NFL Preseason Week 3 Takeaways: Rising Stars, Shocking Cuts, and What It All Means for Week 1

The final week of NFL preseason action delivered crucial insights about every team’s depth chart, with several undrafted rookies making their case for roster spots while established veterans saw their careers flash before their eyes. In this 1,500+ word exclusive, we break down the most important developments from the dress rehearsal games that will shape the 2024 regular season.

Quarterback Battles Decided in Dramatic Fashion

Steelers’ QB Controversy Takes Unexpected Turn

Russell Wilson entered preseason as the presumed starter, but Justin Fields’ performance against the Bills (12/15, 178 yards, 2 TDs) has forced Mike Tomlin into a difficult decision. Our sources indicate:

• Wilson will start Week 1 but has a 2-game leash

• Fields showcased improved pocket presence

• Pittsburgh considering special packages for Fields

 Steelers QB analysis

Patriots’ Surprise Cut Shakes Up AFC East

Despite a $10M guarantee, veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was released after Bailey Zappe’s 3-TD performance. This means:

• Zappe is the unquestioned backup to Drake Maye

• Patriots eating $6.2M in dead money

• Possible trade market for Brissett developing

5 Undrafted Rookies Who Earned Rosters Spots

1. Marcus Johnson (WR, Eagles)

   • 6 catches, 143 yards vs. Jets

   • Beat out veteran Britain Covey

   • Now WR4 behind Smith/Brown/Wilson

2. Tyler Scott (EDGE, 49ers)

   • 3 sacks in preseason

   • Will rotate with Leonard Floyd

   • Nick Bosa called him “most polished rookie rusher I’ve seen”

3. Jamal Peters (CB, Ravens)

   • 2 INTs including pick-six

   • Marlon Humphrey’s injury opened door

   • Special teams ace as well

4. Ethan Bonner (RB, Dolphins)

   • 187 rushing yards on 22 carries

   • Jeff Wilson Jr. cut as result

   • Perfect fit for McDaniel’s outside zone

5. Darius Vickers (TE, Lions)

   • 87-yard TD vs. Panthers

   • Sam LaPorta insurance

   • Jared Goff’s new safety valve

Veterans Who Played Their Way Off Rosters

The $12M Mistake

WR Michael Gallup (Cowboys) was cut after:

• 0 catches on 7 targets NFL preseason

• Multiple drops

• $12.9M dead cap hit

Pro Bowler to Practice Squad?

LB Zach Cunningham (Eagles) lost his spot to rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. despite:

• 107 tackles last season

• $3M guaranteed

• Special teams limitations

Injury Fallout That Changes Division Races

AFC North Shakeup

Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) out 6-8 weeks means:

• Steelers/Bengals get early advantage

• Rookie Nate Wills forced into starting role

• Lamar Jackson’s INT risk increases

NFC South Blow

Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs (ankle) questionable for Week 1:

• Baker Mayfield’s protection concerns

• Saints pass rush licking chops

• Potential delay for Rachaad White’s breakout

 Latest injury updates

Scheme Changes Revealed in Final Tune-Ups

Chiefs’ New-Look Defense

Steve Spagnuolo unveiled:

• 3 safety looks with Justin Reid

• More Cover 6 than previous years

• George Karlaftis as stand-up rusher

Lions’ Offensive Evolution

Ben Johnson showed:

• 21 personnel as new base offense

• Jahmyr Gibbs lining up at WR

• Play-action deep shots to Jameson Williams

Fantasy Football Winners & Losers

Stock Up

Stock Down

• Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – Bijan Robinson dominated snaps

• Quentin Johnston (LAC) – Drops continued, now WR4

• Daniel Bellinger (NYG) – Lost snaps to Theo Johnson

Betting Market Reactions

Biggest Line Moves

 Steelers win total +0.5 (Fields emergence)
Panthers under 6.5 wins -130 (OL struggles)
Jets +120 to win AFC East (Rodgers sharp)

Player Prop Adjustments

• Justin Fields TD passes +700 to +400

• Breece Hall rushing yards +150 to +125

• Christian Kirk receptions +110 to -120

Final 53-Man Roster Projections

Most Improved Position Groups

1. Texans WRs (Diggs/Collins/Dell/Metchie)

2. Packers CBs (Alexander/Stokes/Valentine)

3. Jets DL (Williams/Reddick/McDonald)

Biggest Weaknesses Exposed

• Titans offensive line

• Raiders cornerbacks

• Bears safety depth

Read More: NFL’s New Kickoff Rule 2024: How It Will Revolutionize Special Teams

What It All Means for Week 1

3 Must-Watch Matchups

1. Steelers vs. Falcons – Fields vs. Cousins in potential shootout NFL preseason

2. Jets vs. 49ers – Best defense vs. best offense

3. Bengals vs. Patriots – Joe Burrow’s return vs. Drake Maye’s debut

Upset Alerts

• Cardinals over Bills (Josh Allen’s INT issues resurfaced)

• Commanders over Bucs (Jayden Daniels’ mobility)

• Broncos over Seahawks (Bo Nix’s precision)

 Get Week 1 betting previews