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LB Micah Parsons (back) expected to make Packers debut on Sunday

Sat Sep 6 5:07pm ET
Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Micah Parsons is expected to make his team debut on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, according to multiple reports.

Parsons was listed as questionable with a back injury. Although he will be active, the All-Pro defender is expected to play a limited role against the Lions, primarily focusing on pass rushing.

The Packers made a huge splash acquiring the four-time Pro Bowl selection from the Dallas Cowboys on August 28th, immediately signing him to a four-year, $188 million contract extension.

Last season, Parsons had 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 games, making his fourth Pro Bowl in as many seasons in the league.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 1

Player Notes
Jack Stoll Sep 6 5:40pm CT
Jack Stoll

New Orleans Saints tight end Jack Stoll was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Stoll was brought back to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster. Now, Stoll will head to the active roster as depth behind Juwan Johnson and Moliki Matavao. The 27-year-old has been barely involved on the field over the last two seasons. Stoll has a total of seven receptions over the last two years. He'll serve as depth for Sunday's contest, but won't offer any fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Sep 6 5:30pm CT
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was cut by the organization on Saturday. Haener was waived by the team last week after falling behind Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough on the depth chart. Haener was brought back on the practice squad, but released again in order to sign defensive end Fadil Diggs. It's unclear if the Saints plan to bring back Haener again. He completed 18-of-39 passing attempts for 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception during the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old might return to the Saints again if he clears waivers, but isn't worth rostering in fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Sep 6 4:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to suit up Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Acquired in a late-August trade from Washington, Robinson was brought in to solidify the RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey. With McCaffrey dealing with a calf issue, Robinson could see an expanded workload, even though he hasn't had many first-team practice reps. The Seahawks' run defense was middle-of-the-pack last season, creating a decent opportunity if Robinson gets touches. Still, his fantasy outlook is tied directly to McCaffrey's status; Robinson will likely be relegated to a depth role. For now, he's best left on the bench, particularly as a handcuff option for McCaffrey managers.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 6 4:13pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Dynasty | Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had five catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns in the Chargers opening night win against the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: Johnston hasn't had near the start to his career many had hoped for after being a first round pick for the Chargers but this was a great game to debut 2025 with. While we have a long way to go before declaring a third year breakout, Johnston may just build on his 55/711/8 season from a year ago. At the very least, it seems the rumors of him being on the roster bubble this off-season were clearly false.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Vita Vea Sep 6 4:10pm CT
Vita Vea

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (foot) is expected to suit up Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, despite missing two practices earlier in the week. While he may be on a limited snap count, Vea's presence is a huge boost for a Buccaneers defense that has consistently ranked among the league's best against the run since drafting him in 2018. In 2024, Tampa Bay allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to running backs, and Vea contributed beyond just run defense, posting career highs in sacks and quarterback hits on his way to his second Pro Bowl. His availability will be critical in Week 1 as the Bucs look to slow down Atlanta's dynamic backfield duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Sep 6 4:00pm CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report and is set to make his NFL debut Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. The rookie seventh-round pick is expected to mix in for touches, especially with Roschon Johnson (foot) questionable, but D'Andre Swift should handle the clear majority of the workload. The matchup isn't favorable for Monangai, as the Vikings allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2024. Given his limited practice time and uncertain role, Monangai doesn't offer startable fantasy value in Week 1. For now, he's best left on the waiver wire, though his early usage will be worth monitoring.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Sep 6 3:50pm CT
Matt Prater

The Buffalo Bills elevated veteran kicker Matt Prater from the practice squad, and he's expected to handle kicking duties in Week 1 with Tyler Bass on injured reserve. Entering his 19th NFL season, Prater brings plenty of experience, including spending the last four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. This is a strong fantasy spot for the 40-year-old kicker, as the Bills remain one of the league's top offenses and face the Baltimore Ravens in a matchup with the highest projected point total of Week 1. While Prater is a temporary fill-in, he still profiles as a solid streaming option and could provide low-end starting fantasy value this week.

From RotoBaller

Russell Gage Sep 6 3:40pm CT
Russell Gage

The San Francisco 49ers have elevated veteran wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from the practice squad, meaning he will see his first game action since 2022. Gage missed the past two seasons after suffering a torn patellar tendon, but was previously a reliable WR3 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Tom Brady. The 49ers' receiver room is in shambles, with Brandon Aiyuk, Jacob Cowing, and Demarcus Robinson all sidelined. Gage has a chance to see the field in Week 1 as he's expected to serve as the team's WR5 and play limited snaps if needed. While fantasy production isn't likely, simply seeing Gage back on the field after such a long recovery is a great story and an encouraging sign for San Francisco's depth moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Sep 6 3:40pm CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos will open his 12th NFL season on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Santos has been a steady presence in Chicago, connecting on over 90% of his field goals in three of the last five seasons. This year brings optimism for the Bears' offense with head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm. However, Johnson's track record in Detroit suggests he could favor fourth-down aggressiveness over settling for field goals, which would impact Santos' opportunities. Week 1 presents a tough draw against a Vikings defense that allowed the fifth-fewest points in 2024. Given the matchup and the uncertainty around how the new-look Bears offense will operate, Santos is best left out of fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 6 3:20pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams kicks off his sophomore season on Monday Night Football against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. As a rookie, the 2024 first-overall pick averaged 15.3 fantasy points per game, finishing as the QB16 on the year. Now, he enters Week 1 with a fresh start under new head coach Ben Johnson, the offensive mind behind Detroit's high-powered attack from 2022-2024. This matchup is no cakewalk, as Minnesota's defense allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks last season, while leading the league in interceptions forced. Still, Williams should benefit from an upgraded offensive line and a quarterback-friendly scheme designed to maximize his playmaking ability. For fantasy purposes, Williams has long-term upside, but given the tough Week 1 opponent, he's best viewed as a low-end QB2 in his 2025 opener.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Sep 6 3:20pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (foot) is listed as questionable for Monday Night's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson has not practiced fully since August 5 and only returned in a limited capacity on Saturday, casting doubt on his Week 1 readiness. Even if active, Johnson projects to handle a secondary role, behind starter D'Andre Swift, especially with his practice time missed leading up to this week. The matchup doesn't do him any favors either, as Minnesota's defense allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2024. Given the injury concerns and difficult matchup, Johnson should remain on fantasy benches in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 6 3:20pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift enters his sixth NFL season, and his second in Chicago. Swift is looking to build on a solid 2024 campaign, where he averaged 11.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game and finished as the RB19. The Bears brought in former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who previously worked with Swift in Detroit in 2022. Swift is positioned for a ton of volume in Week 1, with backup running back Roschon Johnson (foot) questionable. Swift's role should keep him in fantasy lineups, but Week 1 presents a difficult test against a Vikings defense that surrendered the eighth-fewest half-PPR points to running backs last year. Swift's volume and scheme familiarity make him a steady option, though the matchup caps his ceiling. He should be viewed as a low-end RB2 for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 6 3:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport. After sitting out Friday's practice with a calf injury, McCaffrey expressed confidence in his media availability on Friday. Rapoport reported that barring any setbacks, McCaffrey is likely to suit up. The Five-Time Pro Bowl running back missed significant time last season due to a calf strain, making this update a welcome relief for fantasy managers. He faces a Seahawks defense that was middle-of-the-pack against running backs in 2024, but McCaffrey has historically dominated Seattle, averaging 158 yards per game in six career matchups. While the risk of reinjury is always present with McCaffrey, he remains a must-start fantasy option this week given his workload and track record against the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Sep 6 2:50pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

With the Minnesota Vikings going through changes at wide receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a starting-caliber option as his team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The veteran tight end figures to be a key part of Minnesota's passing game with wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three games, and could very well be the team's second option behind superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson started only nine times last season while recovering from an ACL injury the year prior, and figures to see a natural boost nearly two years post-surgery. He caught 95 passes in 2023 despite the Vikings playing half the season with backup quarterbacks, which bodes well for managers who drafted him as Minnesota breaks in first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be left out of lineups when the club plays against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Coming off a hand injury, the fourth-year pro has been given the all-clear to play, but the bigger issue from a fantasy perspective is his role within the offense. It looked for a time that Nailor could be the team's WR2 next to Justin Jefferson with Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three weeks, but the Vikings traded for Adam Thielen and quickly squashed that idea. The Vikings like Nailor, a willing run blocker who caught six touchdowns a year ago, but with tight end T.J. Hockenson fully back in the fold, Nailor is the team's fourth option and unlikely to see regular volume in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Adam Thielen

Wide receiver Adam Thielen is a risky fantasy proposition in his return to the Minnesota Vikings, who will take on the Chicago Bears in this season's first Monday Night Football game. The Vikings traded for the veteran due to instability elsewhere in their receiver room, as Jordan Addison (suspension) will miss the first three games and Rondale Moore (knee) suffered a season-ending injury. The 35-year-old figures to play quite a bit right away, but the reality is that he was a late addition who is still behind receiver Justin Jefferson and likely tight end T.J. Hockenson in the pecking order, and he's attached to a quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who has never thrown a pass in the NFL before. Thielen certainly has something left in the tank and a history of making big catches, but an uncertain target share makes him tough to rely upon in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a must-start option, as usual, when the Vikings open the season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The sixth-year receiver dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp, but was not listed on Minnesota's final injury report and should continue to be the team's runaway top option for passing targets. Especially with fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) out for the first three games, the All-Pro should receive plenty of volume from new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson should be in starting lineups in every format.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Jordan Mason

Running back Jordan Mason will make his Minnesota Vikings debut on Monday against the Chicago Bears, against whom he should be viewed as a viable flex option. The Vikings have been dreadful in short yardage in recent seasons, but completely revamped their interior line and traded for the 26-year-old running back, who rushed for a career-best 789 yards in relief of Christian McCaffrey with San Francisco last season. Minnesota also brought back Aaron Jones Sr., so uncertainty surrounding the Vikings' backfield relegated both backs to the middle rounds of fantasy drafts. Ultimately, there is a reason Minnesota traded for Mason, who is likely to see regular short-yardage carries, including those near the goal line. Jones is the better receiving back, but Mason figures to still get enough touches to be fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. should be viewed as a flex/RB2 candidate as his team takes on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. A polarizing mid-round draft pick, the veteran back is one of the bigger wild cards in fantasy this season. Jones is a strong receiver who caught 50 passes in addition to surpassing 1,000 rushing yards last year and plays on a capable offense that rebuilt its interior line, but is now 30 years old, playing alongside a first-time starting quarterback, and most importantly, now sharing touches with Jordan Mason, whom the Vikings acquired this offseason. Though a rotation is likely, Jones is still the team's best pass-catching back and should continue to get a steady volume of receiving targets, which will be especially valuable in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Sep 6 2:50pm CT
Micah Parsons

Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons (back) is expected to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, but his snaps will be limited. The three-time All-Pro has been managing a back injury that restricted his practice reps during his first week with Green Bay. Parsons was traded from the Dallas Cowboys just a week before the season opener, so a restricted workload is expected as he acclimates to the Packers' defense. He joins a pass rush that struggled in 2024, with Rashan Gary being the only player to record more than five sacks last season. Expect Parsons to be deployed primarily in obvious passing-down situations, where he can maximize his impact and do what he does best: pressure and sack the quarterback. His presence should immediately improve the Packers' pass-rushing effectiveness, even in limited snaps.

From RotoBaller