NFL Preseason Week 2 Takeaways For Fantasy Football: Cyrus Allen, Emmett Johnson & More

Below is a summary for each team from Week 2 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.

Updates will occur throughout the weekend as data from each game becomes available.

Saturday NFL Preseason Week 2 Games

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs fielded 3 of 5 starting offensive linemen for three series, and Justin Fields played four. The Buccaneers played much of their starting defense for a couple of possessions.

Quarterback

Justin Fields handled the first four drives, playing from under center only 27% of plays and utilizing play action 13%. Those are two things we have heard the Chiefs want to do more, which didn't play out in this game. He was pressured on 33% of his dropbacks, two of which resulted in sacks.

Running Back

Kenneth Walker played one series, handling 67% of the snaps. He left the field on 3rd and 6 for Emari Demercado. While we are hoping for more pass-down work for KWIII in 2026, long-down-and-distance (LDD) situations are not highly valuable for RBs in fantasy. Takeaway: Walker is HOLDING STEADY as one of my favorite targets in Round 2 of fantasy drafts.
Emari Demercado played ahead of Emmett Johnson, taking the LDD snap with Walker on the first drive. The veteran RB played 83% of the snaps in the first quarter, with 60% of the rushing attempts and a 100% route participation rate. Demercado played into the third quarter, and once Johnson entered the game, he was still the RB2. He played into the third quarter. Camp reports have Demercado on the roster bubble, but in this game he got a look ahead of Brashard Smith, who was the RB2 last weekend. Takeaway: This is a fluid situation, but Demercado could still be in the mix.
Emmett Johnson has been the second RB up in drills over the last week, but worked behind Demercado in Week 2 of the preseason. He entered the game on the fourth drive in the first quarter and played into the third period. Johnson handled 75% of the attempts once taking the field, punching in one score, with Demercado rotating. Takeaway: Johnson is HOLDING STEADY as the RB to roster behind Walker but could share work with another back if Walker misses time.
Brashard Smith handled fourth-quarter mop-up duty after taking the RB2 reps last week. Takeaway: Smith is TRENDING DOWN, but the situation remains fluid.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Cyrus Allen worked behind Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals for the second consecutive game. Allen played 75% of the snaps and notched an 86% route participation over the first three drives. But once again, led the team in targets with two (33%) with the starters. Allen played from the slot 59% of the time and was the movement player, with a 22% motion rate, while Thornton and Royals were still in the game. He played into the third quarter, while Thornton and Royals were done by halftime. Takeaway: Allen is HOLDING STEADY and remains the best late-round WR stash option from the Chiefs.
Jalen Royals played 100% of snaps over the first three drives with the starting offensive line, with Rashee Rice resting. He played through the first two quarters, operating from the slot on 40% of plays. Royals now has back-to-back games suggesting he could be on the field often if Rice falters. Royals had a 28% target share in two quarters of play. Takeaway: Royals is TRENDING UP and is a viable late-round dart throw in deep leagues.
Tyquan Thornton played 100% of snaps with the starting offensive line and caught one pass for five yards. He remains the favorite to operate as the field stretcher in 2026 for the Chiefs.
Travis Kelce played one possession before calling it a night.

Offensive Line

Starters Rested: 2 of 5 did not play: G Trey Smith; T Josh Simmons
Starters Played: 3 of 5 played three possessions.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys rested their starters.

Running Back

Malik Davis started the game and played four drives before resting. Over the last week at camp, Davis has received new life due to Jaydon Blue's ball-security issues. Davis handled 72% of the snaps in the first quarter vs. 28% for Blue. Takeaway: Davis is TRENDING UP and could be the RB2 behind Javonte Williams.
Jaydon Blue rotated with Davis in the first quarter, playing 28% of the snaps and handling 40% of the rushing attempts. He remained in the game well after Davis, playing into the third quarter. This comes on the heels of recent ball-security problems at camp. Takeaway: Blue is TRENDING DOWN.
Phil Mafah was the RB3.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals rested their starters. No updates.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs played many of their starters for two drives against the Chiefs' starting defense.

Quarterback

Baker Mayfield played two series, completing 2 of 4 attempts for 10 yards without his starting three WRs. He played under center 63% of snaps and utilized play action on half of his attempts.

Running Back

Bucky Irving played 38% of the snaps with the starters, accounting for 75% of the attempts. He toted the rock three times for 14 yards. But he did not run a route. This matches training camp reports with Irving as the primary ball carrier and Kenneth Gainwell as the No. 1 pass-downs option. Takeaway: Irving is HOLDING STEADY as the top ball carrier for the Bucs, but could struggle in trailing scripts if Gainwell retains the top pass-catcher role.
Kenneth Gainwell handled 63% of the snaps with Mayfield, and notched a 100% route participation rate. Most of Gainwell's work came on LDD snaps (2nd and 8, 3rd and 23, 2nd and 10, 3rd and 11). Those situations are inflating his snap share. Irving still looks like the No. 1 on base downs, but Gainwell is going to be very active in the passing attack. Takeaway: Gainwell is HOLDING STEADY as the RB2 with PPR value and strong contingency upside should Irving miss any time in 2026.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Chris Godwin (veteran rest), Emeka Egbuka (toe), Jalen McMillan (knee), Tez Johnson (groin) and Cade Otton (undisclosed injury) did not play.
Ted Hurst played 100% of snaps with Mayfield, earning one target on a play behind the line of scrimmage. He exited the game with the starters. The rookie is battling for the WR4 role and could see playing time early in the year if Egbuka or McMillan aren't ready. Takeaway: Hurst is HOLDING STEADY as a late-round flyer in deep formats.

Offensive Line

Starters Rested: 2 of 5 did not play: T Tristan Wirfs, C Graham Barton
Starters Played: 3 of 5 played two drives.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles rested their starters against backup defenders for New England.

Running Back

Tank Bigsby (minor injury) rested with the starters. Takeaway: Bigsby is HOLDING STEADY as the clear-cut RB2 behind Saquon Barkley. He is a great contingency upside bet in Rounds 12-13.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Dontayvion Wicks rested with the starters. Takeaway: Wicks is HOLDING STEADY and could start the season as the WR2 for the Eagles.
Makai Lemon (hamstring) returned to practice last week, and the team held him out of game action. Takeaway: Lemon is HOLDING STEADY as an upside WR4, but could start the season slow.

New England Patriots

The Patriots did not play their starters. The Eagles played their backup defenders.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Kyle Williams played six drives, leading the team with a 33% target share. He hauled in 2 of 6 targets for 74 yards and a TD against the Eagles' backups. Williams is currently buried on the depth chart, but could make some noise if Kayshon Boutte is traded. The Year 2 WR has four receptions for 111 yards and two TDs in the preseason. Takeaway: Williams isn't rosterable in most formats but could gain value if playing time opens up.

Chicago Bears

The Bears played their healthy starters for one drive against backup Bengals defenders.

Quarterback

Caleb Williams went 2 of 5 for 28 yards in one drive with seven snaps.

Running Back

D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai (knee) did not play.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Luther Burden did not play (groin).
Rome Odunze started and played one drive with Williams. He was targeted twice on five routes, finishing with one reception for 18 yards. Takeaway: Odunze is HOLDING STEADY as a WR3 with upside.
Colston Loveland played 86% of the snaps with an 80% route participation rate on one drive with Williams. He led the team with three targets (60%), securing one for 10 yards. Takeaway: Loveland is HOLDING STEADY as a Round 4 cheat code in fantasy drafts.

Offensive Line

Starters Rested: 1 of 5 did not play: G Joe Thuney.
Starters Played: 4 of 5 starters.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals rested their starters in Week 2 of the preseason.

Running Back

Samaje Perine rested with the starters. Takeaway: Perine is HOLDING STEADY as a sneaky last-round pick in deep leagues. He is the handcuff to Brown.
Tahj Brooks operated as the RB1, playing 74% of snaps in the first half. Takeaway: Brooks is the RB3.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Dohnte Meyers, Colbie Young and Mitchell Tinsley operated as the top three with starters resting. All three played the first half, with Meyers notching a 100% route participation rate, operating from the slot on 74% of snaps. He finished the night with a 26% target share. Young led the team with a 36% target share, snatching 3 of 8 targets for 48 yards and a TD. Tinsley was the WR3 with an 83% route rate.
Erick All was the TE1 with Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample out. He worked ahead of Cam Grandy and Tanner Hudson. He played 62% of snaps and retired for the night after one drive. Takeaway: On a weak TE depth chart, All could emerge as a waiver wire option.

New York Giants

The Giants rested the majority of starters, but key backups played along with two starting offensive linemen. The Dolphins rested their starting defense.

Quarterback

Jameis Winston started and played the first half, finishing 15 of 21 for 150 yards.

Running Back

Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris did not play.
Tyrone Tracy did not start the game, entering after Devin Singletary. He played 57% of the snaps over the first two quarters with Winston before calling it a night. He accounted for 40% of the rushing attempts and led the backfield with a 46% route share, including 100% of the two-minute offense work. After taking heat for allowing a hug hit on Jaxson Dart last week, Tracy lost a fumble this weekend. Takeaway: Tracy is TRENDING DOWN and is a FADE in fantasy drafts.
Devin Singletary got the start over Tyrone Tracy and played 73% of the snaps with a starting offensive lineman in the game. Singletary played 46% of the snaps in the first half with Winston, handling 53% of the attempts. He ran for 40 yards and one TD. Takeaway: Singletary is battling for a roster spot after the Harris signing.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Malachi Fields played 100% of the snaps on the first drive before retiring to the sideline. The rookie third-round NFL pick is a favorite to be one of the team leaders in routes behind Malik Nabers. He has picked up steam in camp reports, and his playing time over two preseason games corroborates the buzz. Takeaway: Fields is TRENDING UP and is a late-round WR5/6 option.
Darius Slayton started and played through halftime, operating as Winston's primary target with a 29% target share. Slayton posted four receptions for 58 yards on six opportunities. Takeaway: Slayton will likely be part of a rotation opposite Nabers.
Calvin Austin operated as the starting slot WR for the second consecutive game.

Offensive Line

Starters Played: 2 of 5 played one drive. 1 of 5 played two drives.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins rested their key starters. The Giants played their backup defenders.

Running Back

Jaylen Wright started with De'Von Achane out. He was the RB2 last weekend behind Achane. Those data points match camp reports. He lost a fumble in this one, but Ollie Gordon suffered an elbow injury that forced him from the game. Takeaway: Wright is HOLDING STEADY as the favorite to back up Achane.
Ollie Gordon played 57% of the snaps on the second drive, rotating with Wright. But he left the contest with an elbow injury.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Malik Washington rested.
Caleb Douglas started and played one drive before getting the rest of the game off. Takeaway: Douglas is TRENDING UP and is positioned to play a big early-season role for Miami. The rookie Round 3 NFL Draft pick is a late-round target.
Chris Bell did not play, but he was activated from the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list and returned to practice. He is my favorite WR on the Dolphins and is a perfect schematic fit for a heavy play-action attack as a midfield YAC monster. Takeaway: Bell is TRENDING UP and is a late-round target in large leagues.
Kevin Coleman was the starting slot WR and led the team with a 33% target share on the night. He caught 2 of 5 targets for 32 yards. Takeaway: Coleman isn't rosterable but could be a waiver wire option at some point in 2026.
Greg Dulcich played one series, playing 67% of the snaps. He had a 100% route participation rate but, like last week, exited the field on 21 personnel snaps. If FB DJ Herman makes the roster, Dulcich's routes could be highly volatile. Takeaway: Dulcich is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end TE2 option.
Will Kacmarek played the lone 21-personnel snap with Dulcich in the game. He was the TE1 after Dulcich departed.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints rested their starters against Rams backup defenders.

Quarterback

Zach Wilson started over Spencer Rattler to give him a look with the second team. Wilson played 25 snaps over the first four drives, completing 6 of 12 passes for 55 yards. He was pressured on 41% of snaps, resulting in one sack. He also threw an interception.

Running Back

Travis Etienne, Alvin Kamara (MCL) and Audric Estime (ankle) did not play. Estime was getting some buzz before his injury.
Kendre Miller has stepped into the RB2 role at practice with Kamara and Estime missing time, which translated to Week 2 of the preseason. Miller started and played the first four drives. On the first drive, he handled 60% of the snaps and 75% of the attempts with Devin Neal operating as the passing-down option (100% routes). But Neal suffered a hamstring injury on the second drive. Takeaway: Miller is battling for the RB2 role and could get some runway to lock down the role early in the year.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), Devaughn Vele, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant did not play.
- Vele should start the year as the WR2 with Tyson out.
- Brown sounds like a lock for the 53-man roster.
Bryce Lance played 100% of the snaps over the first four drives. He was targeted twice, securing both looks for 16 yards. Takeaway: Lance could be the WR3 or WR4 for the Saints until Tyson returns.
Oscar Delp played 48% of the snaps with a 29% route rate with Johnson and Fant out. Takeaway: Delp is not a fantasy option for now, but should be the Saints' TE3.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams rested their starters.

Quarterback

Stetson Bennett started over Ty Simpson again.

Running Back

Kyren Williams and Blake Corum did not play.
Jarquez Hunter got the start and played into the fourth quarter. He finished the night with 68 yards on 12 attempts, including a nifty 12-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. He also had a 50% route participation rate and took the two-minute offense snaps. Takeaway: The Rams' Round 4 2025 NFL Draft pick isn't draftable but could become an interesting waiver wire option if Williams or Corum miss time.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield rested with the starters and are the top depth WR options. CJ Daniels took advantage of his playing time, leading the team with a 31% target share. The Round 6 NFL draft pick secured 8 of 13 targets for 68 yards.
Terrance Ferguson was given the night off after dominating on first-team reps in joint practices. If he surprises with a high-end route share in Week 1, Ferguson could be the steal of fantasy drafts. Takeaway: Ferguson is TRENDING UP and is my favorite late-round TE option.
Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee also didn't play.
Max Klare played into the fourth quarter. He had an 85% snap share and 88% route participation rate in the first half, hauling in 2 of 4 targets for 13 yards.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens rested the majority of their starters. The backups operated against the Vikings' backup defenders.

Quarterback

Tyler Huntley played three drives.

Running Back

Adam Randall and Rasheen Ali missed the game with undisclosed injuries.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Ja'Kobi Lane played 100% of the snaps with Huntley and was targeted once. He played four drives before retiring to the sideline while Devontez Walker remained in the game for three more drives. Lane had a 25% target share on his four series, grabbing 1 of 2 looks for 9 yards. Takeaway: Lane is TRENDING UP as the favorite to win the WR3 role and could be the WR2 if Rashod Bateman is suspended. Lane is a great late-round WR target.
Josh Cuevas was the TE1 with Mark Andrews resting. The rookie notched an 89% snap share and 83% route participation rate with Huntley. Cuevas is battling fellow rookie Matthew Hibner for the TE3 role behind blocking specialist Durham Smythe. Cuevas saw more playing time in Week 2 of the preseason, matching recent buzz around his late-camp surge.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings rested their starters against the Ravens, who rested their defensive starters.

Quarterback

J.J. McCarthy started with Kyler Murray resting. McCarthy played four drives, finishing 5 of 10 for 81 yards against Baltimore's backups. He was under pressure on 55% of dropbacks and was brought down once. McCarthy missed a wide-open TD but hit a deep shot to Tai Felton, where the WR made a great play on an underthrown ball.

Running Back

Demond Claiborne got the start with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason resting. Claiborne played 6 of 10 drives and handled 100% of the snaps with McCarthy in the game. The rookie finished with 18 yards on eight totes, including one carry inside the five-yard line. He posted a 46% route share and played in the two-minute offense. Takeaway: Claiborne is the favorite for the RB3 role and has a chance to make noise as the season progresses in a fragile RB room.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Jauan Jennings rested with the starters.
Tai Felton posted a 100% route share in four possessions with McCarthy. He tied for the team lead in targets with four (40%), corralling three for 66 yards. Felton played on the outside ahead of Jennings last week and could be the top handcuff to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Takeaway: Felton is TRENDING UP and is a name to remember on the waiver wire if Jefferson or Addison miss time.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons rested their starters, as did the Colts defense.

Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa did not play, but reports from joint practices were mixed. He was rushing throws and had a pick-six on the first day. He bounced back on Day 2 but suffered a game-ending sack on fourth down. Takeaway: Tagovailoa is TRENDING DOWN. Michael Penix will return to full-team practices on Monday and could quickly challenge for the No. 1 role.

Wide Receiver and Tight End

Zachariah Branch played 86% of the snaps on one series before the team put him in bubble wrap. With Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson out, Branch made the most of his one drive, earning three targets (one screen) on four routes. He played every snap in 11 personnel and 1 of 2 in 12 personnel. Branch operated from the slot on 67% of snaps. Takeaway: Branch is currently battling for WR2 and WR3 reps with the Falcons, but the competition is soft. The rookie could earn a larger role as the season progresses.