NFL Week 2 preseason numbers delivered a blend of small-sample heroics and rookie flashes with direct fantasy implications. Cam Ward’s box score looked pedestrian at first (2-of-7, 42 yards), but he threaded a pressure-escape throw to Elic Ayomanor and showed physical ball placement that could translate to upside in mobile-quarters packages. Gunnar Helm seized his second frame with four catches for 48 yards and a contested TD, amplifying late-season roster chatter for Titans pass-catching depth. James Pearce Jr. logged extensive pass-rush snaps, totaling three pressures on 25 rushes, signaling edge development to monitor in depth charts.

Seattle’s 268 rushing yards and five 30+ yard rushers highlighted a revised O-line group (Jones, Zabel, Sundell, Bradford, Lucas) thriving sans Cross and Oluwatimi, while Jake Bobo’s two TDs underscored the team’s receiving misdirection potential. Miami’s Quinn Ewers engineered a comeback with two TDs, pairing with Theo Wease Jr. for a developing rookie connection. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins connected on Houston’s only TD drive, while Stingley Jr. shined in limited snaps. Green Bay and Indianapolis staged a QB-battle vibe, with the Packers closing it out behind a starter-less approach. Patriots’ Will Campbell shined at left tackle, TreVeyon Henderson flashed scoring ability, and Efton Chism III posted a 71-yard receiving line. Browns’ rookies and Shedeur Sanders showed blue-sky ceiling, while Kaleb Williams and Stetson Bennett II authored late-game heroics in other games, adding texture to the fantasy horizon.

Overall, the slate suggested multiple backfields with changing roles across Titans, Seahawks, Texans, and Dolphins branches, plus rosters making a case for late-round fliers or stash targets in dynasty formats. For fantasy managers, track the backfield splits, keep an eye on rookie QB progression, and monitor the Titans, Seahawks, and Texans pass-catching corridors as we approach the final preseason week.

The Titans’ 23-20 preseason win over Atlanta served as a clear view into the depth chart as Tennessee shifted its focus to developing players rather than veterans. Kendall Brooks anchored the Titans’ defense with a sterling 95.7 grade, underscoring a crowded group that could shape IDP and depth roles this season. On offense, Gunnar Helm led the way with a 90.2 grade, followed by standout rookie Ayomanor with an 81.6 and Jaelyn Duncan near the top of the line. The night also exposed decision points at several spots, including the tight end room, where Chig Okonkwo flashed but ended the evening in the bottom five among blockers. The Titans will draw meaningful conclusions from this tape as they approach the regular-season roster decisions.

Overall, the game reinforced the Titans’ plan to evaluate young talent across multiple units. Brooks’ performance added optimism about the defense’s internal competition and potential splash plays, while Helm and Ayomanor provided playoff-lit flashes for the receiving corps—important notes for fantasy managers watching for emerging rotational contributors. The Falcons offered a contrasting showcase of depth as both teams looked ahead to Week 1 prep, but the Titans’ young core appeared ready to push for meaningful snaps when the games count begins.

Gunnar Helm flashed in Tennessee’s second preseason game, routing four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta. After a quieter opener, the Texas product showed tight end versatility, catching passes from the Titans’ offense and hinting at a growing role behind Chig Okonkwo. Helm’s college numbers—60 catches, 786 yards, seven red-zone TDs as a Longhorn—underscore a profile built for passing game work. With Okonkwo on a rookie deal and the Titans’ offense needing playmakers, Helm’s initial emergence could translate to more snaps if he keeps this level of production in practice and scrimmage reps. Fantasy managers should watch for how Tennessee deploys Helm in the coming weeks as the season nears.

Helm’s performance matters beyond the box score. It signals that the Titans view him as a real factor in the passing game, potentially creating a two-TE set with Okonkwo or carving out a complementary role in three-wide looks. Atlanta’s secondary was a tough assignment, and Helm answered with consistent targets and a red-zone threat presence. If Helm sustains this momentum, he could become a late-round security option with a ceiling tied to usage and development in a Titans offense that’s still seeking reliable pass-game options.

Tennessee’s Week 2 showcase highlighted Gunnar Helm and Elic Ayomanor as early Titans playmakers, delivering 95 yards on six receptions with Helm’s 25‑yard contested catch TD signaling real upside in the Titans’ passing game.

Seattle answered with a fortified interior line, as Anthony Bradford and Jalen Sundell posted 90+ PFF grades while yielding zero pressures and contributing in the run game, underscoring a cleaner pocket and better run schemes for the Seahawks as Week 2 progressed.

Tennessee’s rookie class left a tangible mark in a tight 23-23 preseason tilt with Atlanta. Helm stood out as a ready-made toolkit for the Titans’416 offense, snagging four catches for 48 yards and a key second-quarter TD. Ayomanor flashed his speed and playmaking ability with 2 receptions for 47 yards, suggesting a real shot at early involvement. Ward showed growth in his second look, but limited supporting cast and some misfires kept his box score modest (2-for-7, 42 yards). Oladejo pressed the edge, Mullings ran with authority and power, RestRepo flashed in the short routes, and the undrafted crew didn’t dominate, though Harris contributed defensively. Winston Jr. was held out for precaution. The Friday game underscored a young core that could shape Tennessee’s 2025 depth and fantasy upside.

With Helm delivering a reliable receiving floor and Ayomanor posting big-play potential, Tennessee’s coaching staff has encouraging options behind their Week 1 veterans. Ward’s gradual comfort plus Helm and Ayomanor’s emergence hint at a blueprint where rookies provide real depth behind a still-unfolding veteran core. Restrepo’s two receptions signal that the Titans may lean on route-running and elusiveness in the slot as the calendar turns. In dynasty formats, these rookies are worth monitoring closely as Week 2 approaches, since a bigger role could materialize quickly if the first-team reps remain limited.