Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (plantar fascia) is off the injury report and cleared to play in Sunday's opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite being listed on the injury report earlier this week due to a foot issue, Herbert has recovered and is set for action. He mentioned that he's not using any special footwear or insoles for support and that no specific play or moment triggered the injury. With a revamped offense featuring new starters at wide receiver, tight end, and running back, Herbert's leadership will be crucial this season. Although he should be at close to full strength, the Chargers' new emphasis on the running game and the absence of DJ Chark make it wise to consider other options for starting quarterback this week. In Chark's absence, the team will rely on wide receivers Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Ladd McConkey.

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Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is one of the best fantasy options at his position but faces a tough matchup against the Lions in Week 1. In what should be a high-scoring game, the Rams figure to exploit the passing game against Detroit which allowed 15.79 fantasy points to opposing running backs last season, the best mark in the NFL in that category. Put another way, the Lions were the stiffest test for fantasy running backs last season. That could continue into this season. Williams made some plays in the passing game last season so that could help him a bit in this matchup. The other wild card is the unknown usage of rookie Blake Corum, who theoretically could take away goal-line carries from Williams. Add it all up and this is not an ideal matchup for Williams. Fantasy managers will still likely want to start Williams without a better option in most cases. But expectations should be lowered in Week 1.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chark, who joined the Chargers on a one-year deal this offseason, was expected to be a key starter. With him sidelined, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston will lead the Chargers' receiving corps in Week 1. Palmer is likely to see the most significant boost in opportunities, but McConkey and Johnston will also get a chance to prove themselves. Given the anticipated run-heavy approach for the Chargers, it may not be wise to start any of their wide receivers this week. Chark, who didn't practice this week, aims for a return on September 15 against the Panthers.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is set up nicely for success against the Detroit Lions in Week 1. Nacua will line up against the Lions' revamped secondary of rookie Terrion Arnold and veteran Carlton Davis III. He should see success with Matthew Stafford under center and pick up where he left off during a breakout rookie campaign last year. He had a knee issue in the preseason but is fully off the injury report and is ready to go. The BYU product commanded 9.4 targets per game last season and racked up 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. With Cooper Kupp back fully healthy the red-zone usage might be a bit of a concern for Nacua as Stafford seems to look for Kupp a lot in those situations. But Nacua should work the middle of the field on the short and intermediary routes and is a high-upside PPR play, who could be in for a huge game if he can find the end zone.

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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is not a recommended starter this week due to the tough matchup against a strong Titans secondary and a decreased target share. The Titans allowed the third-fewest fantasy points and receiving yards to tight ends last year, as well as the second-fewest touchdowns. With the addition of Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Gerald Everettwho is expected to see more snaps than anticipatedKmet's role in the offense will likely diminish. While Kmet still has the potential to capitalize on his opportunities, the presence of other top fantasy tight ends in less crowded offenses makes him a riskier choice. Kmet could be a valuable asset and a key player for the Bears, but his value as a fantasy starter is uncertain, given the current dynamics.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remains a solid WR2 option this week, but adjusting expectations is vital given the challenging matchup against one of the league's most improved secondaries. Last season, Moore was a key target for the Bears, receiving 28.5% of the targets and averaging about 80 receiving yards per game. While his target share may go down with Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze added to the team, with Caleb Williams now at quarterback, there's potential for enhanced productivity. However, the Titans' defense has seen significant upgrades, including the addition of L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie at cornerback, alongside returning starter Roger McCreary. Sneed will likely be matched against Moore frequently, which could limit Moore's production. In their previous matchup, Moore was held to just 41 yards on three catches when facing Sneed while he was with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, although he did score a touchdown during garbage time in a blowout loss. While Moore remains a worthwhile starter, don't expect him to deliver a game-changing performance this week.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) will debut in the Windy City this Sunday against a significantly revamped Tennessee Titans secondary. Allen is expected to be utilized in various roles, with his most significant impact likely coming from the slot, where he received nearly half of his targets in 2023. The Titans will probably match him against Roger McCreary, creating an intriguing clash between experience and youth. Given that L'Jarius Sneed will be focused on covering the outside, Allen should have ample opportunities, provided he is healthy. However, Allen has been dealing with a heel injury, described by GM Ryan Poles as a "cleat issue," and was limited in practice this week. While Allen could serve as a solid flex option for those who drafted him for that role, the combination of his injury and the adjustment to a new team might make it wise to consider alternative options for this week.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze will make his NFL debut this Sunday against a significantly upgraded Tennessee Titans secondary. With the Titans adding L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie to their cornerback lineup, they aim to transform a weakness from last season into a strength. While the allure of starting Odunze in Week 1 might be tempting, it's wiser to keep him on the bench for now. Rookies, especially receivers, often take time to develop their fantasy value, and Odunze will be starting behind established stars Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore. Although he has the potential to be a standout asset later in the season, his current role makes him a high-risk, boom-or-bust flex option. The Bears' offense should be capable of supporting two key pass catchers, but it remains to be seen who will emerge alongside Moore. While Odunze could make a few notable plays this Sunday, his role and target share are still uncertain, making him a risky play for now.

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a borderline RB2/RB3 for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, who present a challenging matchup. In their final three games of last season, the Titans allowed only 83.7 rushing yards per game, the best in the league during that period. Their defensive line, now bolstered by the addition of T'Vondre Sweatwho stands 6'4 and weighs 366 poundsposes a significant challenge. Sweat's presence is likely to draw double-teams, which could complicate inside runs for Swift. However, Swift might find success running to the edges. In this area, he performed well last year in Philadelphia, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and showing better efficiency and yardage after contact compared to his inside runs. Swift also has the potential to contribute in the passing game. However, the Titans were effective against receiving backs last season, allowing the fourth-fewest receptions and ranking 16th in yards per reception. This game will also be notable for the distribution of snaps, as Swift will share the backfield with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. While Swift will get plenty of work in Week 1, tempering expectations against a formidable run defense is wise.

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Free-agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney visited the Cleveland Browns for a tryout earlier on Friday, according to Field Yates of ESPN. Toney failed to make the Chiefs roster earlier this offseason and recently visited the Seahawks this week. Toney, who was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants in 2021, has struggled to find his footing at the professional level. He had a career-high 420 yards in his rookie campaign before joining the Chiefs, where he totaled just 169 receiving yards last fall. While Toney has flashed elite speed at times, he held an underwhelming 71% catch rate last season. If Toney were to sign with the Browns, he would likely only be deployed sparingly throughout the season and would not be worth a look in most formats.

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Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is a high-risk, high-reward option as a borderline QB1 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Williams displayed impressive potential during the preseason, with notable throws on the run and exceptional arm angles. However, this will be his first official game, so some growing pains are to be expected. In the preseason, Williams showcased his significant upside with a 13% big-time throw rate and 8.5 yards per attempt despite an adjusted completion rate of 61.1%. Williams must utilize his talented offensive weapons, including DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet, to capitalize on his opportunities, especially given the Titans' potentially improved pass defense. Last year, Tennessee allowed the ninth-highest yards per attempt and CPOE and had the seventh-highest adjusted completion rate. However, they've bolstered their secondary with Quandre Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie, and L'Jarius Snead. While the Titans' secondaryfeaturing Sneed (56.6 passer rating allowed in 2023), Roger McCreary, and Awuzie is seen as a strength, their safety corps could be a weak spot. The critical storyline will be how Williams performs in his debut, and leveraging his top targetsnotably Moore, Allen, and Odunzewill be crucial.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) is questionable for Sunday's season opener, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. The veteran pass catcher has been dealing with a lingering thigh injury through most of August. Lockett was a limited participant during this week's practices. Fantasy managers should continue to follow the 31-year-old's status prior to their Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Last season, Lockett once again operated as the No.2 receiver in the Seattle offense and tallied 894 yards and five scores on 79 catches. If Lockett were to miss Sunday's game or participate in the limited capacity, wideouts DK Metcalf and sophomore Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see an increase in targets.

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Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) was ruled out for the season opener against the Denver Broncos, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Brown suffered a foot injury earlier in August during a team practice and has not returned to practice yet this week. As a result, the 30-year-old will remain sidelined during Week 1. Fantasy managers should expect Brady Russell and AJ Barner to compete for the No.2 tight end spot on Sunday while Noah Fant sees the lion's share of snaps and targets at the position. Fant has also been dealing with a toe injury but has practiced in a limited capacity this week. Last season as a Patriot, Brown caught just 13 passes for 208 yards a score. Brown will likely not have any fantasy value this season serving in a depth role on the Seattle offense.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (hamstring) was officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a hamstring injury, according to ESPN's Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The 35-year-old was limited at practice on Thursday due to tightness and was seen at practice again on Friday. The former Super Bowl champion expressed that he wants to take it "day by day" and that he "wants to play" if he is available. It was a good sign to see Wilson at practice again on Friday but fantasy managers should continue to follow any updates regarding his status entering the weekend. If Wilson were to miss Sunday's season opener, Justin Fields would slot in as the QB1 for Steel City. Fields will likely provide a safe floor from a fantasy perspective, given his ability to run, but a shaky ceiling, given his throwing inconsistencies.

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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was ruled out for Week 1, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Michigan product suffered an ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for all training camp. However, he did begin to practice in a limited capacity this week, but the Steelers will lean on the side of caution for their third-round pick. The 23-year-old could be ready to make his regular-season debut in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. In his final season at Michigan, the wideout caught 48 passes for 789 yards and 12 scores en route to winning a national championship. Fantasy managers should expect Van Jefferson to serve as the No.2 receiver this weekend, opposite of George Pickens. However, tight end Pat Freiermuth will likely see the most significant target uptick due to Wilson's absence.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (hand) was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. The 24-year-old did not participate in the past two practices, which leaves his status unknown for Sunday after hitting the injury report on Thursday with a hand injury. Perry did not show signs of a previous injury earlier in the week, so his placement on the injury report on Thursday seemed very sudden. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to any updates regarding the Wake Forest product's status entering the weekend. Perry should serve as the No.3 wideout in the New Orleans passing attack when on the field. As a rookie last fall, he caught 12 passes for 246 yards and four scores. If Perry were to miss Sunday's season opener, both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed should see a slight uptick in targets.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is fully healthy to begin the season and has the potential to perform as a WR1 in a favorable matchup at the Lions in Week 1. Despite the emergence of last year's rookie breakout Puka Nacua, Kupp remains a favorite target of quarterback Matthew Stafford. His ability to move around the formation helps him get isolated in one-on-one coverage where he can use his shiftiness and route-running savvy to beat opposing defenders. The Lions drafted Terrion Arnold and signed Carlton Davis III in the offseason and each could see time defending Kupp in Week 1. In a potential shootout played in dome conditions, look for Kupp to score a touchdown and potentially get to 100+ receiving yards in the opening week of the season.

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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is taking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) as his pick as the biggest-name QB coming off an injury in 2024 to have a bounce-back performance. Cousins is recovering from an Achilles tear from last year, but the fact that he's a pure pocket passer will make his recovery from the injury that much more easier in 2024. The Falcons offense also has three former top-10 picks in receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts, and Cousins is fully expected to help take all of their games to the next level in his first year in Atlanta. Cousins is expected to be ready to go for Week 1 on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Vikings signal-caller isn't on the QB1 radar in fantasy this year while coming off his Achilles injury, but he has the potential to serve as a high-end backup if he stays healthy.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could be in line to have a very productive week as he visits his old team in Detroit for an SNF matchup against the Lions. The game is expected to have one of the highest totals of the week and Stafford has his full array of weapons (aside from tight end Tyler Higbee) with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both healthy. Throw Kyren Williams and capable backup tight end Colby Parkinson into the fray and Stafford should have plenty of options to throw to against a Lions defense that allowed 19.4 points per game to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy last season. Stafford averaged nearly 20 points per game in games in which Kupp played last season. He should be plenty motivated in his return from Detroit and should be treated as a borderline QB1 in Week 1. He can be started with confidence in the right roster situation.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) was removed from the Week 1 injury report on Friday and will be active on Sunday in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel has been dealing with turf toe but was set for a full practice session earlier this week on Wednesday, so his status for the regular-season opener was never really in much doubt. There is plenty of opportunity for the 28-year-old in Buffalo's receiving corps this year after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis departed in the offseason, but tight end Dalton Kincaid and receiver Khalil Shakir are expected to be quarterback Josh Allen's top targets in the passing game. It still leaves opportunity for Samuel, but he'll be competing with impressive rookie Keon Coleman for WR3 duties early on. Entering Week 1 on Sunday against Arizona, Samuel is best left on benches as a WR5/flex play.

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