W2W4: NFL Preseason – Week 3

This is the time of the preseason that usually gets the most attention because this is where the majority of the playing time is given to the starters. Here are the games that deserve watching regardless of what team you align with. I’ll try and provide some fantasy football notes where applicable. (Note: If you are a masochist, ignore all of the following and tune in to Panthers/Bengals.)

St. Louis v. Kansas City, 8/26, 8pm ET

Missouri rivals square off here. Both of these teams are in a position where they should challenge for their respective division title. This will be a good opportunity for anybody who owns a Rams receiver in a fantasy league as we should get a good look at who Spags and McD view to be their top receiver(s). For Kansas City, keep an eye out for the ratio of handoffs between Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles.

Jets v. Giants, 8/27, 7pm ET

This should be watched based on principle. These teams do not like each other and both have a good shot to get to the playoffs. Keep an eye out on the receiving targets for both teams, particularly Derrick Mason and Mario Manningham.

Atlanta v. Pittsburgh, 8/27, 7:30 ET

Offense v. Defense here. This will have the highest priority over anything else I will watch that night. This may be one of the few times we see a possible super bowl matchup in the preseason. For the Falcons, see what happens with Michael Turner. He’s had a lot of carries so be on the lookout for injuries, etc. For the Steelers, look to see if any WR steps up and gets a big number of targets.

New England v. Detroit, 8/27, 8 ET

I know I highlighted this previously and I still think that it’ll be a hell of a matchup. Belicheck always goes hard and Detroit is pretty loaded, even with the injury to Mikel LeShoure. See how the WR battle goes for New England and look to see if Brandon Pettigrew or Tony Scheffler can make a clear #1 TE designation for himself.