Two NFL teams that fantasy managers are watching hardest after Week 1 of the preseason are Jacksonville and New York. Jacksonville’s offense looked lively, with Etienne and a nimble group of receivers showing flexible alignment on the field. Trevor Lawrence flashed the baseline efficiency you want from your early-round pick, while the passing game leaned on two versatile weapons capable of lining up inside and out, signaling a potentially bigger target share for the backfield and for the young wideouts as the season nears.

On the Jets side, Justin Fields’ mobility plus Sauce Gardner’s lockdown presence raised questions about the overall ceiling for an improved unit. Donovan Edwards and Deami Brown offered intriguing depth, with Breece Hall expected to be the engine in the backfield again, and Parker Washington among a handful of young pass-game pieces pushing for consistent snaps. A Vegas kickoff weekend featuring the Yahoo crew adds a practical fantasy roadmap: monitor usage patterns, note who takes first-team reps, and adjust drafts accordingly as we head toward Week 1.

Beyond the Jets and Jaguars, the preview touched Giants’ defensive front (with Abdul Carter emerging) and the potential for a tougher front to face late in the season, while the NFC South remains a macro-focus for fantasy balance across the Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints, and Panthers. The conversational tempo and notes about handwritten play diagrams versus digital tools underscored the nerdy precision fantasy players crave when projecting lineup and trade decisions.

Jacksonville opened preseason with a measured, upbeat showing that reinforced the hope around Trevor Lawrence’s growth arc. Lawrence looked calm, delivered with punch, and got good ball placement even as a revamped line adjusted to new calls. The defense faced a Steelers unit with backups, but the plan—especially the shift toward zone looks—suggests a team rapidly building cohesion. The kicker story was the night’s spark: Cam Little blasted a 70-yarder that shifted the mood and could quietly alter late-game strategy this season.

Another early headline: Parker Washington’s emergence and the depth at wide receiver. The running-game competition remained fluid with Etienne Jr. in the mix, while the line showed improvements behind Harrison and Walker Little. Devin Lloyd and Yasir Abdullah flashed, providing a glimpse of the revamped defense’s ceiling. With Mullens handling mop-up duty and a kicker who can hit from distance, the Jaguars’ blueprint for close games looks more plausible this year.

Fantasy angle: Lawrence’s comfort coupled with a reliable kicking game raises Jaguars’ floor in one-score games. The improved line and expanded receiving corps could lift multiple pass-catchers, while Lloyd’s presence behind the front seven hints at stronger run defense and more speed in coverage. The next test will refine the rotation, but the early signs are encouraging for managers hunting upside in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is front and center in a fantasy-sharp preseason storyline. A rookie playmaker is earmarked to play a heavy offensive role, with coaches hinting at playing him as much as 80% of snaps on that side of the ball, while still contributing on defense. The move was a bold, capital-heavy commitment, signaling a long-term bet on this player as a cornerstone, as the team swapped draft capital to climb up and grab him in the draft. All of this elevates the fantasy ceiling for the Jaguars’ offense, and for Trevor Lawrence in particular, who the show argues could reach a top-10 quarterback level with the surrounding talent.

The analysis pivots to how this dynamic reshapes the pass game around Lawrence. Lawrence has the talent to reach elite levels, and the roster is built to maximize efficiency with a multi-faceted offense. The discussion also points to multiple complementary pieces in Jacksonville—rookie pass-catchers and veteran-yet-young targets who could carve out real PPR value as the season unfolds—plus a backfield that features shared touches but with clear upside for a breakout path.

ADP commentary emphasizes how early fantasy managers might chase this upside. The show notes Travis Hunter-adjacent style hype around a player who could become a league-walking steal, with projections pegging him among the most dynamic weapons in the offense. The Jaguars’ schedule looks favorable, which only heightens the upside for the supporting cast, especially in deeper formats where slot players and mid-range veterans could deliver strong value alongside Lawrence and Etienne.