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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Chiefs to open 2024 season vs. Ravens

Mon May 13 10:06am ET
Field Level Media

Game 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season features the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The Week 1 headliner was confirmed by the league as the build-up begins for a full schedule release on Wednesday night with select marquee games and dates made official by the NFL.

The Chiefs beat the Ravens, 17-10, in the AFC Championship game to reach the Super Bowl, where Kansas City topped the San Francisco 49ers.

This is the third time in five seasons the Chiefs and Ravens are scheduled to face off. The Thursday night primetime game has become a traditional spotlight game for the defending Super Bowl champions.

Last season, it became a springboard for the Lions when Detroit left Arrowhead Stadium with a 21-20 win.

Previously the NFL confirmed Game 2 of the NFL season would feature the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Sept. 6, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It's the first time a regular-season game is being played in South America and the first game on a Friday of the NFL's opening week since 1970.

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Fantasy Position SOS

Player Notes
Michael Pittman Jr. May 30 4:40pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) did not participate in Thursday's OTA practice, but Joel A. Erickson of Indy Star said it was for precautionary reasons. Pittman banged knees with a defender last week and limped off the field, but he is expected to be "fine". The former second-round pick has posted at least 88 receptions, 925 yards, and four touchdowns over the last three seasons, but he'll face more target competition this year. The Colts selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs is expected to have an expanded role. All that said, Pittman should remain the WR1 for Anthony Richardson and post at least low-end WR2 numbers in his fifth NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua May 30 4:40pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is coming off arguably the greatest rookie season ever for a wideout. He posted 105 receptions for 1,468 yards and six touchdowns, and he set a rookie record for receiving yards in a postseason game (181). It's difficult to project a better season of production in Year 2, but Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said he has improved this offseason. "You can definitely see he's made strides. He's moving better. I know he feels more comfortable," LaFleur said. "He's in year two and that's what you expect from all the players, but you know that you're going to get it from Puka because he's just made of the right stuff." Nacua is being drafted as a mid-to-late first-round pick in PPR leagues, and if Cooper Kupp takes another step back, he could compete for an overall WR1 finish in fantasy football. Los Angeles did not add legitimate target competition in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

David Ojabo May 30 4:30pm ET
David Ojabo

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker David Ojabo (knee) suffered a partially torn ACL in Week 3 of last season, but he is expected to be a full participant at some point in training camp later this summer. The 2022 second-round pick suffered a torn Achilles in the pre-draft process leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, or he likely would've been a first-rounder. Through two NFL seasons, he has accumulated seven total tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in just five games. Hopefully, he can stay healthy in 2024 and show what he can do as at least a situational pass-rusher.

From RotoBaller

Gary Brightwell May 30 4:20pm ET
Gary Brightwell

The New York Giants waived running back Gary Brightwell (undisclosed) with an injury designation on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The former 2021 sixth-round pick by the G-Men out of Arizona has remained on the roster over the last three seasons, but his time looks to be coming to an end. So far in his career, Brightwell has rushed 41 times for 164 yards and one touchdown and caught 11 passes for 92 yards in 37 games. He played 100 snaps on special teams last year. With Brightwell out of the building, Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. now have less competition for touches.

From RotoBaller

Sean Payton May 30 4:10pm ET
Sean Payton

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (knee) underwent a precautionary knee scope for an injury he suffered last week, according to NFL.com. Although it's not ideal for the rookie Notre Dame product to get banged up early in his career, the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be ready for training camp later this summer. Following Estime's final season in college which included 1,483 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns, some viewed him as a top running back in the 2024 class. However, his 4.71 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine likely led to him falling to Day 3. Either way, he could carve out a role in Sean Payton's offense right away as a short-yardage and goal-line back behind Javonte Williams.

From RotoBaller

Eric Gray May 30 3:50pm ET
Eric Gray

New York Giants running back Eric Gray saw a lot of run with the first-team offense during organized team activities on Thursday, leading the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard to put Gray as the team's RB2 behind starter Devin Singletary. In addition, the Giants waived/injured Gary Brightwell, a sixth-round pick in 2021 by the previous regime, on Thursday. The G-Men are facing life without Saquon Barkley in 2024. Singletary is likely to lead this backfield, but he's never been a workhorse back in the NFL and will certainly cede backfield touches in his first year in the Big Apple. Gray was a fifth-rounder in 2023 and had only 23 touches for 70 yards on 65 offensive snaps a year ago. Given the lack of competition behind Gray, he's a good bet to see a significant boost in touches in Year 2. He'll be a handcuff option for Singletary owners in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle May 30 3:50pm ET
Tim Boyle

Houston Texans quarterback Tim Boyle (finger) was back on the practice field at organized team activities on Thursday after missing time last week after getting stitches for a finger cut while taking a snap. Boyle will be competing for a roster spot this offseason and in training camp this summer. He's currently listed as the No. 4 QB on the Texans' depth chart behind C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills and veteran Case Keenum. It will be an uphill battle for the 29-year-old former undrafted free agent. Boyle has already served as a backup option for five different teams since entering the NFL with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. In his five years in the league, Boyle has completed only 62.3% of his 183 pass attempts for 934 yards, four touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 20 games (five starts). He's not anywhere near the fantasy radar in any format.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims May 30 3:40pm ET
Marvin Mims

The Denver Broncos are expecting to see growth from wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. as he heads into his second year in the league. "You're going to see a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2," head coach Sean Payton said. Mims, the team's second-round pick (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, averaged a healthy 17.1 yards per catch in his first NFL season last year but caught just 22 passes on 33 targets for 377 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games (seven starts). The 22-year-old didn't get all that many opportunities to get into a rhythm in his rookie campaign but showed potential as a deep threat down the field from time to time. His fantasy stock immediately got a boost when the team traded Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in the offseason, but he'll still have to show improvement in Year 2 in order to see playing time alongside Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick and rookie Troy Franklin.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Washington May 30 3:30pm ET
Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end Darnell Washington got put into a box as a blocking tight end as a rookie in 2023 and rarely had opportunities to showcase his potential as a pass-catching mismatch, catching just seven of 10 targets for 61 yards. But 6-foot-7, 265-pound monster of a tight end said there's a "strong possibility" he'll become more of a receiving threat in new offensive coordinator's tight end-friendly system. The 22-year-old is an intriguing mismatch if sent out on routes, but as long as Pat Freiermuth remains healthy as the team's top pass-catching TE, it's going to be hard for Washington to stand out in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds May 30 3:20pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds could find himself in a substantial role in the Broncos' offense in his first year with the team after signing a two-year, $9 million deal in March. Reynolds comes from Detroit, where head coach Dan Campbell previously worked under current Broncos head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans. Payton is seeking more production all across the offense in 2024 and is embracing the idea that it could come from anywhere. "He's long; he has strong hands. Another veteran receiver," Payton said of Reynolds. Courtland Sutton is the unquestioned top wideout in Denver, but Reynolds will be competing for a starting role with the rehabbing Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims Jr. and rookie fourth-rounder Troy Franklin. With questions at QB, though, Reynolds will most likely go undrafted in standard 12-team fantasy leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance May 30 3:20pm ET
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy reiterated on Thursday at organized team activities that he's "definitely" seen significant progress from backup quarterback Trey Lance. "Now starting to get the timing with the routes. He's close to being a master of the system. He has a really high understanding. He just needs as many reps as he can," McCarthy said. Despite the Cowboys unsurprisingly declining Lance's fifth-year option this offseason, they have liked what they've seen from the former first-round pick (third overall) heading into his second season with the team. The 24-year-old signal-caller has lost most of his dynasty/keeper appeal at this point after not playing a single snap for Dallas in 2023 while sitting behind Dak Prescott. Unless Prescott misses time with an injury that forces Lance into the fold in 2024, he'll be off the redraft radar.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze May 30 3:10pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring) was seen on the field taking part in organized team activities on Thursday, and he showed off his contested-catch abilities. The Bears took precaution in holding Odunze out of previous OTA sessions last week, but the 21-year-old Washington Husky alumni is now back on the field as he prepares for his first season in the NFL. The ninth overall pick in last month's NFL draft has a bright future ahead of him and can pretty much do anything on the football field as a receiver, but fantasy managers in single-year redraft leagues may want to pump the brakes on his value in 2024 as long as both DJ Moore and Keenan Allen stay healthy in front of him in Chicago's receiver pecking order. But in the long term, Odunze may have the highest ceiling of any rookie wideout while being paired with QB Caleb Williams, the first overall pick.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton May 30 3:10pm ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton was back at organized team activities on Thursday after saying that the team added incentives to his contract to appease him. Slayton was staying away from voluntary OTAs this offseason as he angled for a new contract extension from the team, but the 27-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2019 out of Auburn is now back with the team. Despite the addition of rookie pass-catcher Malik Nabers in the first round of this year's NFL draft, Slayton still figures to be in line for a starting role in New York's offense in 2024 after recording a career-high 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 50 receptions in 17 games (13 starts) a year ago. However, Slayton's fantasy ceiling and floor will be volatile, especially since both Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson figure to be asked to take on more in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle May 30 10:20am ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is signing a three-year contract extension worth up to $84.75 million that includes $76 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The $28.25 million average salary ranks fourth among NFL wideouts, trailing only A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill. Since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2021 out of Alabama, Waddle has hauled in 251 of his 361 targets for 3,385 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's caught at least 72 passes and racked up 1,000-plus yards in each of his first three campaigns. Although he is the clear No. 2 wide receiver in Miami behind Hill, he remains a strong fantasy football asset with WR1 upside in an explosive passing offense. Last season marked his first year without a WR1 finish, but he should bounce back after setting career lows on catches, yards, and touchdowns. He's a screaming value at his low-end WR2 price tag in early fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin May 30 2:20am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (head) was photographed participating in OTAs on Thursday, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. The pass-catching back came on strong late in his rookie campaign last year, but he's still expected to face firm competition in the form of Javonte Williams and Audric Estime, to name a couple. Adding extra faces to this backfield complicates the matter and drops McLaughlin to a depth role, making him a reasonable target at his ADP of 163. Fantasy managers will find extra solace in the fact that he's healthy and ready to go for the season.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs May 30 2:20am ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) continues to make progress and could return to the field for contact and action next week. "Hopefully next week we'll get him out there when we go full speed," head coach Matt LaFleur explained to the media. The former Raiders star inked a deal with Green Bay over the offseason, and his extreme versatility makes him an appealing pick. As long as he gets healthy once again, he could push to be a low-end RB1 in fantasy leagues. Regardless of his exact finish, he should have several opportunities to feast within a competent Jordan Love-run team.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby May 30 2:10am ET
Tank Bigsby

The Jacksonville Jaguars intend to get running back Tank Bigsby more involved next season, according to Demetrius Harvey of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. Bigsby was a rookie last year, and while he did earn some opportunities, he was clearly the backup option to Travis Etienne Jr. Sure, Etienne will remain the Jaguars' undeniable top back in 2024, but the expectation is that Bigsby will be more involved. "We've talked about this too as a staff and myself, making sure Tank [Bigsby] gets opportunities to get out there and take some of the pounding off of Travis," explained head coach Doug Pederson. While this new report might not be enough to put Bigsby on the radar in typical 12-team redraft leagues, he's still worth monitoring as the season gets underway. A slow start or injury from Etienne could put Bigsby in a favorable role.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine May 30 2:10am ET
Samaje Perine

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could be one of the players released or traded by the team this offseason, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Kosmider notes that "it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the Broncos moved on from Perine" given that releasing him would create roughly $3 million in cap space. That's a very reasonable outcome for Denver as they look for extra money and find ways to win with younger players. Perine, 28, broke free for 238 rushing and 455 receiving yards in 2023. He should be rostered as a decent RB4 option in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Yannick Ngakoue May 29 7:53pm ET
Yannick Ngakoue

Free-agent DE Yannick Ngakoue (Bears) said he has talked with a few teams this offseason and is looking for the right opportunity. He said he wants to show that he is still one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.

From TheHuddle

George Kittle May 29 6:03pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (core) is recovering from offseason surgery but said he expects to be ready for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle should continue to be a big part of the passing game for the 49ers this upcoming season and will be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle