{"id":117998,"date":"2025-09-04T10:36:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T10:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/117998\/"},"modified":"2025-09-04T10:36:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T10:36:11","slug":"nfl-week-1-latest-buzz-questions-news-and-fantasy-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/117998\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Week 1 latest buzz, questions, news and fantasy tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Jeremy Fowler<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"author-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fowler_jeremy.png&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jeremy Fowler<\/p>\n<p>senior NFL national reporterJeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN, covering the entire league including breaking news. Jeremy also contributes to SportsCenter both as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter covering for NFL games. He is an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after covering college football for CBSSports.com.<\/p>\n<p>Dan Graziano<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"author-img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/graziano_dan.png&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dan Graziano<\/p>\n<p>senior NFL national reporterDan Graziano is a senior NFL national reporter for ESPN, covering the entire league and breaking news. Dan also contributes to Get Up, NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, Sunday NFL Countdown and Fantasy Football Now. He is a New Jersey native who joined ESPN in 2011, and he is also the author of two published novels.Sep 4, 2025, 08:10 PM<\/p>\n<p>Week 1 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/schedule\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2025 NFL season<\/a> is finally here, and league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are breaking down the biggest questions, latest news and notable buzz heading into the season opener.<\/p>\n<p>The top story of the past week was the Cowboys <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46098144\/sources-micah-parsons-traded-packers-gets-record-contract\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">trading<\/a> star edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"19e0d5a6-9c4e-83d1-c9c2-5cfa322727f5\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361423\/micah-parsons\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Micah Parsons<\/a> to the Packers last Thursday. Now that the dust has settled a bit, where does that leave Dallas? Jeremy and Dan checked in with sources around the league.<\/p>\n<p>But they have more ahead of Week 1. Our insiders also made picks for under-the-radar teams that could make the playoffs, predicted which players could break out in Week 1, pointed out coaching situations that need fast starts and even gave some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/fantasy\/football\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fantasy football<\/a> advice based on what they are hearing. It&#8217;s all here, as Dan and Jeremy answer big questions and empty their reporting notebooks with the latest heading into Week 1.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Jump to:<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#parsons\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Post-Parsons Cowboys<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#sleepers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Playoff sleepers<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#players\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Breakout candidates<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#coaches\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Coaching situations<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#fantasy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fantasy intel<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46146415\/nfl-week-1-buzz-news-updates-fantasy-intel-questions-predictions#notes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">More notes for Week 1<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/_end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/>What are people in the league saying about the ceiling for this Parsons-less Dallas team in 2025?<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: I think the offense is expected be good as long as quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"5f09781b-6b0b-7325-049b-a91e60d794e6\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2577417\/dak-prescott\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dak Prescott<\/a> stays healthy. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45036163\/sources-cowboys-nearing-trade-steelers-wr-george-pickens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">addition<\/a> of wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"ab0fe70b-0fb4-fc8e-55e1-8f5204851a9d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426354\/george-pickens\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">George Pickens<\/a> makes the Cowboys potentially explosive in the passing game, and while their running back room might be uninspiring, they&#8217;ll run effectively if the offensive line performs.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s obviously curiosity about whether the Cowboys can generate a consistent pass rush post-Parsons, but Dallas coaches would point out that they had already begun building their defense without him in training camp, as he didn&#8217;t participate. The Cowboys believe their defense is in a good place in terms of learning the scheme. There&#8217;s skepticism around the league, but I don&#8217;t think anyone is writing them off completely. When Prescott has been healthy, they&#8217;ve generally been a playoff team.<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: People inside in league are not as down on Dallas as fans and media seem to be right now. The loss of Parsons hurts, but the Cowboys have been a sneaky good drafting team over the past decade and have three former Day 2 edge rusher picks &#8212; <a data-player-guid=\"030235b2-19ec-d391-8cec-490cc45098fd\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567242\/sam-williams\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sam Williams<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"1ee47d90-fe3e-1ea8-247e-acc27174b761\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429996\/marshawn-kneeland\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Marshawn Kneeland<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"28500588-8fa9-368f-999c-d3cb4f4dbf1f\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4683848\/donovan-ezeiruaku\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Donovan Ezeiruaku<\/a> &#8212; ready to go. The roster has talent. And the Pickens addition received attention around the league. Evaluators know how good he can be in 2025 in a contract year with a proven quarterback. Despite all that, Philadelphia and Washington are considered a cut above in the division, which seems right.<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: And that&#8217;s fair. But it has been 21 years since a team repeated as NFC East champion, so that takes Philly out of the mix! And if Washington takes a step back, who knows? This could be one of those NFC East seasons where you don&#8217;t need 12 or 13 wins to take the title, which sets up well for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>2:16<\/p>\n<p>Why Stephen A. is still baffled Jerry Jones let Micah Parsons leave<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Stephen A. Smith details why the Micah Parsons trade was an egregious deal.<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: Dallas&#8217; schedule is manageable, too. If the Cowboys can somehow get past Philly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772510\/cowboys-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">on Thursday night<\/a>, winnable games await in Weeks 2 and 3 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772834\/giants-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Giants at home<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772844\/cowboys-bears\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bears on the road<\/a>). Then it&#8217;s the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772921\/packers-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Packers at home<\/a> for the Parsons reunion.<\/p>\n<p>Who&#8217;s your pick for an under-the-radar team that will make the playoffs?<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"0078f353-fe3e-67ed-a42c-43cca0568e21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ne\/new-england-patriots\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New England Patriots<\/a>. Mike Vrabel&#8217;s presence has already paid off. Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"2fbd2f9e-624d-3e63-9bb5-9bb965782b68\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431452\/drake-maye\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Drake Maye<\/a> is poised for a Year 2 jump. The defensive tackle duo of <a data-player-guid=\"fa3a5772-eeb1-b2c0-1b0a-03209a6e1e32\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4372030\/christian-barmore\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Christian Barmore<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"b723c7a2-93cd-295c-ea06-cbf0b55d61e0\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239699\/milton-williams\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Milton Williams<\/a> has a chance to be special. Two of their AFC East rivals (Dolphins and Jets) appear to be in transition. Running back <a data-player-guid=\"714eed1f-95d7-3242-83da-3b34074b4424\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432710\/treveyon-henderson\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">TreVeyon Henderson<\/a> has the explosiveness to break off big runs. And Josh McDaniels is a proven playcaller.<\/p>\n<p>Offensive line and wide receiver remain concerns, but New England has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44406785\/sources-stefon-diggs-agrees-3-year-69m-deal-patriots\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">made efforts<\/a> to address both spots. The Patriots haven&#8217;t produced a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. For this to work, someone &#8212; paging <a data-player-guid=\"d6ba7023-458c-f59a-4af2-638770067518\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2976212\/stefon-diggs\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Stefon Diggs<\/a> &#8212; needs to break that streak. A wild-card spot feels attainable.<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: <a data-clubhouse-guid=\"8fc7b962-95e1-3cb8-6a7d-b499de9ad546\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/team\/_\/name\/ari\/arizona-cardinals\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Arizona Cardinals<\/a>. The NFC West teams could finish the season in any order and it wouldn&#8217;t surprise me. Arizona is in Year 3 with Jonathan Gannon as head coach and Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, and the fact that they didn&#8217;t change any offensive personnel in the offseason indicates they believe they&#8217;re on track there. Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"9bef707d-d33f-266b-3020-81900d735915\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917315\/kyler-murray\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kyler Murray<\/a> is another year removed from his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/35241337\/kyler-murray-carted-knee-injury-cardinals-first-drive\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee injury<\/a> and has one more offseason working in Petzing&#8217;s system. So if it doesn&#8217;t hum this season, you must wonder how long ownership will stick with the plan.<\/p>\n<p>Defensively, they made some aggressive additions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44195132\/cardinals-boost-pass-rush-agreeing-ex-eagle-josh-sweat\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signing<\/a> away edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"46b307c5-8de4-5c72-0afd-297fdbe85737\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3693166\/josh-sweat\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Josh Sweat<\/a> from the Super Bowl champs, using a second-round pick on cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"558e02de-4bf6-3d6c-b55e-7fae4221b005\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685408\/will-johnson\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Will Johnson<\/a> (who slipped in the draft <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44858171\/cardinals-select-johnson-no-47-pick-nfl-draft\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">because of injury concerns<\/a>) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44494844\/cardinals-veteran-calais-campbell-agree-one-year-deal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">bringing back<\/a> the ageless <a data-player-guid=\"91ff5c77-5177-02bd-cc67-d131f591941b\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/11284\/calais-campbell\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Calais Campbell<\/a>. It&#8217;s time for Arizona to show it can move beyond being a team that hovers around .500 and fades in December.<\/p>\n<p>Which player is going to come out of nowhere in Week 1 &#8212; and make an impact all season?<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: It could be Jaguars running back <a data-player-guid=\"7c6344a7-ae7c-372e-8337-ed04ccb56cc0\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4882093\/bhayshul-tuten\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bhayshul Tuten<\/a>. I don&#8217;t know how the Jaguars&#8217; running back room will shake out, and I&#8217;m not sure they do yet, either. <a data-player-guid=\"199fffca-dda8-1e70-55f5-bbbfa0823e33\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239996\/travis-etienne-jr\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Travis Etienne Jr<\/a>. and <a data-player-guid=\"09866400-3945-31d3-b7a4-aaec42a264a4\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429013\/tank-bigsby\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tank Bigsby<\/a> are the incumbents, but the Jags drafted Tuten in the fourth round and <a data-player-guid=\"dfc382ce-4092-3601-acca-f697e9ebabc8\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4911851\/lequint-allen-jr\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">LeQuint Allen Jr<\/a>., who profiles as a third-down back, in the seventh. The veterans might get the first shot, but the new front office and coaching staff drafted Tuten and Allen and have plans for them.<\/p>\n<p>Tuten is the most explosive of the group &#8212; a &#8220;home run hitter&#8221; in the Jaguars&#8217; eyes. If he&#8217;s able to pick up the offense and acclimate to the NFL quickly, that explosiveness could lead to greater opportunities sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<p>Editor&#8217;s Picks<a name=\"&amp;lpos=story:editorspicks:inline:1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45934298\/2025-nfl-season-14-playoff-teams-chances-return-super-bowl\" class=\"img-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nfl_barnwell-season-preview_1x1.jpg&#038;w=130&#038;h=130&#038;scale=crop&#038;location=center.jpeg\" width=\"65\" height=\"65\"\/><\/a><a name=\"&amp;lpos=story:editorspicks:inline:2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45944636\/nfl-team-previews-2025-predictions-fantasy-sleepers-rankings-depth-charts\" class=\"img-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1756982169_559_nfl_preview_1x1.jpg&#038;w=130&#038;h=130&#038;scale=crop&#038;location=center.jpeg\" width=\"65\" height=\"65\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>1 Related<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: Great pick. I&#8217;ll go with 49ers wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"87c807fb-79fe-e421-02d2-6536bbe0618f\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428209\/ricky-pearsall\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ricky Pearsall<\/a>. The 49ers&#8217; receiver room has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45862844\/uncertainty-san-francisco-49ers-receivers-injury-brandon-aiyuk-jauan-jennings-ricky-pearsall\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">decimated by injury<\/a>, with <a data-player-guid=\"adf56900-5f5b-78ef-7309-892ec10e85d3\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360438\/brandon-aiyuk\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> still recovering from last season&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41930114\/49ers-lose-wr-brandon-aiyuk-torn-acl-source-says\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee injury<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"3abf6eac-14c3-1c87-1bbf-346234d9af21\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3886598\/jauan-jennings\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jauan Jennings<\/a> (calf) potentially needing time to ramp up after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46130485\/49ers-wr-jauan-jennings-practices-1st-36-days\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">recently returning<\/a> to the lineup. And word out of San Francisco is that Pearsall is poised for a Year 2 jump. The 49ers have been a top-five passing offense during <a data-player-guid=\"d2e39a38-732d-5a24-f242-a4f9de87dabe\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361741\/brock-purdy\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Brock Purdy<\/a>&#8216;s two full seasons as starting quarterback, so chances at chunk yardage will be there. Kyle Shanahan will make it so.<\/p>\n<p>Another player to watch is rookie Commanders running back <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4575131\/jacory-croskey-merritt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacory Croskey-Merritt<\/a>. He might be Washington&#8217;s RB4 right now, but every time I asked somebody there about their backfield plans, Croskey-Merritt was mentioned early and often. The Commanders are very high on him.<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: I&#8217;m also curious to see what the Browns have planned for third-round rookie tight end <a data-player-guid=\"32593c89-2e72-352a-a204-a2e034ca9a81\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5083076\/harold-fannin-jr\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Harold Fannin Jr<\/a>. A ludicrously productive tight end in college, Fannin was used in a variety of ways at Bowling Green and the Browns say they believe they can deploy him all over the formation. He&#8217;s likely to team with <a data-player-guid=\"792d89f8-09a7-3009-63cc-09f2df5f947d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3123076\/david-njoku\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">David Njoku<\/a> in the two-tight-end formations coach Kevin Stefanski loves to use. Fannin probably will stay on the field if he shows he can handle blocking responsibilities. And if he can consistently get open, that probably will earn him more targets from <a data-player-guid=\"cfd567df-191e-29cf-0dc6-0bcf84085135\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/11252\/joe-flacco\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joe Flacco<\/a> or whomever else ends up playing QB for the Browns this season.<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: Here&#8217;s a deep-cut sleeper for you &#8230; Cardinals edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"eabdfb19-f5c9-3dd1-b8af-eab829b3787f\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428996\/jordan-burch\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jordan Burch<\/a>. His name came up a few times when I&#8217;ve asked scouts for Rookie of the Year candidates, so don&#8217;t be surprised if the third-round pick makes an early impact. Arizona has some sneaky-good talent, so it&#8217;s up to some of the recent draft picks to flash greatness.<\/p>\n<p>Which head coach most needs a strong start in September?<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: The Giants&#8217; Brian Daboll. Any coach with a 19-33-1 record through three seasons could use early momentum. Ownership has been patient with the Giants&#8217; rebuild, and this was Daboll&#8217;s first offseason with a high-pedigree <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44841445\/giants-select-abdul-carter-no-3-pick-nfl-draft\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rookie quarterback<\/a> to develop. The early returns on <a data-player-guid=\"13e97d3e-2171-371b-9a7a-2c44670b5a62\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4689114\/jaxson-dart\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jaxson Dart<\/a> are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45998611\/giants-jaxson-dart-passing-all-tests-latest-strong-outing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">very good<\/a>, so I&#8217;m not labeling September some sort of win-this-month-or-else scenario.<\/p>\n<p>But the schedule is tough. The first four opponents &#8212; Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs and Chargers &#8212; won a combined 45 games last season. Setting a tone against that gauntlet would be useful. The Giants&#8217; roster has improved, and the team has a defensive line good enough to dictate terms of victory.<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: Hot-seat talk in early September is dicey, so I&#8217;ll start with the disclaimer that I have no inside information to make me think these guys are in any immediate trouble. But given the Bengals&#8217; aspirations and their history of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41422824\/nfl-bengals-0-3-panic-joe-burrow\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">poor September starts<\/a> under Zac Taylor, he could use a strong start if only for his own sanity.<\/p>\n<p>Weekly NFL game expert picks<img decoding=\"async\" data-lazyload=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nfl_barnwell-season-preview_5x2.jpg\" class=\"round lazyload\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/picks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Game picks from our NFL experts \u00bb<\/a><br \/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/sports-betting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Betting notes \u00bb<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">More NFL coverage \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Fowler: For sure, a fast start would take the pressure off in Cincy. I&#8217;d also argue that Colts coach Shane Steichen fits the mold. Picking <a data-player-guid=\"5ad1bcc2-57bc-bb72-bcd0-0cdd0d945444\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917792\/daniel-jones\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Daniel Jones<\/a> over <a data-player-guid=\"bfee0387-e51a-3429-baa1-8f8f84c37769\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429084\/anthony-richardson-sr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Richardson Sr<\/a>. at quarterback was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46015804\/sources-colts-name-daniel-jones-starting-qb-anthony-richardson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a bold move<\/a>, considering the franchise&#8217;s investment in Richardson as the No. 4 pick in 2023. But Steichen believes Jones gives the Colts the best chance to win. Proving that to be correct early would ease tension.<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: One more. This team gives coaches a lot of runway, but the Cowboys&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43552501\/cowboys-hire-coordinator-brian-schottenheimer-head-coach\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hiring<\/a> of Brian Schottenheimer was widely criticized outside of the building. It was well-received inside the building, where Schottenheimer is well-liked and respected. People are excited to see him get his chance. But to the extent that the Cowboys care about outside opinions, a Thursday night upset in Philadelphia and a fast start would go a long way toward making the Schottenheimer move look good.<\/p>\n<p>What is one thing you heard this preseason that could help fantasy managers win their leagues?<\/p>\n<p>Graziano: I&#8217;m drafting Buccaneers rookie wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"48fb595b-ecda-3de2-9c05-fcc8090c4b84\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567750\/emeka-egbuka\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Emeka Egbuka<\/a> everywhere I can. The Bucs loved him before picking in the first round in April, and they&#8217;ve grown to covet him even more since. They believe he can play any of the wide receiver positions in their offense, which is a good thing because <a data-player-guid=\"20e1bec6-fb6a-9ab1-92e0-c13eff7a7d42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116165\/chris-godwin-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Godwin Jr<\/a>. still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46037465\/bucs-chris-godwin-tristan-wirfs-come-pup-not-play\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">isn&#8217;t back<\/a> from last year&#8217;s gruesome <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41946833\/tampa-bay-buccaneers-mike-evans-exits-hamstring-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">season-ending injury<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"b5e1cc88-9406-358e-986f-e2ea21704108\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430834\/jalen-mcmillan\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jalen McMillan<\/a> is out for a while because of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46016094\/bucs-wr-jalen-mcmillan-neck-miss-awkward-fall\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a neck injury<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Expect the Bucs to use Egbuka in the slot and on the outside as needed. Given how mature and polished a player they already believe him to be, he could get a ton of targets in one of the league&#8217;s top offenses and hold onto a starting role even when Tampa&#8217;s receiver corps is back to full strength.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:13<\/p>\n<p>Will Emeka Egbuka be a top-25 fantasy WR this season?<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">Daniel Dopp breaks down Emeka Egbuka&#8217;s chances of becoming a top-25 fantasy WR.<\/p>\n<p>Fowler: Rookie wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"c5e38ead-375e-3df1-8989-1d7b334915a7\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4701936\/matthew-golden\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Matthew Golden<\/a> should get a lot of targets, too. The Packers&#8217; first-round pick has greatly impressed coaches so far. &#8220;Phenomenal,&#8221; one Packers source told me of Golden&#8217;s presence. &#8220;Makes a wow play every day.&#8221; Golden is listed as a starter already and the Packers aren&#8217;t hiding their affection for him. It&#8217;s not like one of those situations where you hear, &#8220;Oh, he&#8217;s a rookie, he&#8217;s coming along.&#8221; It&#8217;s, &#8220;No, this guy can play.&#8221; The Packers will utilize two-tight-end sets often and <a data-player-guid=\"931aa964-f11a-a6ef-f449-c1649f193837\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361432\/romeo-doubs\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Romeo Doubs<\/a> is still a prime option, but Golden&#8217;s talent looks undeniable.<\/p>\n<p>Also, Panthers receiver <a data-player-guid=\"a286b774-0d65-9813-67aa-945ba3567e4e\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430034\/xavier-legette\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Xavier Legette<\/a>, a first-rounder from 2024, will be a factor in Carolina. Teammate <a data-player-guid=\"424defc5-0f32-ae98-4703-3b6a7a975a15\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362847\/jaycee-horn\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jaycee Horn<\/a> told me Legette reminds him of <a data-player-guid=\"53cf1afe-22f9-ea1f-7d9b-a992d25c8ac5\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4047646\/aj-brown\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">A.J. Brown<\/a> with his combination of physicality and speed.<\/p>\n<p>What else are you hearing this week?<\/p>\n<p>Graziano&#8217;s notes:<\/p>\n<p>Based on everything I&#8217;ve been told this week, I would be shocked if Parsons doesn&#8217;t play in some fashion for the Packers against the Lions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772722\/lions-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">on Sunday<\/a>. It&#8217;s too soon for Parsons to know the entire defense, and he probably isn&#8217;t in football shape yet since he didn&#8217;t practice in training camp. But the Packers should be able to draw up a play package that maximizes Parsons&#8217; impact as an edge rusher in key situations, then continue ramping him up during the early weeks of the season.<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs are very excited by how rookie left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"cbe294e4-5bb4-3ae5-ad79-b3e6c2688442\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569659\/josh-simmons\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Josh Simmons<\/a> has performed this summer. One person I spoke to mentioned Simmons&#8217; ability to recover mid-play when he&#8217;s beaten off the snap. Coaches say he doesn&#8217;t make the same mistake twice, and though some growing pains should be expected, the Chiefs have a high degree of trust in their first-round pick&#8217;s ability to protect <a data-player-guid=\"37d87523-280a-9d4a-0adb-22cfc6d3619c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3139477\/patrick-mahomes\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a>&#8216; blind side. With 2024 second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"1c717a74-caaa-3b9a-a52f-f7820326b17a\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431595\/kingsley-suamataia\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kingsley Suamataia<\/a> moving inside to left guard, the Chiefs consider themselves more solid on the offensive line than they were last season, when they ended up having to play veteran guard <a data-player-guid=\"cc4a49c2-036e-c616-afe2-52ca31d2406d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2577773\/joe-thuney\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joe Thuney<\/a> at left tackle during the postseason and were exposed against the Eagles in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401671889\/chiefs-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Super Bowl<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>One unresolved under-the-radar contract situation to watch is that of Steelers veteran defensive lineman <a data-player-guid=\"712b78be-6085-d619-137e-3179c2c4c1f4\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/13977\/cameron-heyward\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cameron Heyward<\/a>. Heyward adjusted his contract last year, and as a result his 2025 salary of $13.25 million is about half of what the top defensive tackles in the league earn. He has been practicing but also made it clear <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45920964\/sources-steelers-cameron-heyward-wants-new-contract\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">he wants a raise<\/a>. This could get resolved before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772721\/steelers-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sunday&#8217;s opener<\/a>, and the relationship between the team and their 14-year veteran mainstay is strong enough that it&#8217;s hard to imagine him sitting out the game. But as with any player, his leverage only increases if he forces the team to confront life without him &#8212; especially with rookie first-rounder <a data-player-guid=\"dda3e155-2461-3379-8a26-0218bf5962c7\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4682980\/derrick-harmon\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Derrick Harmon<\/a> set to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46137850\/steelers-tomlin-expects-heyward-play-says-harmon-out\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sit out Sunday&#8217;s game<\/a> because of an injury. The Steelers probably could resolve this by adding some cash and reachable incentives. Until then, it&#8217;s worth keeping an eye on.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\" lazyload lazyload\"\/>play<\/p>\n<p>1:05<\/p>\n<p>J.J. Watt to McAfee: Anticipation is building around Steelers<\/p>\n<p class=\"contentItem__subhead\">J.J. Watt tells Pat McAfee there&#8217;s growing anticipation around the Steelers&#8217; offense and Aaron Rodgers.<\/p>\n<p>If both offensive coordinators have their way, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772721\/steelers-jets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steelers-Jets game<\/a> could be over in less than 2\u00bd hours. Both teams want to run the ball and keep the other team&#8217;s offense off the field. The Steelers are putting an offense together around a young line and a 41-year-old quarterback in <a data-player-guid=\"5fbab03e-2816-55ab-ae10-83b132803d9e\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/8439\/aaron-rodgers\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aaron Rodgers<\/a> who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45459152\/aaron-rodgers-plans-sign-steelers-sources-say\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signed in June<\/a>. It could take some time for it to come together. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith probably will design a conservative game plan against the tough Jets defense to put Rodgers in do-no-harm situations in an attempt to steal a road win.<\/p>\n<p>As for the Jets, my understanding is that the offense plans to employ a run-heavy, keep-away style leaning on running backs <a data-player-guid=\"51a1d50b-8a57-bc27-279e-d077fa3df4f0\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427366\/breece-hall\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Breece Hall<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"a18e1e42-a004-350d-97aa-e4eb606b27dd\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685247\/braelon-allen\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Braelon Allen<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"1c6513f0-df6a-3827-bc55-e798a07d4858\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4695404\/isaiah-davis\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Isaiah Davis<\/a>, along with quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"7e9fbd60-951e-2d9a-8d8c-b3f1ab6c4a4d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362887\/justin-fields\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justin Fields<\/a>&#8216; running ability. The Jets hope to get early leads and lean on their strengths. At some point, Fields will have to make plays from the pocket in big third-down spots. If his ability to do that surpasses expectations, the Jets could maybe expand their offense from there. But in the meantime, expect them to run, run and run some more.<\/p>\n<p>We mentioned above that the Cardinals&#8217; offense remains mostly intact from what it was entering last season. The one new guy is right guard <a data-player-guid=\"fcb3e4c2-c03e-3e1b-abeb-885f29b19731\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/5084939\/isaiah-adams\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Isaiah Adams<\/a>, who started the final five games of last season. But there was one key departure that people around the league noticed &#8212; offensive line coach Klayton Adams, who was hired as the Cowboys&#8217; offensive coordinator. Adams had a significant role in the design and implementation of the Cardinals&#8217; run game the past two seasons; only the Ravens and Eagles have rushed for more yards in that span than Arizona. It also thinks highly of new offensive line coach Justin Frye, who held the same role for Ohio State last season, but this is Frye&#8217;s first NFL job after 18 years as a college assistant. The Cardinals did retain assistant offensive line coach Chris Cook, who came in with Gannon and Petzing in 2023, so there&#8217;s some continuity. But working with Jeff Saturday for the past half-decade or so has drilled into my mind the importance of the offensive line coach, so I have half an eye on this situation.<\/p>\n<p>With no sense of when <a data-player-guid=\"34b658f3-11c9-06a5-0222-a5216d4825dc\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116385\/joe-mixon\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joe Mixon<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46087650\/texans-gm-noncommittal-rb-joe-mixon-playing-season\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">might return from his injury<\/a>, the Texans are piecing things together at running back. They kept five backs &#8212; <a data-player-guid=\"42e73a6d-b7df-a3f4-ada3-0ce6de201072\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3128720\/nick-chubb\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nick Chubb<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"182ace63-7c0b-2bb0-87fc-e03e6f057921\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360238\/dameon-pierce\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dameon Pierce<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"0bc3b6c0-0877-7bdc-bc9a-5528d76ff428\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2983509\/dare-ogunbowale\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dare Ogunbowale<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"ca2b9114-ac00-5f6a-fa0a-94d57105186f\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4373273\/british-brooks\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">British Brooks<\/a> and fourth-round rookie <a data-player-guid=\"bd8cfa24-9145-3c9e-b8e7-60669972052c\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429059\/woody-marks\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Woody Marks<\/a>. Chubb seems to be the starter for now, but he hasn&#8217;t shown the same explosiveness post-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/38434922\/browns-rb-nick-chubb-carted-knee-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">injury<\/a> that he had earlier in his career, which could open the door for Pierce or Marks to take on a larger role. It&#8217;ll be interesting to see how many of these guys are active on game days, since Brooks and Pierce are too valuable on special teams to be inactive. But until someone steps up and shows more than they have so far, expect the Texans to use the run game to set up a passing game they believe will be more dynamic in <a data-player-guid=\"147e6862-2ac0-3a97-8f36-e3b1c0147320\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432577\/cj-stroud\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">C.J. Stroud<\/a>&#8216;s third year than it was in a disappointing 2024 that led to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43548884\/texans-fire-bobby-slowik-2-seasons-offensive-coordinator\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the firing<\/a> of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.<\/p>\n<p>Fowler&#8217;s notes:<\/p>\n<p>Week 1 can create urgency for contract extensions that teams or players slow-played over the past four months. That happened in Tampa Bay on Tuesday, when the Bucs reached agreement on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46140467\/sources-buccaneers-rt-luke-goedeke-reach-4-year-90m-extension\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">four-year, $90 million extension<\/a> with right tackle <a data-player-guid=\"c4a26a1b-f10a-dfe1-466f-29f16b7226a5\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4380507\/luke-goedeke\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Luke Goedeke<\/a>. The Bucs identified Goedeke as a player they&#8217;d like to keep long term, and a recent comp &#8212; the Packers&#8217; <a data-player-guid=\"ba67ad47-fa39-ed6a-bc34-e119e0be5507\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4240435\/zach-tom\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Tom<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45790024\/sources-packers-rt-zach-tom-reach-4-year-88m-extension\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">four years, $88 million<\/a> &#8212; informed the right tackle market. With Goedeke extended, here are a handful of candidates I&#8217;m keeping my eye on: Broncos edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"223fe152-4b91-6bf5-3a1d-f47efbcd136a\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360259\/nik-bonitto\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nik Bonitto<\/a>, Lions edge rusher <a data-player-guid=\"ea011a11-6683-b299-50e2-f601bdd7172a\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4372099\/aidan-hutchinson\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aidan Hutchinson<\/a>, Cowboys guard <a data-player-guid=\"9f728909-aaff-c6bc-8cc0-507eb9bdc109\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4568652\/tyler-smith\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tyler Smith<\/a>, Saints cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"830aee6b-938d-760f-4d1c-a57b59865e55\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4369835\/alontae-taylor\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Alontae Taylor<\/a>, Rams safety <a data-player-guid=\"6d91ef30-3fd3-85a7-7cb4-bfe18e411cf9\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4249128\/quentin-lake\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Quentin Lake<\/a> and Raiders wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"66d091a1-ea80-8b91-007f-89d341dcbd40\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916433\/jakobi-meyers\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jakobi Meyers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Bonitto could be the last of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45984013\/denver-broncos-edge-rusher-nik-bonitto-sacks-contract-year-extension\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the Broncos&#8217; trifecta<\/a> after they recently extended wide receiver <a data-player-guid=\"32a202cd-dda5-e1c7-1c11-569436ff5230\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3128429\/courtland-sutton\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Courtland Sutton<\/a> and defensive tackle <a data-player-guid=\"be61e311-bf3b-9128-5dc2-b791c5e15e47\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915282\/zach-allen\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zach Allen<\/a>. Hutchinson will capitalize on the ballooning pass-rush market, and the Lions have begun discussions with him. Dallas wants to allocate some of the money saved by the Parsons trade for Smith, arguably the league&#8217;s best guard. Taylor and Lake are ascending defensive backs their teams value beyond this season. There&#8217;s a chance Las Vegas and Meyers, the Raiders&#8217; de facto No. 1 receiver coming off a 1,000-yard season despite uneven quarterback play, could come to an agreement despite Meyers recently asking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46072870\/source-raiders-jakobi-meyers-seeking-extension-requests-trade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">for a trade<\/a>. And while cornerback <a data-player-guid=\"10d8ec6d-33ff-13b8-d189-180c3462083e\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426405\/trent-mcduffie\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Trent McDuffie<\/a> and the Chiefs won&#8217;t reach a new deal by Week 1, via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46123875\/sources-chiefs-top-cb-mcduffie-start-season-deal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our Nate Taylor<\/a>, McDuffie is the type of cornerstone player Kansas City would like to keep. This one has challenges &#8212; McDuffie is considered small as an outside corner &#8212; but many league evaluators consider him a top-five cornerback, and players of that caliber usually get paid.<\/p>\n<p>Breaking News from Adam Schefter<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/adam-schefter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/schefter_adam.png\" width=\"40%\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Download the ESPN app and enable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/contributor\/adam-schefter\" target=\"new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Adam Schefter&#8217;s news alerts<\/a> to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/espn\/story\/_\/id\/43511398\/introducing-espn-reporter-breaking-news-alerts-faq-fans\" target=\"new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The Anthony Richardson situation is one I will watch closely throughout the season. Richardson&#8217;s agent, Deiric Jackson &#8212; who publicly questioned trust in the Colts to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46023457\/agent-trust-questionable-now-anthony-richardson-colts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our Stephen Holder<\/a> after Richardson lost the QB battle to Jones &#8212; met in person last week with Colts general manager Chris Ballard to clear the air. Jackson called the meeting &#8220;very constructive,&#8221; and just a chance for sides to &#8220;let feelings be known.&#8221; Though a trade was not requested, the topic was broached in this meeting. Ballard reinforced that Indy has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46089177\/colts-trade-anthony-richardson-gm-chris-ballard-says\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">no plans to trade<\/a> Richardson and still believes in the quarterback.<\/p>\n<p>Richardson isn&#8217;t making any waves &#8212; he will remain professional, backing up Jones and maintaining his readiness. But part of his camp&#8217;s frustration is that all parties acknowledge patience would be required when Richardson was drafted. He entered the league with one year as a full-time high school starter and one year as a starter at Florida. He has admitted publicly that his leadership and maturity were not up to par in 2024, which contributed to his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/42391210\/nfl-colts-anthony-richardson-quarterback-return\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">in-season benching<\/a>. But despite that, Richardson is 8-7 as an NFL starter, including two fourth-quarter comebacks late last season. He also worked on improving his regimen, leadership, mechanics, diet and ability to layer short-to-intermediate throws, resulting in improvement in camp that ultimately wasn&#8217;t enough to win the job. But the Colts know Richardson has a chance to play this season. This situation feels far from settled &#8212; and raises questions about how franchises <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46009145\/cam-ward-tennessee-titans-no-1-pick-history-caleb-williams-bryce-young\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fail young quarterbacks along the way<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A few notes from the Parsons fallout. One team that inquired about Parsons&#8217; availability but ultimately didn&#8217;t pursue aggressively was Carolina. The Panthers made a call but did not formally offer a trade package to Dallas. Carolina would have made sense because the Cowboys were looking for a premier defensive tackle, which Carolina has in <a data-player-guid=\"98f03c33-73b9-11c9-326d-44d028b6ff7d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035495\/derrick-brown\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Derrick Brown<\/a>. &#8230; In our reporting, multiple team execs believed that Parsons was intrigued by several teams in the process, including the Ravens and Chiefs. This was moot &#8212; the Cowboys were focused on getting the best deal they could. And the Chiefs were never in it. But it&#8217;s noteworthy nonetheless. &#8230; Also, don&#8217;t be surprised if Green Bay eventually moves former first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"93ef4f6d-9c7d-3c27-a896-30366b4d4e9d\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686906\/lukas-van-ness\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Lukas Van Ness<\/a> inside in certain packages as Parsons gets acclimated. Van Ness&#8217; frame (6-foot-5, 272 pounds) gives him some positional flexibility.<\/p>\n<p>Chargers running back <a data-player-guid=\"c1c771f1-75c3-3915-f07e-d4c9a11c7ad4\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241457\/najee-harris\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Najee Harris<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46131108\/chargers-rb-najee-harris-cleared-practice-eye-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">eye<\/a>) has jumped right back into the fray upon returning from his injury. He has practiced fully since returning to the lineup and was cleared for contact this past Friday. The Chargers have been pleased with his progress and the Chiefs have prepared with the assumption Harris will be in the lineup <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772714\/chiefs-chargers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Friday<\/a>. Rookie <a data-player-guid=\"757d9056-88c7-3df1-b2e3-f6f8f186780b\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685382\/omarion-hampton\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Omarion Hampton<\/a> has impressed this camp, and I&#8217;m expecting enough carries to go around for both in Greg Roman&#8217;s offense.<\/p>\n<p>As far as the Chiefs, don&#8217;t be surprised if familiar faces <a data-player-guid=\"b80fe7c4-00cc-27e8-a8a5-e4f408778fb0\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361529\/isiah-pacheco\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Isiah Pacheco<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"c388f414-394f-c68a-ba24-be496c43eb28\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3120348\/juju-smith-schuster\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">JuJu Smith-Schuster<\/a> are factors in Brazil. Pacheco looks healthy and is running hard. And with <a data-player-guid=\"48cfbe28-2b59-e0df-3ce3-2e981cd56c7e\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428331\/rashee-rice\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Rashee Rice<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/46087680\/sources-nfl-wants-rashee-rice-suspension-least-6-games\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">suspended for six games<\/a>, the Chiefs trust Smith-Schuster in their three-receiver sets. Not sure how many targets he&#8217;ll get, but he&#8217;ll be a factor. And Mahomes looks ready to fire off some explosive plays. He is coming off one of his better camps, playing &#8220;fast, fun and free&#8221; as one team source said, and getting back to creatively trying difficult plays that only he can make. Perhaps that&#8217;s an experimental practice thing, but Kansas City believes Mahomes is close to hitting those explosive plays on a regular basis again.<\/p>\n<p>All of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"imageLoaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/r1531432_1296x729_16-9.jpg\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. <a href=\"https:\/\/plus.espn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now that we&#8217;re past the preseason, watch for the Bears to flash some creativity to maximize quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"dd15176c-3004-333f-beaa-149216c42968\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431611\/caleb-williams\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Caleb Williams<\/a>. My sense from people in Chicago is that while head coach Ben Johnson would coach Williams relentlessly on the basics throughout camp, they would eventually play to Williams&#8217; strengths, utilizing his mobility and off-platform throwing as an off-script playmaker. Bears fans could see more of that in the regular season.<\/p>\n<p>Expect the Bengals&#8217; offense to be ultra-aggressive to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401772829\/bengals-browns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sunday&#8217;s game<\/a> against the Browns. Despite a maligned defense, Taylor has challenged his offense to get off to faster starts so that the defense can aggressively pursue the quarterback while holding a lead. Quarterback <a data-player-guid=\"e6957db5-5b2e-a82d-c788-d889115d9772\" href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915511\/joe-burrow\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joe Burrow<\/a> has taken to that sentiment, setting the tone with one of his best &#8212; and healthiest &#8212; training camps. Cincinnati also believes its defense will be better than fans and media do. The Bengals have worked on shoring up tackling issues and playing more as a unit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Jeremy Fowler Close Jeremy Fowler senior NFL national reporterJeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":117999,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,593,85],"class_list":["post-117998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117998"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117998\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}