Fantasy Football 2024: 3 Sleepers Generating Buzz After Preseason Week 3

Preseason production may not actually count in fantasy football, but managers must still pay attention to the NFL's exhibition slate.

This is often where you'll see the dawn of the upcoming season's fantasy sleepers.

Some of the noise generated now will carry over into the actual campaign, so let's look at three players generating buzz after Week 3.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks to pass the ball as he rolls out of the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Trevor Lawrence's third-year leap never materialized.

Maybe he'll just make the jump a year later than folks wanted.

He upped his production late last season, and he seemed in that same groove during Jacksonville's 31-0 rout of the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. Lawrence completed 8-of-10 passes for 91 yards and connected on a pair of scoring strikes to tight end Evan Engram.

"It was a good night, very clean," Lawrence told reporters. "As far as just our team, our offense, where we're at, I think we're in a good spot."

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 24: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers passes the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Bryce Young, last year's top overall pick, had a rookie season to forget, but maybe that all set him up to be this season's biggest redemption story.

His situation undoubtedly improved this summer. Carolina added a creative playcaller in new head coach Dave Canales and a proven pass-catcher in Diontae Johnson while beefing up its offensive line. It also added rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who could be an electric playmaker when fully recovered from his ACL tear.

If Young's environment is right, then maybe his talent takes over. Things certainly got off to a strong start Saturday, when he went 6-of-8 for 70 yards and a score during his only preseason appearance.

"Couldn't have dreamt it better,'' Canales told reporters. "A fourth-down conversion in there, but saw him extend plays with his legs, keeping his eyes down the field, finding guys.'

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - August 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving (7) catches a ball during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 17, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Buccaneers went looking for some extra zip at the draft earlier this year.

They bet a fourth-round pick on Bucky Irving being able to provide it.

It seemed a worthwhile wager on someone who had cleared 1,000 rushing yards (on better than six yards per carry) over each of the past two seasons at Oregon. It keeps looking like a savvy investment with Irving turning heads this preseason, which he capped on Friday by turning seven touches (six carries and a catch) into 31 scrimmage yards.

In three preseason games, Irving rushed 80 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He looks capable of challenging Rachaad White for field time and touches.