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:
Kendre Miller (RB - New Orleans Saints) - vs KC, 1:00 PM on NFL Network
The Saints' backfield is a mess from a logistical standpoint with Alvin Kamara suspended (3 games), Jamaal Williams brought in this offseason (2 years, $6M), and rookie Kendre Miller drafted early (3rd round, 71st overall).
All signs point to Kamara working as the primary back upon his return, but that leaves 3 games of action and a good portion of the rushing duties for the remainder of the season up for grabs with Kamara's status as a non-workhorse RB. That is where Miller could step in, especially with Kareem Hunt leaving his New Orleans visit without a deal.
Miller has been excellent and explosive in camp so far and currently slots in as the 3rd-string RB behind Kamara and Jamaal Williams. It's more likely that Williams takes the reigns in Kamara's early-season absence as we know what Williams is (and what he's not), but a long-term role alongside Kamara could easily favor Miller if he continues showing what he has displayed in camp.
I'm watching for the split between Williams and Miller, especially if they were to be used in an A/B situation, as well as Miller's potential role in the receiving game, which could open up addition opportunities.
Trey Lance (QB - San Francisco 49ers) - vs LV, 4:00 PM on NFL Network
It doesn't sound like Brock Purdy will be ready to go this week, meaning Trey Lance will likely get the reigns as the starter in the preseason opener this season. This preseason will be a very defining period for Lance's career, currently slotted in as the QB2 behind Purdy, Lance is in one of the most anticipated positional battles of the preseason/camp with the 49ers QB uncertainty between Purdy, Lance, and Sam Darnold.
Reportedly, Purdy has struggled mightily since returning from his season-ending elbow injury in the playoffs while Lance has played well. That is good, but practice is one thing and showing it on the game field is another.
A strong preseason will be needed for Lance to make a case as the potential starter for San Francisco and this QB battle is perhaps the most influential for fantasy purposes, seeing the weapons in the 49ers offense that will be impacted (McCaffrey, Samuel, Aiyuk, Kittle) and/or the potential rushing upside should Lance be the Week 1 starter.
We know what Lance can do as a runner (and that will always be his appeal), but how he progressed as a passer remains the bigger question. If he can show the promise that made him the 3rd overall pick, it'll go a long way in making his case.
Zamir White (RB - Las Vegas Raiders) - vs SF, 4:00 PM on NFL Network
White was the talk of the preseason last year with several promising performances, but 2023 may offer even more enticing action for him with the current status (or lack thereof) of Josh Jacobs.
With Jacobs currently refusing to sign his franchise tag, there's a growing uncertainty about when he will return, and even if he will return to Las Vegas. That's where the opportunity opens to White, who currently is listed (and should be expected to serve) as the Raiders' number 2 RB heading into 2023.
I'm less focused on how well he plays today and more interested in how much and in what circumstances he sees action. If he ends up playing very minimal time, that would imply Vegas is realistically looking at 2023 with the potential of being without Josh Jacobs. Even if he plays a fair amount, his involvement as a change-of-pace back could offer some handcuff value and/or dynasty potential.