The NFL preseason is filled with more news than ever. If you want to find a reason to move someone up or down in your projections, it's probably out there. The key to accuracy, however, is to lean into the real news while dismissing the noise.
It's a tough task, but here's where my projections have moved recently.
We'll get to the risers, but first, let's go through who's on the way down.
Fallers in the Past Week
QB Anthony Richardson Sr., Indianapolis
Richardson's stock cratered after Daniel Jones was named the Week 1 starter in Indianapolis.
RB Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco
Guerendo's fantasy value declined after suffering a shoulder injury in early August that caused him to miss several weeks of practice and preseason games. His status as McCaffrey's primary handcuff became doubtful after the 49ers acquired Brian Robinson Jr.
RB Roschon Johnson, Chicago
Johnson's absence due to a foot injury has allowed rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai to impress the coaching staff with his extra reps.
RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland
The Browns' second-round pick remains unsigned and away from the team as the NFL investigates a domestic violence incident (charges were dropped), creating uncertainty about his 2025 availability.
RB Joe Mixon, Houston
Mixon's projections have fallen dramatically after the Texans placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list with a foot/ankle injury, guaranteeing he'll miss at least the first four games. There is significant uncertainty about whether he'll play at all this season, with GM Nick Caserio being noncommittal about his return. The primary beneficiaries are Nick Chubb and rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks.
RB Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco
Robinson's fantasy value plummeted after the Commanders traded him to the 49ers for a sixth-round pick, relegating him from a starting role to backing up Christian McCaffrey. His expected touches and scoring opportunities have diminished significantly in San Francisco's backfield hierarchy. The primary beneficiaries are Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee
Spears' projections fell after he suffered a high ankle sprain that landed him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the first four games.
RB Ken Walker III, Seattle
Walker's projections have fallen as foot soreness has severely limited his practice participation throughout training camp. His ongoing availability issues and the emergence of Zach Charbonnet have created a potential timeshare situation.
RB Jaylen Wright, Miami
Wright's fantasy value declined after he suffered a leg injury that will sideline him for at least Week 1. His absence opens the door for a larger role for sixth-round rookie Ollie Gordon II in Miami's backfield.
WR Tyreek Hill, Miami
Hill's fantasy projections have dropped after he's been held out of practices with an oblique injury that head coach Mike McDaniel described as an overuse issue. While the injury isn't expected to sideline him for Week 1, the continued absence from practice and uncertainty around his availability have dampened expectations for his early-season production. The primary beneficiary has been Jaylen Waddle.
WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay
McMillan's fantasy stock crashed after his placement on injured reserve due to a severely sprained neck. He's expected to miss at least the first four games and potentially won't return until after the Buccaneers' Week 9 bye.
WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas
Meyers' fantasy value dropped after he requested a trade following stalled contract negotiations, though the Raiders have refused to accommodate his request. The uncertainty around his commitment has dampened expectations. Amari Cooper, whom the Raiders signed shortly after Meyers' trade request, could modestly depress Meyers' target share.
WR Jalen Nailor, Minnesota
Nailor's fantasy stock has dropped significantly after suffering a hand injury that has him listed as week-to-week, with surgery being a possibility. His injury prompted the Vikings to trade for Adam Thielen.
WR Adam Thielen, Minnesota
Thielen's trade from Carolina to Minnesota represents a significant change in his role and expected production. In Minnesota, he'll compete for targets with established receivers rather than being a primary option.
_png)