The 7 Most Important Items From Our Third Preseason Report

Ignore these developments at your fantasy team's own risk.

Sigmund Bloom's The 7 Most Important Items From Our Third Preseason Report Sigmund Bloom Published 08/25/2026

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect fantasy football

From Our Cleveland Browns Report

Deshaun Watson was named the Week 1 starter Monday, with Todd Monken proving he meant it when he said the press conference fallout would not factor into the decision.

First-round rookie KC Concepcion was outstanding in the joint practice with the Bills and looks like a Week 1 starter who could see heavy target volume in the slot.

Why It's Important: Watson has different "strengths" than Shedeur Sanders. Watson might not play well enough to keep the job, but it's hard to use that to predict how long he'll be the starter because he didn't play well enough in the preseason to win the job either. Despite talk that the team would use him more as a runner, he's still just a desperation play in superflex leagues and useless in 1QB leagues, but we can at least project the Browns offense now. Concepcion has emerged as a slot machine that should mesh well with Watson's penchant for throwing short and safe. Harold Fannin Jr. was expected to be a frequent target in the short passing game, but Concepcion could overshadow him.

What Should You Do?: Concepcion is worth considering as early as the 9th or 10th round in PPR leagues. Keke Coutee set the record for catches in a debut with Watson at quarterback, and Hunter Renfrow rose to prominence as Watson's slot receiver. Fannin isn't as attractive as a mid-round TE1 unless his ADP drops now that he'll share with Concepcion.

From Our Detroit Lions Report

Sam LaPorta's hip injury could threaten his availability for Week 1 and potentially beyond, with Dan Campbell saying, "I feel like we'll be okay, but I don't know."

Why It's Important: LaPorta was coming back from season-ending back surgery and now could be sidelined for Week 1 with a hip injury that "flared up a little bit, it's a little aggravated" per head coach Dan Campbell.  While Campbell had said that he wasn't sure if the injury would linger into the regular season, LaPorta took part in individual and team drills on Tuesday.  

What Should You Do?: Avoid LaPorta at ADP. He would need to fall past George Kittle (who was activated from the PUP list, but still may miss Week 1) and Dalton Kincaid (who is having the healthiest camp and offseason of his career) for you to consider him. Jameson Williams' ceiling goes up for any games that LaPorta misses, making him a more attractive pick at his fifth-round ADP.

From Our Indianapolis Colts Report

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a 100% FREE Insider account.

By signing up and providing us with your email address, you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive emails from Footballguys.
Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Sigmund Bloom

 

Industry Experts Poll: Most Overrated Quarterback

Sigmund Bloom

Which quarterback is the most overrated in drafts, according to Fantasy Football Experts?

09/06/26 Read More
 

Industry Experts Poll: Most Overrated Running Back

Sigmund Bloom

Which running back is the most overrated in drafts, according to Fantasy Football Experts?

09/06/26 Read More
 

Industry Experts Poll: Most Overrated Wide Receiver

Sigmund Bloom

Which wide receiver is the most underrated in drafts, according to Fantasy Football Experts?

09/06/26 Read More
 

Industry Experts Poll: Most Overrated Tight End

Sigmund Bloom

Which tight end is the most overrated in drafts, according to Fantasy Football Experts?

09/06/26 Read More
 

Industry Experts Poll: Most Overrated Rookie

Sigmund Bloom

Which rookie is the most overrated in drafts, according to Fantasy Football Experts?

09/06/26 Read More
 

The Inaugural Industry Experts Poll

Sigmund Bloom

We polled 45 experts across the internet to get their opinions on 13 questions. Here are the results.

09/06/26 Read More