2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Takeaway: Feeling better about Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas

Sometimes it’s the situation around a receiver that makes Fantasy owners a little jittery.

Last year we saw Dez Bryant‘s numbers falter when he didn’t have Tony Romo and we watched Demaryius Thomas crater into a bad-hands man with a sub-optimal passer (what was his name again?). Romo is back this season … for now … so no one’s too concerned about Bryant. But between Thomas’ struggles in 2015 and the prospect of Mark Sanchez serving as his quarterback to begin this year, Fantasy owners are a little nervous.

Both should have eased fears following the first week of the preseason.

Dez Bryant WR / Dallas Cowboys (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 2	YDS: 28	TD: 1

Bryant, playing without Tony Romo, caught two sweet passes from rookie Dak Prescott. The first reception, in single coverage against Coty Sensabaugh, was supposed to be a back-shoulder grab but the pass was a little high. Bryant adjusted to it, snared it and got his feet in before getting collapsed to the ground. That same drive ended when Prescott threw a high lob for Bryant to reel in over Sensabaugh at the front-left pylon.

The two plays proved Bryant looks great and is playing like a dominating receiver, and Prescott’s overall play proved that Bryant’s numbers should be all right even if Romo misses playing time. If this keeps up, would it be wrong to consider Dez a Top 5 Fantasy receiver?

Thomas is a long way from the days of being a Top 5 Fantasy receiver, something that should continue so long as he has to deal with shoddy quarterback play. But Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian weren’t total nightmares under center for the Broncos. Both stuck with a high-percentage passing attack, which is typical in Kubiak’s offense. So long as they manage their mistakes, they’ll be in a position to help the receivers make plays, particularly after the catch.

Against the Bears, Sanchez recognized he had Thomas in single coverage on a go-route. It looked like he predetermined his throw to Thomas on the right sideline, but luckily, Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan guessed wrong on the route. Not that it wouldn’t have connected anyway if Callahan played it right — it was still a deep lob to Demaryius Thomas, and those often go Thomas’ way. It was almost a relief Sanchez looked as good as he did.

Thomas’ Fantasy stock isn’t on the move but at the very least Fantasy owners should be comfortable taking him as a No. 2 option.

Doug Baldwin WR / Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 2	YDS: 23	TD: 0

Tyler Lockett WR / Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 1	YDS: 11	TD: 0

Baldwin looked like he was in midseason form with Russell Wilson. Right from the start of the game, Baldwin was a primary target, often cutting his route right when Wilson was throwing to him. That kind of rhythm is impressive and should help Fantasy owners feel better about drafting him after 50th overall. Lockett isn’t going as soon but if he shows more good stuff like he did against the Chiefs then he will. Stride for stride with Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper, Lockett leaped high for a Wilson pass and made the grab for a first down. Lockett might be 5-foot-10 but if he plays bigger than that he’ll be awesome for Fantasy. The Round 6 hype is real. Also of note: Six of Seattle’s first 10 plays were passes. Perhaps it’s a sign they’ll throw more.

Tajae Sharpe WR / Tennessee Titans (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 2	YDS: 35	TD: 0

Maybe the Titans aren’t blowing smoke when it comes to Sharpe. All offseason long it felt like the rookie was more of a motivational tool for Titans coaches to get guys like Dorial Green-Beckham to step up their games. But as it turns out, the rookie is good! The Titans’ second play of the game involved a throw from Marcus Mariota through a tight window down the left sideline right on the money to Sharpe, who hauled in the pass just before taking a big hit from a Chargers defensive back. Sharpe’s second reception was on a crossing pattern for just a few yards, but it showed he’s willing to go over the middle and be used as more than a downfield threat. The Titans desperately need receiver help and Fantasy owners are always on the lookout for late-round receivers. Sharpe seems to be accomplishing both of those needs.

Willie Snead WR / New Orleans Saints (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 1	YDS: 22	TD: 0

Michael Thomas WR / New Orleans Saints (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 4	YDS: 67	TD: 0

Brandin Cooks is going to be the Saints most explosive and productive receiver but do not lose sight of Snead or Thomas. Snead looked like he put on some good muscle this offseason but still moved well as a short- and mid-range receiver. Thomas made some circus catches against the Patriots and definitely lived up to the hype. Some are concerned that there won’t be enough targets to go around but last year Saints receivers not named Cooks totaled 222 passes from Drew Brees. Bank on the majority of those attempts to get split between Snead and Thomas, giving both some appeal. If Snead has an edge it’s in experience and chemistry with Brees. He’s worth a pick in Round 9 or later with Thomas a couple of rounds behind.

Kevin White WR / Chicago Bears (Preseason Week 1)

REC: 1	YDS: 3	TD: 0

We’ve waited over a year for White to play in Chicago. How did he look? Big. Strong. He only caught the one pass but on multiple occasions he was a willing (and good) blocker and flashed quick acceleration off the snap. He lined up exclusively along the outside and even mixed in a crossing route. His blazing speed wasn’t on display but he only played two series. Hopefully he’ll play more against the Patriots and earn the reputation he’s been given as a Round 8 pick.

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