Stroud's Rocky Start and Mills' Steady Hand: What It Means for Fantasy Owners
By Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks on Aug. 17, 2023, 7:31 p.m.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The NFL preseason is in full swing, and for fantasy football aficionados of the McAlister's Deli League, every snap, every throw, and every touchdown matters. The Texans' victory over the Patriots (20-9) on Thursday night provided a glimpse into potential fantasy goldmines and pitfalls.
Rookie Watch: C.J. Stroud of DroppinBombs88 had a debut that left much to be desired. With a stat line of 2 completions on 4 attempts for 13 yards, an interception, and a sack, Stroud's fantasy stock might be a cause for concern. However, it's essential to remember that it's just one game, and as Stroud himself said, "I'll just keep growing." Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his progress throughout the preseason.
Veteran Alert: Davis Mills, with a year under his belt, looked more poised. Completing 9 of 12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, Mills showcased why he might be a sleeper pick for fantasy teams. His connection with Tank Dell of PattysRevenge, who ended the night with five receptions for 65 yards, could be a duo to watch.
Patriots' Play: With Mac Jones of PattysRevenge resting, Bailey Zappe took the reins and showcased some promise, going 12 of 14 for 79 yards. His 27-yard connection with Tyquan Thornton, another gem on PattysRevenge, might be a hint of things to come. However, the Patriots' offensive struggles, partly due to injuries on the O-line, could be a red flag for potential fantasy owners.
Defensive Gems: For those in leagues where defensive players earn points, keep an eye on rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez. With three tackles and a forced fumble, he's showing he can be a playmaker. Similarly, Keion White, the Patriots' second-round pick, made his presence felt with three tackles and a quarterback hit.
Injury Alerts: Injuries can make or break a fantasy season. The Texans' FB Andrew Beck and the Patriots' DL Carl Davis and OL Kody Russey all had injury concerns during the game. It's crucial to monitor their status moving forward.
Looking Ahead: As the Texans prepare to host Miami and the Patriots travel to Green Bay for joint practices and subsequent preseason games, fantasy owners should be on the lookout for emerging patterns, player chemistry, and potential breakout stars.
In conclusion, while it's just the start of the preseason, the insights gleaned from this game could be invaluable for McAlister's Deli League members. Remember, in fantasy football, knowledge is power, and every game counts!
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we gear up for the fantasy football season. McAlister's Deli League, are you ready?