Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates had a breakout season as a rookie in 2024, nailing 26 of his 29 field goal attempts and converting a league-high 64 extra-point attempts. The 26-year-old will face a tough road environment in Week 1 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Last year, Bates made 13 field goals both at home and on the road, but he made 14 more extra points in the friendly confines of Detroit's domed Ford Field. The weather is not expected to be an issue in Green Bay on Sunday, but it's still an additional variable to consider. More importantly, the Lions averaged 30.8 points per game on the road last season, compared to 35.3 at home. The over/under for Week 1 is 47.5, so the betting markets are expecting a solid number of points to be scored between the two teams. Bates is a starting-caliber kicker in fantasy this week who should be expected to provide top-12 production.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson will go up against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Atlanta on Sunday, a team that was able to limit him to 25 carries for 124 yards combined in two games last year. With run-stuffing Vita Vea expected to play for the Bucs in this contest, running the ball could prove challenging again. The 23-year-old running back can contribute through the air as well, though, as he caught 61 passes last year, an average of over three receptions per game, including a seven-catch effort against the Bucs in Week 8. Together with his nose for the end zone (15 total TDs in '24) and the fact that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be making just his fourth NFL start, the 23-year-old still projects as a top-three running back for fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will take the field for the first time in black and gold against the New York Jets in Week 1. While Rodgers will surely be motivated to face the team he spent the last two seasons with, this simply isn't a matchup to target for fantasy production. The Jets surrendered the fifth-fewest passing yards and 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2024, and they were even tougher on the position the year prior. In addition, this contest carries the lowest-projected point total of the week. All things considered, Rodgers was solid last season, but he scored as a top-12 fantasy QB just six times. The 41-year-old should only be considered in superflex leagues as a low-end QB2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Savion Williams (hamstring) were both limited in practice all week and are listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report for Sunday's Week 1 season opener against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Jayden Reed (foot) is also questionable while dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot, so Green Bay's receiving corps is quite beat up heading into Week 1. Wicks and Williams appear to have a better shot at suiting up this weekend against the Lions than Reed, but even if they are active on game day and Reed isn't, Wicks would be the No. 3 wideout behind rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs. At best, the 24-year-old Wicks will be a WR5/flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues in Week 1, but only if Reed is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta saw a sizable drop in targets, catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns from his rookie campaign in 2023 to his sophomore season in 2024. However, LaPorta battled injuries early in the year and was much better down the stretch, earning at least six targets in each of Detroit's final seven games of the season. LaPorta gets a matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, whose defense tied for the sixth-fewest touchdowns allowed to tight ends (four) in 2024. The 24-year-old has recorded 16 catches for 185 yards and one score in four career games against Green Bay. Given that the Packers project to have a fearsome pass rush, the Lions may be forced to rely on play-action and passes to the short and intermediate areas of the field. That would likely benefit LaPorta, who is battling with deep-threat wide receiver Jameson Williams for the number two target role in Detroit behind All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. LaPorta is a must-start fantasy TE1 in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Friday and is officially listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Wideouts Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Savion Williams (hamstring) are also questionable, so the Packers receiving corps could be pretty thin to open the 2025 campaign. Christian Watson (knee) is also on Injured Reserve. Reed is dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot and apparently was hobbling around during practice the last two days, which doesn't bode well for his chances of helping fantasy managers if he's active in Week 1. As things currently stand, we'd recommend sitting Reed on your benches if he suits up on Sunday, with Romeo Doubs being a much better WR4/flex play with upside.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks due to a calf issue, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. After reports that CMC was fully healthy and looking like his MVP self in training camp this summer, the oft-injured RB popped up on Thursday's injury report and was limited in practice. On Friday, the 29-year-old didn't take part in drills with the rest of the team and was seen on a side field rehabbing. He was questionable entering last year's season opener and ended up missing the first eight games with bilateral Achilles tendinitis. It's a different year, but things could be trending toward him sitting out in Week 1 again. We hope you handcuffed Brian Robinson Jr. or Isaac Guerendo if you took the plunge on McCaffrey in drafts this year.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams finished the 2024 regular season on a tear, recording 34 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns over his final seven games. Reporting out of Lions' training camp this summer has indicated that the team is looking to involve Williams in the offense even more in 2025, and that new play-caller John Morton wants to push the ball downfield at a higher rate. That may be difficult to do in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, who feature one of the league's most fearsome pass rushes on paper. Williams did not play in Week 9 against the Packers last season, but he led all Lions in targets (eight) in the Week 14 matchup between the two teams and hauled in five catches for 80 yards. He profiles as a boom/bust WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1, but his target volume on Sunday could be informative of how the team plans to incorporate him going forward.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (oblique, calf) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Hill has been banged up with an oblique issue throughout most of camp. He managed to get in a few limited practices before getting in a full session to end the week. The 31-year-old is coming off a down year in terms of his normal production. However, Hill still hauled in 81 receptions for 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. When Tua Tagovailoa is healthy, Hill should be considered a solid WR2 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, per Travis Wingfield of MiamiDolphins.com. Waller retired and did not play football in 2024 but came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins this season. Miami took it easy on him this summer in training camp as he worked his way back into football shape before suffering a setback with his hip before Thursday's practice. The 32-year-old veteran will now miss the season opener and could also be in danger of sitting out in Week 2 against the division-rival New England Patiots. At best, Waller is a bench stash as a TE2 in deeper leagues while he tries to get into shape and overcome a hip ailment. Fantasy managers should ignore Julian Hill and Tanner Conner, who will split TE duties with Waller sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (ankle) was ruled out for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. As expected, Likely won't take the field after failing to practice this week. It sounds like he has been doing some work on the side, but isn't ready for game action yet. That being said, it's possible that Likely misses more than just the season opener. Mark Andrews will be the primary option at tight end with Charlie Kolar seeing increased usage with Likely out. Fantasy managers will need to check back next week for another update on Likely. The absence of Likely does slightly increase the fantasy value of Andrews for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most consistent wideouts in the NFL, topping 115 catches and 1,200 receiving yards while scoring double-digit touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. However, St. Brown has historically been held relatively in check by his 2025 Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In eight career games against Green Bay, St. Brown has totaled 47 catches for 481 yards and three touchdowns. He failed to reach 60 yards receiving in either of his two matchups against the Packers last season. One potential variable for 2025 is Green Bay's addition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is officially questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but is expected to play. St. Brown is a master of intermediate and short-area route running, so he could be targeted frequently in the quick passing game if Parsons is putting pressure on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. St. Brown profiles as a low-end fantasy WR1 in Week 1 despite the potentially sub-optimal matchup.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts RB Tyler Goodson (elbow) was limited during practice Friday, Sept. 5, and is listed as questionable for Week 1. DT DeForest Buckner (non-injury) did not participate in practice but is not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. As expected, Kirk won't suit up in Week 1 after missing practice this week. The hope is that Kirk can play in Week 2, but that remains uncertain as hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. The absence of Kirk should mean that Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have larger roles in the offense. Nico Collins remains the focal point in the passing game, but both rookies could actually have a decent usage in the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a consensus early first-round pick in fantasy drafts this year after recording over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and leading the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024. Heading into his third NFL season, Gibbs could be gradually stealing touches from his veteran backfield mate, David Montgomery. However, Gibbs has not historically had huge fantasy success against his Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In four career games against Green Bay, Gibbs has averaged just over 11 touches for just over 68 yards per contest and scored only one touchdown. The Packers defense generally excels with speed over power, so the Lions have leaned on their physical run game behind Montgomery in recent seasons. Gibbs is still clearly a must-start fantasy RB1 this week with massive upside, but past performance against the Packers suggests this might not be a monster showing for him.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills CB Tre'Davious White (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and is listed as doubtful for Week 1. CB Christian Benford (groin), WR Keon Coleman (groin), WR Elijah Moore (non-injury) and WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. Bass has been dealing with a lingering groin issue throughout training camp. He was only able to practice in a limited capacity once throughout the whole week leading up to Week 1. The Bills have decided to place Bass on the IR which means he'll miss the first four weeks of the regular season. That being said, Matt Prater will take over as the active roster for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills offense is strong enough to make Prater an attractive streaming option while Bass is out.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to cede touches this year to some degree to his superstar backfield mate, Jahmyr Gibbs. However, history suggests that Montgomery could see a workhorse role in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In four games against the Packers since joining the Lions in 2022, Montgomery has averaged 22 touches, 98 yards from scrimmage, and 1.25 touchdowns per game. Those numbers are even better at Lambeau Field, where he's logged 49 carries for 194 yards and three scores in his last two games. The Packers recently made their pass-rush significantly better by acquiring star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but expected to play. If the Lions want to win the physical battle in the trenches and run the ball between the tackles, they will likely rely on Montgomery. The 28-year-old projects as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens FB Patrick Ricard (calf) and TE Isaiah Likely (foot) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and have been ruled out for Week 1. CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and OG Daniel Faalele (illness) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings RB Zavier Scott (ankle) and DL Elijah Williams (hamstring) did not participate in practice on Friday, Sept. 5. S Harrison Smith (illness) was limited in practice. OT Christian Darrisaw (knee), WR Jalen Nailor (hand), and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle