The Jets’ preseason stumble against the Giants spotlight fantasy angles to monitor. Justin Fields showed rust in a noisy second week, while the Jets leaned into a heavy rushing plan—Breece Hall grinding for 26 yards on seven carries and Braelon Allen chipping in respectably as a split backfield threat. Arian Smith, a fourth‑round rookie, wasn’t dominant but flashed flashes on six targets for 39 yards, suggesting a potential complementary role down the line. Without Sauce Gardner, the Jets’ secondary faced a rough day, and Aaron Glenn’s halftime “sloppy” critique underscored a need for more discipline. Russell Wilson and the Giants exploited the Jets near the goal line, amplifying concerns about situational defense but also highlighting opportunities for opportunistic fantasy add‑ins as the preseason unfolds.

From a fantasy lens, the Jets’ emphasis on the ground game matters. Hall and Allen’s efficiency bodes well for a committee approach that could keep Hall’s ceiling intact even if Fields hits a rough patch in the early going. Smith’s night adds a dart‑throw dynamic to watch if he lands a meaningful role, while the absence of Gardner makes the secondary more vulnerable in August but also paints a clearer target for waiver ads if Gardner returns soon. The Giants’ quarterback shuffle and Wilson’s late drive offer a cautionary reminder: evaluate weekly game scripts and opponent matchups as the Jets’ offensive identity continues to evolve through the preseason.

Geno Smith, James Conner, Ladd McConkey, Tucker Kraft, Sam Cosmi, YaYa Diaby, Jack Campbell and Christian Benford anchor a list of underrated NFL talents for 2025. The piece highlights how Smith’s clean-pocket efficiency could translate into late-round fantasy upside with the Raiders, Conner’s all-around production and efficiency metrics, and McConkey’s route-running and production as a rookie in a run-heavy Charger attack. Kraft’s yardage and targets project him as a potential top-5 TE with room to grow, while Cosmi, despite missing time, has elite run- and pass-blocking marks. Diaby’s leap as an edge, Campbell’s tackling and coverage strides, and Benford’s defensive efficiency round out the cohort, underscoring which players could outpace public perception under a favorable roster context.

For fantasy managers, the piece argues these players offer solid floor and meaningful upside: Smith in a pro-grade system with protection, Conner in a 0-1 punch with high yards after contact, McConkey as a high-volume yak creator, Kraft as a heater for Jordan Love’s target tree, Cosmi as a blocker with pass-protection upside, Diaby as a breakout edge, Campbell as a versatile LB with coverage gains, and Benford as a shutdown corner in a stout Bills defense. The angle blends efficiency metrics with opportunity and health.

Altogether, the roster context, performance trends and injury notes create a blueprint for identifying value in season-long and DFS formats, offering a fresh slate of players who could overperform relative to their draft cost.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette is making strides with the New York Giants as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 season. He is set to be on the 53-man roster, primarily serving as the return specialist while also contributing to special teams. However, Smith-Marsette is eager to expand his role, expressing confidence in his ability to play as a wide receiver. He has been vocal about his readiness to contribute offensively and is determined to showcase his skills to secure a more significant position within the team.

New York Giants head coach Michael Ghobrial praised Ihmir Smith-Marsette for his impressive decision-making abilities and leadership, highlighting his vital role as a wide receiver and kick returner. The Giants decided to re-sign him due to these qualities, which are essential in the return game. Ghobrial emphasized Smith-Marsette's knack for making sound choices in traffic and maintaining possession of the football, which are crucial skills for any return specialist.

Last season, Smith-Marsette showcased his potential by scoring on a remarkable 100-yard kickoff return against the Indianapolis Colts, reflecting his explosive capabilities. The Giants are clearly optimistic about his impact moving forward.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.