In the last week of the preseason, players expected to contribute heavily during the regular season are unlikely to play. We'll target players who are depth options on their NFL teams who have shown solid productivity throughout this preseason.
QUARTERBADK
Ryan Griffin (Buccaneers vs. Cowboys) - For the second year in a row, Griffin has been a preseason superstar, and he's leading all preseason QBs with 652 passing yards. In addition, his three TD passes places near the top of the league, and it seems likely he'll play at least one half in this week's game, if not more.
Honorable mention: Tim Boyle (Packers vs. Chiefs)
RUNNING BACK
Mike Boone (Vikings vs. Bills) - Boone's another player who's put together consecutive years of strong preseason performances. Through the first three games this year, he's among the league leaders with 35 rushing attempts, and he's translated that into production with 177 yards and a pair of TDs. He also could chip in as a receiver, as he's caught a pair of passes for an additional 51 yards this preseason. With Alexander Mattison seemingly locked in as Dalvin Cook's backup, Boone should get plenty of playing time.
Qadree Ollison (Falcons vs. Jaguars) - The Atlanta coaching staff knows what it has with backups Ito Smith and Brian Hill, so it seems likely the Falcons will continue to give Ollison playing time. And to this point of the preseason, he's been money with his 35 carries, turning them into 129 yards and a TD.
Honorable mention: Dexter Williams (Packers vs. Chiefs)
WIDE RECEIVER
Jakobi Meyers (Patriots vs. Giants) - Sometimes, we just need to ride the hot hand, especially when we have the uncertainty of exhibition games, and with a league-leading 19 receptions, Meyers has been a star of preseason with 225 yards and a pair of TDs. Since it's unlikely he'll have a prominent role in the regular season, he could continue to get plenty of reps in the preseason finale.
James Washington (Steelers vs. Panthers) - Washington's playing time with the backups seems to speak volumes about his role going into the season. With significant draft capital invested in him, the Steelers would be wise to see that he's giving them consistent playing time through an entire preseason. When given chances so far, he's come through with flying colors by posting a 9-203-2 stat line, and even though we'd like to see more receptions, the yardage is tough to argue with.
Kalif Raymond (Titans vs. Bears) - Although he's likely battling for a roster spot, Raymond has had a very impressive preseason by hauling in 12 passes for 159 yards. It seems likely that he'll see quite a bit of playing time this week, so the coaching staff can further evaluate him, and the fact he's been productive gives us a solid reason to fire him up in lineups.
Honorable mention: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (Eagles vs. Jets)
TIGHT END
Tanner Hudson (Buccaneers vs. Cowboys) - Hudson and Jakobi Meyers have arguably been the best two receivers this preseason, and Hudson has posted an outstanding stat line of 17-226-2. With O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate in firm control as the tight end receiving options in Tampa Bay, Hudson should be on the field for a good portion of this week's contest.
Honorable mention: Troy Fumagalli (Broncos vs. Cardinals)
DEFENSE
Ravens (vs. Washington) - As dart throws go, it's best to target what's expected to be one of the worst offenses in the league, and we won't expect much from the Washington reserves, so the Ravens are the default choice.
