3 Sneaky Preseason Winners From Week 1
It’s always tricky to know how much to react to preseason usage—especially Week 1—and yet it remains the most valuable data point we have as fantasy players for informing our draft plans.
Dwain did the heavy lifting in his massive, must-read Utilization Report piece from Preseason Week 1, but I wanted to spotlight three veteran usage nuggets that really piqued my interest.
🤔 Marvin Mims: Denver’s WR2? There is a ton of ambiguity behind Courtland Sutton in the Broncos’ WR room, so it was pretty interesting to see Mims play a near full-time role with 82% route participation. He averaged 32% route participation last season. It’s never wise to get comfortable when it comes to how Sean Payton will deploy his pass catchers—let’s not forget that this is the same guy who once gave us long, extended looks at ‘Lil’ Jordan Humphrey’—but I’m buying that there’s some signal here.
Bonus: Troy Franklin (64% route participation; 30% target share) looks to have the inside track as the No. 3 option.
🤷 Travis Etienne Jr.: Not so fast, Bigsby bulls? I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sentiment on a backfield swing so wildly from week to week. Fresh off all the practice reports that declared Tank Bigsby the clear lead back, it was Etienne who played 100% of the snaps with Trevor Lawrence (67% rushing attempts, 14% target share, 88% route participation).
As Dwain notes, this was just a one-drive sample, but it still feels notable to me. I still remain bullish on this entire backfield. At this point, I’m implementing a “min 1 Jags RB” in each draft. They all go after pick 100 and I’m convinced one of them is going to smash ADP.
👀 Chig Okonkwo: The WR2 In Tennessee? Chig logged a 100% route participation with the starters, signaling that he’s going to be a big part of this revamped offense. If you are high on Cam Ward, I can’t imagine not also targeting Okonkwo at these prices (ADP 224.6 on Sleeper). If Ward smashes, Chig will be coming along for the ride—even if Calvin Ridley calls ‘shotgun’ (43% of the targets, 56% of the air yards).
Drop Weight, Raise Trophies
Ready for that championship belt photo shoot? Let’s tighten a few loops with help from our friends at Hims.
Their weight loss treatment plans have delivered an average of 11.7 pounds lost in the first month*—and it’s not just about the drop, it’s about keeping it off with a holistic plan that includes nutrition planning, movement, and more.
Forget beach season. This is belt season. We’re talking photos that get sent to group chats, framed on mantels, and—most importantly—seen by your mortal fantasy enemies.
And we want them to feel it. We’re proud to have Hims as a partner here at Fantasy Life. Their support helps keep this newsletter free, fun, and full of bad trade advice.
If you’ve been wondering when it’s the right time, the time is now—take the first step: fill out a 100% online assessment and start getting ready for a more confident, loop-tightening, belt-flashing version of you.
Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA.
*Based on self-reported data from approximately 1400 Hims customers on a personalized treatment plan including compounded GLP-1 injections, along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Customers reported their weight at their initial medical consultation and their first check-in approximately 4 weeks later. Stopping weight loss treatment has been shown to result in weight regain. Not available in all 50 states. Weight Loss by Hims is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions, including online provider consultation requirements.
Fantasy
Editors’ Picks
With all the football happening all weekend, it’s easy to get behind. We’re here to help. Here are a few articles you might have missed. Also, did you know you can sync your leagues on our website? It’s also never too early to look at our Week 1 rankings. And if you’re into Best Ball, you can upload your teams and follow them on our site.
 | CBS ADP ValuesUse a site’s ADP to your advantage whenever possible. Chris Allen dove into several different players who are now values on their ADP, including some who are coming off down years. |
 | Deep WR SleepersLet’s go deep with Coach Gene Clemons, who broke down five WRs available after pick 150 in most drafts, yet have the opportunity for solid returns. |
 | Late-Round QB WinnersIf you get sniped on the elite quarterbacks, Dwain McFarland does a deep dive on a pair of signal-callers who could be league winners. |
Fantasy
Freedman’s Fades: Passing On Players At Cost
Pass on one of the most prolific and consistent quarterbacks of this decade. ✅
Say adios to the most hyped rookie prospect of this class? Si
Do the Griddy away from one of the best WRs in the game? Yup
It’s time for Freedman’s Fades, where Matthew Freedman runs down the players he’s fading AT COST.
Not that he wouldn’t want them on his roster in real life, but in these players’ cases, the ADP may be a little rich for the Oracle’s ideal roster construction. Besides, it’s too easy to fade low-scoring players. 👇🏼
Fantasy
Double-Tapping QB Early In Superflex Mock Drafts
The beauty of a superflex draft is how it can knock conventional single-QB redraft thinking into next week just in the first round. Yes, we know quarterback early, but this early? Play that game of QB chicken at your own risk.
John Laghezza utilized Draft Champion, presented by Gopuff—our free mock draft simulator—and he admitted that he would not be left without a seat when the music stops during QB musical chairs at the start of his superflex drafts. How did the rest of his roster shake out? ⬇️
Fantasy
Ian’s QB Tiers: Aliens Have Taken Over The Top
What is the difference between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson at the very top of people’s rankings that pushes one across the goal line over the other? And do Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts have arguments to make that could vault them into overall QB1 status? (Yes) And does Joe Burrow have to step up to 2018 Patrick Mahomes levels to get into that QB1 discussion?
Ian Hartitz has dropped his Quarterback Tiers for 2025, going 1 through 36 and offering analysis on how these signal-callers could fare this upcoming season. Why 36 when there are just 32 starting QBs on any given Sunday? How else can we get Jameis Winston in there? ⬇️
Fantasy
Around the Watercooler
The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds.
📺 Matthew appeared on the Tonight Show. Guess which magazine he promoted.
👀 Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart had memorable debuts. Grading the rookie QBs (and more) after Preseason Week 1.
🔮 Normally, TEs have the basketball background … but check this out from Kyle Williams.
📱 Guillotine LeaguesTM are now on the Android app.
🪓 So why not prepare with a Guillotine Leagues mock draft?
🚑️ Uh oh … I’m starting to get concerned about Matthew Stafford.
🐶 Can’t do team pushups in a walking boot, right? THINK AGAIN.
🐬 The Dolphins lose a RB for the year. Scary situation for the veteran.
⬆️⬇️ Stock up on Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren. Stock down on Tyreek Hill.
FantasyLife+Our tiered premium product built upon a suite of fantasy football and sports betting tools. The NEW way to take your game to the next level. | Sync Your LeagueSync your league and get started with customizing all of Fantasy Life's tools, rankings, and projections to your league settings. |