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.

New Orleans surged to the Chargers’ goal line early in the preseason, led by Spencer Rattler and Kendre Miller, but stalled at the 1-yard line on four attempts. A muffed punt and a few negative plays kept the drive from finishing, with a misread to Mason Tipton on a potential touchdown sealing the empty return. The sequence showed clean ball movement before the finish, a trend the Saints will want to fix as games mount. In fantasy terms, the early chemistry between Rattler and Miller hints at upside if the Saints lean into a mobile quarterback with a bruising back in short-yardage and red-zone looks, while Tipton could become a late-round or dynasty sleeper.

To the other side, the Chargers benefited from special-teams chaos to start, then settled in as the two teams tested depth. The game offered a reminder that preseason reps can reveal both upside and volatility for Saints skill-position players, with Miller and Rattler drawing attention as potential catalysts if the offense builds off this opening drive. The mini-drama around muffed returns and red-zone execution provides a notable fantasy note: execution near the goal line matters every bit as much as drive start, and this Saints unit may have to improvise more in the coming weeks.

As the NFL preseason approaches, the competition for the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster intensifies. With 41 players nearly assured of making the cut, 25 athletes are in a fierce battle for the final 12 spots. Key players to monitor include running backs Kendre Miller and Velus Jones Jr., both of whom are included in three out of four roster projections. Furthermore, the Saints' wide receiver corps offers intrigue, with several candidates vying for limited positions.

The punting battle is equally competitive, with both Kai Kroger and James Burnip having their supporters. Significant additions like defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux have not solidified their spots, reflecting the uncertainty amongst the bubble players. This roster decision may hinge on performance in the upcoming preseason games, as the coaching staff evaluates each player's impact on both offense and defense.

As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their first preseason game on August 10, several young players are under pressure to make an impact. Key among them is Isaiah Foskey, the former top-50 draft pick, who must prove himself in a competitive defensive lineup. Next up, Kendre Miller gets a prime opportunity to shine as Alvin Kamara sits out; he needs to establish himself as the clear RB2 amidst competition. Jordan Howden's path to starting safety is hindered, having dropped to third on the depth chart, and a strong performance is crucial for him to regain momentum.

Bub Means has yet to make a name for himself, failing to outshine veterans in training camp, while newcomers like Fadil Diggs are making waves. Each of these athletes has a distinct chance to secure a spot on the roster, especially with roster decisions looming. Preseason performances will be telling, as the Saints seek to develop their young talent into reliable contributors.

Rashid Shaheed's standout performance culminated in a pivotal 39-yard touchdown catch during the New Orleans Saints' 2023 regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. This impressive play not only showcased Shaheed's route-running ability but also proved crucial in extending the Saints' lead, with playoff implications hanging in the balance. Quarterback Derek Carr executed a masterful fake handoff to running back Kendre Miller before delivering a well-timed pass to Shaheed.

This moment highlights Shaheed's growing role in the Saints' offense, particularly important as the team strides towards a playoff push. Fans and fantasy players alike should keep an eye on Shaheed as he continues to build chemistry with Carr and develop into a reliable target.