As fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for the third week of the preseason, early trends are already reshaping draft boards and lineup decisions across the league.
Injury ripple effects
Chuba Hubbard, the Carolina running back who surged to a 1,195‑yard, ten‑touchdown breakout in 2024, now finds himself on the sidelines after a hamstring strain suffered during drills. The injury has forced him into a week‑to‑week designation, curtailing his preseason repetitions and opening a window for backup Jonathon Brooks.
Brooks, a rookie with limited college exposure, has made the most of the opportunity, logging meaningful snaps in the last two exhibition games and even punching in a touchdown. His performance has sparked optimism that he could inherit a starter’s role once Hubbard’s recovery progresses.
The statistical contrast underscores the stakes: Hubbard’s 2024 production dwarfed his 2025 output, where he managed just 511 rushing yards and a single score. That dip, coupled with the new injury, has shifted expectations for his upcoming season.
Wide receiver competition in Denver
In Denver, the arrival of Jaylen Waddle has added another layer of complexity to the wide receiver mix. With Waddle’s route‑running prowess and deep‑ball speed, Courtland Sutton, once the clear WR2, is now battling for a WR3 slot as the Broncos evaluate target distribution.
Sutton’s preseason snap count has been uneven, reflecting the coaching staff’s desire to test multiple combinations. The competition is not merely a numbers game; it also reflects a strategic shift toward a more diversified passing attack that can leverage both Waddle’s and Sutton’s skill sets.
Backfield opportunities
Meanwhile, in Seattle, first‑round pick Jadarian Price is poised to see increased early‑season volume. The team’s lead back, Zach Charbonnet, is currently listed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, a status that typically translates into extended reps for the next man up.
Price’s draft pedigree and preseason flashes have analysts projecting a higher ceiling than initially anticipated, especially if Charbonnet’s recovery takes longer than expected.
Tight end resurgence
At the tight end position, George Kittle’s activation from the PUP list after an Achilles tear has generated considerable buzz. The San Francisco star, who missed much of the previous season, is now back on the field, bringing with him a proven track record of production.
Kittle’s 2025 campaign featured 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns, positioning him as a high‑value asset at the TE9 ADP. His return not only bolsters the 49ers’ offensive options but also revitalizes his fantasy relevance for owners seeking a reliable scoring threat.
The broader implications of these storylines extend beyond individual players. Coaches such as Dave Canales in Seattle and Mike Macdonald in Carolina are making strategic adjustments that could influence weekly matchups, while support staff like Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, George Holani, Jake Tonges, and others continue to shape roster dynamics behind the scenes.