Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin put his best foot forward in Saturday's preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals in his attempt to win a 53-man roster spot. In the 27-7 win over Arizona in the second preseason game, McLaughlin had only three carries, but it was enough to lead the team in rushing with 48 yards. The 24-year-old's second rushing attempt of the contest went for a game-high 35 yards. McLaughlin entered the game after both rookie RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, suggesting he's the RB4 on the current depth chart going into the final week of the preseason. He's been an effective complementary option in his two years in the NFL, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but the additions of Harvey and J.K. Dobbins in the offseason made things even more difficult for McLaughlin to have a sizeable role in 2025.

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Denver Broncos rookie second-round running back RJ Harvey didn't see much run in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals, but it didn't stop him from scoring his first NFL touchdown in the 27-7 victory. Harvey only carried the ball three times for 18 yards while catching his only target for a two-yard gain. The 24-year-old was the starter in this contest with J.K. Dobbins not suiting up. His touchdown run went for eight yards up the middle to get the team on the board in the first quarter. The fact that Dobbins didn't play at all suggests he could have a leg up as the "starter" for the Broncos over Harvey, but make no mistake, Harvey is going to have a key role in Denver's backfield in 2025. He should be viewed as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 with more home-run ability that Dobbins.

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Even though rookie Jaxson Dart has starred over his first two preseason games, the New York Giants are sticking with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. "Russ is our starter," head coach Brian Daboll said after a 31-12 win over the New York Jets on Saturday. Wilson started the game and went 4-for-7 for 108 yards and an interception. The highlight of his night was a perfect deep ball to wide receiver Beaux Collins that turned into an 80-yard pickup and set the Giants up at the Jets' one-yard line. Dart came in after Wilson and was superb for the second straight game, going 14-for-16 for 137 yards and a score. He added another touchdown on a one-yard dive. Although the 25th overall pick from Ole Miss has gone 26-for-35 for 291 yards and two passing TDs this preseason, the Giants are sticking with their plan to have him learn the ropes behind the 36-year-old Wilson.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and looked amazing, going 16-for-23 passing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory. Starter Bo Nix got this game off, so Stidham saw most of the action under center before giving way to Sam Ehlinger late. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was one of Stidham's favorite targets, as he hooked up with him four times for 70 yards. Second-year pass-catcher Troy Franklin was his other favorite target, and both of his TDs went to the Oregon product. The 29-year-old Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million contract with Denver back in March to return as Nix's backup in 2025 and beyond. Based on the way Stidham looked on Saturday, Denver's offense could still be decent this year if Nix misses time with injury.

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Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) left the team's 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday with hamstring tightness, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Lloyd suffered the injury when he was tackled after gaining 33 yards on his lone catch of the game. He also carried the ball six times for 15 yards in his preseason debut. The severity of Lloyd's hamstring issue is unknown - "We'll see," head coach Matt LaFleur said - but injuries have been an all-too-frequent occurrence during his short career. A third-round pick from USC last year, Lloyd appeared in just one game as a rookie as a result of ankle and hamstring problems, and he also dealt with appendicitis. Lloyd was healthy when he reported to training camp this summer, but he injured his groin on July 28 before returning this week. If healthy, Lloyd could be the primary backup to starter Josh Jacobs. Otherwise, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are also vying for the role.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter contributed a bit more in the passing game in the team's second preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday. The entire team couldn't get much going, but Carter ended up with 10 yards on eight carries to go along with five receptions for 19 yards on five targets. Carter is trying to fight his way into the depth chart with the likes of Emari Demercado and DeeJay Dallas, which is a doable feat, but the run game has left a lot to be desired in Arizona. Through two games this preseason, Carter has amassed 15 carries for 30 yards and five catches for 19 yards.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett was only behind center for two drives on Saturday, but made the best of it during the 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. The veteran finished the day with 57 yards and a touchdown on 6-for-8 passing, and one carry for two yards. After going three-and-out on the opening drive, Brissett led the team on an 11-play, 67-yard drive that was capped off with a 16-yard touchdown throw to Simi Fehoko. Even though Clayton Tune has been with the team for a couple of years now, Brissett seems to have the backup spot all but locked up.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado had a solid game in the preseason opener, but couldn't get much going in their second game on Saturday. He registered just 15 yards on six carries and didn't catch his lone target of the day. At this rate, the Cardinals are trying to decide who will slot into the third and fourth running back spots, which comes down to Demercado, DeeJay Dallas, and Michael Carter. Despite the uninspiring game, Demercado seems to be in the lead, but he'll need to fine-tune some things in their final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki rushed for 30 yards on five carries in his 2025 preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. Vaki has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury throughout training camp, but he returned to practice in full earlier this week. The second-year back is "showing good vision and wiggle," according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. A fourth-round pick out of Utah in 2024, Vaki is competing with veteran Craig Reynolds for the RB3 job in Detroit behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Vaki is still new to the running back position after playing mostly as a safety in college, so his development could take longer than the average young player. With Gibbs and Montgomery ahead of him on the depth chart, Vaki is highly unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush ended up getting the victory against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, but his performance left a lot to be desired. The eighth-year backup registered 198 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 20-for-30 passing in one half of work. One of his two interceptions was returned for a touchdown in the first quarter, and a lot of his throws were on the shorter-to-midrange side. He averaged 6.6 yards per completion, and he now has 214 yards, one score, and three interceptions through two preseason games. For the Ravens' sake, they'll hope Lamar Jackson stays healthy throughout the whole year.

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Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram recently praised second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin, saying that it's "really evident (Franklin) is going to have a big year." A fourth-round pick in 2024, Franklin recorded 28 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games as a rookie. The 22-year-old has had a strong preseason so far, recording nine catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns across the team's first two games. Courtland Sutton is the clear WR1 in Denver, but there's an opportunity for Franklin to emerge as the WR2 amongst a group that also includes Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele, and rookie Pat Bryant.

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Baltimore Ravens running back D'Ernest Johnson has looked solid in the seventh preseason of his career. During the 31-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson accrued 61 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and one reception for six yards on four targets. After playing a depth role in Jacksonville last season, Johnson is looking to bring his versatility to another team. He currently has 29 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown through two games this preseason. While it doesn't seem too likely that he sticks in Baltimore, he could get another opportunity if someone suffers an injury around the league. Johnson registered more than 41 carries in just one season and finished last year with 32 carries for 143 yards and 12 catches for 96 yards on 19 targets.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving played the first three offensive drives during Saturday's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Irving was one of the few offensive skill-position players to actually take the field on Saturday. The 22-year-old didn't have a ton of success as he rushed eight times for 12 yards on the ground. However, Irving made up for it with a 15-yard touchdown grab from Teddy Bridgewater. Irving is penciled in as the primary back in Tampa Bay with Rachaad White mixing in for carries as well.

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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh officially named rookie Tyler Loop the team's starting kicker after he nailed five field goals in preseason action against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night. Loop has been the only kicker on the roster since the Ravens released John Hoyland earlier this month, but Harbaugh's statement indicates that Baltimore does not plan to bring in another veteran. A sixth-round pick out of Arizona, Loop made 83.8% of his field goals and 98.4% of his extra-point attempts in 50 career college games. He's made six out of his eight preseason field goal attempts so far.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka didn't see a ton of action, but was able to help his team during their second preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Egbuka was on the field for the first three drives and made an impact during his little time on the field. The rookie wideout hauled in one of his two targets for a five-yard touchdown. It was an impressive corner grab by Egbuka and a solid throw by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Egbuka could be asked to make an impact early in the season if Chris Godwin (ankle) is sidelined to start the season.

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker bounced back from a catch-less preseason debut to lead all of their pass-catchers in the 31-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys. The former fourth-round pick caught six of his eight targets for 61 yards (10.2 yards per catch). Four of his targets came on the Ravens' second drive, and he contributed 25 yards to lead to a field goal eventually. Walker has been showing some great catching ability, even when it happens after the whistle, despite the below-average quarterback play from Cooper Rush and Devin Leary this preseason. Walker likely won't crack the top three unless someone gets hurt, but he could make some strides for the future.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater drew the start under center for Saturday's preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bucs decided to rest most of their starters again, so Baker Mayfield didn't take the field during this game. That being said, Bridgewater led the first three drives and looked sharp on the field. He completed 6-of-11 passing attempts for 85 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. Bridgewater is currently fighting for the backup gig with Kyle Trask. The latter also played on Saturday, but Trask completed only 3-of-10 passing attempts for 19 yards. Bridgewater appears to be the favorite to be the backup in Tampa Bay, but that doesn't come with much fantasy value while Mayfield is healthy.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (hamstring) has a hamstring injury, but he will be "fine for the opener," according to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh also did not rule Mitchell out for the Ravens' final preseason game against the Washington Commanders next Saturday. A torn ACL that he suffered in Week 15 of 2023 limited Mitchell to just five games in 2024, so it's unfortunate to see him battling injuries once again. Thankfully, this ailment does not appear to be particularly serious. Once he returns, Mitchell will be competing with Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali for playing time in the Baltimore backfield behind Derrick Henry.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali saw the most work out of the backfield on Saturday in the win over the Dallas Cowboys. The second year back out of Marshall finished with 62 yards on 19 carries and one catch for 10 yards on two targets. While it wasn't the most efficient game, Ali showed some good bursts of speed here and there. Unfortunately, for his case, D'Ernest Johnson had one fewer yard on eight fewer carries and even scored a touchdown. Ali now has 99 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries through two preseason games. He will have one more game to stake his claim for the RB3 spot against the Washington Commanders.

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor carried the ball once for nine yards and was not targeted in the passing game in a 23-19 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. Taylor got the start and looked good on his lone carry before calling it a day in the close loss to Green Bay. The veteran running back has little to prove in preseason action as he is locked into a workhorse role for the Colts as the regular season approaches. Taylor sets up as a solid RB1 in fantasy leagues, with durability his main red flag as he's missed 10 games over the past two seasons. He is unlikely to play in the Colts' preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals as he turns his eyes toward getting ready for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

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