the snaps and could play the Warren role, which caps Harris' upside. This is Arthur Smith's world, y'all. We are just living in it.
  • Cordarrelle Patterson took over Warren's role and romped for 29 yards and a TD on two carries with the starters.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

 

  • George Pickens posted a 100% route participation and 33% target share on plays with Wilson this preseason. Pickens earned a 26% share over the last two years on plays without Diontae Johnson and is set to become the alpha WR1 for this team. The question is whether Wilson has enough gas left in the tank – we could be dealing with an offense that struggles to throw for 200 yards per contest. Still, Pickens has a WR2 profile, and you can draft him as a WR3 in fantasy, making him a worthy target in drafts.
  • Van Jefferson collected a 93% route participation with Russell Wilson. He seems like the team's starting No. 2 WR for Week 1. Things could evolve as rookie Round 3 selection, Roman Wilson, gets healthy.
  • Pat Freiermuth posted a 50% route participation in Week 3 and now sits at 60% for the preseason with Wilson on the field. Darnell Washington played 100% of snaps with Wilson in Week 3. This may turn into a nasty committee, which is concerning in a low-upside passing attack. I have moved Freiermuth outside my Top 150 ranks—I would take Taysom Hill over him.

Offensive Line

  • Three of the five starting linemen played three drives.

San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback

  • Brock Purdy played the first three drives, accumulating 24 snaps and 14 dropbacks in Week 3. For the preseason, Purdy totaled 21 dropbacks on 35 snaps.

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Offensive Line

  • Three of five starters played the first three drives.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback

  • Geno Smith played his lone preseason drive to start the game in Week 3. He went four of five for 62 yards and a TD on five snaps and five dropbacks.

Running Back

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • DK Metcalf played the first drive with Smith, notching two targets. He finished the night with one catch for 21 yards.
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba garnered two targets that he turned into two receptions for 32 yards. While it was nice to see JSN untethered from the line of scrimmage (14.5 aDOT), he gained little separation against the Browns' second-string nickel back on his best play of the night. It was a great throw and catch, but it wasn't a high percentage play – I want to see more from JSN as a separator after a dud Year 1 that we mostly blamed his coordinator and an injury for. Despite the absence of Tyler Lockett, JSN played 100% from the slot, with Jake Bobo starting wide. Smith-Njigba has been a target of mine in drafts based on price, but we didn't learn anything new about his role that should boost him further up draft boards.
  • Tyler Lockett didn't play due to injury. The veteran has also missed practice in recent weeks. This situation isn't great for Lockett, who showed signs of deterioration over the past two seasons.

Offensive Line

  • Three of five starting linemen played one drive with Smith.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback

  • Baker Mayfield saw his first preseason action, playing one drive and going 3 of 3 for 54 yards against the Dolphins' backups.

Running Back

  • Rachaad White played 100% of the snaps with Mayfield on the first drive. The third-year back is the No. 1 heading into the season, but he might not dominate touches like 2023, and his leash could be shorter with the emergence of Bucky Irving.
  • Bucky Irving handled drives two through five, playing 100% of snaps. He has looked great on the ground all preseason, but showed up in pass protection in Week 3. Sean Tucker didn't sniff the field until the sixth possession, and Chase Edmonds will likely be placed on IR. Irving is the clear-cut No. 2 back, and I expect him to cement that role immediately and challenge White for touches as the season progresses. Irving moves inside my top 150 and is one of my favorite late-round RB picks.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Mike Evans rested.
  • Chris Godwin suited up and posted a 100% snap share with the starters, aligning from the slot 86% of the time. This move inside matches the reports we have heard from camp. Liam Coen is the new offensive coordinator and comes from the Sean McVay tree, where Cooper Kupp has dominated from the slot. A little coaching pixie dust isn't going to transform Godwin into Kupp, but more favorable matchups inside boosts his outlook.
  • Jalen McMillan played 100% of the snaps with Mayfield in Week 3, including a sweet 28-yard reception down the right sideline. McMillan is known for his ability to work the interior of defenses, but that sort of deep prowess helps his outlook. The third-round NFL Draft pick has locked down the No. 3 WR spot. That means he will have a role in Week 1 and has shown the versatility to expect a full-time role if Mike Evans or Chris Godwin miss time. I would rather roster a young player like McMillan than many tertiary veteran names going earlier than him in drafts. Welcome to the Top 150, rook!

Offensive Line

  • All five starters played with Mayfield in Week 3.

Tennessee Titans

Quarterback

  • Will Levis played 17 snaps and dropped back to pass eight times in Week 3. That brings his preseason total to 31 snaps and 14 dropbacks. Levis went 11 for 13 for 153 yards without a TD or INT. History has told us we should put little stock into completion percentages in the preseason. Still, this outcome is better than Levis tanking in the accuracy department in the fake games.

Running Back

  • Tony Pollard started Week 3, handling 100% of the snaps on the first drive. Pollard was targeted twice and stole a carry inside the five-yard line on the second drive that he converted into a TD. However, that might have been pre-planned since Tyjae Spears already had an excellent rep for a TD in Week 1 in that scenario. With the starting offense this preseason, Pollard posted a 58% snap rate, 50% rush share and 50% route participation rate. While it looks like Pollard has a slight edge as the 1A, it is primarily predicated on his drives being longer in the preseason. Both backs received one series with the starters in each game, and each back stole a few snaps from the other on their drives. The biggest news in Tennessee is how often this team is targeting the backs – Pollard has four targets on four drives this preseason. That dynamic could change when Hopkins returns, but there is a chance the Titans are prioritizing their dual-threat backs over the slot WRs and TEs.
  • Tyjae Spears played the second drive in Week 3 with the starters. He tallied 41% of the offensive snaps and took 41% of the rushing attempts. Spears finished the preseason with a 42% snap share, 33% rush share and 43% route participation rate. However, it is hard to say precisely how this backfield will split because the starters played two drives in only two games. The utilization splits were primarily driven by who played on the longer drives. I expect a tightly contested backfield with games where Spears leads when longer drives come on his watch.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

  • Calvin Ridley posted a 100% snap share and commanded three targets in Week 3 with Levis, which he converted into two receptions for 39 yards. Ridley has a 39% target share, and 78% air yards share this preseason with Levis. The newly-added WR should have some significant boom games this season, but DeAndre Hopkins will challenge for targets when he returns for Week 1 of the regular season. Ridley remains a boom-bust WR3/WR4.
  • Treylon Burks is the handcuff to the aging Hopkins, who enters the season with an injury already on his resume in the preseason. Burks finished the preseason with a 100% route participation rate with Levis and still has life if Hopkins misses time in the regular season.
  • Tyler Boyd posted a 71% route participation rate with Levis this preseason. Brian Callahan is bringing more 11 personnel to the Titans, which could create a spike week or two for Boyd, but he is only an option in best ball formats as a last-round click.
  • Chigoziem Okonkwo finished the preseason without a target but posted a reasonable 71% route participation rate. Okonkwo might not reach an 80% route participation rate, but the recent reports of a committee seem overblown. He isn't a target in managed leagues, but Okonkwo has fallen to last-round status in best ball formats and could easily pay off that price tag.

Offensive Line

  • All five starters played the two drives with Levis in Week 3.

Teams that rested their starters

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals rested their starters and some essential backups. Clayton Tune started over Desmond Ridder again. Trey Benson (RB), Emari Demercado (RB), DeeJay Dallas (RB), Greg Dortch (WR) and Zay Jones (WR) rested with the starters. Jones is suspended for the first five games, cementing Michael Wilson as a near lock for 85% route participation early in the year. Demercado has recently battled a shoulder injury that might have been a factor. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons didn't play their starters all preseason, with Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson following a trend set by one of their mentors: Sean McVay.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens rested their starters. Potential third-string RB Owen Wright suffered a broken foot, which could open up a roster spot for rookie Rasheen Ali, who returned to practice last week after missing time with a stinger. Devontez Walker started over Tylan Wallace at WR, but played into the third quarter while Nelson Agholor and Deonte Harty rested.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills used this game to let their depth chart battle it out for roster spots. All starters and top backups, including Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, rested.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals rested all of their starters and top backups. Jermaine Burton played into the fourth quarter, while Andrei Iosivas rested again. Burton popped in the WR Rookie Super Model, but we shouldn't expect much early in the season. However, if he gets an opportunity, he could shine later in the year.

Chicago Bears

The Bears rested all of their starters. Velus Jones Jr. is trying to transition from playing WR to RB and put up some big numbers with 111 yards on 13 attempts. However, he didn't enter the game until the second quarter and played into the fourth. The Bears are flush at RB with D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Roschon Johnson, but Jones could make the team as a returner, where he has handled the first-quarter duties in every preseason game.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns rested their starters, but some of the top backups played.  No. 2 QB Jameis Winston played two drives and was accompanied by Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman, who posted 100% route participation rates. Tillman hauled in three receptions for 48 yards on three targets. Don't be surprised if Tillman pushes Moore out of reps in 2024. Jamari Thrash was the No. 3 with a 91% route participation rate – primarily from the slot. Jerome Ford handled 53% of the snaps, while D'Onta Foreman played 47% with Winston. Pierre Strong Jr. didn't play due to a rib injury. It looked like Strong might have bypassed Foreman in recent weeks, but the injury leaves the door open for who will be the No. 2 back on opening day with Nick Chubb recovering from a gruesome knee injury.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys rested their starters, including Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle at RB. Malik Davis handled most of the first drive in Week 3, with second-year back Deuce Vaughn hogging most of the second drive. The two backs formed a tandem on the third drive before Royce Freeman entered on the fourth drive. Vaughn rested in the third and fourth quarter, while Davis and Freeman played into the third. If I had to make a call on who the Cowboy's RB3 is today, I would lean to Vaugh, who can add value on passing downs. Both Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks rested at WR.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos rested their starters. Jaleel McLaughlin got the night off at RB. Audric Estime got the start and retired after the first drive. Estime looks like the RB3 and is the handcuff to Javonte Williams for early-down work. Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims rested at WR. We will likely see a rotation out of that trio for the other two WR spots opposite Courtland Sutton. Based on last week's utilization, Patrick is the early-season favorite for a potentially surprising role. Troy Franklin bombed in the NFL Draft, falling from a potential Round 1 status to Round 4, and he followed that up with a bad preseason. It is hard to count anyone out on this lackluster depth chart, but Franklin playing into the third quarter of Week 3 is a bad sign for his early-season outlook. Greg Dulcich rested while Lucas Krull played. Dulcich is a dark horse candidate to be the second-best receiving option on this team.

Detroit Lions

The Lions rested their starters. Kalif Raymond rested with the starters while Donovan Peoples-Jones played.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers rested their starters. Bo Melton worked with the first group, while Dontayvion Wicks rested with the rest of the starters.

Houston Texans

The Texans rested their starters, but Cam Akers has secured the No. 3 RB position. Akers started the game and looked spry once again. I was already on the record last week in this column noting how much better Akers looks than Dameon Pierce, and it might only be a matter of time before Akers takes over the No. 2 role behind aging and high-touch veteran Joe Mixon in a high-scoring offense. That makes Akers draftable in 20-round leagues.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs rested their starters. Deneric Prince started the game at RB after Carson Steele played ahead of him last weekend. Steele entered the game on the second drive and played through the fifth series, while Prince rested after one drive. Prince might have a slight edge again over Steele, but it is hard to say with any certainty—it really feels like these two are close and could both make the roster, especially if the team is worried about the availability of Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders rested their starters. Dylan Laube started the game but Ameer Abdullah got the night off and might be the No. 3 back to start the season. Laube might get our attention on the waiver wire this season, but he probably shouldn't be drafted unless you are in a deep league.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers rested all their starters and primary backups. Kimani Vidal was the most notable player who got the evening off. Vidal might have the No. 3 role locked down, given that Jaret Patterson and Isaiah Spiller played. I am back to drafting the rookie late in drafts. Quentin Johnston didn't suit up, while Brenden Rice played into the fourth quarter. Recent practice reports point to a connection starting to form between Johnston and Justin Herbert, so this is at least a step in the right direction, but I am not prioritizing Johnston in drafts.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams didn't play their starters all preseason. After looking good in the first two preseason games, Jordan Whittington got the night off—but almost all the critical backups got the night off, so don't read too much into that one. There is a chance Whittington is still behind Tutu Atwell for the WR4 role based on Atwell resting all preseason. We will see on Tuesday when the team makes its final cuts, and McVay answers questions from the media.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins rested their starters. The team cut Mike White, leaving Skylar Thompson as the unquestioned QB2.

Malik Washington played the first three drives and might be one of the top handcuff WRs in fantasy football—even if Odell Beckham gets healthy. Washington fits this scheme like a glove and continues to look absolutely electric with the ball in his hands.

If Jaylen Waddle or Tyreek Hill go down (hopefully they don't!!!), don't be surprised if Washington becomes a household name in the blink of an eye.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings rested their starters, including WRs Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, and RB Kene Nwangwu. Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride played.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints rested their starters, and Jake Haener got the start over Spencer Rattler. Jamaal Williams didn't play. Cedrick Wilson Jr. rested with the starters and looks like the WR3 behind Rashid Shaheed, who is still battling injuries. Bub Means started at WR and exited the game ahead of A.T. Perry. The rookie might have overtaken Perry for the No. 3 role. Juwan Johnson saw his first playing time of the season after returning to practice recently. The time likely just wanted to get the veteran some live reps, but this TE room could be a mess with Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau also rotating.

New York Giants

The Giants rested their starters and many of the top backups. Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt, battling for one of the top three spots, both received the night off. With Daniel Jones last in Week 2, Hyatt edged out Slayont with a 68% route participation rate versus 42% for Slayton. We will probably see a rotation between the two players early in the season.

New York Jets

The starters and critical backups rested for the Jets, including RBs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Malachi Corley, who needs to work as a route runner, posted a 94% route participation in the first half. Corley might still be the primary WR3 on the team, but Allen Lazard and Xavier Gipson could also be in the mix, depending on the down and distance. We may rarely see Corley on third downs due to the high rate of man coverage. At TE, Jeremy Ruckert rested and will battle Tyler Conklin for snaps as the No. 2 on the depth chart.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles rested their starters and some of their top backups. Parris Campbell played into the third quarter, which is notable given the trade for Jahan Dotson last week. Campbell signed a one-year deal with only $417,500 guaranteed this past offseason, so the Eagles could move on without significantly impacting their salary cap. Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley rested.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders rested their starters and almost all of their backups. Like Jamison Crowder and John Bates, Luke McCaffrey and Ben Sinnott rested.

Glossary

  • Snaps: Percentage of snaps the player played with the starters.
  • Rush Att: Percentage of rushing attempts with the starters.
  • Routes: Route participation with the starters.
  • Targets: Target share with the starters.
  • TPRR: Targets per route run with the starters.
  • SDD Snaps: Percentage of short-down-and-distance (short yardage) with starters.
  • LDD Snaps: Percentage of long-down-and-distance snaps (obvious passing downs) with starters.
  • Two-Minute Snaps: Percentage of snaps in the two-minute offense with the starters.
  • Catchable: Percentage of targets deemed catchable with the starting QB per PFF.
  • aDOT: Average depth of target with the starters.
  • Air Yards: Percentage of the team's air yards with the starters.
  • 3rd/4th Down Targets: Percentage of targets on 3rd and 4th down with the starters.
  • 11P: Percentage of snaps played in 11 personnel (1RB, 3WR, 1TE) with the starters.
  • 12P: Percentage of snaps played in 12 personnel (1RB, 2WR, 2TE) with the starters.
  • 21P: Percentage of snaps played in 21 personnel (2RB, 2WR, 1TE) with the starters.

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