Fantasy football buzz – Justin Fields-Garrett Wilson combo shines in opener

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

Key links: Fantasy depth charts | Cheat Sheet Central
Rankings | Projections | Join a fantasy league today

As expected, the New York Jets installed a run-focused approach to the team’s opening tilt versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Fields carried the ball for a fantasy-friendly 12 times for 48 yards and two rushing scores, his chemistry with Wilson is what really turned heads. The former Ohio State teammates linked up on 7 of 9 attempts for 95 yards and a score.

It’s worth noting Wilson’s production came largely against the coverage of Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey did get the last laugh, with a hard hit on Wilson forcing an incompletion on fourth down to clinch the victory for Pittsburgh, but from a fantasy perspective the QB-to-WR relationship looks refreshingly solid. Expect the duo to be squarely on the starting radar when the Jets host the Bills in Week 2.

Rookie impressions

• Ashton Jeanty scores first career TD: Jeanty helped lead the Las Vegas Raiders to the team’s first win in the Pete Carroll era. The former Boise State standout wasn’t particularly efficient, with 40 scrimmage yards on 21 touches, but demonstrated awesome power as he muscled his way to 12.0 fantasy points. Jeanty will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on “Monday Night Football” in Week 2. His overall volume and involvement in the passing game will only increase if Brock Bowers (knee) misses time.

• Tyler Warren emerges as a go-to option for Daniel Jones: The Danny Dimes-led Indianapolis Colts stunned a listless Miami Dolphins squad, managing a decisive 33-8 victory at home. Key to Indy’s success was the consistent usage of Warren. The Penn State product led the Colts’ pass catchers in targets, converting 7 of 9 looks for 76 yards. He’ll be in the TE1 conversation again vs. Denver in Week 2.

• Emeka Egbuka makes good on offseason hype with a pair of scores: Egbuka was hailed as one of the most polished and pro-ready receivers in this year’s class. The former Buckeye looked to be the real deal in his professional debut, grabbing two of Baker Mayfield’s three TD passes, including what proved to be the game winner with 59 seconds left. One of the hottest ADP climbers of the summer, Egbuka will continue to offer WR2 fantasy appeal while Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) is sidelined.

• Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt leads Commanders committee as a rusher: The seventh-rounder flew up draft boards on the heels of Brian Robinson Jr.’s exit from Washington. The rookie was listed as the Washington Commanders’ RB4 on the team’s depth chart, but he out-carried Austin Ekeler 10 to six, although Ekeler was more productive via the air as expected. Croskey-Merritt finished with 10 carries for 82 yards and a score. It’s worth noting that Chris Rodriguez Jr. was a healthy inactive for the game, indicating Bill’s hold on the short-yardage role.

Week 1 scoring leaders through 1 p.m. ET games
1. Justin Fields, QB, Jets — 29.52 points
2. Daniel Jones, QB, Colts — 29.48
3. Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers — 27.92
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs — 26.02
5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers — 25.66
6. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers — 24.9
7. Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons — 24.4
8. Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles — 24.28
9. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons — 24.02
10. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers — 23.6

Sept. 6: Injury updates on Stafford and others heading into Sunday

Stephania Bell: There were several players with injuries to monitor during the offseason, but training camp and the preseason added a whole new batch of names to the watch list.

Below are some thoughts and observations on the outlook and status of some new additions from the training camp and preseason window.

Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings (hamstring): Jefferson injured his left hamstring during a late July practice, and coach Kevin O’Connell described it at the time as a “very mild” strain. Still, the combination of Jefferson’s history with a right hamstring injury (suffered in Week 5 of his 2023 season resulting in seven missed games) and the high rate of recurrence associated with these injuries meant the Vikings were going to be conservative through the remainder of camp. He returned to practice on Aug. 18 and has gradually increased his activity with the goal of being healthy for the season. Jefferson is not on the injury report heading into Week 1, indicating he is fully expected to start and play his usual role.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams (back): As Rams training camp opened, there was one key player who was notably absent from practice — Stafford. The veteran QB was not participating due to back soreness. Although it initially seemed he might miss only a few practices, as reports emerged of a disk issue and Stafford didn’t respond well to early workouts, the concern about his status appeared to rise. Sean McVay went from detailed, optimistic timeline updates for reporters to more vague, day-to-day assessments. It is often the case that disk problems can be quite variable in their presentation. When it is an acute flare-up on top of a chronic condition (Stafford has had issues with his back previously), there can be a range of responses to treatment and recovery time.

McVay’s adjustment in how he discussed Stafford’s condition might not have been as much a reflection of severity as it was a means of removing the pressure associated with a fixed timeline. Throughout the preseason, the Rams remained optimistic that Stafford was on a good trajectory to Week 1, and it turns out they were correct. He returned to practice in mid-August, and heading into this week he was not listed on the injury report and will start Sunday against the Texans. It is certainly possible that it flares up again during the season, but it is also possible that it stays stable. The one certainty is that the Rams medical staff will be focused on maintenance and postgame recovery for Stafford as the season progresses.

Jordan Love, QB, Packers (left thumb): Love injured the thumb in his non-throwing hand during the Packers’ first preseason game. Given that the injury rendered a joint in his thumb unstable, which might then give him trouble in the season, Love opted to undergo surgery on Aug. 12 to repair the damaged ligament. Wearing a protective splint, Love returned to practice a week later but did not take snaps under center for another two weeks. Heading into the Week 1 contest, Love continued to wear a supportive wrap on his left thumb but was taking every rep in practice. He told reporters he also anticipates handing the ball off normally during the game. His recovery trajectory appears to have progressed without incident, and there should be no limitation on Love when the Packers host the Lions on Sunday.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants (toe, back): Nabers did not participate in spring OTAs because of a toe injury. When training camp opened, Nabers was a full participant but told reporters at the time that the day might come when a surgical intervention became necessary. Conservative management is the current option, and that meant days off to rest the toe during camp. The rest was also designed to help Nabers recover from a left shoulder ailment (while blocking in practice in late July) and back tightness in the late stretch of the preseason. During his rookie campaign, there were multiple times where Nabers was limited in practice sessions yet showed up to play without limitation, the exception being his absence in Weeks 5 and 6 after suffering a concussion. That pattern might emerge again this year to help Nabers manage his toe issue. Although he did not participate in drills Friday as a proactive measure, Nabers is off the game status injury report for Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders.

Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens (left foot): Likely underwent surgery on Aug. 1 to address a fracture in his left foot. The procedure involves inserting a screw to stabilize the bone as the fracture heals, and the healing rate can vary from one athlete to the next. Recovery can range anywhere from six to eight weeks, but beyond evidence of adequate bone healing and absence of pain, the return to football activity and ramping up from running to hard cuts and deceleration is part of the process. The key is not returning too soon and suffering a setback that would require an additional potentially season-ending surgery. Of note, the team did not place him on injured reserve, so he will not be required to sit out the first four games. When the season begins, Likely will be just about five weeks post-op. As of Friday’s practice, Likely — who has not practiced since July 29 — was still not participating but was doing some supervised running on a side field, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (ankle): Spears sustained a right high ankle sprain in the Titans’ first preseason game (Aug. 9) and never made it back to practice in the preseason. This was not a surprise given the average recovery window of four to six weeks (which does not reflect the additional time most running backs need to return to form). The Titans elected to place Spears on IR (designated for return) entering the regular season, meaning he will have to sit out at least four games. Given his history of lower-extremity injuries in college and last year in the NFL, the team might want to bring him back slowly, so it appears to be primarily the Tony Pollard show in the Titans’ backfield for now.

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks (foot): Walker went from an ankle injury that ended his 2024 season to being limited in OTAs this spring to opening training camp as a full participant. A week later, Walker was dealing with soreness in his foot and was not practicing. Just days later he returned to full practice, but over the remainder of camp he was given alternating days off, a move the Seahawks claimed was to proactively protect his health. Walker has played through injuries at times in the past, but doing so in camp isn’t conducive to a healthy season. The hope is that he can make it through a full season unscathed; the question is whether the new coaching regime will increase Zach Charbonnet’s workload as an extra insurance measure. Walker is not on the injury report for Week 1.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers (calf): Jennings suffered a calf injury during spring OTAs but was able to start training camp practice on time. Several days into practice, Jennings aggravated the calf injury, but given his announcement pre-camp that he was dissatisfied with his deal, it was unclear how serious the injury was relative to his request for a new contract. Although Jennings did not participate in preseason games, he did return to practice Sept. 1 on a limited basis. Within two days, he received a contract extension, and suddenly things are looking up for Jennings and the 49ers’ wide receiver room. Coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters this week that Jennings has had a good week of practice, albeit limited until Friday. Jennings does not have an injury designation for Sunday’s game, but given his limited preseason participation it would not be surprising to see his work volume reduced at the outset.

Sept. 6: Rookie RB Judkins signs with Browns

Eric Moody: The Cleveland Browns and Quinshon Judkins have agreed to a four-year deal. While he may need time to get back into football shape, Judkins is a talented, powerful runner who dominated in college at Ole Miss and Ohio State, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his collegiate seasons with consistent touchdown production. He also brings pass-catching ability, giving him additional fantasy upside.

The Browns backfield currently features veteran Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson, but Judkins has the talent and draft pedigree to carve out a significant role, especially as the team looks for a lead back. His upside as a three-down back is high. When healthy and fully integrated, he could easily outproduce Ford and emerge as a flex option with upside.

With only a 53.4% roster percentage in ESPN leagues, Judkins is worth adding now if available. He shouldn’t be inserted into starting lineups in Week 1, but his talent, opportunity, and upside make him a potential breakout back once he earns snaps and touches.

Sept. 5: Javonte Williams scores two, A.J. Brown invisible in season opener

Eric Moody: Javonte Williams was the clear leader in the Dallas Cowboys backfield against the Eagles on Thursday night, finishing with 17 touches and 20.4 fantasy points. Williams should remain a matchup-dependent fantasy starter until we see how rookie Jaydon Blue (who did not dress for this game but was not on the injury report) becomes more involved. Next week, the Cowboys face the New York Giants at home, which is a scenario where you can confidently start Williams.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown had a quiet game with just one target and 1.8 fantasy points, a pattern that popped up several times last season. He didn’t see his first target until 1:51 remaining in the 4th quarter, the longest stretch of his career to start a game without a target, according to ESPN Research. Although he posted six top-10 weekly fantasy finishes in 2024, he was held below 13.5 points in six of his other seven games. It’s a dreadful way to start the season for managers, but players as dynamic as Brown bounce back quickly. Week 2 brings a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs, giving Brown a chance to do just that. No need to panic.

• Eagles WR Jahan Dotson caught all three of his targets for 59 receiving yards. He had just 122 receiving yards in his first 17 career games with the Eagles but has already totaled 153 in his past two games. If Brown or DeVonta Smith misses time, Dotson is capable of filling the void.

• Eagles RB Will Shipley’s usage suggests he’s the insurance back for Saquon Barkley. He suffered a rib injury and was deemed questionable to return, the second-year running back finished with three rushing attempts for 26 yards, including a 20-yard run.

Sept. 4: Christian McCaffrey among players returning from serious 2024 injuries

Stephania Bell: Taking a look at where selected players who made the “Injuries to Monitor” list stand as we head into Week 1:

Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers: McCaffrey has quieted at least some fears about his health status entering the season after moving through OTAs and then training camp with no restrictions and no setbacks. At this point there is no reason to expect anything less than a full workload for him as the Niners enter Week 1.

Addendum (9:25 p.m. ET): Just a couple hours after this original post, McCaffrey unexpectedly landed on Thursday’s practice report as limited with a calf issue. It’s understandable why this is setting off alarm bells, given his 2024 injury history and the fact that since returning for OTAs he has not had a setback. There is no additional information other than the practice report, as McCaffrey did not speak to reporters Thursday. However, it is not time to panic … yet. Whether this was a proactive measure, a flare-up or an altogether new injury in a different location is unknown. Friday looks to be an interesting day, with hopefully more information forthcoming.

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys: No concerns. His right hamstring repair has had plenty of time to heal and Prescott moved well throughout all of training camp. As a more mature quarterback who has learned the value of self-preservation, his days of aggressive running might be behind him, but he can move as the offense demands with no limitations on his game.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots: Diggs surprised many by starting training camp as a regular participant, just nine months removed from tearing his right ACL. The Patriots increased his activity through camp but did not have Diggs on the field for any preseason action. Coach Mike Vrabel indicated he expects Diggs to be on the field for the season opener, but his work volume remains to be seen.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers: Aiyuk sustained a multi-ligament knee injury (ACL, MCL) along with meniscus damage in Week 7 and underwent reconstructive surgery in November. Given the timing and complexity of his injury, it came as no surprise that he was placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp, and he remains there to enter the regular season. The designation means Aiyuk will be out at least the first four games, but coach Kyle Shanahan has suggested it would be at least Week 6 before he returns. Even when Aiyuk does return, the percentage of time he sees the field may be scaled as he re-acclimates to football.

Chris Godwin Jr., WR, Buccaneers: Godwin suffered a left ankle fracture/dislocation that then required a subsequent surgery this spring. He was placed on the PUP list when training camp opened but was removed from it prior to the start of the season. It’s worth noting that removal from the PUP list allows a player to practice with the team; it does not necessarily mean the athlete will see the playing field. Given the nature of Godwin’s injury and recovery, progressive return to football practice activity is warranted to see how his ankle tolerates the work while his football conditioning ramps up. Although he remains eligible to see game action any time, the team appears to be taking the sensible approach and planning for a several-week ramp-up. Since there is truly no way to anticipate how his leg will respond until he engages in football practice, it is worth monitoring reports on his status as he works his way back. In the meantime, first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka is likely to get plenty of work.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings: McCarthy made most people forget about the injury that pre-empted his rookie season (torn lateral meniscus) as he entered training camp unrestricted. He showed good mobility in the preseason, putting to rest any concern about his recovery. The focus instead has been on how the “rookie” who is technically entering his sophomore season will fare in NFL regular season action.