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NFC West Primer: Are 49ers still a threat?

Sat Sep 6 8:37am ET
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The San Francisco 49ers were ravaged by injuries last season and went 6-11 just one year after reaching the Super Bowl.

It's not hard to forecast that a healthy Christian McCaffrey is the big ingredient needed for a turnaround. But the 49ers did shake up the roster a bit and that also can reignite the fire of veteran holdovers.

There is very little chance of San Francisco winning just 35 percent of its games for consecutive seasons after owning the division for multiple seasons. But it will be tough sledding for Brock Purdy and company as the NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.

The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are both coming off 10-win campaigns and the Arizona Cardinals were strongly in the playoff mix before fading down the stretch. The Rams were the division's lone playoff participant last season and will again contend for the division title.

The Seahawks are betting that Sam Darnold has turned the corner in his career and will again be one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He signed a three-year contract as an upgrade from departed Geno Smith.

The Cardinals lost five of their last seven games last season in an untimely slump. Star safety Budda Baker has played in just one playoff game in eight seasons - nothing explains the state of Arizona Cardinals football better than that.

Here's how we envision the NFC West shaking out in 2025:

1. San Francisco 49ers (11-6 predicted record)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at Seattle Seahawks

W2 Sun Sep 14 at New Orleans Saints

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Arizona Cardinals

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W5 Thu Oct 2 at Los Angeles Rams

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Atlanta Falcons

W8 Sun Oct 26 at Houston Texans

W9 Sun Nov 2 at New York Giants

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Los Angeles Rams

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Arizona Cardinals

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Carolina Panthers

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Cleveland Browns

W14 Bye

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Tennessee Titans

W16 Sun Dec 21 at Indianapolis Colts

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Chicago Bears

W18 Sun Jan 3/4 vs Seattle Seahawks

Punching in: You can't be a difference-making force if you only suit for up four of 17 games as Christian McCaffrey did last season. The star running back dealt with calf, Achilles and knee injuries and he's already been bothered by a calf injury leading up to the 2025 season opener. McCaffrey rushed for a career-best 1,459 and scored a career-high 21 total touchdowns in 2023 and San Francisco needs production close to that this season.

Old face, same place: It's an interesting notion that Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator might be the unit's top addition of the offseason. Saleh was defensive coordinator under coach Kyle Shanahan from 2017-20 and the club ranked in the top five in total defense in each of his last two seasons and a stellar 2019 season ended in the Super Bowl. It doesn't hurt that stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are happy to have him back.

2. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs San Francisco 49ers

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Pittsburgh Steelers

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs New Orleans Saints

W4 Sun Sep 28 at Arizona Cardinals

W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Jacksonville Jaguars

W7 Mon Oct 20 vs Houston Texans

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Washington Commanders

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Arizona Cardinals

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Los Angeles Rams

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Tennessee Titans

W13 Sun Nov 30 vs Minnesota Vikings

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Atlanta Falcons

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Indianapolis Colts

W16 Dec 20 or Dec 21 vs Los Angeles Rams

W17 Dec 28 at Carolina Panthers

W18 Sun Jan 4 at San Francisco 49ers

Travelin' Man Sam: Darnold is with his fifth team in eight seasons since being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the New York Jets. Last season was the first time Darnold played like a high pick as he excelled in the Minnesota Vikings' system and passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns to go with 12 interceptions. The Seahawks have bet $55 million in guaranteed money that Darnold can be a force in their system.

Still a lot of tread: Seattle added receiver Cooper Kupp (age 32) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (age 33) in the offseason while feeling both veterans have a lot in the tank. Kupp once had one of the top receiving seasons of all-time -- 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns for Los Angeles -- but he has seldom been healthy since and the Rams moved on. Lawrence spent 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was a star last decade before production decreased in recent seasons.

3. Los Angeles Rams (9-8)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Houston Texans

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Tennessee Titans

W3 Sun Sep 21 at Philadelphia Eagles

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Indianapolis Colts

W5 Thu Oct 2 vs San Francisco 49ers

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Baltimore Ravens

W7 Sun Oct 19 at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs New Orleans Saints

W10 Sun Nov 9 at San Francisco 49ers

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Seattle Seahawks

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Carolina Panthers

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Arizona Cardinals

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Detroit Lions

W16 Thu Dec 18 at Seattle Seahawks

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Atlanta Falcons

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Arizona Cardinals

Durability in question: That ailing back Matthew Stafford has been dealing with could be the thing that derails the Rams. Stafford is saying he's ready for the season and looking forward to physical play but he's 37 and not the Ironman he was earlier in his career. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is the backup and he's surely a capable player but the Los Angeles offense relies on the skills of Stafford

Quite a catch?: The Rams added 32-year-old receiver Davante Adams and he figures to want to prove there's a lot left in his tank. He split last season with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets and caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight TDs despite not having the impact he did over the previous four seasons. The duo of Adams and Puka Nacua (184 catches in two season) certainly will cause sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.

4. Arizona Cardinals (9-8)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at New Orleans Saints

W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Carolina Panthers

W3 Sun Sep 21 at San Francisco 49ers

W4 Thu Sep 25 vs Seattle Seahawks

W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Tennessee Titans

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Indianapolis Colts

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Green Bay Packers

W8 Bye

W9 Mon Nov 3 at Dallas Cowboys

W10 Sun Nov 9 at Seattle Seahawks

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs San Francisco 49ers

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Los Angeles Rams

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Houston Texans

W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Atlanta Falcons

W17 Sat Dec 27 at Cincinnati Bengals

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Los Angeles Rams

Breakout campaign department: There was a time when a rookie catching 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns was serenaded over his stellar first-year performance. But in the case of wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., there were many pundits feeling he didn't perform up to his lofty label as the No. 4 overall choice. Harrison topped 100 yards just twice and totaled under 50 on 10 occasions.

Sweat in the desert: Adding defensive end Josh Sweat to pump up the pass rush was a stellar idea even if it costs $76.4 million over four years. But that's one of the perks that come with recording 2.5 sacks in a Super Bowl victory as Sweat did for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Sweat had a career-best 11 sacks in 2022 when Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon was Philadelphia's defensive coordinator.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 1

Player Notes
Quinshon Judkins Sep 6 9:50am ET
Quinshon Judkins

Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has signed a fully guaranteed deal with the Cleveland Browns. After being arrested earlier in the offseason on domestic assault charges, Judkins was finally able to agree to a contract with the team that selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With Judkins signing his deal, all draft picks are now under contract. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted that even though no charges were filed against Judkins, the league is still conducting its own investigation. For the time being, Judkins should not face any potential suspension. The 36th overall pick played a key role in Ohio State's National Championship last season as he ran for 1,060 yards and punched in 16 total touchdowns. While Judkins is not expected to play in Week 1, he is expected to take over the Cleveland backfield eventually and potentially as early as Week 2. On Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Jerome Ford to operate as the RB1 while fellow rookie Dylan Sampson is deployed behind him.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Sep 6 9:50am ET
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs will make his team debut during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran receiver is expected to operate as the Patriots' WR1, providing plenty of support to second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The Raiders sneakily had an above-average pass defense last year, but Diggs should still see enough volume to justify starting him as a WR3/FLEX in fantasy. After all, outside of Hunter Henry, Diggs doesn't face a whole lot of competition for targets. Managers should feel confident deploying the veteran as a low-end WR3/FLEX in leagues with at least 12 teams.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 6 9:50am ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) missed practices during this training camp, but he was able to play in the preseason and is ready to start the season healthy in Week 1 against the Colts. He spent most of the offseason working as the team's top receiver since Tyreek Hill (wrist, oblique) was dealing with injury issues of his own. Waddle inked a big contract before last season, but he had his lowest output of his career, totaling 58 catches, 744 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. There have been rumblings that his strong connection with Tua Tagovailoa and improved hands could lead to him becoming the primary receiver in Miami, but with both Hill and De'Von Achane (calf) healthy, his workload is uncertain. He's the WR30 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, making him a WR3 against the Colts, although he has a higher ceiling than some other options in that range.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Sep 6 9:50am ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is not a worthwhile fantasy starter in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Not only did the Raiders allow the 11th-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last year, but Douglas is likely headed for a smaller role than last season now that Stefon Diggs has joined the offense. While Douglas does have experience being a low-yardage target machine, he was still inconsistent in 2024 and could become even less dependable with reduced volume in 2025. Plus, while he projects as a potential streamer later this season, he's not worth starting right now when there are no bye weeks and most top receivers are still healthy.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Sep 6 9:50am ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is technically listed as a starter on the team's unofficial depth chart, but he's expected to be the WR3 and is unlikely to carve out a significant role above Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry, or DeMario Douglas. Furthermore, the Patriots could throw the football less now that they have a stellar one-two punch of Rhamondre Stevenson and Tre'Veyon Henderson out of the backfield. While Boutte did show flashes of upside last season, he still finished the year with a modest 589 yards and three touchdowns. With bye weeks still several weeks away and injuries being kept to a minimum for now, fantasy managers should start their studs and leave depth options like Boutte on the bench or waivers.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 6 9:40am ET
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen dominated in his return to his former club on Friday evening during their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen saw a team-high 10 targets and was able to bring in seven of them for 68 yards and a touchdown. Despite entering his age-33 campaign, Allen was able to emerge as a top option in this offense, alongside second-year wideout Ladd McConkey. Allen found the back of the end zone in the third quarter on an 11-yard strike from Justin Herbert. Despite playing on a subpar Chicago offense last season, Allen remained productive, totaling 744 yards and scoring seven touchdowns on 70 receptions. Even though he is playing in a crowded offense with McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and a strong running back room, Allen appears to have WR3 upside going forward. He should be started in most 12+ team leagues heading into a Week 2 tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Sep 6 9:40am ET
Joey Slye

Tennessee Titans kicker Joey Slye should generate some interest as a low-end fantasy streamer ahead of his Week 1 matchup with the Denver Broncos. While Denver has a good defense, Slye stands to benefit because the Titans' offense could be more likely to stall out in scoring position, leading to field goal opportunities. Additionally, the veteran kicker has a very strong leg, converting from as long as 63 yards out last season with the Patriots. His kicking power could translate nicely to this week's matchup, as the thin altitude at Mile High Stadium is a kicker's best friend. While we'd prefer a highly dependable kicker in a high-powered offense, managers looking for last-minute replacements should be content with the idea of streaming Slye this week.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Sep 6 9:40am ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell will open the 2025 season with a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Mitchell finds himself buried on the team's depth chart behind Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce to open the year. The wideout showed some flashes in his rookie season last year, but he is unlikely to see enough opportunities to be a difference-maker in fantasy, at least early in the season. Mitchell is not a recommended fantasy option at the moment, but remains a solid stash in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 6 9:40am ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (oblique/calf) has been limited in training camp and did not play in the preseason. He was diagnosed with an oblique injury in August but was able to put in limited practices all week until returning to a full practice on Friday. Since he doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, Hill should be ready for a full workload in Week 1. He's coming off a disappointing season last year, when he only had 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns. There was plenty of drama at the end of the season and offseason, but the team seems ready to put that behind them and play ball this season. The Colts' secondary should be a good matchup for him to start a potential bounce-back season against, and Hill is WR15 in the RotoBaller rankings. He profiles as a strong WR2 in standard leagues with a potential high ceiling if he breaks out for a big play or two.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Sep 6 9:40am ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will open his second pro season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Maye showed several flashes of potential last year, and there's optimism that his accurate passing skills and mobility could make him a fringe top-12 quarterback this year. He definitely has top-12 upside in Week 1 against the Raiders, who allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last year. It also helps that Maye is playing with the best receiver group of his career, headlined by veteran Stefon Diggs. Maye should be started in all two-quarterback formats, and he's even a strong option in deeper single-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Sep 6 9:40am ET
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren will make his NFL debut at home against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. Warren will draw a decent matchup against a Miami defense that allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in 2024. The first-round rookie out of Penn State drew rave reviews throughout training camp and should be a big piece of the Indy offense starting in Week 1. He can be slotted into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 and even as a flex option in tight-end premium leagues for Sunday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 6 9:40am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains a fine RB3/FLEX option for fantasy football heading into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. While the writing is on the wall for rookie Tre'Veyon Henderson to eventually take over this backfield from Stevenson, the Patriots' unofficial depth chart lists Stevenson as its No. 1 running back for the season opener. This could be an elaborate smokescreen, but it's more likely that the Patriots open the year with Stevenson leading their backfield while Henderson gets acclimated to the NFL. The window is closing fast for Stevenson, but he does still have a couple of weeks left as a solid RB3/FLEX.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Shrader Sep 6 9:40am ET
Spencer Shrader

Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader will open the year against the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 1. Shrader takes over for Matt Gay, whom the Colts released back in April, with the team indicating that their belief in Shrader was part of the reason they made the move. The Dolphins were generous to opposing kickers last year as they allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, it remains to be seen just how well the Colts are able to move the ball with Daniel Jones under center.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Sep 6 9:30am ET
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is set to make his NFL debut against the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. The rookie out of Stanford projects to operate as the team's No. 3 receiver behind Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. On one hand, Ayomanor could see a bump in opportunities if Ridley is smothered by Patrick Surtain II and simply becomes a non-factor in the passing attack. On the other hand, though, many of those targets will be funneled to Lockett, and the Broncos' generally strong defense could rattle Ward enough to the point where he's ineffective passing to all of his receivers. Ayomanor is a fine fantasy stash, but he should be left on your bench until we have a clearer understanding of his exact role and usage in the Titans' offense.

From RotoBaller

Ollie Gordon II Sep 6 9:30am ET
Ollie Gordon II

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II is set to be the primary backup for the team when they open the season on Sunday afternoon against the Colts. Gordon had a strong preseason with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with three catches for 48 receiving yards over his three preseason games. Gordon was a sixth-round pick of the Dolphins out of Oklahoma State, and he was the biggest running back in the draft class. He showed off his power running style this preseason and could grow into a nice complement and change-of-pace option behind De'Von Achane. Jaylen Wright (knee) has been ruled out for Week 1, leaving Gordon as the primary backup behind Achane. Gordon is the RB41 in RotoBaller's rankings for Week 1, making him one of the best backups on the board, but a long-shot starter in most standard formats. He's definitely an exciting rookie to watch in Week 1, but his role isn't big enough to start him as a FLEX play quite yet.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Sep 6 9:30am ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo could carve out a fantasy-relevant role during Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. While the Broncos have a strong defense and could strategize to rattle rookie quarterback Cameron Ward, Okonkwo is in a favorable position as a tight end, because he should serve as a short- to medium-yardage security blanket for Ward. Plus, while Denver was spectacular against running backs and wide receivers last year, they were merely average against tight ends and allowed the ninth-most receptions to the position. Okonkwo isn't a household name at the tight end position, but he could be a top-18 option this week and therefore warrants some consideration for your lineups in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 6 9:30am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs will host the Miami Dolphins to kick off the 2025 NFL season in Week 1. Downs dealt with a hamstring injury for much of August, but he is off the injury report and ready to go on Sunday. The veteran receiver will take on a Dolphins secondary that is considered a team weakness and could struggle to slow opposing pass-catchers. Downs is likely to operate as Daniel Jones' top target this season, provided he can stay on the field and shake the injury bug that has plagued him over his career. Fantasy managers can treat Downs as a solid WR3/flex option heading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 6 9:30am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce will open the 2025 season with a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Pierce missed some time over the preseason with a groin injury, but he is off the injury report and ready to roll for Week 1. The speedy wideout will operate as the team's WR3 behind Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. in a Daniel Jones-led attack. Pierce has shown the ability to break off explosive plays over his career, but his consistency isn't always there. He sets up as a low-end flex/WR6 heading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 6 9:20am ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard opens the 2025 season with a difficult Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Pollard averaged 67.4 rushing yards per game last season, and he's facing a Broncos defense that allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs last year. While Denver did show some susceptibility against pass-catching backs, Pollard will likely need to touch the ball around 20 times (or score a touchdown) to make him a meaningful fantasy starter. Managers should treat him as an RB3/FLEX option heading into this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Sep 6 9:20am ET
Tyquan Thornton

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was given a larger opportunity on Friday evening during their contest against the Chargers, following the injury to top wideout Xavier Worthy. Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in the opening quarter, which paved the way for Thornton to have a significant role in the season opener. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked his way four times, but he was only able to bring in two of them for 41 yards. His longest catch of the evening came on a 38-yard pass. While Mahomes looked his way downfield, Thornton was unable to connect consistently. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Worthy's status, as Thornton could emerge as the team's primary deep threat if he were to miss an extended period of time. However, he will be tough to trust in most formats as he will likely slot in as the No. 3 WR in the offense, behind Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

From RotoBaller