Tonight's game between the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions will feature starters from both sides of the ball for each team longer than in any other preseason game.
In this, we will be able to get a better gauge of where each team stands heading into the regular season. We'll also be able to see where key fantasy football contributors might stand at the end of the day, before most of the world take part in drafts around the fake football community.
Let's take a gander of what to look at here.
New England Patriots Running Backs
Stevan Ridley has gained 110 yards on 13 rushes through two preseason games and has quickly become a sexy pick as an under-the-radar RB1 option leading up to the season. Ridley put up over 1,300 total yards and 12 scores as New England's primary ball carrier last season. Meanwhile, fellow third-year running back Shane Vereen has impressed this preseason and if fully healthy. He's put up 105 total yards on 13 touches in New England's first two preseason games. Heck, LeGarrette Blount has impressed. He also has over 100 yards on 14 touches.
With New England likely moving away from a pass-first offense in 2013, you can expect both Ridley and Vereen to be solid fantasy options. We are going to be intrigued to see exactly how well Vereen does in terms of receiving, as he could be a solid under-the-radar PPR option.
Reggie Bush's Value for the Detroit Lions
It'll be interesting to see just how much the Lions use Bush in their third preseason game. He has only 20 yards on 11 rushes through two games, but did catch five passes last week against the Cleveland Browns. Without a true threat opposite Calvin Johnson at receiver, Detroit's pass-happy offense might impact Bush's fantasy value a great deal. His career-high in receptions came with the Saints at a rookie in 2006 with 88. While it's hard to imagine Bush matching those numbers in 2013, there could be a strong argument that he'll top his previous high of 1,382 total yards, set back in 2011.
New England's Rookie Wide Receivers
Interestingly enough, one of New England's top rookie receivers has been none other than undrafted free agent Kenbrell Thompkins, who has recorded four receptions in two games thus far. He joins second-round pick Aaron Dobson with four receptions. Texas Christian product Josh Boyce has been unproductive thus far with just three receptions for nine yards.
With only Danny Amendola on the roster as a veteran presence, New England will be relying on one of these receivers to stop up into the No. 2 wide receiver role. Dobson seems to be the favorite at that this point and may provide a solid top-tier bench option.
As it relates to tight end, Zach Sudfeld has stepped up in the short-term absence of Rob Gronkowski and what appears to be the permanent departure of Aaron Hernandez. He has three receptions for 54 yards and a score thus far this preseason.
Matthew Stafford's Form
Stafford, who struggled a great deal reaching the end zone last season, has failed to throw a single touchdown in 24 pass attempts thus far this preseason. In fact, Detroit has scored just three points with him under center in those two games. There was a lot made about Stafford's struggle with mechanics last season, struggles that might continue with the absence of both Chosder Cherilus and Jeff Backus at tackle this season. Stafford might need to show us something to be considered a solid QB1 option heading into the season.
A bit of a teaser here. eDraft has Stafford as the No. 13-ranked quarterback in our fantasy football preview magazine, set to be released a bit later this month.