The preseason is over, and many fantasy drafts will be held this weekend. Here’s what you need to know from the last seven days ahead of your fantasy draft and ahead of Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season.
Teddy Bridgewater | Saints QB: After looking fantastic in the preseason, Teddy Bridgewater became a hot commodity. More teams should have been interested in Bridgewater during free agency, but the Jets took advantage by signing the former first-rounder and getting a third-round pick from the Saints a few months later. For Bridgewater, this is an excellent situation, as he instantly becomes the heir apparent to Drew Brees in New Orleans. If anything happened to Brees, Bridgewater would be a potential QB1 option in fantasy. In dynasty leagues, Bridgewater is a strong hold as someone that might take over Sean Payton’s offense in the next few years.
Tyler Lockett | Seahawks WR: There’s already been talk several weeks ago about Tyler Lockett not being close to 100% last season while coming off his broken leg suffered on Christmas Eve 2016. Now, the Seahawks have given the fourth-year receiver a big contract with $20 million guaranteed. Special-team contributions were a factor in the deal, but the Seahawks clearly expect Lockett to be a key part of their offense in 2018.
Doug Baldwin | Seahawks WR: This is a negative headline from the week: Doug Baldwin says his knee will not be at 100% this season. Baldwin says his knee his currently at about 80-85%, and that “it’s something I’ve got to deal with for the rest of the season.” Seattle is not concerned about their No. 1 receiver’s status for Week 1, but it’s not a good sign that he’s clearly less than full strength to start the year.
Carson Wentz | Eagles QB: Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said he might make his decision on the starting quarterback today—but that he might not announce it until 90 minutes before kickoff on Thursday night. This could be a bad sign for Carson Wentz, as actives and inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff, and he has yet to be cleared as far as we know. Wentz’s status might remain a mystery throughout the weekend while many people are drafting their fantasy teams.
Chris Thompson | Redskins RB: Chris Thompson did not play this preseason as he returns from a broken leg suffered last year, but Redskins head coach Jay Gruden says the dynamic running back “looks fantastic” and is “ready to go.” There isn’t any concern about Thompson being out there on September 9 against the Cardinals.