Preseason Week 2: Separating Fantasy-Relevant Performances from Noise
Analyst Ben Gretch reviewed every preseason Week 2 snap to identify fantasy-relevant developments, focusing on young players and their roles. Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden stood out in the X position, converting a fourth-down catch and drawing a penalty that led to a first down. Gretch emphasizes that most preseason data is noise, but such usage patterns offer genuine signal for fantasy managers.
Ben Gretch’s preseason review method involves watching every snap for starters and at least the first drive for all teams, with extra focus on rookies and young players. He categorizes observations as “signal” or “noise,” noting that most preseason data is unreliable. His newsletter, Stealing Signals, serves as the platform for these breakdowns.
Golden’s usage in two-receiver sets follows Green Bay’s offseason moves to part with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Stribling’s high target rate (13 on 22 routes) came mostly against backups, though he also worked with starters like Deebo Samuel. San Francisco’s injury-prone skill group adds context to his rising ADP.
For fantasy managers, this analysis could sharpen draft decisions by distinguishing meaningful role indicators from fluke statistics. Golden’s clear first-team positioning may influence draft boards, while Stribling’s production against backups could lead to overvaluation. The broader impact is modest—affecting hobbyist engagement and draft strategy—but it highlights how preseason usage patterns, when carefully parsed, offer a more rational basis for player evaluation than highlight-driven narratives.