With preseason underway, there will be updates daily to this 2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock page. Games will be added as I watch them. Adjustments will be made on my 2016 Fantasy Football Rankings accordingly. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2016 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2016 Fantasy Football Stock Pages: Preseason Stock Week 1 | Preseason Stock Week 2 | Preseason Stock Week 3 | Preseason Stock Week 4 | Training Camp Stock
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock – Week 1
Texans at 49ers
Bruce Ellington, WR, 49ers 
Bruce Ellington had a ton of hype entering the preseason opener, but he saw just one target from Blaine Gabbert. A lot of that was Gabbert’s fault, but it’s not like Ellington is suddenly going to have a better quarterback throwing the ball to him at some point this year.
Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers Carlos Hyde had a rough preseason debut. He managed to sprint for a 22-yard run, but didn’t do much else. His other four carries went for five total yards, and he also lost a fumble that was returned by John Simon for a touchdown. Hyde also showed no chemistry with Blaine Gabbert, as the beleaguered quarterback missed him on routine throws.
Braxton Miller, WR, Texans 
Rookie Braxton Miller played most of the first preseason game – he was on the field with the first-stringers and also with the reserves in the third quarter – and his best play was a diving, 24-yard reception along the sideline from Tom Savage. Miller shouldn’t be drafted – at least not yet – but he’s someone to monitor for now, as he led all the starters in targets with three.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Chargers at Titans
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers Melvin Gordon started the preseason opener despite undergoing microfracture knee surgery in the offseason, and he appeared to be completely healthy. Gordon gained 12 yards on three carries, showing some nice burst. He also had a 44-yard receiving touchdown on a screen pass, thanks to a blown assignment by the defense. If Gordon stays healthy, he can be a solid RB2 this year. The concern is his knee, so he definitely comes with some risk. Still, this game was a positive development.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys DeMarco Murray rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown on just six carries in the preseason opener. This was highlighted by Murray’s 71-yard burst toward the end of the opening quarter. It needs to be noted that Murray did this with his first-string offensive line versus San Diego’s backup defense. However, I’m still going to give Murray a stock-up arrow because he looked good against the San Diego No. 1 unit as well; Murray’s first carry was a 15-yard pitch. Now in an offense that fits his skill set, Murray is poised to rebound. It’s also important to note that Murray received all of the carries, and Derrick Henry didn’t get a touch until Murray left the game.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, Titans Rookie receiver Tajae Sharpe led the starters in targets from Marcus Mariota in the preseason opener, catching both of them for 35 yards. Sharpe, who has been solid in OTAs and training camp, could be a decent contributor for Tennessee this year. His solid route-running definitely gives him a chance. Unfortunately, he left the game early with a concussion.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Cowboys at Rams
Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams Someone new who will be appearing in my Fantasy Football Sleepers list is fourth-round rookie tight end Tyler Higbee. The Western Kentucky product is a big, athletic talent who dropped in the draft because of character concerns. Higbee dominated the preseason opener, catching five balls for 49 yards. The Rams don’t have much on offense, so Higbee could contribute right away.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Colts at Bills
Josh Ferguson, RB, Colts Rookie running back Josh Ferguson didn’t impress in the preseason opener. He mustered only three yards on eight carries. I’ll still consider him in the late rounds for now, given Frank Gore’s age, but I’m less excited about him right now. He didn’t look like anything special.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills LeSean McCoy certainly got off to a strong start to his 2016 campaign. He made a great cut on his only carry of the night, picking up nine yards. He also caught a 2-yard pass. McCoy appears to be in great shape, and he could definitely finish as a top-five fantasy running back this year.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Seahawks at Chiefs
Christine Michael, RB, Seahawks Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise were both out of the preseason opener. Christine Michael was given the opportunity to start, and he made the most of it. He opened with a quick burst to get nine yards, ultimately gaining 27 yards on four carries with the starters. Michael, who finished with 44 yards on seven tries, appears as though he’s the favorite to be the No. 2 running back, given Prosise’s injury situation. Michael, by all accounts, has enjoyed a terrific training camp thus far, as things have seemingly begun to click for him.
Spencer Ware, RB, Chiefs With no Jamaal Charles, it was a question of whether Spencer Ware or Charcandrick West would start the preseason opener. Ware got the nod and looked good, gaining 24 yards and a touchdown on five carries. West (4-35) also ran well. If you’re looking for a handcuff for Charles – not a bad idea considering that Charles can now be considered injury-prone – I’d go with Ware, but he and West would likely split touches if Charles is unavailable.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Browns at Packers
Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers Aaron Rodgers didn’t play in the preseason opener, so the Packers made sure to feature the running game early and often. They fed the ball to Eddie Lacy on the first four plays of the game, and Lacy gobbled up gains of six, three, 11 and four. Lacy looked much more spry than last year, and he some spicy broken tackles on a couple of his runs. Those were Lacy’s sole carries of the evening, as he slurped up 24 yards on those four attempts. Eager to rebound off his disastrous 2015 campaign, Lacy seems hungry enough to do so this upcoming year, so I wouldn’t have any beef with anyone taking him in the early rounds.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Raiders at Cardinals
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals David Johnson is a freak of nature. He carried the ball just three times in the preseason opener, but made those opportunities count, gaining 31 yards in the process. Johnson showed off some great vision on a gain of eight. On his next try, he displayed terrific speed to break outside and pick up 23 yards. It could be argued that Johnson should be the second running back selected in fantasy leagues this summer. He won’t be sharing his touches. He’s too good.
DeAndre Washington, RB, Raiders Latavius Murray ran well in the preseason opener, gaining 21 yards on four carries. However, rookie DeAndre Washington was more impressive, tallying 39 yards on six tries. Washington’s best run was breath-taking; he made a nice cut and then embarrassed a defender miss with a great juke for a gain of 25 yards. He later caught a pass from Connor Cook and picked up 32 yards, showing off some impressive speed. The Raiders’ coaching staff has expressed frustration with Murray in the past, so this performance by Washington could bode well for his rookie campaign. He’s definitely worth taking in the mid-to-late portions of your draft.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Dolphins at Giants
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins With Arian Foster and Kenyan Drake out, Jay Ajayi started the preseason opener. He had a bad moment, however, when he was nearly responsible for an interception. He dropped a pass, and the ball popped into the hands of a Giants linebacker. The defender had one toe out of bounds, so it wasn’t a turnover. Ajayi was given two carries, but mustered only six yards. He’s being overdrafted at his eighth-round ADP.
Stering Shepard, WR, Giants Despite Eli Manning’s absence in the exhibition opener, Sterling Shepard stood out. The second-round rookie enjoyed a terrific offseason, and that has continued into the preseason. Shepard opened this game with a nice block on a 19-yard gain by Shane Vereen. Shepard then beat coverage and would’ve had a deep touchdown, but Ryan Nassib overthrew him. Shepard finally got on the board with a great diving catch along the sideline for 24 yards. Shepard was able to get open by running a terrific route. That ended up being Shepard’s only reception of the evening, but it’s quite evident that the hype is real. I was bearish on his seventh-round ADP, but I’m beginning to think that he might be worth a pick in that round.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Vikings at Bengals
Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings Stefon Diggs had a bit of a disappointing preseason debut, catching only one pass for eight yards. He was on the field for only two drives, so I wouldn’t take much away from this. However, Diggs did appear to fumble – the Vikings have been concerned about this – but he was ruled down.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Lions at Steelers
Sammie Coates, WR, Steelers No one really stood out for Pittsburgh in a positive fashion during the preseason opener. This includes Sammie Coates, who touched the ball for the first time with 90 seconds remaining in the first half. He bobbled the ball, costing himself an opportunity for yardage. He then picked up a first down, but fumbled. Coates finished with three underwhelming catches for 18 yards. I expected much more from Coates, but perhaps he’ll fare better once Ben Roethlisberger returns to the lineup.
Marvin Jones, WR, Lions Marvin Jones made just one reception in the preseason opener, but he made it count. It was a 16-yarder, and he did a great job of tapping his toes down along the sideline while falling out of bounds. Jones has enjoyed a strong training camp, and this sort of play will only allow Matthew Stafford to have more confidence in his new weapon.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Broncos at Bears
Virgil Green, TE, Broncos Perhaps the only player to improve his fantasy football stock in the Broncos-Bears game was Virgil Green. Mark Sanchez locked in on him early, targeting him thrice on the opening drive. Green caught all three balls for 26 yards. If Sanchez starts, Green might be able to post TE2 numbers.
Jeremy Langford, RB, Bears Chicago’s offensive line didn’t do much in terms of opening running lanes for Jeremy Langford in the preseason opener. Langford mustered just seven yards on four carries. I suspect this might be an issue all year, and I think Langford is being slightly overdrafted at his 4.12 ADP.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Panthers at Ravens
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Ravens The Ravens have multiple potential running back sleepers. Another candidate is fourth-round rookie Kenneth Dixon, who rushed for 44 yards on just nine carries in the preseason opener. Most of Dixon’s yardage came on two scampers. A 19-yarder was the result of great blocking, through Dixon did show off a nice burst. He was better on a 12-yard attempt, muscling through numerous tackles and moving the pile. Dixon is another name to consider late while drafting.
Terrance West, RB, Ravens One of the few offensive players of note for the Ravens during the preseason opener was Terrance West. The sleeper running back has been hyped in training camp, and his great practices translated onto the field. West gained 25 yards on nine carries, scoring twice. West came off the bench in relief of Buck Allen, but looked good, with his best run being a burst of eight yards in which he managed to impressively break tackle. He’s worth looking into late in your draft.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Jaguars at Jets
Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars Blake Bortles was terrific in his first exhibition appearance. Stats aren’t always accurate, but they happen to be the case in this instance. Bortles went 6-of-7 for 105 yards, and the sole incompletion was a dropped touchdown by Julius Thomas. Bortles hit Allen Robinson on numerous occasions with some beautiful back-shoulder throws, and perhaps more importantly, he called three audibles on the opening drive alone. This means that he’s recognizing what the opposing defense is doing, and he did a great job of putting his team in position to have success whenever he did so. Things seem to be clicking mentally for Bortles, which sounds about right because he’s in his third season. He could easily be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, though that depends on how bad his defense is.
Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars Allen Robinson deserves a stock up for his preseason debut. Robinson made some breath-taking receptions. One was a leaping haul along the sideline, and then he snared in a Blake Bortles bomb for 45 yards. Robinson finished with three catches for 80 yards, and all of that occurred in less than a quarter of action. Extrapolate that over a full game, and Robinson would’ve logged at least 12 receptions for 320 yards! Robinson and Bortles look like they have some terrific chemistry, especially in terms of recognizing when back-shoulder throws need to be made. It’s only the preseason, but it looks a lot like what Aaron Rodgers has with Jordy Nelson, except Robinson is a better talent. Robinson will be in the mix as a top-five fantasy receiver.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars Chris Ivory has been drafted prior to T.J. Yeldon in every mock I’ve done this summer, and it’s something that has puzzled me. I thought I might even be going crazy. Well, it turns out that I’m not, as Yeldon started over Ivory in the preseason opener. Ivory was mixed in pretty heavily, but Yeldon was the primary back. In fact, color analyst Mark Brunell called Ivory a “very good complement to T.J. Yeldon.” The one negative with Yeldon is that Ivory received the goal-line work, where he converted one of two tries. However, Yeldon just looked better, gaining 26 yards on four attempts. He broke a tackle on a gain of seven yards and then displayed his great vision on an 8-yard burst. I can’t believe Yeldon’s ADP is currently 8.07 (Jay Ajayi is being drafted earlier!) so I’m going to try to have him on all of my teams this year, especially the ones in PPR formats.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Buccaneers at Eagles
Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles Nelson Agholor looked horrible in his first preseason game. He saw two targets, but couldn’t come up with either one. He dropped a pass, struggled to get open and whiffed on a block that produced a negative play as a result. He shouldn’t be on anyone’s fantasy radar.
Ryan Mathews, RB, Eagles Ryan Mathews was given two carries on his only possession in the preseason opener. He looked good, gaining 15 yards and a touchdown. While Philadelphia’s reserve offensive line struggled, the starting blockers did a great job of pushing around Tampa’s front.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Saints at Patriots
Martellus Bennett, TE, Patriots Martellus Bennett had a strong 2014 campaign, but did nothing last year. It appears as though he’s on track to rebounding, as he looked like he was in fantastic shape in the preseason opener. Jimmy Garoppolo targeted him four times, and Bennett caught three of those passes for 33 yards. Rob Gronkowski didn’t play, but the Patriots are planning on using a two-tight end offense like they did when Aaron Hernandez was still on the team. Bennett is worth picking up late in the draft as a high-end TE2.
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints The Saint player who stood out the most in the preseason debut was Michael Thomas. The second-round rookie looked absolutely amazing – and Drew Brees wasn’t even throwing the ball to him! Thomas caught four passes for 67 yards. Two of those were terrific receptions. He made one for 25 yards while falling out of bounds. Bill Belichick actually reviewed the play, and it stood. Belichick looked stunned that the call wasn’t overturned. Thomas then made a superb diving catch for a gain of 28. He looks like the real deal, and he’s one of my favorite Fantasy Football Sleepers this year.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Redskins at Falcons
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons While Matt Ryan and Julio Jones lasted just one possession, Devonta Freeman inexplicably played into the second quarter of the preseason debut. This was puzzling, to say the least, as he’s the clear-cut starter, and running backs are more prone to injury than other positions. Freeman didn’t fare very well, mustering just nine yards on five carries, most of which came on one 8-yard burst. Freeman also dropped a touchdown pass thrown right to him by Matt Schaub. Perhaps Freeman was just shocked that Schaub’s attempt wasn’t pick-sixed. In all seriousness, Freeman has major bust potential this year, and he’s someone to avoid.
For more on this game, go to the 2016 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2016 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2016 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 2016 Fantasy Football articles, which will include mock drafts, rankings, sleepers, busts, cheat sheets and other things.
More 2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/15 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/15 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/27 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 9/1 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/31 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Real Draft - 8/29 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/25 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB - 8/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/24 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/13 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/11 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/2 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/28 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/21 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Draft - 5/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 8/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
2016 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/4 (Walt)
2016 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Quarterback Targets - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Targets - 8/31 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/31 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Auction Advice - 8/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Daily Fantasy Preseason Week 2 Streaming Options - 8/18 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends - 8/17 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Quarterbacks and Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Training Camp Notes - 8/10 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers to Avoid - 8/6 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Running Backs to Avoid - 8/5 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Notes - 7/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Wide Receiver Targets - 7/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Running Back Targets - 7/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football ADP Values - 7/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: C.J. Anderson Profile - 7/7 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Favorite MFL Players - 6/29 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout: Chip Kelly - 6/23 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Marvin Jones Profile - 6/22 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Devin Funchess Profile - 6/15 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football 2-QB Draft - 6/9 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Beginner's Guide - 6/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Drafting and ADP - 6/3 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Drafting and ADP - 6/1 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Eli Manning Profile - 5/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Jordan Matthews Profile - 5/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rookie Dynasty Draft Wrap-up - 5/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout - 5/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Quarterback Values - 4/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Wide Receiver Values - 4/28 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Tight End Strength of Schedule - 4/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Strength of Schedule - 4/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Strength of Schedule - 4/20 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Strength of Schedule - 4/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 - 2/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Philip Rivers - 2/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback ADP vs. Reality - 2/12 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Marshawn Lynch Retires - 2/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Calvin Johnson Retires - 2/9 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Dynasty - 1/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Tight Ends - 1/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Wide Receivers - 1/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Running Backs - 1/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Quarterbacks - 1/12 (Chet)
NFL Picks - Dec. 11
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
