2024 NFL Preseason Projections (Updated - 8/29)
2024 NFL Preseason Projections (Updated - 8/29)
The above link (Google sheet) in yellow connects the depth charts and projections for all 32 teams. The content is restricted to paid subscribers, who must request access to view it. I will overwrite this document when making any future updates. Note: This document has been updated for all 32 teams, and I tightened up the overall projections for each team. Any changes going forward will come from injuries, coach-speak, and camp news.
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There were many roster changes this week, especially at the backend of the running back position. Some teams released backs with the intention of resigning them to their practice squads. Here are the most significant changes in my projection in my latest update:
Dallas Cowboys
The new running back structure in Dallas with Dalvin Cook added this week will be challenging to gauge early in the season and in the fantasy market. Cook comes off a disappointing season in yards per carry (3.2) and yards per catch (5.2) but brings “name value” and a four-year winning resume from 2019 to 2022. Once he gets up to speed in the Cowboys’ offense, he’ll compete with Ezekiel Elliott for the RB1 role on this offense. Rico Dowdle is the biggest loser in this signing, at least out of the gate. At age 26, his early down resume (96/385/2 – 4.0 yards per rush) lacks explosiveness, and he was never a frontline runner in his time at South Carolina. Deuce Vaughn remains the wild card in this backfield. His final two seasons at Kansas State (528/2,950/27 with 91 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns) paint him as the most dynamic back on the roster despite his lack of size (5’6” and 180 lbs.).
Denver Broncos
By removing Samaje Perine from the Broncos’ running back rotation, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin become more attractive fantasy options. In PPR formats, Williams moved up 16 spots in my projections due to his increased opportunity running the ball and in catches. I rostered him a ton last year but avoided him so far in 2024 due to his expected three-way split in touches and too many dull outcomes when touching the ball in 2023. Last season, Denver’s running backs led the NFL in catches (131), receiving yards (851), and targets (153). McLaughlin will be used as a change of pace back with a reasonable floor catching the ball. Audric Estime becomes the early down handcuff to Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs
The signing of Samaje Perine gives the Chiefs a trusted asset on passing downs based on his pass-catching over the past two seasons with Cincinnati (39/287/4) and Denver (50/455). In 2023, the Broncos only had him on the field for 33.6% of their snaps, a total that will surely be higher this year. I expect him to pass Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the depth chart while working similarly to Jerick McKinnon over the past two seasons. Perine does lower the value of Isiah Pacheco in my view of this backfield.
Other players of note:
I lowered Brock Bowers's outlook due to his lingering foot issue. He appears to be trending in the right direction, but his role/opportunity will be lower than expected early in the season. Michael Mayer gets a slight bump in his projections.
David Moore becomes Terrace Marshall on the Panthers’ wide receiver depth chart.
The Commanders signed Noah Brown, giving him a chance to see WR3 snaps if he can repeat his 2023 midseason flash with the Texans. I bumped Jamison Crowder out of my projections, even though he still has the best skill set to work out of the slot for Washington until Luke McCaffrey develops into that role.