Football is back and so is the sweat. Preseason Week 1 is in the books. Yes, it is only preseason but you have fantasy teams to focus on. Here’s a fast, informed run through every matchup this weekend and some fantasy notes to go with it.
Giants @ Bills
Giants 34 – 25 Bills
Rookie Jaxson Dart turned heads in extended action after Russell Wilson, showing a live arm and accurate downfield passing (highlight: 28-yard TD to Lil’Jordan Humphrey). New Giants edge additions flashed, with Abdul Carter and others generating consistent pressure — a promising sign for New York’s run defense up front.
Fantasy note: Dart is still a developmental watch rather than a starter in fantasy — Giants skill players gain value if his play leads to real snaps, and the Giants defensive line additions could suppress opposing rushing/fantasy upside.
Jaguars vs Steelers
Steelers 31 – 25 Jaguars
Jacksonville’s backfield snap distribution looked noteworthy: Travis Etienne opened the game and received early trust, while Tank Bigsby rotated in — a reminder the RB competition is fluid. Kicker Cam Little also made a statement with a mammoth 70-yard field goal, underscoring an unexpected weapon in the kicking game.
Fantasy note: Etienne’s early work suggests he won’t be purely a pass-down back; Bigsby remains in the mix. Cam Little’s leg makes him worth tracking in late-round kicker considerations.
Titans @ Buccaneers
Buccaneers 29 – 7 Titans
Rookie QB Cam Ward flashed big-play ability and chemistry with Calvin Ridley on a key touchdown drive, while Tyjae Spears was carted off with a leg injury — a development that could quickly alter Tennessee’s RB pecking order and workload distribution.
Fantasy note: Monitor Spears’ status — any extended absence would push more work (and fantasy value) toward Tony Pollard. Ridley showed early rapport and should be considered safer fantasy inventory if Ward’s play continues to look polished.
Jets @ Packers
Jets 30 – 10 Packers
Justin Fields and the Jets opened with a strong, physical drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown run — a reminder Fields’ rushing makes him a fantasy asset regardless of passing questions. The Packers were without Jayden Reed (walking boot), potentially boosting targets for rookie Matthew Golden in Green Bay’s passing plans.
Fantasy note: Fields’ rushing floor raises his fantasy reliability; Reed’s absence increases Golden’s opportunity to build rapport with Jordan Love. Keep an eye on Reed’s return timeline.
Browns vs Panthers
Browns 30 – 10 Panthers
Shedeur Sanders impressed in extended action for Cleveland (14-for-23, two TDs), showing timing and mobility that make him an intriguing backup/long-term prospect. For Carolina, Bryce Young and rookie Tetairoa McMillan showed connection — McMillan already looks like a legitimate day-one target.
Fantasy note: Sanders is an enticing dynasty stash if you have bench space; McMillan’s early chemistry with Young makes him a deeper-league rookie target.
Commanders vs Patriots
Patriots 48 – 18 Commanders
Rookie TreVeyon Henderson made an instant impact returning the opening kickoff for a TD and chipped in as a pass-catcher and runner — a flash of the dynamic skill set New England hopes to use. Drake Maye showed the dual-threat element that can be carved into the Patriots’ offense with timely QB runs.
Fantasy note: Henderson’s special-teams score won’t be his only appeal; his receiving chops and pass protection could lead to early-season snaps. Maye’s rushing ability gives him fantasy appeal in some formats if he secures more regular playing time.
Colts vs Ravens
Ravens 24 – 16 Colts
Anthony Richardson’s start was cut short after a heavy hit left him day-to-day with a dislocated finger — a reminder of the fragile momentum he needs in camp. Meanwhile, Keaton Mitchell flashed explosive running ability, reinforcing Baltimore’s backfield depth behind Derrick Henry.
Fantasy note: Monitor Richardson’s health reports closely; Mitchell is an intriguing handcuff/deep-sleeper if Henry misses time.
Bengals vs Eagles
Eagles 34 – 27 Bengals
Cincinnati chose to play more starters than usual and looked crisp offensively in early drives. Meanwhile, Eagles backup Tanner McKee seized the moment, delivering 252 yards, three first-half TD passes, plus a rushing score — a sign Philly’s depth is sharper than expected.
Fantasy note: McKee’s durability and efficiency elevate his value in deep/2-QB leagues as a fantasy backup. Bengals offense looked strong, but Eagles may have an edge in offensive depth.
Seahawks vs Raiders
Raiders 23 – 23 Seahawks (Tie)
Las Vegas’ defensive struggles stood out early against Seattle backups, and rookie/young Seahawks receivers (like Tory Horton Jr.) made plays — including a TD — suggesting depth-chart movement. The game ended in a 23-23 tie after a late blocked field goal preserved the draw.
Fantasy note: Horton is a camp riser worth noting for WR3/DFS scenarios; Raiders’ defensive issues could lead to shootouts that impact fantasy scoring potential.
Rams vs Cowboys
Rams 31 – 21 Cowboys
Stetson Bennett looked sharp, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns while Blake Corum punched in a pair of short rushing scores. The Rams asserted control early and held on for the win in Brian Schottenheimer’s head-coaching debut.
Fantasy note: Corum’s early involvement in the red zone is promising—worth a speculative look in deep pools. Bennett’s efficiency, while preseason, hints at a backup quarterback floor.
Broncos vs 49ers
Broncos 30 – 9 49ers
Denver dominated in every phase: rookie RJ Harvey got a start, undrafted rookies Karene Reid and Joshua Pickett made splash plays with interceptions, while veteran third-stringer Jarrett Stidham managed the offense efficiently.
Fantasy note: Rookie defenders Reid and Pickett flashed; in fantasy football IDP formats, they could emerge as deep-league targets if they earn roles.
Cardinals vs Chiefs
Cardinals 20 – 17 Chiefs
Arizona edged Kansas City behind stout defense while rookie LT Josh Simmons impressed in pass protection, notably neutralizing veteran linebacker Baron Browning on multiple snaps.
Fantasy note: Offensive linemen aren’t fantasy relevant—but Simmons’ emergence could set the stage for stabilizing the O-line and boosting Kyler Murray’s (if healthy) fantasy outlook.
Vikings vs Texans
Vikings 20 – 10 Texans
Minnesota got a solid performance from Sam Howell (11-for-13, a rushing TD), and JJ McCarthy made his return from injury looking sharp. Houston struggled behind discipline issues, penalties, and three interceptions by rookie QB Graham Mertz.
Fantasy note: Sam Howell’s efficiency and mobility are encouraging in two-QB leagues; Mertz’s rough outing highlights Jake Ferguson and other Texans emerging backs as safer short-term targets.