Preseason Week 3 Fantasy Insights
The third week of NFL preseason often serves as a preview of regular‑season storylines, and this year’s edition delivered several clues for fantasy owners. With key injuries mounting across the league, teams are forced to experiment with younger players, and those opportunities can translate into surprising fantasy value.
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ third‑receiver battle took a decisive turn when Roman Wilson was held out while second‑round rookie Germie Bernard saw action. The absence of D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. — both sidelined for all three preseason games — created a vacuum that Wilson and Bernard are now competing to fill. Wilson’s slot work in the second preseason game suggests he may be the primary option in Week 1, while Bernard’s earlier slot appearances keep the competition fluid.
Buffalo’s Skyler Bell made his preseason debut after missing the first two weeks due to a hamstring issue. He logged extensive snaps in both 11 and 12 personnel formations, lining up at Z and in the slot. With the Bills resting their starters and top backups, Bell’s versatility hints at a multi‑role usage that could make him a sleeper in fantasy lineups.
New England’s depth chart reshuffled after the trade of Kayshon Boutte to Houston. Kyle Williams, who capped the game with a 45‑yard touchdown, and Efton Chism III moved up to fifth and sixth on the chart, respectively. Their secure roster spots and early scoring potential give them a modest but real fantasy upside, especially in deeper leagues.
Las Vegas saw Mike Washington Jr. start in place of injured rookie Ashton Jeanty, playing 16 of 20 snaps on the opening drives. While Washington’s role remains situational, his early snap count suggests the Raiders may rely on him in specific packages, a detail worth monitoring for fantasy matchup planning.
San Francisco’s backfield produced a notable development as Kaelon Black handled all 12 snaps across the first three drives, positioning him as the leading candidate for the 49ers’ backup running back role. For fantasy owners, Black represents a handcuff with immediate relevance should the starter miss time.
Cleveland’s release of former starter Cedric Tillman clears cap space and opens a path for younger receivers such as Raheim Sanders, Carsen Ryan, and either Gage Larvadain or Malachi Corley to vie for the final roster spots. The competition could yield unexpected depth at the position.
Overall, the preseason’s injury ripple effects are reshaping early‑season fantasy projections. Players like Roman Wilson, Skyler Bell, and Kaelon Black are emerging as potential contributors, while veterans such as Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III may provide modest but reliable production. Monitoring snap counts and role assignments in the coming weeks will be crucial for fantasy draft decisions.