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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

NFL announces five nationally televised preseason games

Thu May 29 2:36pm ET
Field Level Media

The NFL announced the five nationally televised prime-time 2025 preseason games on Thursday.

Action begins with the Los Angeles Chargers facing the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday, July 31. The game will air on NBC.

In Week 2 of the preseason, the Buffalo Bills will visit the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Aug. 17 (Fox) and the Cincinnati Bengals will visit the Washington Commanders on Monday, Aug. 18 (ESPN).

In Week 3, the New York Giants will host the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 21 (Prime Video) and the Tennessee Titans will host the Minnesota Vikings (CBS).

All five games begin at 8 p.m. ET.

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Player Notes
Christian Kirk May 30 12:03am CT
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk 'has been everything we could ask for (so far this offseason),' according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Teammate Nico Collins referred to Kirk as a 'slot magician.' 'You talk about a guy who is dedicated to getting better. He has honed in on his craft and he's leading our young guys. He's a hard worker, he shows up every day with the right attitude working hard and showing guys how it's done,' Ryans said.

Fantasy Spin: Kirk has one year left on the four-year contract he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March of 2022. It seems likely that is how long the 28-year-old will stay in Houston after the team drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the second and third round, respectively, in April's draft. With that said, it is not out of the question that Kirk plays so well in 2025 that the Texans bring him back for another year as insurance for Higgins and/or Noel.

From TheHuddle

Christian McCaffrey May 29 8:53pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, knee) 'looked electric' during OTAs Thursday, May 29, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Fantasy Spin: After battling injuries last year, all the reports on McCaffrey continue to be positive about the veteran back heading into 2025. The injury concerns could cause him to slide to middle or end of the first round of fantasy drafts, making him a bargain if he returns to his 2023 form.

From TheHuddle

Chazz Surratt May 29 8:20pm CT
Chazz Surratt

According to the team, the San Francisco 49ers have signed free-agent inside linebacker Chazz Surratt to an undisclosed contract. Linebacker DaShaun White was waived in a corresponding move. Surratt was a former third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings back in 2021, but he spent just one season with the team before finding his way to the New York Jets roster. He'd occupied a spot there over the prior three seasons. In 41 career games (five starts), the North Carolina product has notched 19 tackles, with all but one coming in 17 2024 appearances. He figures to spend most of his time as a rotational piece behind incumbent starter Fred Warner, and will likely be a member of their special teams unit as well.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman May 29 5:30pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) was taking part in voluntary organized team activities and was running with the first-team offense on Wednesday, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Dan Labbe. It's a good sign for Tillman after he finished last season on Injured Reserve and missed the final six games due to a lingering concussion. The 25-year-old former third-rounder (74th overall) in 2023 out of Tennessee showed improvement in Year 2 before his head injury, catching 29 of 49 targets for 339 yards and his first three NFL touchdowns in 11 games (six starts). While Diontae Johnson could have something to say about it, Tillman is currently position well for WR2 duties in 2025 behind Jerry Jeudy, although Cleveland's uncertain quarterback situation doesn't exactly bode well for Tillman's chances to make an impact in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Michael Woods II May 29 5:30pm CT
Michael Woods II

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) was seen taking part in Wednesday's voluntary organized team activities. Woods did not play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale last year against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury, but the 25-year-old appears to be fully recovered and a full-go heading into the 2025 season this fall. The former sixth-rounder (202nd overall) in 2022 out of Oklahoma had only five catches for 45 yards in 10 games (no starts) in his rookie season in 2022, didn't play at all in 2023, and caught seven of 17 targets for 65 yards and no touchdowns in just five games (two starts) last season. The Browns have opportunity in their receiving corps behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, but Woods will merely be competing with Diontae Johnson, Jamari Thrash, David Bell and DeAndre Carter for a depth role. He's not on the fantasy radar right now.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf May 29 5:20pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had preliminary conversations with multiple teams about potentially adding another playmaker on offense to complement wide receiver DK Metcalf, multiple sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The Steelers are believed to be motivated to get something done at some point, even though there's still plenty of time before the Week 1 regular-season opener. Pittsburgh could have up to 12 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, so they have plenty of draft capital to get something done. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier on Thursday that the Steelers and Miami Dolphins are involved in talks surrounding tight end Jonnu Smith, even though Pittsburgh already has Pat Freiermuth at the position. The Steelers traded receiver George Pickens to Dallas three weeks ago and are now looking for a pass-catcher to fill the void next to Metcalf. Perhaps they are trying to sweeten things for free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to commit to playing in the Steel City in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall May 29 5:10pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury and likely won't return to practice until training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. It doesn't sound like it's a serious injury for Pearsall, the but Niners won't take any chances with last year's first-rounder after he also dealt with hammy issues going into his rookie season in 2024. The 24-year-old pass-catcher then suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and didn't make his NFL debut until Week 7. He's expected to have a key role in the offense in his sophomore season with Deebo Samuel Sr. no longer in town and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, but Pearsall is going to lose valuable reps this offseason to gain chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy. Pearsall could still be ready for Week 1, but this news doesn't do anything to dispel the notion that Pearsall is injury-prone.

From RotoBaller

James Conner May 29 3:33pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) participated in practice Thursday, May 29. He missed the final game of the 2024 season because of a knee injury.

Fantasy Spin: Conner had plenty of time to recover from his injury this offseason and should be a full participant during training camp. He likely will continue to be the main running back for the Cardinals and will be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Dont'e Thornton Jr. May 29 2:50pm CT
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. flashed at the team's Thursday OTA practice, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. The fourth-round rookie out of Tennessee turned heads at the 2025 NFL Combine after posting a 4.30-second 40-yard dash time at nearly 6-feet-5 inches tall, which proved to increase his draft stock mightily. The speedster led the nation in yards per reception last season (25.4) and tallied 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton might not have a significant or consistent impact right away behind Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, Jack Bech, Tre Tucker, and potentially others in the target pecking order, but he has game-changing size-speed ability and could help the offense stretch the field in 2025. The 22-year-old is worth a late best ball dart throw and rookie draft flyer.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice May 29 2:40pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was limited to just three full games last season before suffering a major knee injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before his injury, he looked like a fantasy football league winner while securing 24 receptions for 288 yards and two scores. According to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he is healing up nicely. "He looks like Rashee," Mahomes said after Thursday's OTAs. "I think he can be one of the best receivers in the league." Rice seemed to be locked into the WR1 role early in last year's campaign, so if he is fully healthy for the start of the 2025 season, he could be one of the best value picks at his low-end WR2 cost in fantasy drafts. That said, uncertainty surrounding his handful of off-the-field incidents from last offseason remains. It is unknown if he will face a suspension that will affect his 2025 availability.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith May 29 2:33pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith reportedly expressed an interest in reworking his current contract, which is scheduled to pay him $4.8 million for the 2025 season, and the team has reportedly countered by opening up trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Fantasy Spin: The Steelers are set with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, but it should come as no surprise that they are interested: offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who was his offensive coordinator for two seasons with the Titans and his head coach for one year with the Falcons. It would be a bad deal for all parties involved, as the Dolphins have little of note behind Smith at tight end. Conversely, Smith would not be a full-time player in Pittsburgh and the Steelers currently lack a quarterback who can take advantage of Smith's skills.

From TheHuddle

RJ Harvey May 29 2:30pm CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey has become one of the hottest fantasy football names among rookies after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to team reporter Andrew Mason, the University of Central Florida product had a strong minicamp and "made another statement" at Thursday's OTA practice. Harvey was the fifth running back off the board last month after rushing for 3,789 yards (6.5 YPC) and 43 rushing touchdowns over the last three seasons. He added 61 receptions for 720 yards and four scores in 41 games. In Sean Payton's offense, expectations are high for the versatile and explosive back. He has minimal competition in the Denver backfield, and he should be utilized heavily as a receiver right away. Harvey should have no problem producing an RB2 season as a rookie, and he has an RB1 ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith May 29 2:20pm CT
Jonnu Smith

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have discussed a trade involving Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. These trade talks came after Smith hinted at wanting a new deal following his career season. The 29-year-old is due $4.8 million this season after catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with Miami. Smith is outside the top 20 highest-paid players at the position, so asking for a raise is warranted. Smith spent the 2023 season with current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta after spending four seasons with him in Tennessee from 2017 to 2020. That said, he would have instant familiarity with his system if he's dealt to Pittsburgh. If this trade materializes, the fantasy stocks of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would rise, while Pat Freiermuth could be at risk of falling off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Marcedes Lewis May 29 2:00pm CT
Marcedes Lewis

Veteran free-agent tight end Marcedes Lewis wants to play in 2025, and he expects it to be his final NFL season. The 41-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears following five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and 12 campaigns with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Originally a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of UCLA, Lewis has tallied 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in 285 career games. He hasn't cracked 400 receiving yards since 2012, but he is one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. If he signs somewhere for a 20th NFL season, he will not be on the fantasy football radar. Either way, it's easy to root for the veteran who has been remarkably healthy late in his career.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Shough May 29 2:00pm CT
Tyler Shough

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who is firmly in the battle for the QB1 job, had an "encouraging performance" during Thursday's OTA practice. "Shough showed it today," Saints reporter Nick Underhill wrote. "Hit two bombs for TDs, real nice layered throw going to the sideline and had an incomplete pass on the move that barely missed but athleticism flashed." The 25-year-old is likely the favorite to be the Week 1 starter in Kellen Moore's new offense after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr (shoulder), so the positive report is promising. Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after tossing for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 42 collegiate games with Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. He also scored 11 career rushing touchdowns. Shough is no stranger to learning a new system on the fly, so he could exceed relatively low expectations in Year 1.

From RotoBaller

Marcedes Lewis May 29 1:23pm CT
Marcedes Lewis

Free-agent TE Marcedes Lewis told the 'Up & Adams' podcast on Thursday, May 29, that 2025 will likely be his final season in the NFL. If he plays this season, it will be his 20th in the NFL.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson May 29 1:13pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson has firmly indicated that he has no desire to play on his current contract and 'very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season,' according to a source via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Lynn Polk May 29 1:00pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots former second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) isn't participating fully in voluntary organized team activities after having offseason shoulder surgery, according to Patriots.com's Evan Lazar. Polk has been running routes versus air during team periods with offensive assistant Riley Larkin and appears to be going full speed. The 23-year-old pass-catcher made a limited impact in 2024 in his rookie season, catching 12 of 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). When he gets up to speed, Polk will be vying for playing time in a more crowded receiving corps that includes Stefon Diggs (knee), DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins and rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. For now, Polk probably won't be a fantasy option in 12-team mixed leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson May 29 12:50pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that if no deal occurs between the Cincinnati Bengals and disgruntled All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, the 30-year-old defensive end very well might follow through on his promise to miss games or even the season. "He's extremely dug in," a source said. Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl each of the last four years and has back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons. He led the NFL in sacks in 2024. Hendrickson accounted for 48% of the Bengals' sack total last year on a bad Cincy defense. He has no interest in playing on his current contract with a base salary of $15.8 million for 2025. Hendrickson hasn't taken part in any voluntary workouts this offseason and isn't expected to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp in early June. As things currently stand, league sources feel like it's trending toward a contract extension or bust for both Hendrickson and the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams May 29 12:50pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is taking part in voluntary organized team activities this week, but he was intercepted twice in a rough day for the offense at practice on Wednesday. Williams had a minor surgery in the offseason to remove a cyst from his right wrist, but he's back on the practice field and shouldn't have any issues being ready for his second NFL campaign. The 23-year-old former first overall pick out of USC was a disappointment in his first year in the NFL and took a league-high 68 sacks in 17 starts. It didn't help that Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron midway through the season. Williams finished with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. While Williams is by no means on the QB1 radar in fantasy, he should be able to improve in Year 2 under new head coach Ben Johnson in an offense with plenty of playmakers.

From RotoBaller