With preseason underway, there will be updates daily to this 2018 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock page. Games will be added as I watch them. Adjustments will be made on my 2018 Fantasy Football Rankings accordingly. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2018 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Pages: Preseason Stock Week 1 | Preseason Stock Week 2 | Preseason Stock Week 3 | Preseason Stock Week 4 | Training Camp Stock
2018 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock – Week 1
Chargers at Cardinals
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers 
Melvin Gordon looked good in his 2018 debut. He gained 16 yards on five carries, but ran with great speed. On one instance, he showed tremendous balance when he spun away from a defender after catching a screen pass. Gordon should have a strong season.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Vikings at Broncos
Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings We only saw one drive from the Minnesota offense, but it looked like Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs were on the same page in the preseason opener. Diggs caught all three of the passes thrown to him, including a 28-yarder where he made a ridiculous catch. I like Diggs more than Adam Thielen this year; Diggs is more talented, and Cousins and Thielen may not have the same chemistry that Case Keenum and Thielen possessed.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Lions at Raiders
Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions Kerryon Johnson was spectacular in his preseason debut. He broke countess tackles throughout the evening, gaining 34 yards on seven carries, all while catching four passes for 33 receiving yards. Not included in those numbers is a 57-yard run in the third quarter that was negated by a very questionable holding call by rookie lineman Tyrell Crosby. Had the play stood, Johnson would’ve accumulated 124 total yards on just 12 touches. If you’re looking for the next Alvin Kamara, it could easily be the talented Johnson. Unfortunately, Johnson’s ADP isn’t nearly as low as Kamara’s was last year; his ADP is currently at 6.08, and it’ll soar after this performance.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Raiders Marshawn Lynch exploded for a 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the preseason opener. He burst through the hole and showed great acceleration. It didn’t count, however, because rookie left tackle Kolton Miller was called for a hold. The penalty was legitimate, but Lynch still would’ve had the gain regardless; the hold was completely unnecessary. Still, the take-away is that Lynch has plenty of explosion and seems like a relatively safe bet to be productive this year.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Falcons at Jets
Neal Sterling, TE, Jets The Jets announcers spent lots of time talking up tight end Neal Sterling during the preseason opener. A 2015 seventh-round pick, Sterling was described as a “matchup nightmare.” Sterling certainly looked good, as he caught four of his five targets for 38 yards. With Austin Seferian-Jenkins gone, Sterling definitely has some upside, and you could find worse options in the late rounds of your fantasy draft if you want a backup tight end with upside.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Steelers at Eagles
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles Dallas Goedert had some nice moments in his NFL debut, catching four of five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. His first reception was off a play-action bootleg, as he was able to get wide open for a gain of 26 yards. Goedert made his lone mistake of the night after that, dropping a routine 5-yard reception because he turned his head too soon to begin running. However, Goedert made up for it afterward, scoring a touchdown on a nice adjustment when Nate Sudfeld began scrambling. If Zach Ertz were ever to get injured, the impressive Goedert would likely post TE1-caliber numbers.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Colts at Seahawks
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts 
Andrew Luck threw the ball in live action for the first time since December 2016 in his preseason debut at Seattle. Luck led the Colts on a scoring drive that culminated in a field goal to start the game. He went 6-of-9 for 64 yards. However, Luck threw mostly short passes and didn’t put himself in a position where he needed to use his arm strength; even his fourth-down conversion was a short toss to Robert Turbin. There was one exception where Luck tried to complete a pass that needed velocity, but cornerback Justin Coleman broke up a possible completion. I wouldn’t hit the panic button on Luck yet, as he may have been just taking it easy in his first return to live action, but I need to see his arm strength at some point this August before I invest a fantasy pick on him in the first eight rounds. It’s worth noting, however, that Luck took a hit to the shoulder on a third-down scramble on his second of two possessions, but got up and didn’t look like he was in pain at all.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks Chris Carson was the starting running back for the Seahawks in the preseason opener, but Rashaad Penny was mixed in throughout the evening, including the opening drive. Carson looked like the better runner, gaining 26 yards on just four carries, while Penny mustered 16 yards on eight tries. Penny is currently being overdrafted at his 5.01 ADP. He could eventually overtake Carson as the starter, but it’s Carson’s job for now.
Nick Vannett, TE, Seahawks With Doug Baldwin out, Russell Wilson targeted tight end Nick Vannett thrice on one drive in Seattle’s initial preseason game, connecting twice for 20 yards and a touchdown. Vannett is a good blocker, and now he’s showing that he can be a factor in the passing game. If you’re looking for a TE2 with upside in the late rounds, definitely consider Vannett.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Buccaneers at Dolphins
Peyton Barber, RB, Buccaneers Peyton Barber started at running back over Ronald Jones in the exhibition opener. Barber was better, rushing for 21 yards and a touchdown on just four attempts. Ronald Jones was mixed in, but mustered just nine yards on eight runs. He scored a touchdown, but couldn’t do much because of poor blocking. There was one occasion in which he spun out of a Jerome Baker tackle, just to get back to the line of scrimmage. It seems clear that Barber is Tampa’s starting running back, though that could change.
Kenyan Drake, RB, Dolphins Running back Kenyan Drake saw most of the first-team work, and he only left the field to take a breather. Drake looked good, rushing for 16 yards on just three carries. His longest gain, a 10-yarder, featured a nice cut on a third-and-11 draw. He followed that up by converting a fourth-and-1 try. Drake seems like a quality pick in Rounds 4-5 of 12-team leagues.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins If DeVante Parker wasn’t announced as a starter by the Dolphins’ television network, I wouldn’t have known he was even on the field. Tannehill didn’t target him at all in the preseason debut. It seemed as though Tannehill preferred to throw to Danny Amendola and Kenny Stills instead. I expect Parker to disappoint once again this year.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Rams at Ravens
Alex Collins, RB, Ravens The Baltimore announcing team hyped up Alex Collins because of Collins’ high Pro Football Focus rating, and he didn’t disappoint them in his preseason debut. Collins finished with 26 yards on two carries, but had an 8-yard burst negated by a chop block. His big run, a 23-yarder, was aided by nice downfield blocking by rookie tight end Hayden Hurst. Collins’ production will see a boost because of Hayden’s blocking, so he could be in for a nice season.
Michael Crabtree, WR, Ravens Michael Crabtree led the Ravens starters with three targets in his Baltimore debut, though he caught just one pass for 30 yards. He dropped a ball as well. Still, it’s nice for Crabtree’s fantasy outlook that Joe Flacco is targeting him more than anyone else.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Cowboys at 49ers
Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys Third-round rookie receiver Michael Gallup has a huge opportunity to make a big splash this year, given the dearth of receiving talent the Cowboys have on their roster. Gallup saw three targets in his preseason debut, though just one from Dak Prescott on the starting quarterback’s lone drive. Gallup snatched that target for what turned out to be a 30-yard touchdown. Gallup is worth it at his 13.08 ADP because he could be Dallas’ No. 1 receiver.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, 49ers Jerick McKinnon didn’t have a very encouraging preseason debut for the 49ers. He was on the field for one drive, but had absolutely no running room. McKinnon was given three carries, but lost four yards in the process. His one positive play was a 7-yard reception on what was Jimmy Garoppolo’s final throw. McKinnon is being overdrafted in the second round.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Bears at Bengals
Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals Joe Mixon played just one drive in his 2018 debut, but he made it count. Mixon caught a pass, stiff-armed the first defender, spun away from the second and then ran into the end zone for a 24-yard receiving touchdown. Mixon otherwise rushed for nine yards on three carries. Mixon, who is in great shape, should have a huge year behind an improved offensive line.
Kevin White, WR, Bears Kevin White had a rough 2018 debut. He dropped a ball, but was bailed out by a roughing-the-passer penalty, so it technically didn’t count. Mitchell Trubisky fired passes thrice in White’s direction, but White couldn’t come up with a single reception.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Panthers at Bills
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Bills Kelvin Benjamin made some nice plays in his preseason debut. He hauled in a diving catch to convert a third-and-5 when Nathan Peterman rolled out of the pocket, under pressure. He then hauled in a deep fade pass for a touchdown. Benjamin caught all four of his targets for 59 yards and the score. Despite some sketchy quarterbacking, Benjamin looks like he’s going to have a strong season.
D.J. Moore, WR, Panthers First-round rookie receiver D.J. Moore played the entire game in his preseason debut. He saw targets from both Cam Newton and the third-string quarterback. Newton threw a pass his way on the opening drive, but Shaq Lawson batted the ball down. Moore then caught an 8-yard pass from Newton, but that was negated by a Devin Funchess hold. Moore made up for it by dodging defenders on a 32-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Moore finished with four catches for 75 yards.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
Browns at Giants
Antonio Callaway, WR, Browns Fourth-round rookie Antonio Callaway had a nice second-half performance in the exhibition opener. He struggled early, but things turned around for him when he made a great diving catch for a 24-yard gain, which featured him impressively tapping his feet inbounds as he fell out of play. Callaway then scored on a 54-yard slant, breaking away from his defender quite easily. Callaway finished with three catches for 87 yards and a score. Unfortunately, a dark marijuana cloud hangs over him, as he could be suspended because that drug was found in his car.
Rashard Higgins, WR, Browns Rashard Higgins created a buzz in training camp, but I wanted to see him translate that to live action. That certainly happened, as Higgins caught four passes for 66 yards in his preseason debut. He saw two targets from Tyrod Taylor, so half of his catches came from each quarterback. The announcers of the Browns-Giants game called Higgins the “master of the back-shoulder throw,” as he made multiple such catches. On one instance, Higgins turned Giants cornerback Eli Apple around and caught a back-shoulder pass for a big gain. Higgins may have entered late-round sleeper range, especially in the wake of Josh Gordon’s absence.
For more on this game, go to the 2018 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Notes. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2018 Preseason Notes: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
2018 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 2018 Fantasy Football articles, which will include mock drafts, rankings, sleepers, busts, cheat sheets and other things.
More 2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/21 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/18 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 9/1 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/30 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/27 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/23 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/22 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/16 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/9 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/2 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/1 (Chet)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 7/26 (Walt)
Fantasy Football 2-QB Dynasty Draft - 5/25 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Mid-Round Values - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason Games - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Notes - 8/31 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Quarterback Preseason Targets Tracker - 8/30 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football D/ST Drafting - 8/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/15 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Quarterbacks - 8/15 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends to Target - 8/9 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football - PPR Draft Strategy: Rounds 1 and 2 - 7/27 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Doug Baldwin's Value - 7/25 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Chris Hogan's Value - 7/18 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Alvin Kamara's Value - 7/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Tight Ends - 7/11 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Wide Receivers - 7/6 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Running Backs - 7/5 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Quarterbacks - 7/4 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends Better Than ADP - 6/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers Better Than ADP - 6/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Target Shares - 6/22 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Points Per Game - 6/13 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 6/2
2018 Fantasy Football Value Players - 5/25 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Quarterback Look-Back - 1/28 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with the Most Carries - 1/28 (Walt)
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
