Throughout the preseason, we heavily emphasize identifying potential impact players throughout the season that others may not recognize as they aren't necessarily "stars". In our 'Preseason Players to Watch' series, we highlight potentially noteworthy players in each night's game(s) that may be impactful for fantasy football, both in the 2022 season and beyond.
Here are our top players to watch for in tonight's preseason action:
Anthony Richardson (QB - Indianapolis Colts) - vs BUF, 1:00 PM
Anthony Richardson was selected 4th overall by the Colts this spring, but that has not guaranteed him the starting job in Week 1, currently competing with Gardner Minshew throughout camp (and now into the preseason) to be the starter.
How he plays this week won't be the deciding factor in whether he opens the season as the starter, but it can certainly set the tone going forward.
The QB battle in Indy is likely the most enticing point today and it'll be worth keeping an eye on Richardson's progression as a passer as we already know what he can do as a runner.
Tank Bigsby (RB - Jacksonville Jaguars) - vs DAL, 5:00 PM
It came as a bit of a surprise for Jacksonville to draft an RB in the 3rd round after Travis Etienne fully recovered from his foot injury with over 1,400 total yards in 2022, but after Tank Bigsby has drawn praise left and right throughout camp, it seems that he may be a legitimate threat to Etienne's workload in Jacksonville.
Described as a "sponge" by Head Coach Doug Pederson, Bigsby has surprisingly been involved in both the rushing and receiving games throughout camp, as opposed to what was anticipated to be a purely rushing-based role (with Etienne serving as the receiving back).
It'll be interesting to see how Bigsby is involved tonight in his first NFL action, especially if Etienne sees any work. What type of role the rookie sees (rushing, receiving, and/or short-yardage) will be worth watching for as it could have notable implications for this season.
D'Onta Foreman (RB - Chicago Bears) - vs TEN, 1:00 PM on NFL Network
One of the more under-the-radar moves this offseason was D'Onta Foreman signing with Chicago in free agency on a 1-year, $2M deal. This typically doesn't draw much attention, but the Bears' lack of activity in free agency (beyond Foreman) or in the draft (only investing a 4th rounder in RB Roschon Johnson) leaves an open RB competition.
That RB competition has reportedly been ongoing throughout camp between Khalil Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson with Herbert opening the preseason as the unofficial RB1 on the Bears' depth chart. Even though Herbert is technically the starter (for now), it doesn't sound like that is anywhere near a sure thing for Week 1. Foreman has supposedly been receiving plenty of first-team reps and has been "featured heavily in the receiving game," per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
It's a wide-open backfield in Chicago and it'll be worth watching this competition in the preseason. My eye is particularly on Foreman given his ability to produce when presented the opportunity (940 yards, 5 TDs in 2022). I'm watching for when (and how extensively) he's involved, what type of receiving role he may have, and if he's the go-to goal-line back (if the opportunity is there) - at his draft price he could be a steal.