As with most seasons in recent memory, the NFC South enters this preseason with several question marks revolving around key players.
Almost every fantasy football manager will want to take a chance on one of these high-risk, high-reward options.
Who Are the Top Fantasy Players To Watch in the NFC South This Preseason?
Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
There’s no concern over Kyle Pitts’ role in the offense. This is about his ability to perform.
Pitts has been hyped to the moon each of the past two seasons and has thoroughly underwhelmed. Given the reports that Pitts wasn’t fully healthy last season, if Pitts does play in the preseason, we want to see what he looks like running routes. Are his cuts sharper? Is he faster? Can he get open?
If Pitts looks like the guy we saw as a rookie, that would not only make fantasy managers more bullish on him this season but also likely spike his ADP.
Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young
Given his performance as a rookie, it would be a surprise if Bryce Young didn’t see meaningful action in the preseason. There are a couple of other players of interest on this team, particularly rookie WR Xavier Legette and rookie RB Jonathon Brooks. However, this team is going to fail or succeed based on how much of a step forward Young takes.
We all watched Young play last year. It wasn’t pretty. What we’re looking for in the preseason are noticeable signs of progress. Is he making better decisions? Are his throws accurate? Does he look comfortable in the pocket? If Young does look a lot better, that should give fantasy managers a lot more confidence to draft Panthers skill position players.
New Orleans Saints: RB Kendre Miller
It feels wrong to say this, but time is running out for Kendre Miller. Despite him only being in his second season, his coaches are getting frustrated with his inability to stay on the field.
The Saints very much want Miller to seize the lead rusher role, allowing them to take some of the pressure off of the declining Alvin Kamara. So far, Miller hasn’t been able to do so. The preseason will be his chance to show he’s improved.
I’d be lying if I said I was optimistic. But regardless, we definitely want to see what Miller can do.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bucky Irving
Rachaad White was fed massive volume last year, despite being one of the least efficient runners in the league. Perhaps the Bucs wanted to ease his workload but just didn’t have the personnel.
This year, the Bucs drafted Bucky Irving, who should immediately become the team’s RB2 behind White. If Irving can play well, he could eat into White’s workload.
Volume is what made White valuable. This is something fantasy managers really need to be mindful of. If Irving is going to handle 8-10 carries a game, that will lower White’s upside; if Irving is the goal-line back, that might make White undraftable at his ADP.