The third game of the NFL preseason is traditionally the “dress rehearsal,” the week when most teams play their starters into the second half. It’s the one time in preseason that most feels like real football, even though we’re still waiting two weeks for the games to start mattering in the schedule. So if you’re looking for final starting lineups and depth charts getting settled, look no further than the third preseason game.
Fantasy football 2017: Quarterback sleepers to watch in preseason Week 3
The third preseason game is when the starters get the most playing time. We look at some fantasy sleeper candidates at quarterback to watch this weekend.
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This is probably the most crucial weekend in fantasy football preparation. After this week’s games, draft season really kicks into gear as owners get their teams set up for the season-long grind ahead. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some potential sleeper candidates to watch at quarterback this week; some final notes to take into your draft room.
Patrick Mahomes is getting all the headlines, and for good reason — he’s showing off all the skills and big arm that made him a first-round pick in the first place. However, let’s not overlook Smith, who seems to be energized by a rookie giving him a serious push. Smith was nearly flawless in last week’s game, completing 8 of 9 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown with the first team.
Smith will have a tougher go against a healthy Seahawks defense on Friday, but Smith is re-establishing his QB2 value in a make-or-break season for his career. If he goes undrafted in your league, he’ll be worth a streaming option most weeks.
Having had a full offseason with the Vikings (as opposed to last year when he had two weeks to cram the playbook), Bradford certainly looks comfortable and in charge of an offense with room to grow. Dalvin Cook looks like the natural successor to Adrian Peterson, while Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen make for a promising receiver duo. Bradford will never be an exciting fantasy player, but if he avoids turnovers he’ll be useful in deeper leagues.
Watson’s second preseason was a big step down from his promising opener, and he hasn’t quite done enough to win the starting job from Savage. The Texans have already confirmed that Savage is the No. 1 QB for now, but he’ll see how long his leash is when he faces the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. Either way, whoever wins the job will be little more than a caretaker for a run-first offense. Watson’s running ability makes him a more appealing fantasy option and worth stashing in dynasty leagues.
