Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Football Game Recap: Panthers vs. Giants

Darren Waller shines in his debut with the Giants, being targeted on his first three plays and showing potential as a top-five tight end. Giants' wide receiver rotation becomes clearer, with Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, and Isaiah Hodgins starting. Jonathan Mingo stands out for the Panthers as a potential starter. Hayden Hurst dominates playing time for the Panthers and has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy tight end.

Darren Waller Makes a Strong Impression in His Debut with the Giants

In his first game with the Giants, tight end Darren Waller immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. He was targeted on each of his first three plays and was involved in 50% of the team's offensive plays throughout the game. This is an impressive start for Waller and a promising sign for his future with the Giants.

It's worth noting that Waller, along with other veterans on the team, sat out of the first preseason game. However, he made up for it by taking the majority of snaps on the first drive of this game. He only left the field for two snaps after securing catches. Waller finished the game with three receptions on four targets for a total of 30 yards.

Despite his backup, Daniel Bellinger, scoring a touchdown on the first drive, it should not be seen as a threat to Waller's potential. Waller's performance in this game, combined with the praise he has received in training camp, solidifies his status as one of the top-five tight ends to consider in fantasy football.

Giants' Wide Receiver Rotation Takes Shape

The Giants' wide receiver depth chart is becoming clearer as the preseason progresses. Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, and Isaiah Hodgins started the game and are likely to be the team's top receivers in Week 1. Slayton and Campbell, who were healthy veterans who sat out of the previous game, joined Hodgins in the starting lineup.

Campbell, known for his slot receiver abilities, also played a snap in a two-tight end set, showcasing his versatility. This additional playing time bodes well for his fantasy potential. All three receivers continued to play even after quarterback Daniel Jones left the game.

Rookie Jalin Hyatt, a third-round pick, also saw some playing time with the starters. This indicates that he may have a role in the offense early in the season, although he is currently fourth on the depth chart. Hyatt had a mixed performance, dropping a pass but later catching a touchdown with the backups in the second quarter.

Sterling Shepard, who missed most of last season and the first preseason game, played in place of Slayton on the third drive. He seems to be a versatile backup option for the team. Cole Beasley, who started the previous preseason game, was sidelined with a leg injury.

Jonathan Mingo Shines for the Panthers

Jonathan Mingo stood out for the Carolina Panthers as one of their top wide receivers in this game. He started alongside D.J. Chark Jr. and Adam Thielen, just as he did in the previous game. Mingo played well when on the field, making a 15-yard catch that resulted in a first down and showcasing his ability to force missed tackles.

While Thielen and Chark are established players, Mingo's performance suggests that he has the most upside among the group and is in contention for a starting role. Terrace Marshall Jr., currently fourth on the depth chart, missed the game due to a back injury.

Hayden Hurst Continues to Impress

Hayden Hurst, the tight end for the Panthers, once again dominated playing time in the preseason. He played nearly every snap with the starters for the second consecutive week. In the first preseason game, he played all 11 snaps with quarterback Bryce Young. Against the Giants, he played in the first 14 snaps before taking a break after an 11-play drive.

Hurst has shown his potential as a top-10 fantasy tight end during his time with the Atlanta Falcons. It appears that he will have ample playing time with the Panthers as well, but his success will depend on the team's offensive performance and his target share. In this game, he was not targeted, but it's important to note that it's only the preseason.

Other Notable Players and Updates

Both Saquon Barkley of the Giants and Miles Sanders of the Panthers sat out of this game. This allowed rookie running back Eric Gray to see playing time with the Giants' second unit. He could potentially contribute on offense during the regular season.

It's important to mention that certain plays, such as those called back due to penalties, are not included in the statistics mentioned in this article. Additionally, there may be discrepancies in target numbers compared to official NFL sources, especially in cases where a pass is thrown away.

Overall, these preseason games provide valuable insights into player usage and performance, helping fantasy football enthusiasts make informed decisions for the upcoming season.