Staying updated and informed is a must if you are going to have any chance of executing a strong Fantasy Football draft plan. But if you haven't been up on all of the preseason trends, we have done a lot of the work for you here so you can stay ahead of the competition heading into Draft Day.
We take a break from Seahawks-focused content to go around the league for key bits of info that are important to know. Here are some very notable pieces of news and trends you must absorb. Of course, in honor of the Seahawks fans, we have 12 of them for you.
1. Jeremy Langford is looking like Chicago's clear RB1
He flashed some big-play promise when pressed into action last year, and Langford has staked a stronger claim to the Bears' starting running back job this preseason. Langford had a 34-yard run in his most recent preseason performance and he is looking like a potential Fantasy bargain as a RB2 type, especially on NFL.com, where his current Average Draft Position is 90.83.
2. The Titans could have two impact RBs
Tennessee acquired DeMarco Murray to upgrade its ground game during the offseason, yet the team also drafted Derrick Henry of Alabama in the second round. In the Titans' exhibition opener, Murray ripped off a 71-yard TD run and Henry rushed 10 times for 74 yards and a score. Both players may be used enough to be helpful in Fantasy this year, with Murray as a RB2 and Henry as a flex. Target Murray in the fifth round and Henry in the double figure rounds.
3. The Lions have a new passing look
It's the post-Megatron era in Detroit, and the receiving crew looks even more diverse than ever. Of course, ex-Seahawk Golden Tate returns, yet the Lions also brought in former Bengal Marvin Jones and highly respected veteran Anquan Boldin to go with TE Eric Ebron, who many analysts are tabbing as a breakout player. Jones is having an especially strong preseason and is looking like the team's top playmaker, as he caught four passes for 65 yards in the most recent preseason game. He's a major value on NFL.com with an ADP of 123.98, and Matthew Stafford's new and balanced receiving crew has him looking like a nice grab if you wait until the later rounds for your QB.
4. RG3 looks reborn
In his rookie season, Robert Griffin III was a fearless and explosive playmaker. He's looking fearless and explosive in the preseason with his new team, the Browns, too. Griffin threw two impressive TD passes in the Brown's last preseason game, showing off the excellent deep ball skills that he did often displayed in his first pro campaign. He's connected twice with Terrelle Pryor on downfield shots this preseason. Cleveland has a pretty good collection of pass-catchers heading into 2016, and Griffin has to be monitored as a major comeback candidate. Keep a watch on Pryor as well, as he has shown off some impressive big-play abilities in his conversion to the WR position.
5. Many Fantasy players believe in Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas rookie has a current NFL.com ADP of 8.68, and I can't blame them for taking him that high. I have him ranked fifth overall in my current PPR ranks on RotoExperts.com. The Cowboys want to get back to their 2014 look, when they ran the ball hard and took pressure off the QB and defense. Elliott was drafted to be an axis of the offense, and he is in a great situation. If he falls anywhere below the fifth spot in your draft, pounce on the opportunity.
6. Renewed confidence in Eddie Lacy
This preseason, we have seen the Eddie Lacy of 2013 and 2014. In his most recent exhibition game, he had a 20-yard run and scored from short range. Lacy looks rejuvenated and determined, and his Average Draft Position has started to rise recently. His current NFL.com ADP is 18.56, putting him in the second round. If you go WR early and Lacy is still available in the third round of your draft, pick him and you will be off to an ideal start.
7. A time share in Jacksonville?
Reports out of Jacksonville are indicating there could be a nearly even split between the team's top two running backs, Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon. Ivory is projected to be the inside runner and short-yardage option, while Yeldon offers a change of pace and receiving potential. Both appear headed for RB3 status in Fantasy, with Ivory the preferred option in standard scoring leagues, and Yeldon having some appeal in PPR formats.
8. Opportunities on Philadelphia
Keep a close watch on the Eagles, as they have a few guys who are needed to step forward in the passing game. TE Zach Ertz has already been mentioned as a breakout candidate, and Jordan Matthews is an established WR. But monitor Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham to see if either one seizes a chance to become more prominent in the offense during the season. They should not be drafted right now, though. RBs Kenjon Barner and Wendell Smallwood could be pressed into more service at any time, and Darren Sproles could be in for a big year as a PPR contributor.
9. New playmakers in New England
Jimmy Garoppolo has looked steady as a starting candidate for New England in the preseason, good news for those who have targeted Rob Gronkowski in drafts. Also, newcomers Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan should play significant roles in the offense and are great later-round picks. RB James White should make himself more known this year as a pass-catching specialist for Fantasy PPR leaguers.
10. New ones in New Orleans, too
Saints rookie WR Michael Thomas has been the toast of the preseason, with head coach Sean Payton even going as far as to recommend that Fantasy players draft him this year. Coby Fleener steps into a situation where the TE has always been a featured playmaker, as far back as the Jeremy Shockey days. Thomas is a fine WR4 Fantasy pick and Fleener has become a trendy Fantasy selection among the Top 7 or so TEs.
11. A good chunk of Fantasy players are keeping the faith in Adrian Peterson
At 31 years old, Adrian Peterson is past the age when most running backs are supposed to start declining. But as evidenced but his 6.68 ADP on NFL.com, many Fantasy owners won't believe any falloff is coming until they actually see it. The normal rules that apply to other players seemingly don't link to the superhuman Peterson. Last time anyone doubted him he rushed for 2,000 yards in an MVP campaign.
12. Heightened expectations for A.J. Green
After the "Big Three" at WR are off the board in most Fantasy leagues, Green is the first receiver taken in NFL.com drafts and in many other leagues, ahead of DeAndre Hopkins and Dez Bryant. Andy Dalton is coming off the best season of his career, and the receiving crew around Green is in a state of change. The superstar Cincinnati wideout could see his most targets ever, and he has a great on-field relationship with his QB. I endorse the pick of him as the fourth WR taken.
Scott Engel is a 20-year veteran of the Fantasy Sports industry and an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. For more in-depth advice and a full suite of Fantasy draft prep information from Scott and the team at RotoExperts.com, register for the Xclusive Edge Fantasy Football package right here. Seahawks.com readers get a special discount by entering promocode "seahawks" at checkout.
