2015 Fantasy Football: Preseason Fantasy Stock – Week 1




With preseason underway, there will be updates daily to this 2015 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock page. Games will be added as I watch them. Adjustments will be made on my 2015 Fantasy Football Rankings accordingly. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.



2015 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2015 Fantasy Football Stock Pages: Preseason Stock Week 1 | Preseason Stock Week 2 | Preseason Stock Week 3 | Preseason Stock Week 4 | Training Camp Stock



2015 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock – Week 1



Colts at Eagles

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Colts
Phillip Dorsett had a mixed performance in the preseason opener, though I’d say it was positive overall in terms of his fantasy outlook. Dorsett, who caught four passes for 51 yards, was involved early, as Andrew Luck targeted him three times during the first two possessions. He struggled a bit with the backups though, as he ran a bad route and then lost a fumble. However, the Colts like Dorsett and plan to use him often, making him a viable fantasy option this season.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Eagles
Now Philadelphia’s No. 1 receiver, Jordan Matthews had a strong preseason debut. He caught two passes for 44 yards, but could have enjoyed a better statistical outing had Mark Sanchez not missed him for a touchdown on the second possession. Matthews’ best play was an impressive, leaping catch for a gain of 18 yards. He’s bound to have a huge year.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.





49ers at Texans

Alfred Blue, RB, Texans
While the quarterback situation is still unclear, Alfred Blue was able to distance himself from the other Houston running backs in the preseason opener. Blue tallied 59 yards on nine carries, with several of his runs being very impressive. He had a 14-yarder in which he made a great cut and exploded through an open lane. Blue also had a 32-yard burst. Granted, he had some great blocking helping him, but he looked pretty good.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers
It’s unclear if Colin Kaepernick will be able to function without Jim Harbaugh. Kaepernick did not get off to a good start in the preseason opener. He completed just one of his three pass attempts for 14 yards. He had an open Torrey Smith way downfield on one of his attempts, but he overshot him by about five yards.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.





Chiefs at Cardinals

Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals
Andre Ellington had a strong preseason debut. He caught a 57-yard pass from Carson Palmer on the initial drive, and it looked like he was going to score before getting tackled at the 5-yard line. It didn’t end up mattering though, as Ellington pounced into the end zone a couple of plays later, converting on a third-and-1 at the goal line. Ellington’s stock has dropped with David Johnson now in the mix, but Johnson hasn’t been able to stay healthy, making Ellington an attractive RB2 option.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.





Buccaneers at Vikings

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
Adrian Peterson didn’t play in Minnesota’s second preseason game, yet he’s going to receive a stock-down arrow because of Phil Loadholt’s season-ending Achilles injury. Loadholt is a tremendous run-blocker, so Peterson won’t have as much running room without his monstrous right tackle.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.




Giants at Bengals

Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals
Tyler Eifert caught two passes in as many drives for 30 yards in his preseason debut. The Cincinnati announcers couldn’t stop talking about how much the Bengals missed Eifert last year, and they were right – Eifert is a very talented tight end who figures to be targeted heavily this season.

Marvin Jones, WR, Bengals
Marvin Jones was a disappointment in his preseason debut. He didn’t play with the first-string offense, and he came up with just one catch for 17 yards while working with the backups. Jones missed some practices, prompting Marvin Lewis to openly criticize him.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Rams at Raiders

Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
Amari Cooper was impressive in his preseason debut. The Rams had trouble covering him; he caught three of the passes thrown his way (22 yards), and he would’ve had a chance at a touchdown if he ran the route correctly. I still think Cooper is going a tad too early in fantasy drafts, but he looked like a stud in his initial NFL action.

Latavius Murray, RB, Raiders
Latavius Murray had an excellent exhibition opener. Murray led the team with 35 yards on just six carries. His big gain was a 17-yarder in which he showed great explosion. The difference between Murray and the slow plodders from last year – Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew – is night and day. Murray looks like a solid fantasy RB2 this year.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Steelers at Jaguars

Julius Thomas, TE, Jaguars
The big news for the Jaguars in the preseason opener was Julius Thomas’ injury. Hit hard by William Gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that) on his first reception, Thomas left the game with what turned out to be a fractured finger. He’ll be out for the rest of the preseason, but figures to be back for the opener. Still, it’s a concern; if Thomas doesn’t heal in time, he obviously won’t be very productive.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Panthers at Bills

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers
There were some negative reports about Kelvin Benjamin and his conditioning this offseason, but the 2014 first-round receiver looked in perfect shape in his preseason debut. He slipped and caused an incompletion on the first drive, but was dominant afterward. He finished with three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, and he also drew a deep pass interference flag on Buffalo’s top cornerback.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Titans at Falcons

Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
Julio Jones was a monster in his preseason debut. He caught four balls for 61 yards and a touchdown – on just a single drive! Jones’ score was a thing of beauty, as he put the breaks on Perrish Cox in the open field and ran into the end zone. Jones is going to have a huge year and is definitely worth consideration at the end of the first round of your fantasy draft.

Bishop Sankey, RB, Titans
Bishop Sankey has been the best running back in Tennessee’s training camp, which is just sad, based on how poorly he played in the preseason opener. Sankey mustered just 15 yards on eight carries. He had a gain of seven, which means his seven other attempts went for just eight yards. On one occasion, Sankey ran sideways on a second-and-1 and turned it into a third-and-3. He didn’t have good blocking, but he didn’t seem to display any sort of talent.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Jets at Lions

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions
I’ve been ranking Joique Bell ahead of Ameer Abdullah, but it might be time for that to change. Abdullah, who by all accounts has enjoyed a strong training camp, was extremely explosive in his preseason debut. He showed nice burst on his runs, and he made a great juke on a defender during his second attempt to pick up a first down. On the next possession, he displayed incredible acceleration after one cut for a gain of 45 yards. It needs to be said that this was against the Jets’ first-string defense, and to top it off, Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate were both off the field on the play, so it’s not like New York was focused on stopping the aerial attack. Abdullah is a legitimate, dynamic talent, and he could be a big producer as a rookie.

Chris Ivory, RB, Jets
The overrated Chris Johnson is gone, so the Jets’ starting running back job belongs solely to Chris Ivory. That’s a good thing, as Ivory had a strong preseason opener. He rushed for 25 yards on just six carries, which included a converted fourth-and-1 try. Ivory ran with great power, appearing poised for a solid 2015 campaign. He’s going a bit later than he should in fantasy drafts.

Golden Tate, WR, Lions
Calvin Johnson did not suit up in the preseason opener as a precaution, so it’s no surprise that Golden Tate had a dominant performance. Tate ran circles around New York’s slow defense, taking both of his catches for 57 yards and a touchdown on his only possession.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Redskins at Browns

Brian Hartline, WR, Browns
Brian Hartline led the team in receiving during the preseason opener, catching three balls for 30 yards. It’s hard to justify drafting him because he provides no upside, but he could end up being a half-decent WR5 in 12-man fantasy leagues. He’s definitely worth rostering in leagues featuring 14-plus teams.

Rob Housler, TE, Browns
Rob Housler continued to struggle. He saw just one target in the preseason opener, and it wasn’t even from Josh McCown. The pass, which was thrown by Johnny Manziel, was knocked away. Housler has zero fantasy relevance.

Niles Paul, TE, Redskins
Niles Paul will be out for the year with a dislocated ankle.

Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins
It goes without saying that Jordan Reed’s stock needs to go up in the wake of Niles Paul’s injury. Unfortunately, for those who already pegged Reed as a Fantasy Football Sleeper, his ADP will rise.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Dolphins at Bears

Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins
It’s hard to say if Miami’s blocking was that good, or if Chicago’s run defense was that bad, but Lamar Miller was able to turn three carries into 32 yards in the preseason opener. His numbers could’ve been even better, as he had an 8-yard scamper wiped out by a hold. Miller wasn’t on the field for the team’s goal-line package, but he never reentered the game after that time, so Joe Philbin could have just wanted him done for the evening.

Eddie Royal, WR, Bears
With Alshon Jeffery out for the preseason opener, Eddie Royal was Jay Cutler’s favorite target. Half of Cutler’s pass attempts were fired in Royal’s direction. Royal came up with two catches for 19 yards. He had a miscommunication with Cutler, but was otherwise solid. Remember, he played with Cutler in Denver when he was at his best, and it’s also worth pointing out that the Chicago TV announcers said that Cutler and Royal developed a great rapport in training camp.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Cowboys at Chargers

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
We didn’t see much from Melvin Gordon in the preseason opener. The rookie running back carried the ball six times, but gained just 11 yards. It was far from an impressive effort, but it’s not like he had much help. For example, he was hit in the backfield on his first carry, broke a tackle, but yet was still dragged down for a loss of a yard. The reason why I’m giving Gordon a down arrow this week is because he was removed on third down in favor of Danny Woodhead, who scored a touchdown from eight yards out, vulturing a score from Gordon. The Wisconsin product will start, but if the Chargers are behind, Woodhead will see the field often.

Danny Woodhead, RB, Cowboys
Danny Woodhead carried the ball just once in the preseason opener, but scored an 8-yard touchdown. It’s clear that San Diego plans on using Woodhead as its third-down running back, as the team doesn’t trust Gordon enough yet to be in that role. Woodhead showed no signs of injury, making him an appealing late-round option in PPR formats.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Saints at Ravens

Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints
Brandin Cooks caught one pass – a 28-yard touchdown – in the preseason opener. Cooks also nearly had a second score a bit earlier; he managed to snatch a deep pass and run into the end zone, but he was flagged for illegal touching because the defender pushed him out of bounds beforehand. Cooks’ score came on a short pass that he caught in space. He then sprinted into the end zone. Cooks looks primed for a big year.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Packers at Patriots

Davante Adams, WR, Packers
Davante Adams saw more targets than any other Packer receiver in the preseason opener. He caught only three of the six balls that came his way for 17 yards, but it’s still a positive that he was so heavily involved on offense. Aaron Rodgers targeted him twice in the end zone, so Adams was very close to having a huge outing.

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
It wasn’t quite clear whether Tom Brady would play or not in the preseason opener, given that he’s been busy with the Deflategate proceedings, but he took the field for two drives. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Brady didn’t quite look like himself, albeit in limited action. Brady’s first pass, which was targeted for Josh Boyce, sailed on him. I’m actually not joking when I say this, but it looked like Brady was shocked that there was so much air in the ball. Brady went just 1-of-4 for 10 yards. He was victimized by a Boyce drop, but his other two incompletions were pretty ugly. He didn’t look like himself, but the preseason is still young, and Rob Gronkowski and several of the other starters didn’t play.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


Steelers vs. Vikings

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater’s preferred target in the Hall of Fame Game was Kyle Rudolph, who hauled in both of his targets on the first team’s only offensive drive. Rudolph’s two receptions went for 22 yards. Now completely healthy for a change, Rudolph could be in for a big fantasy season. His ADP is currently 13.01, which is ridiculously low. I’d have no problem taking him in the 12th frame if I happen to miss out on some of the big names. Bridgewater is going to target Rudolph a lot this season – assuming, of course, that Rudolph stays healthy.

Shaun Suisham, K, Steelers
Bad news for the Steelers: Kicker Shaun Suisham suffered what potentially looks like a horrible knee injury. Check back for updates.

For more on this game, go to the 2015 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.


2015 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2015 Fantasy Football Stock Pages: Preseason Stock Week 1 | Preseason Stock Week 2 | Preseason Stock Week 3 | Preseason Stock Week 4 | Training Camp Stock


Be sure to check out my other 2015 Fantasy Football articles, which will include mock drafts, rankings, sleepers, busts, cheat sheets and other things.






More 2015 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings

2015 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Flex Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/27 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/27 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/14 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/14 (Walt)



2015 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 9/3 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/27 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/20 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/13 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Experts Draft - 8/11 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/7 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/6 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/31 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/23 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft (2-QB) - 7/15 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Mock Draft (PPR) - 7/6 (Chet)



2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/10 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/10 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Top 200 Rankings - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's 2015 Fantasy Football Positional Cheat Sheet - 9/4 (Chet)
Chet Gresham's 2015 Fantasy Football Overall Cheat Sheet - 9/4 (Chet)

2015 Fantasy Football Articles:
2015 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/10 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Tight End Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/9 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/8 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/8 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Running Back Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/7 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Quarterback Matchup Chart: Week 1 - 9/6 (Chet)
2015 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Quarterback Targets - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/4 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Goal-Line Running Backs - 9/3 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football News - 9/1 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football: Better Than ADP - 8/31 (Chet)
Daily Fantasy Football: Running Backs - 8/27 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football: Late-Round Running Back Fliers - 8/24 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Fallout: Jordy Nelson Injury - 8/24 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Players to Target - 8/22 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 8/22 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/20 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: The Perfect Draft - 8/20 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Players to Avoid: LeSean McCoy - 8/18 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Values: Wide Receivers - 8/14 (Chet)
Daily Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers - 7/29 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Brian Quick - 7/22 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Eli Manning - 7/17 (Walt)
Daily Fantasy Football: A Primer - 7/10 (Chet)
2015 Fantasy Football Value Profile: Jarvis Landry - 7/7 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Offseason Stock Report: Up - 5/15 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Offseason Stock Report: Down - 5/15 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/17 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Overdrafted Players - 2/15 (Walt)
2015 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/15 (Walt)






2024 NFL Mock Draft - March 26


NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19


NFL Picks - Feb. 12