Key takeaways and fantasy football analysis from Week 3 of the NFL preseason.
Consensus ADP source: FantasyPros.
Thursday games
Bernard worth drafting
The Bills didn't play anyone of note, but the Steelers let Germie Bernard get a little action. The second-round rookie took his only reception to the house on a 13-yard catch-and-run. Bernard, who also had four grabs for 51 yards in his preseason debut, should operate as Pittsburgh's third wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., neither of whom played in preseason.
Even if Roman Wilson, who didn't play Thursday night, is ahead on the depth chart, Bernard should still be drafted in deeper formats because of his unknown upside. The Alabama product is being drafted as WR87, which is basically free.
Washington's stock continues to rise
With Ashton Jeanty nursing an ankle injury, all eyes were on rookie Mike Washington Jr., who showed out for a third straight preseason game. Washington handled eight carries for 49 yards (6.1-yard average) and also received a target out of the backfield. He finished his preseason averaging 7.3 yards per carry, making it hard for the Raiders to completely remove him from the game plan, even if Jeanty is healthy for Week 1.
Washington's ADP has skyrocketed to RB42 and will continue to climb after Thursday's outing. He's a must-draft for anyone with Jeanty on their roster and is worth a gamble in the 11th round given Jeanty's uncertain return date.
CMC's backup
Kaelon Black started again for the 49ers, cementing his status as Christian McCaffrey's backup. Hopefully, Black won't become a fantasy player to rely on this season, but McCaffrey is now 30 years old and had 450 touches last year, including the playoffs. Black will be one of the most important handcuff stashes this season.
Herbert ➡️ QJ
The Chargers briefly played their starters in their meeting with the Rams, and Justin Herbert put on a display during his limited work. He connected with Quentin Johnston on a beautifully thrown 65-yard touchdown pass - a play that'll certainly get Los Angeles offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel giddy about his new weapons.
The hype around the Chargers is through the roof with McDaniel in town. Omarion Hampton is being picked in the second round, Ladd McConkey in the fourth, Herbert in the seventh, and Johnston in the 10th. Those ADPs may all look like bargains if the offense is as explosive as some believe.
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