Fantasy football preseason Week 1 review: Rookie quarterbacks

Week 1 of the preseason usually is slow going. However, it is also the rookie showcase as many new talents make their career debut. Of course, we cannot jump to too many conclusions from a few quarters of play in what is essentially a scrimmage game, but some rookies caught our attention.

So to that end, here are some notable rook quarterbacks who impressed in preseason Week 1. Fantasy football owners take note.

Kizer looked poised in his first NFL game. The rookie QB from Notre Dame threw for 184 yards and a touchdown in one half of game action. He also rushed for 13 yards on two carries. There is a lot of upside to Kizer. His arm strength is undeniable. He unloaded a 52-yard bomb early in the fourth quarter before firing off a 45-yard game-winning touchdown.

Kizer was the best QB on the field for the Browns Sunday. That is important to note as Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler battle for the starting role. Kizer needs a lot of NFL refining, but he arguably has the most talent of the three QBs in Cleveland. That also gives him the best chance of seeing considerable game action at some point this season. Owners apt to take risks should keep Kizer on their radar.

Watson had a strong NFL debut for the Texans. He completed 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and rushed three times for 24 yards and a touchdown through three quarters of action. Watson continues to show his strength as a versatile QB that can do damage as a runner and passer.

Can Watson be a starter this season? As of now, Bill O’Brien is committed to Tom Savage at the starting position. Still, there is always a good possibility for Watson to take over the role in Houston. Watson offers a lot more flexibility than Savage at the position and the Texans are known for running a QB carousel.

Owners should not draft Watson too early, however, keep an eye on Watson especially in preseason DFS leagues. When the tides shift at QB in Houston he will be a valuable acquisition.

Trubisky showed why he deserved to be the second overall pick in the draft in his first game of NFL action. He threw 18 completions for 166 yards and a touchdown in the Bears’ preseason opener against Denver. Trubisky was very precise with his reads and throws, especially on the run.

Trubisky’s performance really helped his stock with the Bears, but the coaching staff is still committed to Mike Glennon as the starter. While an exceptional talent, Trubisky does not have a lot of experience and had struggled early in camp. The Bears are facing a tough schedule. It is not wise to throw a rookie into the fire like that. No need for owners to jump on the Trubisky bandwagon yet. He will likely be available on the waiver wire in midseason if he moves into the starting lineup.

The Chiefs’ first-round pick was quiet but consistent in his NFL debut. He made some typical rookie mistakes as he threw seven passes for 49 yards and a touchdown.

It is clear Mahomes is the future for Kansas City. He is having a strong camp and looks to have surpassed Tyler Bray on the depth chart. Still, Alex Smith is and will be the starter for Kansas City this season barring injury.