Hard Knocks, Pretzels, and Danny Dimes: NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Update
NFL preseason is heating up and fantasy football managers are paying close attention. Because every preseason snap tells a story about depth charts, injury risks, and breakout candidates, this week delivered some genuinely important fantasy football news. Furthermore, Hard Knocks is back, Daniel Jones is somehow still employed, and the Indianapolis Colts invented a concession item that nobody asked for.
This Kid’s Got It — Quinn Ewers and the Fantasy Football Quarterback Race
John Gruden knows quarterbacks. Moreover, when Gruden publicly praises a young quarterback on social media, fantasy football managers should pay attention. Over the weekend Quinn Ewers — Hook ‘Em! — showed exactly why Gruden is high on him. The kid dropped a clutch touchdown late against the Lions, putting the Dolphins up 21-17, and they held on for the win.
Gruden jumped on X to say “Way to bounce back Quinn! 2nd TD of the day!!” Not bad for a young gun trying to prove he belongs in the NFL.
Fantasy football implications: Quinn Ewers is worth a late round flier in deeper fantasy football leagues. Because he’s showing poise under pressure in preseason action, his upside as a streaming quarterback option is real. Furthermore, young quarterbacks who make plays late in games tend to earn their coaching staff’s trust quickly — which means more opportunities and more fantasy points.
Back Up for the Bad Back — Matthew Stafford and the Rams QB Situation
Matthew Stafford’s back is acting up again. Because the Rams are juggling quarterbacks, fantasy managers who drafted Davante Adams or Puka Nacua need to monitor this situation closely before their drafts.
Jimmy G will likely get first crack at the backup role. However Stetson Bennett — yes, the mailman — just delivered 324 yards and 3 touchdowns including the game-winner with five seconds left against the Chargers. The guy did win back-to-back national titles at Georgia in 2021 and 2022, so don’t sleep on him.
Fantasy football implications: If Stafford misses significant time, both Adams and Nacua lose considerable fantasy value. As a result, managers targeting either receiver should wait for clarity on Stafford’s health before reaching for them on draft day. Furthermore, Bennett as a streaming quarterback option in deeper leagues is worth keeping on your radar.
More Like Soft Knocks — Hard Knocks Bills Review
Hard Knocks returned and I watched Episode 1 of the Bills edition so you wouldn’t have to. Once upon a time this show was about grinding, fights at camp, and the heartbreak of getting cut. Because the NFL has gone full Disney, now it’s ice cream runs, Josh Allen living a fairy tale, and Dawson Knox’s wife packing his training camp bag. Cute — but not gritty.
There were some highlights:
- A.J. Epenesa wrangling an 11-foot snake — legend
- Dion Dawkins drifting cars with his kids riding shotgun
But overall? Snoozefest. Bills Mafia deserved better. Moreover, if you’re hoping Hard Knocks gives you fantasy football intel, Episode 1 was light on depth chart information and heavy on lifestyle content.
Fantasy football implications: The Bills offense remains one of the most fantasy-friendly units in the NFL. Because Josh Allen is the engine that drives everything, his receivers and running backs all carry elevated fantasy value regardless of what Hard Knocks shows us.
We Made a Mistake — Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts
The Colts just named Daniel Jones their starting quarterback. Yes, that Daniel Jones. If you’re the 4th overall pick in 2023 — hi Anthony Richardson — and you lose your starting job to Danny Dimes, a guy who got cut midseason and spent the rest of the year on the Vikings practice squad, you might be a bust.
Fantasy football implications: Daniel Jones is not a fantasy football starter in any format. As a result avoid Colts skill players until there is clarity on the quarterback situation. Furthermore, Anthony Richardson’s fantasy value — which was enormous based on his dual-threat upside — takes a significant hit if he’s truly lost his starting job.
The Pretzel That Broke the Internet
And speaking of Colts mistakes — their new concession item is a horseshoe-shaped pretzel. Because it’s supposed to look like the iconic Colts horseshoe logo, the idea makes sense on paper. However the execution? It looks less like a horseshoe and more like something that belongs in a porta-potty. Indianapolis deserves better. The pretzel does not.
Fantasy Football Draft Boards — Commish Kit
Because all this preseason drama means one thing — fantasy football draft season is here and it’s time to get your board. Commish Kit has been making fantasy football draft boards since 2002, shipping from Austin, Texas. Furthermore every board ships free via UPS Ground with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quinn Ewers worth drafting in fantasy football?
Quinn Ewers is worth a late round flier in deeper fantasy football leagues. Because he has shown poise under pressure in preseason action and earned praise from quarterback expert John Gruden, his upside as a streaming option is real heading into the 2025 season.
Should I draft Davante Adams or Puka Nacua with Matthew Stafford injured?
Monitor Matthew Stafford’s injury status closely before drafting either receiver. Because both Adams and Nacua depend heavily on Stafford’s accuracy and football IQ, their fantasy value drops significantly if he misses games. Furthermore, neither Jimmy Garoppolo nor Stetson Bennett offers the same level of fantasy support as a healthy Stafford.
Is Daniel Jones a good fantasy football quarterback?
No. Daniel Jones is not a reliable fantasy football starter in any format. As a result avoid Colts skill players until there is clarity on the quarterback situation in Indianapolis.
Is Hard Knocks useful for fantasy football research?
Hard Knocks can provide useful fantasy football insights about depth charts and player attitudes — but Episode 1 of the Bills edition was light on football content. Furthermore, the show tends to focus on storylines rather than the specific depth chart battles that matter most for fantasy football decisions.
What is the best fantasy football draft board for 2025?
Commish Kit’s 12-Team 20-Round Draft Board with Bye Weeks is the most popular choice for standard fantasy football leagues. Because it includes 387 color-coded player labels, 2025 NFL bye weeks, and free shipping, it’s the go-to board for commissioners running a 12-team league.
How long has Commish Kit been making fantasy football draft boards?
Commish Kit has been making fantasy football draft boards since 2002 and is based in Austin, Texas. As a result the brand has become the go-to draft board for fantasy leagues across the country, as featured on Thrillist.
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We’ll be back next time with more hot takes, cold cuts, and fantasy advice that probably won’t hold up in court. Looking for the ultimate fantasy football draft board? Commish Kit has everything you need—poster kits, stand-up corrugated boards, and a digital draft board so slick, your league might actually think you’re organized this year.
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