NFL preseason action mainly amounts to a hill of beans when it comes to fantasy football. While we can't take too much out of the stats, there are a few players that surprise each and every year—surprises who then continue to show what they are made of during the regular season.
Here are the five-best fantasy performances from the first Thursday of preseason action.
1. Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
Both of Washington's quarterbacks were pretty impressive Thursday evening. Robert Griffin III's stats might not have displayed this, but a dropped pass by Pierre Garcon on a deep route played a role. All said, RGIII completed 4-of-8 passes for 36 yards without a score or an interception.
But as has been the case over the past couple preseason slates, Cousins stood out on Thursday. He completed 12-of-14 passes for 154 yards, including a 28-yard pass to Andre Roberts in the second quarter.
2. Ameer Abdullah, Running Back, Detroit Lions
The surprise of Lions camp thus far, Abdullah was more than impressive in his NFL debut against a stout New York Jets defense on Thursday. Breaking off a 45-yard run in the first quarter, the rookie second-round pick gained 67 yards on seven carries. It's the breakaway ability that makes Abdullah a potential fantasy stud. Now mix that in with Joique Bell still being out due to off-season knee and Achilles surgeries, and there is a good chance Abdullah starts the regular year as Detroit's top back.
3. Senorise Perry, Running Back, Chicago Bears
Here's a player that will be all but forgotten when the regular season comes calling. With Matt Forte sitting out, Perry received a majority of Chicago's touches at running back. And he was mighty impressive, going for 89 yards on 10 rushes, including a beautiful 54-yard run.
Perry, a second-year player from Louisville, is still a long shot to make the roster. Not only is he stuck behind Forte on the depth chart, the likes of Daniel Thomas, Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers are all more likely to make the team. Heck this, doesn't even take into account rookie fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford. Still, Perry can make a name for himself with continued strong performances in camp and the preseason.
4. Andre Roberts, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins
Roberts figured he would play a larger role in Washington's offense when he signed a multi-year deal with the team prior to last season. Unfortunately for the former Arizona Cadinals receiver, it didn't turn out that way. Roberts recorded just 36 receptions for 453 yards and two scores in his first season with the Redskins. Looking to show he can maker a bigger impact in 2015, Roberts tallied four receptions for 71 yards on just four targets. With Pierre Garcon potentially falling out of favor in Washington, there is a chance Roberts could get more reps during the regular year. It's definitely something to keep an eye on.
5. Jonas Gray, Running Back, New England Patriots
With LeGarrette Blount injured and suspended for the first game of the regular season, Gray has a chance to prove himself to the Patriots once again. Seemingly always in Bill Belichick's dog house, this Notre Dame product put up a stellar performance against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, going for 74 yards on seven attempts. The highlight of the night was a 55-yard run to give the Patriots their only touchdown of the night in the second quarter.