NFL Fantasy News Week 1
The opening weekend of NFL action begins tonight as the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game. While that matchup highlights a jammed-packed opening weekend, there’s several interesting matchups awaiting fans of the sport – especially for fantasy football owners.
Each week during the regular season, you’ll find news about players’ health and expected status in this column. We’ll cover a few of those today, but we’ll also highlight a few fantasy matchups that owners should pay attention to over the next five days of football bliss.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Healthy, Confident vs. Dallas
This offseason, Cleveland starting quarterback Deshaun Watson went through extensive rehab to recovery from a fractured gleniod (shoulder) injury. He did so, throwing 50-yard bombs during the offseason while on the run.
Although he did not play a single snap during the preseason, Watson told reporters this week he’s healthy and confident heading into the season-opening contest against the Dallas Cowboys.
Fantasy Impact: Fantasy owners who did not land a big-time quarterback should consider adding Watson, especially for this week. The quarterback has a favorable matchup against a Dallas secondary missing DaRon Bland for 6-8 weeks with a foot injury.
Cleveland transitioned to an offense that Watson ran (successfully) in Houston under new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey that features three- and four-receiver sets. He has the potential to have a big fantasy day on Sunday.
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren On Track To Play Sunday
In the second game of the preseason, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren suffered a hamstring injury. Officially, he’s listed as a limited participant in practice, but head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Wednesday he and rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson are expected to play Sunday against Atlanta.
Fantasy Impact: Although Pittsburgh RB Najee Harris started and played every game last season, the Steelers enjoyed watching Warren emerge as a secondary back. Warren finished with over 1100 total yards and four touchdowns, and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith may indeed further emphasize the run this season in Pittsburgh.
Seahawks TE Noah Fant Questionable For Broncos
Seattle’s top tight end target from a year ago – Noah Fant – is suffering through a nagging toe injury. After being a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, it’s unclear if he’ll play against the Broncos.
Fantasy Impact: Fant was the fourth-most targeted receiver in the Seattle offense last year, yet the athlete never caught a touchdown reception. Fantasy owners settling on Fant should look at the waiver wire for a better option.
New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb led a prolific offense at Washington with Michael Penix Jr. receiving the snaps. Last season, Penix found tight end Jack Westover 46 times for 433 yards, similar numbers to Fant. There’s hope he’ll make progress this season, but owners should take a wait-and-see approach with him.
Rams WR Puka Nacua Full Participant In Practice
After suffering a knee injury early during training camp, the second-year wide receiver has sat during the preseason to avoid any further issues. On Wednesday, Nacua was a full participant in practice, suggesting he will be ready for the Week 1 game against Detroit on Sunday night.
Fantasy Impact: After his record-setting rookie season, Nacua is in line for a reduced campaign in 2024. With Cooper Kupp back fully back to start the season, it’s hard to imagine he’ll have 160 targets this season for the Rams. Still, he’s a strong WR2 option in most formats.
