Trevor Lawrence piloted two crisp opening drives for the Jaguars, finishing 8-of-10 for 76 yards and a touchdown before a first-drive fumble—an encouraging sign for Duval’s Week 1 optimism. The ground game clicked behind an improved O-line, with Etienne torching space and Tank Bigsby weaving through tacklers, aided by Mekari’s standout blocking. Bhayshul Tuten continued to impress in both run and pass games, while Brenton Strange and Parker Washington supplied reliable early returns for Lawrence.

The defense sent a message too, with constant interior pressure and multiple stops in Saints territory, even as depth pieces at corner faced tests. Kicking and punting hiccups sprinkled the day, but Cam Little connected on a 53-yarder and the return game flashed with Washington and Bigsby. Overall, the Jaguars flashed high upside in Week 2 of the preseason, balancing stellar starting-unit performance with coaching and situational execution that could shape roster decisions in September.

Offensively, Jacksonville leaned into clean protection and quick-hitting throws, while the run game gained traction in chunks. Lawrence’s command, the O-line’s reliability in pass protection, and the dynamic movement in Etienne’s game plan should translate to fantasy upside if the rhythm holds into Week 1. The rookie backs and Brenton Strange’s development offer additional depth, and Parker Washington’s timely catches and return touches give this receiving corps a real floor as the regular season approaches.

Jacksonville’s backfield looked more like a regular-season projection in the second preseason tune-up, with Tank Bigsby operating on first- and second-down snaps while Travis Etienne Jr. handled third downs, yielding a near 50/50 split in routes, targets and carries. The Jaguars’ depth rotation remained lively, as Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen made progress later in drives, yet Starter usage suggested a clearer top-two order than last week.

New Orleans’ offense offered a contrasting but fantasy-relevant note: Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed both logged 100% of the Saints’ starter snaps in their preseason debuts, signaling immense on-field trust. Brandin Cooks sat, Brand-new slot and outside looks emerged with Cedrick Wilson Jr. mixing in, and slot duties began to tilt toward Wilson in three-receiver sets. Alvin Kamara rested, with Kendre Miller stepping in for early-down work; Kamara’s health will drive the backfield dynamic when available.

Along the depth charts, the Saints’ receiver rotation in 11 personnel hints that Olave and Shaheed may command frequent outside targets, while Wilson’s slot role could present a modest bump in targets. For fantasy, the takeaway is clearer usage in the NO offense and a Jaguars backfield that remains fluid, with Bigsby and Etienne likely splitting early-season opportunities but susceptible to in-season shifts based on performance and coaching preferences.

Tyler Shough enters New Orleans in an off-season QB battle, with the Saints banking on his maturity and efficiency as a floor option in a challenging but upgradeable offense. His fantasy ceiling hinges on earning the starting job and sustaining a pass-friendly, screen-heavy attack amid a cast that includes Chris Olave and Kamara, both facing health and age considerations. Projections skew conservative, yet a starting gig could push him into deeper-league QB2 territory in superflex formats.

In 2025, Shough is projected to approach roughly 1,906 passing yards with 11 TD and 8 INT over 17 games, plus about 79 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. With Olave’s concussion risk and Kamara’s age, the Saints’ weaponry offers volatility, but the offense’s screens-and-bombs profile could yield spot starts if the QB job becomes his. For fantasy managers, Shough represents a low-risk stab with QB2 upside if he wins the job, especially in leagues that reward mobility and consistent volume.

Bub Means sustained an ankle injury against the Chargers and is seeking a second opinion, clouding his exact timeline. The Saints are already short on depth at wideout, and the injury could push Means toward an IR stint rather than waivers. New Orleans added rookie Roderick Daniels Jr. after a tryout, but it isn’t clear if he’ll replace Means or Chris Tyree in practice. Sidelined, Means’ absence creates more opportunistic volume for Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, with Shaheed’s role perhaps expanding if Means misses time.

Beyond Means, Olave and Shaheed remain the focal points in a Saints offense that values efficiency from its pass game. The Leauge-wide nods on 53-man projections didn’t factor Means as a roster lock, amplifying the fantasy calculus around the Saints’ WR corps. The Chargers matchup underscores the volatility of Saints pass-catchers until Means’ fate is clearer, though Olave’s floor remains high and Shaheed’s ceiling could rise with increased targets.

Derrick Henry and several underappreciated stars are the banner picks Frank Ammirante sees as 2025 league-winners, spanning early and mid-round value. Henry’s second-round cost in a high-powered Ravens offense creates brick-wall FLEX upside, while Mark Andrews provides a reliable TE floor with a ceiling spike when the offense clicks. JSN, Olave, and Egbuka offer a layered WR strategy—steady volume with breakout potential as the Saints and Seahawks offenses ascend. The piece also flags Baker Mayfield’s weapons as a late-round crosscheck for high-upside weeks.