If your simulated gridiron squad assembly occurred later than usual, kudos. This implies you could accumulate all (or most) pertinent updates leading up to your selection process, allowing for well-informed choices. The intention here is to highlight that you likely avoided overvaluing Chiefs WR Rashee Rice, presently suspended for the initial half-dozen contests of the 2025 campaign.
The Rice situation has been extensively discussed, yet it emerged as the preeminent storyline from training camps this week, preceding Week 1. Originally, a mid-season prohibition was anticipated following a Sept. 30 mediation hearing. However, Rice accepted a briefer suspension and will return during Week 7 against the Raiders.
As a consequence, your emphasis should be directed towards TE Travis Kelce and WR Xavier Worthy as primary targets for Patrick Mahomes throughout approximately the opening trimester of the schedule. Worthy’s Average Draft Position (ADP) on Yahoo continues its ascent (59.3 over the preceding week). Kelce has demonstrated relative stability, hovering around the fifth round in 12-team setups. Rice has diminished to a seventh-round selection in analogous drafts and may experience further depreciation. He represents a reasonable speculative acquisition if you possess confidence in your WR depth.
Furthermore, avoid overlooking Hollywood Brown as a late-round bargain. He is currently positioned as WR65 on Yahoo. A bolder strategy involves revisiting JuJu Smith-Schuster; he is largely unselected in virtually all drafts. Previously, in 2022 with Kansas City, JuJu quietly performed as a top-30 WR.
Let’s examine the most recent developments from the past week, incorporating relevant fantasy analyses.
Vikings bring back Thielen
The Minnesota Vikings expressed apprehension regarding their WR depth entering 2025; consequently, they orchestrated a transaction to procure a well-known entity in veteran Adam Thielen. He devoted his initial nine professional seasons to Minnesota before transitioning to the Carolina Panthers. Thielen, aged 35, seemingly retains substantial residual ability. Notably, in 2023, he proved decisive in fantasy PPR leagues, concluding as a surprising top-20 WR with 103 receptions, 1,014 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
With Jordan Addison facing suspension for the first three contests, Thielen is poised to align alongside Justin Jefferson as a starting WR. Excluding these two, the Vikings possess limited options beyond Jalen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton, both encountering injuries. Minnesota will likely prioritize the running game to facilitate J.J. McCarthy’s assimilation during his inaugural year as a starting QB. In Minnesota, Thielen constitutes an acceptable early-season bench asset. He could present some utility as a flex option if he garners a significant target share.
The Panthers are content to emphasize youth at WR entering 2025. Tetairoa McMillan is expected to function as the primary target, accompanied by Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as alternative wideouts. Legette and Coker appear undervalued in drafts. Neither is being frequently selected on Yahoo at this time. One — or both — could constitute attractive early-season waiver wire additions.
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Rattler beats out Shough for Saints’ starting QB job
Enthusiasm surrounding the New Orleans Saints this season is subdued (aside from their dedicated fanbase). Nonetheless, their QB competition ranked among the most protracted during Week 3 of the preseason. Spencer Rattler ultimately secured the position over rookie Tyler Shough. Rattler initiated the preseason finale against the Broncos with the first-team offense and was subsequently awarded the job earlier in the week. It’s crucial to recognize that Rattler remains susceptible to relinquishing the role if he encounters difficulties at any juncture during the season.
Rattler struggled considerably in the previous season. He participated in seven contests, achieving a completion rate below 60% and a QB rating of 70.4. His preseason performance was adequate, sufficient to surpass a second-round rookie selection. Consequently, it remains challenging to repose confidence in any Saints skill position player beyond Alvin Kamara as the regular season approaches. Chris Olave is projected to command a high volume of targets. Additionally, Rashid Shaheed demonstrated promise prior to an injury in the prior season. It is imperative to assess Rattler’s capacity to effectively manage the offense. Fortunately, both Olave and Shaheed are being selected relatively late in drafts. Consequently, if Olave or Shaheed represents your WR4/5, potential upside exists should Rattler (or Shough) deliver an unexpected performance.
Injury updates for Dolphins
The Dolphins’ offensive unit has encountered challenges during this training camp. Positive news emerged regarding WR Tyreek Hill, who resumed practice on a limited basis on Thursday and is seemingly on course for Week 1. Hill’s draft position has been gradually declining, currently at 39.7 ADP over the past week. Based on information circulating regarding drafts, Hill is slipping beyond the third or fourth round in certain instances.
With De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright still unavailable, rookie Ollie Gordon II stands as the sole healthy running back for Miami at this juncture. Head coach Mike McDaniel has consistently asserted that Achane will be prepared for Week 1. Wright underwent a “minor procedure” on his lower leg, potentially sidelining him for the initial month of the regular season. Even if Achane attains full health, the calf injury could resurface, potentially leading to Gordon assuming change-of-pace responsibilities. Yahoo analyst Ray Garvin regards Gordon as a sleeper.
Not to worry about Nabers’ back
It appears that New York Giants WR Malik Nabers is a recurring topic, typically involving injury-related concerns. His toe, his shoulder, and now his back is causing worry. However, Nabers informed reporters that the back issue is of minimal concern. He has sparingly participated in practice this month and did not appear in any preseason contests; nonetheless, the second-year wideout expresses no apprehension regarding the approaching season.
Despite experiencing multiple injuries and limited playtime during training camp and preseason, Nabers’ fantasy valuation for 2025 remains largely unaffected. He is considered a marginal first-round selection who possesses the capability to lead the NFL in receptions given the Giants’ acquisition of legitimate QB proficiency with Russell Wilson. With Week 1 imminent, it remains to be seen whether these accumulated injuries materialize or if Nabers performs exceptionally.
49ers GM: ‘Not going’ to trade Jennings
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings is dissatisfied with his contractual terms and has been engaged in a holdout while simultaneously managing a calf injury during camp and preseason. Consequently, it remains uncertain — even upon recovery from his calf injury — whether he will participate in Week 1. GM John Lynch appears unconcerned and has stated that both parties have resolved the contract dispute.
Assuming Jennings overcomes the calf injury and participates in Week 1, he could represent a significant bargain in fantasy drafts. Currently, his ADP over the preceding week is 106.4 on Yahoo, positioning him around an eighth- or ninth-round selection. Brandon Aiyuk’s return timeline remains uncertain, and the sole alternative wide receiver is second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall, who has been generating considerable anticipation. Furthermore, TE George Kittle is projected to be Brock Purdy’s preferred target. Beyond these individuals, depth is limited. Therefore, do not hesitate to select Jennings if he is available later in your draft.
