Tyler Warren, Tory Horton shine in preseason debuts: Warren earned a 50% THREAT rate, flashing early chemistry with both QBs. Horton earned a 50% adjusted target rate on 7 total targets and scored a touchdown in his preseason debut.
Tetairoa McMillan flashed his immense potential: He averaged an impressive 21.5 yards per catch, which would be enough to turn heads alone, but his impact went far beyond the box score.
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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Preseason Week 1 gave fantasy football managers an early look at players who could outperform expectations this year. Beyond the small sample size, each player listed below's box scores, usage and efficiency indicate possible larger roles.
These are my three standouts from the opening week who could see their fantasy value climb ahead of the start of the NFL season. Now is the perfect time to be in the know before the hype around these players grows even more.
TE Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
Warren opened his preseason with an impressive performance in Week 1, recording three receptions for 40 yards while averaging 13.3 yards per catch. His production stood out on the stat sheet, but the deeper numbers tell an even more encouraging story for the rookie tight end.
Warren posted a 50% threat rate on just 10 receiving snaps, meaning he was targeted on half of the routes he ran. Those opportunities came from multiple quarterbacks, as both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson looked his way. His strong involvement translated into one of the highest efficiency marks of the week, earning him an 83.0 PFF grade, the second-best among all rookie pass catchers in the opening slate of preseason games
Early on, it appears that Warren is going to be fed early and often, no matter who the starting QB is.
WR Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks
In the Seahawks’ preseason opener, Horton made the most of his opportunities, finishing with three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. His scoring grab was the highlight, but the rest of his performance showed that he is already earning trust in Seattle.
Tory Horton vs Raiders:
🎯 50% Adjusted Target Rate pic.twitter.com/Is1K3yl5O3
— PFF Fantasy (@PFF_Fantasy) August 8, 2025
Horton posted a 73.5 receiving grade and saw seven targets, the second-most among all rookies in Week 1. He converted two of his catches into first downs, secured a contested grab and finished with a 50% adjusted target rate, a strong indicator of how often the offense looked his way when he was on the field.
While Horton may not be a consistent fantasy producer in redraft formats this season, his early usage and target share make him an intriguing stash in dynasty leagues. In many cases, he will be available in the late rounds of rookie drafts or go undrafted entirely, making him a low/no-risk pickup with potential upside.
WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers
McMillan made a strong impression during the opening week of the preseason, hauling in two receptions on three targets for 43 yards, averaging an impressive 21.5 yards per catch. The stat line alone would be enough to turn heads, but his impact went far beyond the box score.
Among the Panthers’ starting offensive unit, McMillan stood out as the most involved player. He logged the most snaps with 13, ran the most routes with seven and drew the most targets from quarterback Bryce Young with three. His lone contested catch of the afternoon, a sideline grab that dazzled the crowd, showcased the type of playmaking ability McMillan has.
Everyone should be drafting more Tetairoa McMillan
pic.twitter.com/RPYdJLeNqN
— Beckett🔋 (@PFF_Beck) August 12, 2025
It’s only been one preseason game, but McMillan should be force-fed early and often in this Panthers offense.