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Preseason Week 3 Flames: Why ... Hello there, Josh Gordon

Josh Gordon partied like it was 2013 in his Preseason debut. (Getty)
Josh Gordon partied like it was 2013 in his Preseason debut. (Getty)

There’s a large contingent of football fans that staunchly believe preseason games are completely inconsequential. To these naysayers, they’re nothing more than an evaluation phase for head coaches looking to comprise the best 53-man roster. However, most fanatics would vehemently disagree. Exhibition action gives owners the opportunity to gain invaluable insight into potential sleepers and busts. In an attempt to decipher the meaningful from the meaningless, here are my top-five Flames from Preseason Week 3.

Josh Gordon, Cle, WR (84.3 ADP, WR36) – Pitch and catch. That will likely be a common theme in Cleveland starting Week 5. After a field absence that spanned a year-plus, Gordon returned in electric fashion Friday night, resurfacing the downfield menace who terrorized defensive coordinators and corners in 2013. Much to the dismay of Tampa’s Brent Grimes, the ticking time bomb exploded on his only targets (two) of the evening, one dusting the DB on a 44-yard streak, the other making a beautiful body-adjustment for a 42-yard touchdown grab. Folks, this is why Gordon is so tantalizing. When clean and motivated, he’s virtually unstoppable. At 25, he still possesses the size, speed and tracking skills to tally Randy Moss-ian level numbers, especially with a strong-armed QB, RGIII, at the controls. The risks are obvious, he’s one barley pop or special brownie away from permanent explosion and the Cleveland line has serious issues (five sacks allowed Friday), but anytime after pick No. 70, he’s worth the moderate risk. It’s hard to imagine, once activated from his four-game siesta, he doesn’t finish at least in the WR2 class (FF: 60-925-7). Keep in mind, the Browns defense will be very generous. If acquired at reasonable costs, employing the All-Suspension Strategy (Drafting Le’Veon, Gordon and Tom Brady) could take owners to the Promised Land.

Arian Foster, Mia, RB (81.1 ADP, RB29) – Veteran validation. That’s what fantasy drafters received from Foster. Though Jay Ajayi was anointed the starter Thursday against Atlanta, likely an evaluative move by Adam Gase, Foster trotted out with the first-string offense on Miami’s second drive and showcased vintage skills. Despite wearing an unfamiliar number (34 instead of 23), he showcased classic cut-back abilities, soft hands and impeccable vision in the ‘Fins’ uptempo offense. Overall, he racked 30 total yards and a touchdown on seven touches. Ajayi will have a role, but it’s becoming increasingly clear the former rush king, only months removed from a devastating Achilles injury, will enter Week 1 against Seattle as the dominant back, presumably toting some 14-15 touches. Yes, he could suffer a catastrophic injury spreading butter, but where he’s going in recent fantasy drafts – largely in the Round 6-7 range among 12-teamers – he’s worth the moderate risk, even behind Miami’s work-in-progress offensive line. Point blank, Foster’s multidimensional talents and eagle vision mix beautifully with Gase’s zone scheme. There are very few perceived RB3s with his full-potential profitability.

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Ezekiel Elliott, Dal, RB (11.1, RB4) – Silence critics. Silence. To snubbers, Elliott is an unproven greenhorn with a tender hammy who is destined to underachieve in a running back by committee. Yes, Alfred Morris has earned petrol for his antiquated Mazda this Preseason, but the rookie from Ohio St. proved to every sound-minded individual Thursday, against Seattle’s first-string defense on the road no less, he is the unrivaled top dog in Dallas. As advertised, he exhibited speed off the edge, power between the tackles – Right, Kam Chancellor? – and open-field evasiveness en route to a mouthwatering 48 yards on seven carries (6.8 ypc). Equally important, he also stonewalled oncoming blitzes in pass protection. And much of that production was accumulated with Tony Romo, who suffered a broken back three plays in, on the bench. It’s unmistakable, he’s the answer to the position’s sickly, timeshare-ridden state, even with Dak Prescott, who’s rushing ability only enhances the plowshare’s value, under center the next several weeks. As repeated ad nauseam since May, Zeke is an Emmitt Smith-type producer, a three-down workhorse acquired by Jerry Jones to alleviate pressure on his ailing quarterback and defense. If he doesn’t top 1,500 combined yards and 12 scores, the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse made an appearance or his recent visit to a Seattle ‘specialty shop’ comes back to haunt him. Invest with the utmost confidence in the middle portion of Round 1, no matter the format.

Christine Michael, Sea, RB (146.6, RB47) – Michael is the Giant Himalayan Lilly of fantasy running backs. For those non-horticulturists in attendance, it’s a rare plant that blooms once every five to seven years. Now in his fourth season, Michael, similar to the slow-sprouting parallel, has taken an eternity to mature. Because of his sensational metrics and attractive upside, he’s bounced around the league logging stints with Seattle (three times), Dallas and, briefly, Washington. After reportedly undergoing an “awakening” this summer, he’s blossomed into a significant threat to Thomas Rawls. Including his latest effort against his former employer (Dallas), he’s recorded 157 yards on 24 carries (6.5 ypc) this Preseason. Additionally, he’s tallied top-flight numbers in yards after contact (3.3) and tackles avoided per attempted (0.21). His low center of gravity, downhill acceleration, strong finishes and versatility have turned heads. Rawls is on pace to start the opener against Miami, but Michael will undoubtedly register substantial touches, possibly upwards of 10-12 initially. If his stirring play continues, Pete Carroll may soon employ a ‘hot hand’ approach. The journeyman remains one of the more delectable RBs available after pick No. 100.

Le’veon Bell, Pit, RB (14.6, RB6) – One of the premier rushers in alternative football, Bell looked every bit the complete back he was pre-setback in his Preseason welcoming party in New Orleans. He was decisive, explosive, bouncy and active in the pass game. If one was unaware, you would’ve never known he shredded knee tendons roughly 10 months ago. Inside the Superdome he cut and sprinted his way to 58 total yards on eight touches (five receptions) on the Steelers’ first and second teams. He also lost a fumble. Despite the encouraging effort, naysayers likely won’t back off their “Don’t draft!” Bell stance, a terrible miscalculation. Once his three-game suspension is served, it will be all systems go for the RB1. He’s an elite, three-down asset, running behind an offensive line that ranked No. 14 in run-blocking last year who’s sure to register 20-plus touches per game starting Week 4. Before exiting stage left last fall, he notched the third-highest YAC (3.4) among RBs and was on pace for 1,846 yards from scrimmage. Preached repeatedly in recent weeks, if Bell is available at the turn in your 12-team draft, don’t hesitate. His Round 2 ADP is akin to attending a car auction and buying a no-reserve Ferrari for peanuts.

The similarities between Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson are numerous. (Getty)
The similarities between Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson are numerous. (Getty)

Quick Hitters: Dak Prescott may just be one part Roger Staubach two parts Troy Aikman, three parts Zeus and a whole lot of Russell Wilson. What he’s accomplished in three Preseason games (78 completion percentage, 9.1 yards per attempt, 5:0 TD:INT split, 53 rush yards, two rush TDs) should put Cowboy fan minds at ease. The remarkable leadership, duality and improved accuracy, which bewitched him at times in college, have been godlike. With Tony Romo out 6-10 weeks (broken back), he could elevate to a Tyrod Taylor level. Because of his all-around potential, he should straddle the QB top-15 over the regular season’s first half … Jameis Winston to Mike Evans is going to be one killer combination. In just over half the duo combined for five times for 115 yards and a touchdown. Winston is undeniably a bargain basement buy at his current 112.3 ADP (QB13), a passer who, given his opportunistic mentality near the goal-line, makes him very attractive for the wait-on-a-QB crowd. Evans, meanwhile, has staved off the stigma of a fantasy-depressed WR. His three TDs scored last fall was obviously an aberration …

‘Fat’ Rob Kelley, a rusher who accomplished little at Tulane, could be this year’s Rawls. With Matt Jones inactive, the rookie, who’s drawn rave reviews from Jay Gruden this month, finished with 49 yards on 15 carries. Through three Preseason games he’s averaged a robust 4.5 yards per carry. Inevitably when Jones bombs or is derailed by major injury, the unsung youngster will fill in as Washington’s power back. Pay attention, deep leaguers … Everyone needs a Snead (111.8, WR43), at least those with suitable benches. The New Orleans wideout was brilliant against Pittsburgh hauling in four targets for 58 yards and a score. Though undersized, the grinder, who tallied a 69-984-3 line last year, is destined to leave owners in the black. Yes, even with Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas on roster … Pats wideout Chris Hogan, a late-round darling according to some fanalysts, has benefited greatly from missed time logged by Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski. He’s fast, reliable downfield and clean in his routes (5-62-1 vs. Car). There are endless mouths to feed in Foxboro, but he’s worth a late-round stab. … Know you’re tired of hearing it, but Melvin Gordon (4-51-1, 1-5-0) is still stupidly underrated (75.3 ADP, RB24). His blazing speed, elusiveness and soft hands are qualities everyone looks in a RB. Reluctant? Read this.

If you subscribe to WR-WR in the first two rounds, Eddie Lacy (20-114-1, 5.7 ypc in Preseason) is a prime acquisition in Round 3 of 12-team exercises (27.5 ADP, RB9). He’s healthy, showcased RB1 skills in Preseason play and is sure to rack favorable volumes … Ladarius Green’s unknown status has paved the way for ‘The Outlaw’ Jesse James to log critical first-team reps. In New Orleans, the 6-foot-7 tree snagged four-of-five targets for 25 yards and a score. He’s squarely on the TE radar in challenging formats … At this juncture, Devin Funchess deserves to move ahead Kelvin Benjamin. Targeted 10 times combined by Cam Newton and Derek Anderson, he caught five passes for 49 yards versus New England. The Panthers’ camp MVP continues to be one of the finest WR options after pick No. 100 (119.8 ADP) … Jeremy Langford looks locked into the lead role in Chicago. For the second straight week, he generated the lion’s share of the workload. His peripherals from 2015 were unsettling, but he’s clearly passing the eye test from a volume and analytics (3.4 YAC) perspective. It seems entirely likely he totes 15-17 touches Week 1 at Houston … Stefon Diggs will be a mainstay as a WR3 this season. He’s been the indisputable primary option for Teddy Bridgewtaer in camp and preseason. The bland nature of the Vikings offense last year has depressed the WR’s ADP (104.9 ADP, WR41), but his odds of turning a sizable profit are favorable.

Tackling Spencer Ware must feel like attempting to wrangle a ticked off rhino. The downhill steam he gains at 5-foot-10, 229 pounds is intimidating. Also impressing as a receiver in Chicago, he will have an immediate 8-10 touch role working alongside Jamaal Charles. Still a late-round lottery ticket (159.4 ADP, RB59), he’s one knee tweak away from carrying owners … DeMarco Murray is another criminally undervalued (50.6 ADP, RB18) RB. His assertive cuts, vision and open-field acceleration this month are reminiscent of 2014. On 19 touches, he’s amassed 153 yards (8.1 ypc) and two touchdowns. It seems plausible he opens the year in a 70-30 split with Derrick Henry. In Mike Mularkey’s run-centered system and with a versatile QB under center, he’s about to rectify his fantasy image … Donte Moncrief will be the most valuable Colts WR this year. His strength, length and ladder-climbing stretch were on display against Philly, Due to Indy’s defensive inefficiencies, he could roll up an output in range of 80-1200-12 this year … Said it before and I’ll say it again, Virgil Green (9-92-1 in Preseason), in his sixth season, is this year’s Gary Barnidge. His stupendous metrics, increased trust as a receiver and magnificent efforts this summer arrow toward a breakout, especially with an inexperienced QB chucking him the rock … Tajae Sharpe continues to be on point. On a simple slant, he briefly sat down on the route, reeled in the catch and bolted up-field for a 60-yard gain. His stock rises with a bullet, yet again. Topping out in the 60-875-6 range feels realistic.

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