September 7, 2025
According to the team, Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malcolm Roach (calf) was placed on injured reserve due to a Grade 2 calf strain. That escalated quickly. Roach popped up on the Broncos' injury report with a limited session on Thursday after logging a full practice the day prior. On Friday, he was tagged with a DNP and later ruled out for their season opener against the visiting Tennessee Titans. Now, the 27-year-old will miss at least the first four games of the campaign. Roach set career-highs across the board in 2024, notching 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and eight QB hits, and should play a significant number of snaps when healthy. However, he won't be available to return until Week 5. D.J. Jones will see a marked increase in workload as the only other nose tackle on the active roster.
--Alex CiullaSource: Denver Broncos
September 7, 2025
Minnesota Vikings running back
Zavier Scott (ankle) has officially been ruled out for his team's road tilt with the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The former undrafted free agent picked up an ankle injury in the Vikes' preseason finale and did not log even a limited practice session ahead of their regular season opener. It's unfortunate timing for Scott, who flashed as a pass-catcher this summer and might have challenged to be Minnesota's third option out of the backfield. Teammates
Aaron Jones Sr. and
Jordan Mason figure to handle the bulk of the running back opportunities on Monday night, with
Ty Chandler potentially rotating in for a few touches behind them.
--Alex CiullaSource: Minnesota Vikings
September 7, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is unlikely to strike a new deal with the team before the start of the regular season. Hutchinson has rapidly progressed through his rehab from a lower-leg fracture that derailed his 2024 campaign, but he is still playing on his rookie contract. Talks have been ongoing between the two sides, and Rapoport notes that they've been "professional and amicable." It isn't unlike the Lions to continue working toward a deal with the 25-year-old when the season begins, but it's possible talks slow down so as not to distract the athlete. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect the dispute over Hutchinson's contract to affect his play.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
September 7, 2025
The Detroit Lions and wide receiver
Jameson Williams have agreed to terms on a three-year, $83 million extension, according to multiple sources. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported the news. Per Schultz, the deal includes $67 million in guaranteed money. It's an excellent move by Detroit, who picked up the wideout's fifth-year option back in April. The deal will tie the University of Alabama product to the organization through 2029. Williams is fresh off his best professional season, and the team has indicated he'll be more involved during the 2025 campaign. There was no doubt heading into this year that he'd operate as Detroit's clear-cut No. 2 option, though the extension should quell any lingering fears surrounding him in dynasty.
--Alex CiullaSource: Jordan Schultz
September 6, 2025
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense will look to take a step forward in 2025. This is a defensive unit that will be reliant on the success of their young defenders. Last season, the Bucs defense had a tough time defending the pass. They didn't make many additions to the secondary in the offseason, but injuries played a big factor last season. The Bucs will need to find a way to contain
Bijan Robinson who figures to be the focal point of the Atlanta Falcons offense in Week 1. It's unclear how well the Falcons will be able to pass the ball with
Michael Penix Jr. under center. There are certainly better streaming options for Week 1, but the Bucs should be a viable option, assuming they can contain Robinson in the backfield.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
September 6, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward reached an agreement with the team on a revised deal. With incentives, he'll have an opportunity to earn up to $18 million this season. More importantly, the 36-year-old will play in Week 1 versus the Jets. Heyward has spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 211 appearances, he totaled 718 tackles (439 solo), 88.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. The veteran is also a four-time first-team All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Without question, the latest update is certainly good news for the fantasy managers rolling with the Steelers defense on Sunday and beyond. On the other hand, it's not a positive update for
Justin Fields and the rest of the Jets offense.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adaam Schefter
September 6, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker
Chase McLaughlin will look to keep the good times rolling after a strong 2024 campaign. McLaughlin posted a career-high 93.8 percent conversion rate on field-goal attempts last season. The 29-year-old knocked down 30-of-32 field goals and 54-of-56 extra point attempts across 17 games with the Bucs. He'll enter his third season in Tampa Bay as it appears McLaughlin has found a long term home. The Bucs have a strong enough offense to give McLaughlin plenty of opportunities. McLaughlin should be considered a strong kicking option in what could be a high-scoring game in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons.
--Andy WebbSource: Pro Football Reference
September 6, 2025
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay views quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo as a "starting-caliber" option.
Matthew Stafford is in line to start on Sunday versus the Houston Texans. However, with the veteran signal-caller battling a lingering back injury, the Rams are confident Garoppolo can fill in admirably if necessary. From a fantasy standpoint, Stafford has had a better career. Still, with concerns about his health, Garoppolo may get a chance to start at some point moving ahead. The 33-year-old played for the Patriots, 49ers, and Raiders before arriving in Los Angeles in 2024 to suit up for the Rams. In 82 regular-season contests, he's thrown for 15,828 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions off 67.4% passing while also leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2019. All things considered, Garoppolo doesn't have much fantasy value at the moment. If Stafford goes down this season due to the nagging back issue, Garoppolo could prove useful for those participating in deeper SuperFlex formats, especially with
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams at his disposal.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Dianna Russini
September 6, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back
Travis Hunter is expected to be an every-down wideout and situational corner for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Finally, fantasy managers get some clarification on how the Jags plan to handle Hunter's workload. The assumption is that his workload on defense will increase as he continues to learn and develop. The Jags are limited in terms of offensive weapons with
Brian Thomas Jr. being their primary weapon last season. The fact that Hunter will be an every-down wideout is intriguing for fantasy managers heading into the season opener. The upside is too high here to keep Hunter on the bench for a plus-matchup in Week 1.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam Schefter
September 6, 2025
Cleveland Browns quarterback
Shedeur Sanders made the active roster to open the regular season. Despite that, Sanders is reportedly unlikely to see the field this season.
Joe Flacco will begin the season as the starter with rookie
Dillon Gabriel serving as the backup. Sanders will be on the roster, but it appears he's only going to be used as the emergency quarterback. Browns' general manager Andrew Berry believes there is a place for Sanders on the roster. It sounds like things would have to go very sideways for the Browns to bring Sanders onto the field. The 23-year-old is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't likely to play right away.
--Andy WebbSource: Dianna Russini
September 6, 2025
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Zaire Mitchell-Paden has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Ravens are in need of another tight end with
Isaiah Likely (foot) ruled out for this game. Mitchell-Paden will head to the active roster and serve as depth behind
Mark Andrews and
Charlie Kolar. He has yet to appear in an NFL game after spending the first three years of his career on the practice squad. Maybe, Mitchell-Paden can finally make an impact on the field this weekend. The 26-year-old won't be a streaming option as the third option on the depth chart.
--Andy WebbSource: Aaron Wilson
September 6, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Tyler Johnson was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. Johnson failed to make the 53-man roster and was added to the practice squad. Now, Johnson will be elevated to the active roster ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, Johnson hauled in 26 receptions for 291 receiving yards and one touchdown across 15 games with the Los Angeles Rams. He'll provide depth to the wide receiver room, but is unlikely to make a significant impact during Sunday's game. Johnson can be avoided in fantasy formats for the moment.
--Andy WebbSource: Rich Cimini
September 6, 2025
New Orleans Saints tight end
Jack Stoll was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Stoll was brought back to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster. Now, Stoll will head to the active roster as depth behind
Juwan Johnson and
Moliki Matavao. The 27-year-old has been barely involved on the field over the last two seasons. Stoll has a total of seven receptions over the last two years. He'll serve as depth for Sunday's contest, but won't offer any fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Nick Underhill
September 6, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Jake Haener was cut by the organization on Saturday. Haener was waived by the team last week after falling behind
Spencer Rattler and
Tyler Shough on the depth chart. Haener was brought back on the practice squad, but released again in order to sign defensive end Fadil Diggs. It's unclear if the Saints plan to bring back Haener again. He completed 18-of-39 passing attempts for 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old might return to the Saints again if he clears waivers, but isn't worth rostering in fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Nick Underhill
September 6, 2025
San Francisco 49ers running back
Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to suit up Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Acquired in a late-August trade from Washington, Robinson was brought in to solidify the RB2 role behind
Christian McCaffrey. With McCaffrey dealing with a calf issue, Robinson could see an expanded workload, even though he hasn't had many first-team practice reps. The Seahawks' run defense was middle-of-the-pack last season, creating a decent opportunity if Robinson gets touches. Still, his fantasy outlook is tied directly to McCaffrey's status; Robinson will likely be relegated to a depth role. For now, he's best left on the bench, particularly as a handcuff option for McCaffrey managers.
--Nathan HarveySource: Matt Maiocco - NBC
RADIO
