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NFL roundup: Tyson Bagent plays hero as Bears top Chiefs

Sat Aug 23 12:24am ET
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Two days after signing a two-year, $10 million extension, Chicago quarterback Tyson Bagent capped a monster night by throwing the game-winning touchdown pass with three seconds left as the visiting Bears beat the Kansas City Chiefs 29-27 on Friday night.

Bagent, whom the Bears signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, spent his first year in the league backing up Justin Fields and then sat behind 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams last season.

After Williams opened the Friday game with his own strong performance (11-for-15, 113 yards and one touchdown), Bagent went on a tear after entering the game midway through the third quarter and the Bears (2-0-1) trailing 27-10.

Bagent went 20 of 28 for 212 yards overall and three TDs, all in the fourth quarter. The final touchdown capped a 10-play, 87-yard drive and ended when Bagent found undrafted free agent rookie Jahdae Walker in the end zone from 6 yards out for the winner.

Bagent opened the Bears' onslaught with a 2-yard scoring pass to Royce Freeman two minutes into the fourth to make it 27-16 (the extra-point attempt was blocked), then made it 27-22 with a 3-yard strike to tight end Joel Wilson. A failed two-point conversion attempt left the Bears needing the touchdown at the end to win it.

Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes saw action in the final week of the preseason and looked ready for the regular season. He led Kansas City to 17 points in his three drives, connecting with Rashee Rice on a 4-yard scoring strike on the first play of the second quarter to make it 17-0. That ended the night for Mahomes, who was 8 of 13 for 143 yards and the one score and gained 18 yards on his lone carry.

Tight end Travis Kelce caught two passes for 32 yards for the Chiefs, while Isiah Pacheco ran for 21 yards on three carries and opened the scoring with a 2-yard run on the game's first drive.

Titans 23, Vikings 13

No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward got the start in his final preseason game and led Tennessee to a touchdown on his second and final drive of the game as the Titans beat Minnesota in Nashville.

Ward finished 3-for-4 with 36 yards passing. After both teams exchanged punts to start the game, the Vikings (1-2) got on the board with a 42-yard Will Reichard field goal. But the Titans (2-1) answered with a 13-play, 90-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard scoring run by Julius Chestnut with 12:15 left in the first half.

With Will Levis out for the season due to a shoulder injury, expectations are that Ward, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting in his lone season at Miami in 2024, will start Week 1 at Denver on Sept. 7.

Minnesota's Week 1 starter behind center, J.J. McCarthy, did not play in the game. A rookie in 2024, McCarthy missed all of last season after sustaining a knee injury in the preseason. Max Brosmer, who is a rookie this season, continued his strong preseason with 161 yards and a touchdown pass for the Vikings.

Eagles 19, Jets 17

Montrell Johnson Jr. ran for 57 yards and Philadelphia's lone touchdown as the Eagles ended the preseason with a victory over New York in East Rutherford, N.J.

An undrafted free agent rookie out of Florida, Johnson scored from 15 yards out with 8:04 left in the third quarter to make it 13-3 after the teams combined for three field goals in the first half.

Fellow rookie Kyle McCord, taken in the sixth round out of Syracuse, played the entire game for the Eagles (2-1). He went 15-for-35 for 136 yards and an interception.

Brady Cook got the start behind center for the Jets (1-2). The rookie quarterback out of Missouri threw for 99 yards and an interception while Adrian Martinez, who spent last season on the New York practice squad, threw 86 yards and an interception in relief.

Cowboys 31, Falcons 13

In his last chance to state his case for being Dallas' backup quarterback, Joe Milton III accounted for 165 yards and two touchdowns and led the Cowboys to 14 points in their first two drives as they easily defeated Atlanta in Arlington, Texas.

Milton, who has flashed one of the strongest arms in the league in the preseason, opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run after the Falcons missed a field-goal attempt in the game's opening drive. Rookie fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue made it 14-0 on the next drive with a 1-yard scoring run.

Milton then opened the third quarter with 29-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Brooks. Milton, whom the Cowboys (1-2) acquired from the New England Patriots in April, completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and added 33 yards on four carries.

Veteran quarterback Easton Stick led the Falcons (0-3) with 198 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. Running back Elijah Dotson had a game-high 74 rushing yards on 12 carries.

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Player Notes
Julius Chestnut Aug 23 9:10am ET
Julius Chestnut

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut got the start in his team's final preseason game on Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on five carries. The 24-year-old played in 17 games for the Titans in 2024, recording 22 carries for 102 yards. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) currently sidelined, Chestnut could have an opportunity to open the season as the RB2 in Tennessee behind Tony Pollard. Sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings figures to be Chestnut's biggest competition, so it could be telling that it was Chestnut who played the opening drive against the Vikings on Friday.

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Cam Ward Aug 23 9:00am ET
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward led a touchdown drive in his final possession of the preseason on Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Ward finished the night three-for-four as a passer for 36 yards and was sacked once for a loss of three. The number one overall pick played in all three of Tennessee's preseason games, completing 10 of his 19 passes for 145 yards with zero touchdowns, but also zero interceptions. Ward is the unquestioned starter for the Titans heading into his rookie campaign. He profiles as a low-end QB2 in redraft fantasy leagues who could have bursts of huge production but will likely struggle with inconsistency in his first NFL season.

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Xazavian Valladay Aug 23 8:50am ET
Xazavian Valladay

In his first game action with the Minnesota Vikings, Xazavian Valladay led the team in rushing with 39 yards on eight carries and added one catch for two yards on Friday at Tennessee. It was a solid day for the new acquisition, who has bounced around the league since going undrafted in 2023. The Vikings have an opening for a third running back behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but Valladay will have an uphill climb to make Minnesota's final 53.

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Bryson Nesbit Aug 23 8:50am ET
Bryson Nesbit

Tight end Bryson Nesbit scored the Minnesota Vikings' lone touchdown on Friday at Tennessee thanks to a 21-yard connection with quarterback Max Brosmer. The North Carolina product finished with two catches for 45 yards on four targets in the preseason finale for the Vikings. Minnesota will once again roll with T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver at tight end, but it's open season beyond that. Draft pick Gavin Bartholomew (back) is on the PUP list, leaving Nesbit, fellow undrafted rookie Ben Yurosek, and veteran journeyman Nick Vannett competing for the third spot formerly held by Johnny Mundt. After a strong showing Friday, Nesbit has a real shot of being on the Vikings' 53-man roster.

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Deuce Vaughn Aug 23 8:50am ET
Deuce Vaughn

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn led his team in rushing on Friday night in preseason action against the Atlanta Falcons, recording 10 carries for 42 yards. Vaughn has been limited in training camp by a hamstring injury, but he earned the start at running back in the preseason finale. A sixth-round pick in 2023, Vaughn has just 40 career carries in 14 games played. However, there could be an opportunity for him to earn playing time in Dallas this season, given the team's muddled backfield situation. Veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are likely to open the season earning the majority of the reps, leaving Vaughn to battle with rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah for a depth role. Blue (ankle) left Friday's game with an ankle injury, which could open a spot for Vaughn early in the year.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Aug 23 8:50am ET
Max Brosmer

The Minnesota Vikings gave quarterback Max Brosmer a long look Friday, during which he completed 15 of 23 passes for 161 and a touchdown. The undrafted rookie nearly had an even better night statistically, but a perfect long ball that would have converted a fourth down and set up first-and-goal was dropped. Of the quarterbacks on the Vikings' current roster, Sam Howell still seems most likely to back up starter J.J. McCarthy, though Brosmer has made a compelling case to stick around in Minnesota.

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Ryan Flournoy Aug 23 8:40am ET
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy led his team in receiving yards on Friday night in preseason action against the Atlanta Falcons, hauling in four of his five targets for 45 yards. A sixth-round pick in 2024, Flournoy had 10 catches for 102 yards in 11 games as a rookie. Heading into 2025, Dallas has a clear top four in its wide receiver room with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. The team's presumed WR5, Jonathan Mingo (knee), is expected to start the year on injured reserve with a knee injury. Mingo's injury could give Flournoy a better chance of making the roster.

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Jaydon Blue Aug 23 8:30am ET
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue (ankle) returned from ankle and heel injuries to make his preseason debut on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, Blue was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter after injuring his right ankle. Before getting hurt, Blue logged nine carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. A fifth-round pick out of Texas, Blue is expected to push veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders for playing time in the Dallas backfield at some point in 2025. However, his inability to stay on the field during the preseason may limit his chances of earning playing time early in the year.

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Joe Milton III Aug 23 8:20am ET
Joe Milton III

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III had an impressive showing in his team's final preseason game on Friday, a 31-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Milton III completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. He also had 33 rushing yards and a touchdown on four rush attempts. Milton III looks to be solidified as the backup quarterback in Dallas behind Dak Prescott. The 25-year-old has plenty of arm talent and offers some ability to make plays with his legs as well. If Prescott were to get injured, Milton III would become a priority waiver-wire target in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Aug 23 4:40am ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had three carries for 15 yards in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Hunt tied with Isiah Pacheco for the most running back carries with the starting offense, but the latter finished with more yards and a touchdown. Hunt is in line to be the RB2 for Kansas City, but the extent of his role is still undetermined. Pacheco took the field with the starters first, but Hunt had a goal-line carry on the first drive. Hunt also received one target compared to none for Pacheco. If Hunt is the passing downs back with goal line opportunities, he could end up being the best fantasy option out of the backfield. This is all just speculation based on preseason usage, but it is an important situation to track once the regular season begins.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 23 4:40am ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rice was not highly targeted in this contest, but that's not surprising since the starters only played the first three drives of the game. That said, Rice was the Chiefs pass catcher to find the endzone against the Bears. What was not in the box score is the fact that Rice was also targeted on a deep pass that led to defensive pass interference and flipped the field position. Rice is a difficult player to project given his eventual suspension, but he will be a key part of the offense when he is available. The 25-year-old was targeted by Patrick Mahomes on a four-yard out route, and the duo displayed their chemistry because the play was timed up perfectly. With the aging Travis Kelce on the decline, Rice's ability as a possession receiver should keep him heavily involved in the offense. Rice should be considered a high-end starter at the wide receiver position for every game he is eligible to play in.

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Xavier Worthy Aug 23 4:40am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught one pass for nine yards in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Worthy was targeted once on the third drive of the game, the last drive that the starters played. Worthy is coming off a strong finish to his rookie season and should be considered a key piece of the offense. The 22-year-old has blazing speed and a full year of experience under his belt to build upon. His stock is also set to rise with the eventual suspension of Rashee Rice, likely coming in the middle of the season. Worthy and Patrick Mahomes developed some chemistry down the stretch last season, and it will be interesting to see how that carries over. The young speedster proved he can be a big play threat or a chain-mover depending on what the team needs from him, and he should have a strong role this season.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Aug 23 4:40am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught two passes for 32 yards in the 27-29 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears. Kelce only played the first three drives of the game with the starters, but finished with the second-most targets among Chiefs pass catchers. The 35-year-old caught both of his passes from Patrick Mahomes on that third drive, and his longest catch went for 20 yards to begin that possession. The Chiefs offense as a whole took a step back last season, with a clear shortage of explosive plays from Kelce in the passing game. The veteran tight end is now another year older, but he should still be heavily utilized in this Mahomes-led offense. The Kansas City offense was rolling with the starters playing, and this season is an opportunity for the team to bounce back from their down year. If the Chiefs increase their scoring output this year, Kelce could end up being a steal at his current ADP.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Aug 23 4:30am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed eight of his 13 pass attempts (62%) for 143 yards and a touchdown in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Mahomes and the starters played the first three drives of this contest and came away with points each time. On their first drive of the game, the Chiefs flipped field position on a defensive pass interference call and ended the drive with an Isiah Pacheco rushing touchdown. On his second drive, Mahomes connected with Tyquan Thornton for a 58-yard pass and ended the drive with a field goal. The Chiefs ended their third drive with a passing touchdown from Mahomes to Rashee Rice. The Chiefs quarterback found Rice on a four-yard out route in the endzone that was timed up perfectly. The Chiefs offense appeared in sync in this contest, and Mahomes looked poised for a bounce-back season.

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Isiah Pacheco Aug 23 4:30am ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco found the endzone in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Pacheco handled three carries for 21 yards and a touchdown in the game. The hard-nosed runner found paydirt on the Chiefs first drive of the game, punching it in from two yards out. Two of Pacheco's three carries came on the first drive, but his longest run came on the team's third drive. The 26-year-old does appear to be operating as the team's lead back, but the extent of his workload remains to be seen. Kareem Hunt also handled three carries in this game, including a goal-line opportunity on the first drive. Pacheco appears to be the most valuable Kansas City running back on the roster, but his upside will be capped if Hunt continues to play a sizeable role.

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Keilan Robinson Aug 23 12:40am ET
Keilan Robinson

Philadelphia Eagles running back Keilan Robinson ran for 23 yards on nine carries in a 19-17 win over the Jets in the third and final week of the preseason. The Philly run game wasn't as slow as last week against the Browns, but it was a low bar to clear for Robinson after a nine-yard performance. The second-year RB has been in a battle for a roster spot throughout this preseason, and after a couple of underwhelming outings, it's hard to see him making the cut with at least four other backs ahead of him on the depth chart. Robinson had no carries last year for the Jaguars and was used only on kick returns. It seems that he will get little to no attention in backfields in 2025, and he is not worth a fantasy draft pick.

From RotoBaller

Terrace Marshall Jr. Aug 23 12:30am ET
Terrace Marshall Jr.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. caught five passes for 51 yards in a 19-17 win over the New York Jets. Marshall led the team in receptions and yards through the air, as well as targets with seven. He also tied for the most targets last week for the Eagles. In Philly's final preseason game Friday, Marshall was the only player with more than 20 receiving yards. The fifth-year wideout is looking for a bounceback season in 2025, after mustering just 41 yards in seven games played last year with the Raiders. It'll be tough for Marshall to get consistent production on a stacked Philadelphia offense, and he isn't worth drafting just yet in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kyle McCord Aug 22 11:20pm ET
Kyle McCord

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord completed 15-of-35 pass attempts for 136 yards and an interception, and ran for three yards on three attempts in Friday's 19-17 victory over the Jets. McCord was the sole QB on the team to get playing time in the final game of the preseason after trading snaps with Dorian Thompson-Robinson last week. This marks the second week in a row that the fourth-string failed to complete more than 50% of his passes. While Philly managed five scoring drives with McCord under center, this was in large part due to having favorable field position throughout the game. Four of these drives, all of which resulted in field goals, went no more than 26 yards. It seems as though the rookie will struggle to make the final 53-man roster before the regular season begins.

From RotoBaller

Montrell Johnson Jr. Aug 22 11:20pm ET
Montrell Johnson Jr.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Montrell Johnson Jr. carried the ball 15 times for 57 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 win over the New York Jets on Friday. Johnson got more than double his touches from last week against Cleveland and was far more productive in an overall stronger outing for the Philly offense. His highlight came in a 15-yard rush up the middle for his team's only time finding the end zone all night. The undrafted rookie couldn't manage to get very involved in the passing game, having no receptions on two targets. While Johnson has gotten the most work in the Eagles backfield over the last two games, it still seems unlikely that he'll get many looks during the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Zach Pascal Aug 22 10:30pm ET
Zach Pascal

The New York Giants released wide receiver Zach Pascal on Friday. The 30-year-old had the best stretch of his career with the Colts, where he caught 15 touchdowns in 64 regular-season contests. However, he wasn't nearly as impactful from a statistical standpoint in stints with the Eagles and Cardinals. Pascal signed with the Giants in March, but now he's back on the market and looking for work. There's a chance he'll sign with another team at some point moving ahead. Still, Pascal is a long way away from being a relevant fantasy option in any format.

From RotoBaller