NFL Week 1 newest buzz, questions, information and fantasy ideas

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is lastly right here, and league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are breaking down the most important questions, newest information and notable buzz heading into the season opener.

The highest story of the previous week was the Cowboys buying and selling star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers final Thursday. Now that the mud has settled a bit, the place does that go away Dallas? Jeremy and Dan checked in with sources across the league.

However they’ve extra forward of Week 1. Our insiders additionally made picks for under-the-radar groups that might make the playoffs, predicted which gamers may get away in Week 1, identified teaching conditions that want quick begins and even gave some fantasy soccer recommendation primarily based on what they’re listening to. It is all right here, as Dan and Jeremy reply massive questions and empty their reporting notebooks with the most recent heading into Week 1.

Leap to:
Put up-Parsons Cowboys | Playoff sleepers
Breakout candidates | Teaching conditions
Fantasy intel | Extra notes for Week 1

What are folks within the league saying concerning the ceiling for this Parsons-less Dallas group in 2025?

Graziano: I feel the offense is predicted to be good so long as quarterback Dak Prescott stays wholesome. The addition of huge receiver George Pickens makes the Cowboys probably explosive within the passing recreation, and whereas their operating again room may be uninspiring, they’re going to run successfully if the offensive line performs.

There’s clearly curiosity about whether or not the Cowboys can generate a constant cross rush post-Parsons, however Dallas coaches would level out that that they had already begun constructing their protection with out him in coaching camp, as he did not take part. The Cowboys consider their protection is in place by way of studying the scheme. There’s skepticism across the league, however I do not assume anybody is writing them off utterly. When Prescott has been wholesome, they’ve typically been a playoff group.

Fowler: Folks contained in the league should not as down on Dallas as followers and media appear to be proper now. The lack of Parsons hurts, however the Cowboys have been a sneaky good drafting group over the previous decade and have three former Day 2 edge rusher picks — Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku — able to go. The roster has expertise. And the Pickens addition obtained consideration across the league. Evaluators understand how good he may be in 2025 in a contract 12 months with a confirmed quarterback. Regardless of all that, Philadelphia and Washington are thought of a lower above within the division, which appears proper.

Graziano: And that is truthful. But it surely has been 21 years since a group repeated as NFC East champion, in order that takes Philly out of the combination! And if Washington takes a step again, who is aware of? This may very well be a type of NFC East seasons the place you do not want 12 or 13 wins to take the title, which units up nicely for the Cowboys.

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Fowler: Dallas’ schedule is manageable, too. If the Cowboys can by some means get previous Philly on Thursday evening, winnable video games await in Weeks 2 and three (Giants at dwelling, Bears on the highway). Then it is the Packers at dwelling for the Parsons reunion.

Who’s your decide for an under-the-radar group that may make the playoffs?

Fowler: New England Patriots. Mike Vrabel’s presence has already paid off. Quarterback Drake Maye is poised for a Yr 2 bounce. The defensive sort out duo of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams has an opportunity to be particular. Two of their AFC East rivals (Dolphins and Jets) seem like in transition. Working again TreVeyon Henderson has the explosiveness to interrupt off massive runs. And Josh McDaniels is a confirmed playcaller.

Offensive line and huge receiver stay issues, however New England has made efforts to deal with each spots. The Patriots have not produced a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. For this to work, somebody — paging Stefon Diggs — wants to interrupt that streak. A wild-card spot feels attainable.

Graziano: Arizona Cardinals. The NFC West groups may end the season in any order and it would not shock me. Arizona is in Yr 3 with Jonathan Gannon as head coach and Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, and the truth that they did not change any offensive personnel within the offseason signifies they consider they’re on monitor there. Quarterback Kyler Murray is one other 12 months faraway from his knee harm and has another offseason working in Petzing’s system. So if it would not hum this season, you need to surprise how lengthy possession will keep on with the plan.

Defensively, they made some aggressive additions, signing away edge rusher Josh Sweat from the Tremendous Bowl champs, utilizing a second-round decide on cornerback Will Johnson (who slipped within the draft due to harm issues) and bringing again the ageless Calais Campbell. It is time for Arizona to indicate it may possibly transfer past being a group that hovers round .500 and fades in December.

Which participant goes to return out of nowhere in Week 1 — and make an affect all season?

Graziano: It may very well be Jaguars operating again Bhayshul Tuten. I do not understand how the Jaguars’ operating again room will shake out, and I am unsure they do but, both. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are the incumbents, however the Jags drafted Tuten within the fourth spherical and LeQuint Allen Jr., who profiles as a third-down again, within the seventh. The veterans may get the primary shot, however the brand new entrance workplace and training workers drafted Tuten and Allen and have plans for them.

Tuten is essentially the most explosive of the group — a “dwelling run hitter” within the Jaguars’ eyes. If he is in a position to decide up the offense and acclimate to the NFL shortly, that explosiveness may result in larger alternatives sooner reasonably than later.

Fowler: Nice decide. I am going to go along with 49ers huge receiver Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers’ receiver room has been decimated by harm, with Brandon Aiyuk nonetheless recovering from final season’s knee harm and Jauan Jennings (calf) probably needing time to ramp up after not too long ago returning to the lineup. And phrase out of San Francisco is that Pearsall is poised for a Yr 2 bounce. The 49ers have been a top-five passing offense throughout Brock Purdy‘s two full seasons as beginning quarterback, so possibilities at chunk yardage shall be there. Kyle Shanahan will make it so.

One other participant to look at is rookie Commanders operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He may be Washington’s RB4 proper now, however each time I requested someone there about their backfield plans, Croskey-Merritt was talked about early and infrequently. The Commanders are very excessive on him.

Graziano: I am additionally curious to see what the Browns have deliberate for third-round rookie tight finish Harold Fannin Jr. A ludicrously productive tight finish in faculty, Fannin was utilized in quite a lot of methods at Bowling Inexperienced and the Browns say they consider they’ll deploy him all around the formation. He is more likely to group with David Njoku within the two-tight-end formations coach Kevin Stefanski loves to make use of. Fannin in all probability will keep on the sector if he exhibits he can deal with blocking tasks. And if he can persistently get open, that in all probability will earn him extra targets from Joe Flacco or whomever else finally ends up enjoying QB for the Browns this season.

Fowler: This is a deep-cut sleeper for you … Cardinals edge rusher Jordan Burch. His title got here up just a few occasions after I’ve requested scouts for Rookie of the Yr candidates, so do not be stunned if the third-round decide makes an early affect. Arizona has some sneaky-good expertise, so it is as much as among the latest draft picks to flash greatness.

Which head coach most wants a powerful begin in September?

Fowler: The Giants’ Brian Daboll. Any coach with a 19-33-1 report by three seasons may use early momentum. Possession has been affected person with the Giants’ rebuild, and this was Daboll’s first offseason with a high-pedigree rookie quarterback to develop. The early returns on Jaxson Dart are excellent, so I am not labeling September some type of win-this-month-or-else situation.

However the schedule is hard. The primary 4 opponents — Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs and Chargers — gained a mixed 45 video games final season. Setting a tone towards that gauntlet could be helpful. The Giants’ roster has improved, and the group has a defensive position adequate to dictate phrases of victory.

Graziano: Scorching-seat discuss in early September is dicey, so I am going to begin with the disclaimer that I’ve no inside info to make me assume these guys are in any instant hassle. However given the Bengals’ aspirations and their historical past of poor September begins underneath Zac Taylor, he may use a powerful begin if just for his personal sanity.

Fowler: For certain, a quick begin would take the stress off in Cincy. I might additionally argue that Colts coach Shane Steichen suits the mildew. Choosing Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson Sr. at quarterback was a daring transfer, contemplating the franchise’s funding in Richardson because the No. 4 decide in 2023. However Steichen believes Jones provides the Colts the perfect likelihood to win. Proving that to be right early would ease pressure.

Graziano: Yet one more. This group provides coaches quite a lot of runway, however the Cowboys’ hiring of Brian Schottenheimer was broadly criticized outdoors of the constructing. It was well-received inside the constructing, the place Schottenheimer is well-liked and revered. Persons are excited to see him get his likelihood. However to the extent that the Cowboys care about outdoors opinions, a Thursday evening upset in Philadelphia and a quick begin would go a great distance towards making the Schottenheimer transfer look good.

What’s one factor you heard this preseason that might assist fantasy managers win their leagues?

Graziano: I am drafting Buccaneers rookie huge receiver Emeka Egbuka in all places I can. The Bucs liked him earlier than selecting within the first spherical in April, and so they’ve grown to covet him much more since. They consider he can play any of the huge receiver positions of their offense, which is an efficient factor as a result of Chris Godwin Jr. nonetheless is not again from final 12 months’s ugly season-ending harm and Jalen McMillan is out for some time due to a neck harm.

Count on the Bucs to make use of Egbuka within the slot and on the surface as wanted. Given how mature and polished a participant they already consider him to be, he may get a ton of targets in one of many league’s prime offenses and maintain onto a beginning position even when Tampa’s receiver corps is again to full power.

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Fowler: Rookie huge receiver Matthew Golden ought to get quite a lot of targets, too. The Packers’ first-round decide has significantly impressed coaches up to now. “Phenomenal,” one Packers supply informed me of Golden’s presence. “Makes a wow play on daily basis.” Golden is listed as a starter already and the Packers aren’t hiding their affection for him. It is not like a type of conditions the place you hear, “Oh, he is a rookie, he is coming alongside.” It is, “No, this man can play.” The Packers will make the most of two-tight-end units usually and Romeo Doubs continues to be a first-rate possibility, however Golden’s expertise appears plain.

Additionally, Panthers receiver Xavier Legette, a first-rounder from 2024, shall be a consider Carolina. Teammate Jaycee Horn informed me Legette reminds him of A.J. Brown together with his mixture of physicality and pace.

What else are you listening to this week?

Graziano’s notes:

• Primarily based on every little thing I have been informed this week, I’d be shocked if Parsons would not play in some vogue for the Packers towards the Lions on Sunday. It is too quickly for Parsons to know the whole protection, and he in all probability is not in soccer form but since he did not observe in coaching camp. However the Packers ought to be capable of draw up a play package deal that maximizes Parsons’ affect as an edge rusher in key conditions, then proceed ramping him up through the early weeks of the season.

• The Chiefs are very excited by how rookie left sort out Josh Simmons has carried out this summer time. One individual I spoke to talked about Simmons’ skill to get better mid-play when he is overwhelmed off the snap. Coaches say he would not make the identical mistake twice, and although some rising pains needs to be anticipated, the Chiefs have a excessive diploma of belief of their first-round decide’s skill to guard Patrick Mahomes‘ blind aspect. With 2024 second-round decide Kingsley Suamataia shifting inside to left guard, the Chiefs take into account themselves extra strong on the offensive line than they had been final season, once they ended up having to play veteran guard Joe Thuney at left sort out through the postseason and had been uncovered towards the Eagles within the Tremendous Bowl.

• One unresolved under-the-radar contract state of affairs to look at is that of Steelers veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Heyward adjusted his contract final 12 months, and consequently his 2025 wage of $13.25 million is about half of what the highest defensive tackles within the league earn. He has been training but in addition made it clear he needs a increase. This might get resolved earlier than Sunday’s opener, and the connection between the group and their 14-year veteran mainstay is powerful sufficient that it is arduous to think about him sitting out the sport. However as with all participant, his leverage solely will increase if he forces the group to confront life with out him — particularly with rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon set to sit out Sunday’s recreation due to an harm. The Steelers in all probability may resolve this by including some money and reachable incentives. Till then, it is value maintaining a tally of.

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• If each offensive coordinators have their approach, the Steelers-Jets recreation may very well be over in lower than 2½ hours. Each groups wish to run the ball and hold the opposite group’s offense off the sector. The Steelers are placing an offense collectively round a younger line and a 41-year-old quarterback in Aaron Rodgers who signed in June. It may take a while for it to return collectively. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in all probability will design a conservative recreation plan towards the powerful Jets protection to place Rodgers in do-no-harm conditions in an try and steal a highway win.

• As for the Jets, my understanding is that the offense plans to make use of a run-heavy, keep-away fashion leaning on operating backs Breece Corridor, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, together with quarterback Justin Fields‘ operating skill. The Jets hope to get early leads and lean on their strengths. In some unspecified time in the future, Fields should make performs from the pocket in massive third-down spots. If his skill to do this surpasses expectations, the Jets may possibly develop their offense from there. However within the meantime, count on them to run, run and run some extra.

• We talked about above that the Cardinals’ offense stays largely intact from what it was getting into final season. The one new man is correct guard Isaiah Adams, who began the ultimate 5 video games of final season. However there was one key departure that folks across the league seen — offensive line coach Klayton Adams, who was employed because the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator. Adams had a big position within the design and implementation of the Cardinals’ run recreation the previous two seasons; solely the Ravens and Eagles have rushed for extra yards in that span than Arizona. It additionally thinks extremely of latest offensive line coach Justin Frye, who held the identical position for Ohio State final season, however that is Frye’s first NFL job after 18 years as a university assistant. The Cardinals did retain assistant offensive line coach Chris Prepare dinner, who got here in with Gannon and Petzing in 2023, so there’s some continuity. However working with Jeff Saturday for the previous half-decade or so has drilled into my thoughts the significance of the offensive line coach, so I’ve half an eye fixed on this example.

• With no sense of when Joe Mixon may return from his harm, the Texans are piecing issues collectively at operating again. They stored 5 backs — Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, British Brooks and fourth-round rookie Woody Marks. Chubb appears to be the starter for now, however he hasn’t proven the identical explosiveness post-harm that he had earlier in his profession, which may open the door for Pierce or Marks to tackle a bigger position. It’s going to be fascinating to see what number of of those guys are energetic on recreation days, since Brooks and Pierce are too useful on particular groups to be inactive. However till somebody steps up and exhibits greater than they’ve up to now, count on the Texans to make use of the run recreation to arrange a passing recreation they consider shall be extra dynamic in C.J. Stroud‘s third 12 months than it was in a disappointing 2024 that led to the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Fowler’s notes:

• Week 1 can create urgency for contract extensions that groups or gamers slow-played over the previous 4 months. That occurred in Tampa Bay on Tuesday, when the Bucs reached settlement on a four-year, $90 million extension with proper sort out Luke Goedeke. The Bucs recognized Goedeke as a participant they’d prefer to hold long run, and a latest comp — the Packers’ Zach Tom at 4 years, $88 million — knowledgeable the suitable sort out market. With Goedeke prolonged, listed below are a handful of candidates I am preserving my eye on: Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Cowboys guard Tyler Smith, Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, Rams security Quentin Lake and Raiders huge receiver Jakobi Meyers.

  Bonitto may very well be the final of the Broncos’ trifecta after they not too long ago prolonged huge receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive sort out Zach Allen. Hutchinson will capitalize on the ballooning pass-rush market, and the Lions have begun discussions with him. Dallas needs to allocate among the cash saved by the Parsons commerce for Smith, arguably the league’s greatest guard. Taylor and Lake are ascending defensive backs their groups worth past this season. There’s an opportunity Las Vegas and Meyers, the Raiders’ de facto No. 1 receiver coming off a 1,000-yard season regardless of uneven quarterback play, may come to an settlement regardless of Meyers not too long ago asking for a commerce. And whereas cornerback Trent McDuffie and the Chiefs will not attain a brand new deal by Week 1, through our Nate Taylor, McDuffie is the kind of cornerstone participant Kansas Metropolis wish to hold. This one has challenges — McDuffie is taken into account small as an outdoor nook — however many league evaluators take into account him a top-five cornerback, and gamers of that caliber normally receives a commission.

• The Anthony Richardson state of affairs is one I’ll watch intently all through the season. Richardson’s agent, Deiric Jackson — who publicly questioned belief within the Colts to our Stephen Holder after Richardson misplaced the QB battle to Jones — met in individual final week with Colts common supervisor Chris Ballard to clear the air. Jackson referred to as the assembly “very constructive,” and simply an opportunity for sides to “let emotions be recognized.” Although a commerce was not requested, the subject was broached on this assembly. Ballard strengthened that Indy has no plans to commerce Richardson and nonetheless believes within the quarterback.

  Richardson is not making any waves — he’ll stay skilled, backing up Jones and sustaining his readiness. However a part of his camp’s frustration is that every one events acknowledge endurance could be required when Richardson was drafted. He entered the league with one 12 months as a full-time highschool starter and one 12 months as a starter at Florida. He has admitted publicly that his management and maturity had been less than par in 2024, which contributed to his in-season benching. However regardless of that, Richardson is 8-7 as an NFL starter, together with two fourth-quarter comebacks late final season. He additionally labored on bettering his routine, management, mechanics, food plan and talent to layer short-to-intermediate throws, leading to enchancment in camp that finally wasn’t sufficient to win the job. However the Colts know Richardson has an opportunity to play this season. This case feels removed from settled — and raises questions on how franchises fail younger quarterbacks alongside the best way.

• A number of notes from the Parsons fallout. One group that inquired about Parsons’ availability however finally did not pursue aggressively was Carolina. The Panthers made a name however didn’t formally supply a commerce package deal to Dallas. Carolina would have made sense as a result of the Cowboys had been in search of a premier defensive sort out, which Carolina has in Derrick Brown. … In our reporting, a number of group execs believed that Parsons was intrigued by a number of groups within the course of, together with the Ravens and Chiefs. This was moot — the Cowboys had been centered on getting the perfect deal they may. And the Chiefs had been by no means in it. But it surely’s noteworthy nonetheless. … Additionally, do not be stunned if Inexperienced Bay ultimately strikes former first-round decide Lukas Van Ness inside in sure packages as Parsons will get acclimated. Van Ness’ body (6-foot-5, 272 kilos) provides him some positional flexibility.

• Chargers operating again Najee Harris (eye) has jumped proper again into the fray upon coming back from his harm. He has practiced totally since returning to the lineup and was cleared for contact this previous Friday. The Chargers have been happy together with his progress and the Chiefs have ready with the idea Harris shall be within the lineup Friday. Rookie Omarion Hampton has impressed this camp, and I am anticipating sufficient carries to go round for each in Greg Roman’s offense.

• So far as the Chiefs, do not be stunned if acquainted faces Isiah Pacheco and JuJu Smith-Schuster are elements in Brazil. Pacheco appears wholesome and is operating arduous. And with Rashee Rice suspended for six video games, the Chiefs belief Smith-Schuster of their three-receiver units. Undecided what number of targets he’ll get, however he’ll be an element. And Mahomes appears prepared to fireside off some explosive performs. He’s coming off considered one of his higher camps, enjoying “quick, enjoyable and free” as one group supply stated, and getting again to creatively attempting troublesome performs that solely he could make. Maybe that is an experimental observe factor, however Kansas Metropolis believes Mahomes is near hitting these explosive performs regularly once more.

• Now that we’re previous the preseason, look ahead to the Bears to flash some creativity to maximise quarterback Caleb Williams. My sense from folks in Chicago is that whereas head coach Ben Johnson would coach Williams relentlessly on the fundamentals all through camp, they’d ultimately play to Williams’ strengths, using his mobility and off-platform throwing as an off-script playmaker. Bears followers may see extra of that within the common season.

• Count on the Bengals’ offense to be ultra-aggressive to start out Sunday’s recreation towards the Browns. Regardless of a maligned protection, Taylor has challenged his offense to get off to quicker begins in order that the protection can aggressively pursue the quarterback whereas holding a lead. Quarterback Joe Burrow has taken to that sentiment, setting the tone with considered one of his greatest — and healthiest — coaching camps. Cincinnati additionally believes its protection shall be higher than followers and media do. The Bengals have labored on shoring up tackling points and enjoying extra as a unit.