The Carolina Panthers placed tight end Ian Thomas (calf) on Injured Reserve on Saturday after already ruling him out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. In addition to putting Thomas on IR, the team also waived cornerback Keenan Isaac and signed tight end Feleipe Franks and defensive tackle Jayden Peevy to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad. Thomas will now miss at least the first four weeks of the 2024 season after being sidelined since early in training camp with a calf injury. Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) has already been ruled out for Week 1 as well, so Carolina is entering the regular season already thin at the TE position, meaning rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will mostly likely be thrust into the top pass-catching role right away.

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The Indianapolis Colts elevated rookie kicker Spencer Shrader and cornerback Chris Lammons from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster on Saturday in advance of the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. This is a clear sign that starting kicker Matt Gay (hernia), who is listed as questionable for Week 1, will end up being inactive on Sunday morning after he recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia. Gay is questionable to kick on Sunday, but he missed practice all week and is probably more doubtful than anything. Fantasy managers that were planning to use Gay in Week 1 should have already been looking for other options this weekend. Rolling with Shrader in his first NFL game would be unwise given all the other options available on the waiver wire.

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The Cleveland Browns signed wide receiver Jaelon Darden to their active 53-man roster on Saturday and also elevated cornerback Mike Ford Jr. and offensive tackle Germain Ifedi to the active roster ahead of their Week 1 showdown in Cleveland against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns released former third-rounder David Bell earlier this week, so the 25-year-old Darden will essentially replace him on Cleveland's roster as additional receiver depth behind Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore. Darden will be competing for playing time with Cedric Tillman and rookie Jamari Thrash and is off the fantasy radar everywhere for now. Darden was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2021 out of North Texas by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year in 16 games with the Browns, he only served as a kick returner on special teams and wasn't involved in the offense.

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New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (hip) was added to the Week 1 injury report on Saturday and is now questionable to suit up for the season opener on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Peppers is one of the team's key defenders, not just in the secondary, so not having him on Sunday would be a big blow as the Pats try to slow down a Bengals offense that could be without its top two receivers in Ja'Marr Chase (holdout) and Tee Higgins (hamstring). The 28-year-old is worth stashing in IDP leagues but should probably be on benches in Week 1 now that he's up in the air to play. The former 25th overall pick in 2017 out of Michigan is heading into his third year in New England after racking up 87 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a sack in 32 games (20 starts) over the last two years.

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According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love's (knee) ACL is "intact." The latest update comes after ESPN's Diana Russini indicated the signal-caller would undergo an MRI once the Packers' flight from Brazil landed, adding that an ankle injury was "ruled out." Love, who signed a lucrative extension during the offseason, played most of Friday's opener versus the Eagles before suffering a leg injury with only seconds remaining in the contest. At this point, fantasy managers are willing to accept an absence of a game or two, considering the alternative. But until Love is cleared to return to the field, Malik Willis is the favorite to take over under center, with the former Titan failing to connect on his only pass attempt in Week 1.

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The Cincinnati Bengals' defense should be started in all fantasy leagues ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. While the Bengals ranked near the middle of the league for fantasy points in 2023, they get a juicy matchup against the Patriots to open the 2024 season. New England is widely expected to be the worst team in the NFL this year and the Bengals' defensive unit could have a field day against Jacoby Brissett and company. Not only is Cincinnati worth starting in fantasy football, but they also rank as a top-three unit with the potential to finish as this week's No. 1 defense.

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Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Although he was officially listed as a non-participant in practice all three days this week, head coach Shane Steichen did note that Gay has been doing some kicking. Therefore, with the questionable tag, Indianapolis is leaving the door open for him to play. In the event that he can't suit up, the Colts could choose to elevate Spencer Shrader from the practice squad. Shrader was 4-for-4 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points during the preseason. Gay would rank as a low-end K1 option if he does play in the season opener.

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Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is worth starting in most leagues ahead of Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals. Although Bass is coming off a down year in which he made just 82.8 percent of his field goals and tied his career-low for extra point attempts, he's still someone worth considering for lineups given the strong state of Buffalo's offense. In particular, Bass could find himself busy this week against a Cardinals defense that allowed the second-most points per game to opposing offenses in 2023. The 27-year-old kicker is still a top-12 fantasy option this week.

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The New York Giants defense could be the surprise play of Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. With a formidable front seven (including pass rush specialist Brian Burns, stud players Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence) and a secondary brimming with high draft picks (such as 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks), they're poised to challenge Sam Darnold early. While facing the daunting task of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Giants' defense managed to create 12 interceptions last season, showing their potential if they can pressure Darnold into mistakes. With new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants could see a significant resurgence on the defensive side of the ball, offering hope to fantasy managers.

The New England Patriots' defense falls outside the top-12 units in fantasy football for Week 1. The Patriots are set to kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati has an offense with plenty of firepower, but there are real questions about their pass-catching group this week with Ja'Marr Chase (personal) questionable and Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful. There's a chance that the Bengals could be without their top two receivers, leaving Joe Burrow with Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin at his disposal. But even if the Bengals do find themselves short-staffed on Sunday, New England will still be difficult to trust in fantasy football. The Patriots have one of the worst offenses, which means the Bengals should win the time of possession battle and therefore be gifted extra opportunities to score. New England also suffered key losses this offseason, headlined by Matthew Judon being traded to Atlanta and Christian Barmore (blood clots) being sidelined until further notice. With a tough matchup and reduced playmakers, the Patriots' defense lacks fantasy appeal in Week 1. You can probably find better options on the waiver wire.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense/special teams was great for fantasy purposes last season and will kick off the 2024 campaign in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Steelers allowed the eighth-fewest points in the NFL in 2023, and although the Falcons scored just under 19 points per contest, Atlanta's offense should be much improved this season with Kirk Cousins under center. Nonetheless, Sunday will be Cousins' first game action since tearing his Achilles last October and it may take some time for the new-look Falcons offense to find its rhythm. The Steelers boast the most expensive defense in the league and have the talent to show for it. Fantasy managers should feel confident rolling with the Steelers D/ST in their lineups this week.

The Los Angeles Rams' defense/special teams is not in a good fantasy situation in Week 1 at the Detroit Lions. The Lions feature a loaded offense led by former Rams quarterback Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery in the backfield. Not helping issues is the fact that the Rams will be without starting defensive back Darious Williams while they deal with the Lions' explosive offense. Williams was placed on IR with a strained hamstring. The post-Aaron Donald era could get off to a rough start for the Rams in this matchup. In a game that features one of the highest totals of the week, it is best to stay away from the Rams' defense. There should be better D/ST options available in your league.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (chest, pectoral) has officially been ruled out for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been limited on Wednesday but then did not practice on Thursday or Friday. His absence means that Washington will head into its first game of the year with Jeff Driskel backing up Jayden Daniels. Of course, Daniels, this year's No. 1 pick, is the only Washington quarterback worth rostering in fantasy football. He's a mid-to-low QB1 option against the Buccaneers.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Byron Pringle was released on Friday, according to an announcement from the team. Pringle's best NFL season came in 2021 with the Chiefs. Last year with Washington, he appeared in all 17 games, catching 14 passes for 161 yards but zero touchdowns. He re-signed with the Commanders during the offseason but evidently won't crack the 53-man roster heading into Week 1 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Terry McLaurin remains the only surefire fantasy receiver in this offense, but rookie Luke McCaffrey could make a name for himself with solid volume and production.

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The Arizona Cardinals open the 2024 season against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. In 2023, the Cardinals allowed the second-most points in the league (455) and the third-most passing touchdowns (32). Arizona made no significant improvements in the offseason and PFF ranks each unit (defensive line, linebackers, secondary) dead last in the league. The Bills, on the other hand, feature one of the best quarterbacks in the league leading an offense that scored the fifth-most points in the league last year. Aside from likely yielding too many points to make them a viable D/ST option, Arizona also has no pass rush to speak of and with Allen's mobility, the Cardinals won't be making up any fantasy points via sacks. Any other D/ST will be a better option to start in Week 1.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is expected to pick up where he left off following his breakout last year. Drafted in 2022, McBride was hardly involved in the offense at all until Zach Ertz was placed on injured reserve halfway through the 2023 season. Once McBride had the TE1 role to himself, he took off, ending the season with the team lead in targets (106), receptions (81), and receiving yards (825). McBride was targeted on 27% of routes run in 2023, tops among tight ends, and his 2.10 yards per route run ranked second behind George Kittle. Arizona faces the Buffalo Bills in the season opener on Sunday. Despite their solid defense, McBride should be locked into starting rosters and should finish as a TE1.

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Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater will begin his 18th NFL season when the team takes on the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Prater is the active leader in career field goals with 401 and is second on the list in career extra points. Last season Prater was 28-for-33 on field goal attempts and made all but one of his 23 extra point tries. With a healthy Kyler Murray leading the way, Arizona's offense should be more effective out of the gate than it was in 2023 which will lead to more opportunities for Prater to put points on the board. Buffalo is expected to score at will against Arizona's defense on Sunday. If the Cardinals can stay competitive it will be because they engage in a shootout which, again, means more chances to score for Prater. The veteran kicker is not the best option out there but he is widely available, has a strong leg (nine FGs of 50+ yards in 2023), and will be featured in a high-scoring matchup.

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Now entering his fifth NFL season, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch may finally have a regular role carved out for himself in 2024. Buzz has been building around Dortch throughout the preseason as he has shown chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray and demonstrated excellent route running ability. Lauded rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. and third-year tight end Trey McBride are the top two targets in Arizona's offense but Dortch should see a fair amount out of the slot. The Cardinals face the Bills in Week 1 and while Buffalo's secondary will be a challenge, in 2023 they gave up more fantasy points per game to receivers lined up in the slot versus out wide. Dortch projects to be in WR5 territory in Week 1. While he may be worth a flex in deeper leagues, he should be held out of lineups in 10- or 12-teamers.

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Arizona Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr. is set to make his regular season debut on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. During the preseason, the former Buckeye was kept out of harm's way for the most part, seeing only three snaps in all. The fourth overall selection of the NFL Draft, Harrison is already listed as the team's WR1 and is expected to have an immediate impact. The Bills won't make it easy, as they are the only team returning three cornerbacks with coverage grades of 81.0 or higher from PFF. Still, given the combination of talent, draft capital, and the team situation, Arizona should be feeding Harrison as many targets as possible. Harrison looks like a safe WR2 with upside in Week 1.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson finished the preseason with 17 carries for 64 rushing yards. The third-round pick out of Florida State was once believed to be a threat to James Conner's playing time but it appears the rookie will have to wait a while before he makes his mark on the league. In recent comments to the press, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing reaffirmed the team's commitment to using Conner as their primary running back, referring to him as the "bell cow in that room." While Benson's performance during training camp and the preseason solidified his role as Conner's direct backup, not much should be expected of the rookie out of the gate. Given Conner's injury history, Benson is certainly a worthwhile bench stash but the bench is exactly where he should be on fantasy rosters in Week 1.

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