NFL Preseason Week 2: Looks like ‘bust’ talk about Ashton Jeanty was a bit overblown, more fantasy football takeaways

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Preseason football is wild. Some teams rolled out starters for a full quarter, others didn’t even let them break a sweat. But Week 2 always matters because it’s the closest dress rehearsal before the real thing. We saw rookies rebound, quarterbacks flash and depth-chart battles heat up. These are the players and storylines that should have your attention as fantasy football drafts lock in.

Caleb Williams, Bears

We might only see Caleb Williams once this preseason, but his debut against the Bills was everything you could have asked for. He was in command of the offense, played under control, and stayed on schedule without needing to break plays off-script. Williams finished 6-for-10 for 107 yards and a touchdown with no sacks, good for a 130 passer rating. He didn’t run, instead distributing the ball to his playmakers. Colston Loveland hauled in two passes, Cole Kmet made a big grab, DJ Moore caught two for 16 yards and Olamide Zaccheaus scored on a 36-yard strike. Rome Odunze was also involved.

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For a player under as much scrutiny as any quarterback in the league, Williams looked calm, sharp and ready. If this glimpse is any indication, he and Ben Johnson are going to deliver for fantasy.

Garrett Wilson, Jets

Here’s the problem with Garrett Wilson in 2025. The reason people still talk themselves into him is volume. In Week 2, Justin Fields threw five passes and three of them went Wilson’s way. That’s the kind of target share managers crave.

But the reality? One was in the dirt, one was behind him, one was late. This isn’t about Wilson’s ability. It’s about Justin Fields and this Jets offense. You can’t pay top-15 WR prices for a player in what could be one of the lowest-volume passing games in football. Adjust your expectations now.

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Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

From “first-round bust” in his debut against the Seahawks to Marshawn Lynch reincarnated against the 49ers, Ashton Jeanty bounced back in a big way. After that forgettable three-carry, minus-one-yard outing in Week 1, Jeanty carried the rock seven times for 33 yards and a touchdown versus San Francisco, adding one catch for two yards. He ran with violence, broke tackles and showed why the Raiders spent top-10 draft capital on him. If you had doubts about Jeanty as your RB1, Week 2 should have eased them.

Jaxson Dart, Giants

Russell Wilson still has some juice, but Jaxson Dart’s time is coming. The rookie was nearly flawless, going 14 of 16 for 137 yards with a passing and rushing score. Smooth, decisive, in control of the offense. In Brian Daboll’s system, Dart profiles as a late-season streamer who can elevate this unit alongside Malik Nabers, Theo Johnson and Wan’Dale Robinson. Sooner rather than later, he’s going to be in that huddle.

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Ricky Pearsall, 49ers

Brock Purdy attempted seven passes in his preseason debut. Four went Ricky Pearsall’s way. The second-year wideout caught three for 42 yards and was clearly in rhythm with his quarterback. Forget the depth pieces like Russell Gage and Demarcus Robinson. This passing game runs through George Kittle and Pearsall. That usage is exactly what you want to see for a Year 2 breakout.

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KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Chargers

When Quentin Johnston went down, Justin Herbert immediately looked to rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith, targeting him twice on the same drive and telling him, “there was more to come.” Lambert-Smith finished with two catches for 66 yards on six targets, highlighted by a 37-yard strike from Trey Lance. The message was clear: When Johnston left, Herbert treated Lambert-Smith as the next man up. With Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey carrying durability concerns, KLS is a sleeper worth circling.

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Braelon Allen, Jets

Braelon Allen looks like a different back this preseason. He’s playing faster, running with more confidence and the new coaching staff clearly trusts him. This is going to be a committee. Breece Hall handled the early downs, but when it came to third downs and passing situations, Allen was the one on the field. Both backs finished with seven carries in this game, with Allen rushing for 34 yards and Hall for 26. Explosive, tough and physical, Allen is proving he belongs in the rotation.

Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins

Jaylen Wright got the start but struggled behind a shaky offensive line. Enter Ollie Gordon II, who turned 10 carries into 50 yards and showed the power-speed blend that made him the Doak Walker winner at Oklahoma State. With De’Von Achane dealing with an injury that could linger, Gordon II at 6-foot-1 and 230 is built to handle the load. This could be a late-round gem who matters in Week 1.

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Isaac TeSlaa, Lions

Detroit’s third-round rookie keeps stacking positive tape. Four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown this week, making contested grabs look routine. With Sam LaPorta still banged up, TeSlaa is playing his way into three-WR sets.

He’s not just depth. He’s going to be on the field, and he needs to be on your radar.

Other Quick Hits

• TreVeyon Henderson: Four carries, 20 yards, another touchdown. Explosiveness confirmed.

• Dillon Gabriel: Steady command of the Browns offense, even with a pick-six. Kevin Stefanski praised his poise.

• Kaleb Johnson: Finally popped, 11 carries for 50 yards and a long run of 14. Still behind Jalen Warren but trending up.

• Broncos Offense: RJ Harvey scored, Troy Franklin flashed and even Evan Engram ripped a 58-yard gain from Jarrett Stidham. This unit looked sharp.

• Brock Bowers: First pass attempt of the game, Geno Smith to Bowers for 28 yards — and he mossed 49ers corner Deommodore Lenoir. While some might get nervous about his usage in Year 2, please don’t let that be you. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, to worry about with Brock Bowers.

The Final Word

Preseason Week 2 gave us plenty of noise, but also plenty of clues. Jeanty is the real deal. Dart is coming. Pearsall is locked in with Purdy. And Ollie Gordon II might be Miami’s answer sooner than anyone thought.

This news was originally published on this post .

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