5 Things We Learned in NFL Preseason Week 2

We are now two weeks into the NFL preseason. Aside from tonight’s game (Jets vs. Falcons), we have quite a few headlines to decipher. Of course, no NFL preseason is complete if we didn’t have the overreaction hype – this year is right on par. 

Taking note of these storylines, we have outlined a few below and how these situations look heading into Week 3 of the preseason. 

Does the Buffalo Bills’ offense have a new look? 

This week, the Bills starters played against the Broncos’ second-teamers. Josh Allen and crew took the opening drive for a touchdown on a pass to Gabriel Davis, and they never looked back. However, it was clear that this year’s Bills may look different than past years. Behind a new-look offensive line, the Bills were attacking the Broncos defense on the ground and ripping off chunk plays left and right. They had over 200 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. Three players averaged over nine yards per attempt (James Cook, Devin Singletary, Raheem Blackshear). Additionally, both Zack Moss and Duke Johnson found the end zone twice. With 27 called run plays compared to their 29 pass plays, it looks like Ken Dorsey’s offense may be a bit more balanced in 2022. It is just preseason, but this is something that should be monitored closely moving forward. 

Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo, are you here to stay? 

All offseason, rookie fourth-round pick Romeo Doubs has been the talk of the town in Green Bay, but there were still doubts. In his first preseason game, Doubs scored on the first reception of his career, which was a 33-yard grab from quarterback Jordan Love. He went on to post three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Only intensifying the hype train, in Week 2 he was equally impressive, posting three more receptions for 24 yards and a beautiful touchdown. With six receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns, Doubs leads all Packers wide receivers in the preseason. As a result, it appears this talented rookie is here to stay. Doubs best be practicing his Lambeau Leap, as it looks like there may be a few in his future!

Antonio Gibson, no longer the RB1 in Washington? 

The fantasy community has been split on Antonio Gibson since the Commanders used a third-round pick on Alabama running back Brian Robinson. These doubts intensified when Gibson’s fumbling issue continued into Week 1 of the preseason, followed by him taking special-team reps this week in practice. This week, Gibson was serving as the team’s kick returner, while Robinson saw eight attempts on the ground compared to Gibson’s three. On the flip side, Gibson led all running backs with three targets and produced 37 yards. After the game, head coach Ron Rivera said he loves what Gibson can do in space, referring to his days as a college wide receiver and kick returner. With JD McKissic on the roster, it may be hard to find a route for Gibson to carve out fantasy value in the passing game, but it’s not impossible. Gibson has found himself in the fantasy dead zone, and until we see more clarity, he is undraftable as a top fantasy asset. I would almost defer to Robinson here.  

Could the Texans have two top-30 wide receivers? 

In Week 2, we saw the Texans trout out a significant amount of their starting offense, including wideout Nico Collins. However, they did sit star wide receiver Brandin Cooks, opening an opportunity for Collins to show off. This is just what he did, leading all Texans wide receivers with four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he looked much improved and quicker than last season. It appears he is in line for a significant role as the second wide receiver in an offense that hopes to be improved with Davis Mills now in his second season. Although it is unlikely this offense supports two top-24 fantasy finishers, Collins could become a weekly flex starter for your roster. You should be drafting him earlier than his current ADP of 204. 

Trevor Lawrence is improving, just slower than we may want. 

For the second week in a row, Trevor Lawrence started the game for the Jaguars. Although he did not find the end zone this week, he put some impressive throws on film. He completed 14-of-21 passes for 133 yards in two quarters of play. Lawrence continued to look a bit jittery at times, but he also flashed his true upside making some impressive throws. Most impressively, was a laser of a pass that he placed perfectly over the outstretched arms of the defensive back and in front of the safety to Marvin Jones along the sideline, a true wow moment. Additionally, he showed his ability to use his legs, as he had two rushes for 13 yards. Lawrence has always possessed enticing talent, but his inconsistency has made him a tough fantasy asset to roster. Although he looked improved, he still has a ways to go if we are to see a second-year breakout.