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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

Eagles sign veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith

Fri Sep 5 5:35pm ET
Field Level Media

A day after their win to kick off the NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent pass rusher Za'Darius Smith.

Smith will join the Eagles on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports. The Eagles moved fullback Ben VanSumeren to injured reserve in a corresponding move Friday.

Smith, 32, is a three-time Pro Bowler who split the 2024 campaign between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, amassing nine sacks and 17 QB hits in 17 games. The Lions acquired Smith at the trade deadline as they mounted a run to the playoffs but did not re-sign him.

Across 140 games with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Browns (2023-24) and Lions, Smith has recorded 69 sacks, 173 QB hits and 333 tackles (85 for loss) along with 10 forced fumbles.

The Eagles' pass rush took a hit this offseason when Brandon Graham retired and Josh Sweat, their 2024 sack leader, left in free agency. One of their offseason signings, Azeez Ojulari, was inactive for Week 1, when the Eagles defeated the visiting Dallas Cowboys 24-20 on Thursday.

VanSumeren, converted from linebacker to fullback, suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff Thursday.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 1

Player Notes
Jayden Reed Sep 5 5:30pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Friday and is officially listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Wideouts Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Savion Williams (hamstring) are also questionable, so the Packers receiving corps could be pretty thin to open the 2025 campaign. Christian Watson (knee) is also on Injured Reserve. Reed is dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot and apparently was hobbling around during practice the last two days, which doesn't bode well for his chances of helping fantasy managers if he's active in Week 1. As things currently stand, we'd recommend sitting Reed on your benches if he suits up on Sunday, with Romeo Doubs being a much better WR4/flex play with upside.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 5 5:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks due to a calf issue, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. After reports that CMC was fully healthy and looking like his MVP self in training camp this summer, the oft-injured RB popped up on Thursday's injury report and was limited in practice. On Friday, the 29-year-old didn't take part in drills with the rest of the team and was seen on a side field rehabbing. He was questionable entering last year's season opener and ended up missing the first eight games with bilateral Achilles tendinitis. It's a different year, but things could be trending toward him sitting out in Week 1 again. We hope you handcuffed Brian Robinson Jr. or Isaac Guerendo if you took the plunge on McCaffrey in drafts this year.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 5 5:10pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams finished the 2024 regular season on a tear, recording 34 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns over his final seven games. Reporting out of Lions' training camp this summer has indicated that the team is looking to involve Williams in the offense even more in 2025, and that new play-caller John Morton wants to push the ball downfield at a higher rate. That may be difficult to do in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, who feature one of the league's most fearsome pass rushes on paper. Williams did not play in Week 9 against the Packers last season, but he led all Lions in targets (eight) in the Week 14 matchup between the two teams and hauled in five catches for 80 yards. He profiles as a boom/bust WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1, but his target volume on Sunday could be informative of how the team plans to incorporate him going forward.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 5 5:10pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (oblique, calf) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Hill has been banged up with an oblique issue throughout most of camp. He managed to get in a few limited practices before getting in a full session to end the week. The 31-year-old is coming off a down year in terms of his normal production. However, Hill still hauled in 81 receptions for 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. When Tua Tagovailoa is healthy, Hill should be considered a solid WR2 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 5 5:10pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, per Travis Wingfield of MiamiDolphins.com. Waller retired and did not play football in 2024 but came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins this season. Miami took it easy on him this summer in training camp as he worked his way back into football shape before suffering a setback with his hip before Thursday's practice. The 32-year-old veteran will now miss the season opener and could also be in danger of sitting out in Week 2 against the division-rival New England Patiots. At best, Waller is a bench stash as a TE2 in deeper leagues while he tries to get into shape and overcome a hip ailment. Fantasy managers should ignore Julian Hill and Tanner Conner, who will split TE duties with Waller sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 5 5:00pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (ankle) was ruled out for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. As expected, Likely won't take the field after failing to practice this week. It sounds like he has been doing some work on the side, but isn't ready for game action yet. That being said, it's possible that Likely misses more than just the season opener. Mark Andrews will be the primary option at tight end with Charlie Kolar seeing increased usage with Likely out. Fantasy managers will need to check back next week for another update on Likely. The absence of Likely does slightly increase the fantasy value of Andrews for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 5 5:00pm ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most consistent wideouts in the NFL, topping 115 catches and 1,200 receiving yards while scoring double-digit touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. However, St. Brown has historically been held relatively in check by his 2025 Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In eight career games against Green Bay, St. Brown has totaled 47 catches for 481 yards and three touchdowns. He failed to reach 60 yards receiving in either of his two matchups against the Packers last season. One potential variable for 2025 is Green Bay's addition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is officially questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but is expected to play. St. Brown is a master of intermediate and short-area route running, so he could be targeted frequently in the quick passing game if Parsons is putting pressure on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. St. Brown profiles as a low-end fantasy WR1 in Week 1 despite the potentially sub-optimal matchup.

From RotoBaller

DeForest Buckner Sep 5 4:53pm ET
DeForest Buckner

Indianapolis Colts RB Tyler Goodson (elbow) was limited during practice Friday, Sept. 5, and is listed as questionable for Week 1. DT DeForest Buckner (non-injury) did not participate in practice but is not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Christian Kirk Sep 5 4:50pm ET
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. As expected, Kirk won't suit up in Week 1 after missing practice this week. The hope is that Kirk can play in Week 2, but that remains uncertain as hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. The absence of Kirk should mean that Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have larger roles in the offense. Nico Collins remains the focal point in the passing game, but both rookies could actually have a decent usage in the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 5 4:50pm ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a consensus early first-round pick in fantasy drafts this year after recording over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and leading the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024. Heading into his third NFL season, Gibbs could be gradually stealing touches from his veteran backfield mate, David Montgomery. However, Gibbs has not historically had huge fantasy success against his Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In four career games against Green Bay, Gibbs has averaged just over 11 touches for just over 68 yards per contest and scored only one touchdown. The Packers defense generally excels with speed over power, so the Lions have leaned on their physical run game behind Montgomery in recent seasons. Gibbs is still clearly a must-start fantasy RB1 this week with massive upside, but past performance against the Packers suggests this might not be a monster showing for him.

From RotoBaller

Tre'Davious White Sep 5 4:43pm ET
Tre'Davious White

Buffalo Bills CB Tre'Davious White (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and is listed as doubtful for Week 1. CB Christian Benford (groin), WR Keon Coleman (groin), WR Elijah Moore (non-injury) and WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Bass Sep 5 4:40pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. Bass has been dealing with a lingering groin issue throughout training camp. He was only able to practice in a limited capacity once throughout the whole week leading up to Week 1. The Bills have decided to place Bass on the IR which means he'll miss the first four weeks of the regular season. That being said, Matt Prater will take over as the active roster for the Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills offense is strong enough to make Prater an attractive streaming option while Bass is out.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 5 4:40pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is expected to cede touches this year to some degree to his superstar backfield mate, Jahmyr Gibbs. However, history suggests that Montgomery could see a workhorse role in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. In four games against the Packers since joining the Lions in 2022, Montgomery has averaged 22 touches, 98 yards from scrimmage, and 1.25 touchdowns per game. Those numbers are even better at Lambeau Field, where he's logged 49 carries for 194 yards and three scores in his last two games. The Packers recently made their pass-rush significantly better by acquiring star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but expected to play. If the Lions want to win the physical battle in the trenches and run the ball between the tackles, they will likely rely on Montgomery. The 28-year-old projects as a low-end fantasy RB2/high-end flex in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Sep 5 4:33pm ET
Jaire Alexander

Baltimore Ravens FB Patrick Ricard (calf) and TE Isaiah Likely (foot) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and have been ruled out for Week 1. CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and OG Daniel Faalele (illness) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Harrison Smith Sep 5 4:33pm ET
Harrison Smith

Minnesota Vikings RB Zavier Scott (ankle) and DL Elijah Williams (hamstring) did not participate in practice on Friday, Sept. 5. S Harrison Smith (illness) was limited in practice. OT Christian Darrisaw (knee), WR Jalen Nailor (hand), and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Jared Goff Sep 5 4:30pm ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff put up the best numbers of his career in 2024, posting career highs in yards per pass attempt (8.6), passing touchdowns (37), and quarterback rating (111.8). Goff profiles as a fringe QB1 in fantasy this season, but there may be reason to believe that his road matchup in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers won't be his best game. In the four games he's played at Lambeau Field with the Lions, Goff has averaged just 206.5 passing yards and one touchdown per contest. Additionally, the Packers just acquired All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons (back) from the Dallas Cowboys, trading away run-stuffing defensive tackle Kenny Clark in the process. Parsons is battling a back injury but is expected to play, so the Lions could be motivated to try and pound the ball between the tackles rather than having Goff drop back and face the Green Bay pass rush. Goff is worth starting as a QB2 in Superflex leagues, but managers in single-QB formats may want to look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 5 4:23pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins CB Ethan Bonner (hamstring), TE Darren Waller (hip) and RB Jaylen Wright (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and have been ruled out for Week 1. OG James Daniels (ankle) did not practice and is listed as questionable. WR Dee Eskridge (concussion) fully participated in practice but is listed as questionable. RB De'Von Achane (calf), S Elijah Campbell (knee), S Ashtyn Davis (calf), CB Storm Duck (hip), TE Julian Hill (shoulder), WR Tyreek Hill (calf, oblique), OT Austin Jackson (toe), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (hamstring) and S Dante Trader Jr. (hamstring) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Tyreek Hill Sep 5 4:13pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (calf, oblique) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 5, and is not on the injury report for Week 1.

Fantasy Spin: Hill missed some time during training camp because of injury but seems to be ready for his normal workload in Week 1. He is the main option in the passing game when healthy and should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Devon Achane Sep 5 4:10pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (calf) is without an injury designation and is "good to go" heading into his team's Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Achane was limited in practice earlier this week with a calf injury that he suffered at the end of training camp, but it appears he'll be able to play on Sunday. It's possible that Miami limits Achane's snaps to some degree in Week 1, but he's one of the Dolphins' best offensive weapons as both a rusher and receiver, and the team needs him on the field. Achane profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in the season opener in Indianapolis.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 5 4:03pm ET
Myles Garrett

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (hip) said he's 'ready to go,' for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Akron Beacon Journal's Chris Easterling reported. Garrett practiced Friday, Sept. 5. It was the first time he had appeared on the Browns' injury report during the week.

From TheHuddle