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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson could carve out a role on offense as early as Week 1 this season. The rookie out of Oregon could see opportunities to contribute right away with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) temporarily sidelined. We saw Tampa Bay support three fantasy-relevant receivers at times last year, so it's safe to assume that could happen again in 2025. Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka are essentially locks to produce right away, leaving Johnson and Ryan Miller vying for the No. 3 role. The early advantage may go to Miller, who started three games (and played in 11 total) last year, so he is familiar with the system. Plus, he led the team in receiving yards during the 2025 preseason. However, Johnson has a promising outlook, too, as he totaled 2,080 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns through two seasons at Oregon. Meanwhile, he had the most targets and second-most receiving yards among all Buccaneers players this preseason. Tampa Bay is no stranger to getting its depth receivers involved, so don't be surprised if Johnson contributes right away. He should be stashed in all dynasty leagues, and he could even have some appeal in deeper redraft formats.

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Tennessee Titans running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) is a strong candidate to operate as the team's No. 2 running back if he's healthy enough to play in Sunday's season opener against the Denver Broncos. There's a void on the depth chart behind Tony Pollard now that Tyjae Spears (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve, but Mullings' status is up in the air since he's dealing with an ankle issue of his own. We should get more information on his injury when the Titans publish their first practice report of the season on Wednesday. If Mullings is able to practice in a limited or full capacity at all this week, he'll have a chance to suit up for Week 1. If that happens, he would become an intriguing change-of-pace option behind Pollard while carrying some value as a potential stash in dynasty and redraft leagues. However, if Mullings doesn't play, he can be avoided in redraft formats while Julius Chestnut steps into a bigger role behind Pollard.

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Tennessee Titans practice squad wide receiver Xavier Restrepo remains an intriguing stash in deeper dynasty leagues. Although Restrepo didn't make the Titans' 53-man roster, there are still reasons to be optimistic about his future in Tennessee. First of all, he was a priority target for the Titans as they filled out their practice squad, which means that the front office can still envision him making an impact even though he wasn't selected for the initial roster. Additionally, he has a strong rapport with quarterback Cam Ward, as they were teammates in college. Finally, Tennessee's wide receiver depth is incredibly thin, which means there may be opportunities for non-roster players to step up. Tyler Lockett is likely headed for retirement within the next couple of years, neither Bryce Oliver nor Van Jefferson is a major offensive threat, and rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor both have lower draft capital attached to them after being Day 3 picks. Any Titan receiver not named Calvin Ridley could be replaceable, so Restrepo will have chances to leapfrog other players on the depth chart and earn an elevation to the active roster. Of course, once he gets there, he'll still have to produce. However, at the minimum, there's enough to like about his landing spot to justify stashing him in dynasty leagues. The worst-case scenario is that you cut him mid-season, and that's a risk every fantasy manager can afford to take.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (hand) remains in line to operate as the team's No. 3 quarterback once he's healthy enough to play. For now, Howard will miss the first four games of the regular season after being placed on injured reserve. However, once Pittsburgh activates him, he should replace Skylar Thompson as the third-string quarterback behind veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Howard had an impressive senior season at Ohio State as he completed 73 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while leading the Buckeyes to a national title. Howard didn't get into a preseason game, so Pittsburgh would truly need to have a quarterback emergency for the rookie to play a snap this season. However, plenty of teams have been forced to play or even start their third-string quarterback before, so we can't rule out Howard getting some reps when he's eventually activated in Week 5 or later.

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New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III made the 53-man roster after a terrific preseason, and he could carve out a role as a physical pass-catching option over the middle of the field with the ability to rack up yards after the catch. However, he'll still need to earn opportunities in the Patriots' offense, and it could be difficult for him to obtain fantasy relevance if he's stuck behind players like Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and even Hunter Henry. His best chance at sneaking onto the fantasy radar would be through injuries to any of those receivers ahead of him. Chism certainly has the trust of the front office, coaching staff, and quarterback Drake Maye. However, as an undrafted free agent, he still has a lot of work to do before becoming a consistent fantasy option week in and week out. For now, he's a low-end speculative stash in dynasty leagues, but he should be avoided altogether in redraft formats.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Damien Martinez is unlikely to have much fantasy value this season after he was cut from the 53-man roster at the end of the preseason. Martinez did sign with the Seahawks' practice squad and could sign with any team's roster at any point, but even then, he'd likely occupy a depth role, such as the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. In all likelihood, a team would have to endure several backfield injuries for Martinez to handle enough volume such that he'd warrant interest in fantasy football. With that said, the seventh-round rookie does have a decent track record. He eclipsed 980 rushing yards in each of his three seasons at Oregon State, and he finished his final year at school with 1,002 rushing yards, 204 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. Although Martinez offers youth and a change of pace, he should be kept off the fantasy radar as long as he's not signed to a 53-man roster.

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New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson "moves like a much more experienced veteran, especially in pass protection," according to Jourdan Rodrigue. It's worth noting that this is Rodrigue's opinion, but she also quotes an unnamed coach who said Henderson has the makings of "a star." Henderson's explosiveness and big-play ability are easy to project based on his work in both college and the preseason. If he is further along than the typical rookie running back in the finer points of the position, as Rodrigue suggests, Henderson could be ready to take over the New England backfield sooner rather than later. He enters the year projected to split playing time with veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson, but Henderson is unquestionably the higher-upside option. Henderson projects as a priority fantasy RB2 with major upside for 2025.

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An NFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II is a "big back with nimble feet" who "could help Miami salt away leads." At 6'2" and 225 lbs., Gordon II could be the perfect complement to Dolphins RB1 De'Von Achane (calf), who is undersized but has plenty of speed and explosiveness. Achane is also dealing with a lingering calf issue, although he's expected to be ready for Week 1. Gordon II impressed in the preseason and is likely to start the season as the RB2 in Miami, so missed time from Achane would immediately give Gordon II significant fantasy appeal. If his power-rushing ability allows him to steal some short-yardage and late-game rushing attempts from Achane, Gordon II might have more value than the typical handcuff option.

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An AFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten is an "explosive, home-run hitter." A fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, Tuten averaged 6.3 rushing yards per attempt and scored 17 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season with the Hokies. He enters the year battling for playing time in the Jaguars' backfield with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. There doesn't seem to be a definitive hierarchy between the three backs, making the Jacksonville running back room a difficult one for fantasy managers to evaluate. If Tuten produces when given the opportunity, there's a chance that he seizes the team's RB1 role and runs with it. He's worthy of a late-round pick in drafts, but managers may have to be patient through the early part of the season.

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An AFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that he sees Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. "breaking out in 2027." The same scout said that Fannin Jr. has "glue hands" and is "crafty before and after the catch." Finally, Rodrigue writes that Browns quarterback Joe Flacco recently said Fannin Jr. is gaining confidence. A third-round pick out of Bowling Green who led the FBS in receptions and receiving yards in 2024, Fannin Jr. will play his entire rookie season at just 21 years old. Given his age and the relatively low level of competition he saw in college, it wouldn't be surprising to see an adjustment period for Fannin Jr. early in his NFL career. If the scout quoted in Rodrigue's article is correct, now may be the time for dynasty managers to look to stash Fannin Jr.

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Josh Taylor of A to Z Sports thinks that Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is likely to roll out running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the lead back in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has gotten a lot of hype this summer, but the Commanders could use a committee backfield approach involving Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels. Rodriguez is an experienced back that has surprising speed in addition to being a power back. He ranked second in 2024 in PFF's elusive rating in fifth in yards after contact. It doesn't mean that Croskey-Merritt won't be a huge factor in 2025, though, and the Commanders haven't had a home run threat like him in a while. Rodriguez is rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues and is worth watching if you already need RB depth.

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Cleveland Browns center Ethan Pocic (knee) was able to practice with the team on Monday and looks to be on track to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday versus the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. Pocic was wearing a knee brace on Monday after getting hurt in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. "Yeah, he looks good. He's rehabbed very hard, so he looks good," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Barring a setback the rest of the week in practice, Pocic should start at center this weekend as the Browns kick off the regular season. It's good news for Cleveland's offense and quarterback Joe Flacco, but they will still be fighting an uphill battle to start 1-0 in 2025.

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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee) is on track to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury in early August in training camp, but thankfully he avoided anything serious and should be ready to go this weekend to kick off the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old defensive back is in his first year in Houston and is expected to be a starter in the defensive backfield right away. Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles win last year's Super Bowl and had 59 tackles (35 solo), a career-high-tying six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 12 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts. He will be looking to slow down Matthew Stafford and Company if he's active on Sunday.

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Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson (tailbone) took part in practice on Monday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. The Rams will monitor Jackson throughout the week, and head coach Sean McVay said the plan is for him to start in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Houston Texans. Jackson's blood clots will still be something that need to be monitored, but the Rams feel good about their plan. The 27-year-old left tackle was diagnosed with blood clots in June, but it sounds like he's doing well now and should be on the field to start the regular season. It's great news for the Rams offense and quarterback Matthew Stafford (back), who missed most of training camp and all of the preseason due to an aggravated disc in his back.

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) said that there is a 75-80 percent chance of him playing in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday night versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Diggs had surgery on his left knee back in January, but he was a full participant in the team's first official practice of the regular season on Monday, which would seem to indicate that he'll be active on Thursday evening. The primary reason that the 26-year-old defensive back was up in the air for the regular-season opener was due to conditioning issues. The Cowboys woud love to have Diggs available to try and slow down Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but there's a good chance he won't play a full allottment of snaps in the season opener if he's active. With pass-rusher Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, Dallas will be leaning on their secondary more in 2025.

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that rookie first-round linebacker Jalon Walker (groin) is on track to play in Week 1 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Walker injured his groin in training camp practice in the middle of August but has recovered and should be out on the field for his first NFL contest this weekend. It's good news for Atlanta's defense as they look to slow down Baker Mayfield and Company to kick things off in 2025. Despite being a rookie, the Falcons are hoping that Walker can immediately be one of their most productive pass-rushers as a rotational outside linebacker, but fantasy managers in IDP fantasy formats can likely leave him on the waiver wire to start. In his final year at Georgia, the 21-year-old had 60 total tackles and 6.5 sacks in 14 games played.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (head) has been cleared from the concussion protocol, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. Johnston suffered a concussion in the team's third preseason game on Aug. 16 against the Los Angeles Rams but apparently is out of the league's protocol and should be available to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Friday in Brazil against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old could be limited in practice this week, but all indications are that he'll be available to kick off the 2025 season. The former first-rounder has been plagued by crucial drops early in his NFL career, and he'll go undrafted in most 12-team leagues, especially after the Chargers reunited with Keenan Allen in free agency. We wouldn't recommend starting Johnston in leagues where he's owned in Week 1 against a strong Chiefs defense.

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Both Dallas Cowboys running backs Jaydon Blue (ankle) and Miles Sanders (knee) are absent from the team's first official injury report on Monday in advance of the team's Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday night against the division-rival and Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. Blue, a rookie, was the one that was most in danger of missing Week 1 after dealing with an ankle/heel injury over the final couple weeks of training camp. He's practicing in full now, though, and will be ready to go in the season opener as the RB3 behind Sanders and Javonte Williams to kick things off. Blue impressed the coaching staff this summer and could eventually evolve into the team's preferred passing-down back, but for now, he's merely a bench stash in fantasy for RB depth. Going into Week 1, Williams is the only one realistically worth a look as an RB3/flex play in fantasy lineups in Dallas' backfield.

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Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford is expected to be in a workhorse role out of the backfield for the team's Week 1 divisional matchup on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Rookie Dylan Sampson should operate in a change-of-pace role behind him with second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins still unsigned following a domestic-violence incident in the offseason. The 25-year-old Ford led Cleveland's backfield in 2024 with only 565 yards in 14 games, and he'll open this year as their primary back, which counts for something in fantasy. However, in a game in which the Browns could be forced to throw often to keep up with Cincy's high-powered offense, Ford may have limited opportunities. He figures to be a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, in Week 1 fantasy lineups.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (groin) do not appear on the team's first official injury report on Wednesday. Brown was really the one that fantasy managers were monitoring entering Week 1 on Thursday night against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after he missed a good portion of training camp with a hamstring injury. The Eagles were just being extra cautious with their star receiver, though, and he's on track to play in the season opener on Thursday Night Football. Quarterback Jalen Hurts will have his top two wideouts ready to roll to open the season, and fantasy managers in all leagues should have both Brown and Smith locked into their starting lineups this week.

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