49ers cautious with Evans (quad), good for Week 1

Coleman’s physicality jumps off the screen. The sturdy rookie running back effectively wielded a spin move to shed defenders on multiple plays after he took the field for the Broncos’ second drive. The Broncos could end up using a three-player rotation, but Coleman’s three-down skill set and consistent coaching praise make him a must-stash player in 12-team leagues.

Nix looked mobile and eager to chuck it downfield. He even had a few overthrows, which we suppose is a good thing for a quarterback who spent the offseason rehabbing an ankle injury. The Broncos quarterback linked up with new WR Jaylen Waddle for a 35-yard gain down the seam and targeted WR Courtland Sutton a couple of times along the sideline. He found tonight’s starting RB RJ Harvey speeding down the right side of the field on a wheel route, and linked up with the second-year running back for a 21-yard touchdown to conclude the first drive. New OC Davis Webb regularly dialed up play action, which is great for fantasy purposes. Nix looks like a low-end QB1.

Lloyd played on 5-of-7 snaps during the first drive, giving way to RB Chris Brooks for third- and fourth-and-inches. Lloyd looks fast and powerful and can be treated as a high-end bench stash with potential standalone value. His touchdown occurred on a nifty catch-and-run play over the middle. Starting RB Josh Jacobs (groin) did not play.

Broncos CB Pat Surtain appeared to force a fumble from Packers WR Christian Watson moments after Watson hauled in the pass. Moss dove on it, injuring himself in the process, but Watson was eventually ruled down by contact. Bummer. Moss was grabbing at the right side of his rib cage on the right side of his body as he entered the blue medical tent. If Moss misses time, the Broncos have CB Jahdae Barron waiting in the wings.

One of the best rushers of the modern era, Chubb retires with four Pro Bowl appearances and one second-team All-Pro nod on his resumé. The Browns drafted Chubb with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with them, clearing 1,000 yards on the ground four times, and spent his final NFL season with the Texans. Chubb retires with 7,349 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns, 141 receptions, 1,109 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.

When asked what issue is currently ailing Horton, Macdonald reportedly smiled and said, “sorry, I just don’t want to tell you.” It is unclear whether Horton experienced a setback in his return from a 2025 shin injury or if this is a new issue. The team does not have to release any information until Week 1 injury reports come out. At this point, Horton does not need to be drafted in 12-team leagues.

Brooks played 11-of-13 plays over the Panthers’ first two drives, giving way to RB Trevor Etienne on a 3rd-and-4 play. Brooks subbed right back in after that and punched in a one-yard touchdown two plays later. With RB Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) currently sidelined, it’s tough to draw a complete conclusion, but as things currently stand, Brooks looks like the featured running back in Carolina. Hopefully, he can refine his pass protection and remain on the field for third downs at some point.

Cooper played extensively in the Jets’ first preseason game, prompting The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt to write that WR Isaiah Williams appeared to have overtaken Cooper for the starting slot receiver job. This week, Cooper out-snapped WR Isaiah Williams six to one on the first drive. Williams continued playing on the second drive before rotating with Cooper on the third. PFF’s Nathan Jahnke notes that when Cooper returned, he lined up out wide while Williams manned the slot. Williams caught 3-of-5 targets for 17 yards and one fumble, though it was recovered by the Jets. It appears as though Cooper may have regained his spot as the Jets’ WR3 behind WR1 Garrett Wilson and WR2 Adonai Mitchell. Cooper still makes for a risky late-round dart throw, but he will get more chances to contribute.

Warren played 3-of-3 snaps on the first drive. Steelers RB Rico Dowdle played 4-of-4 snaps on the second. The two backs then rotated on the third. Dowdle rushed five times for 18 yards, adding one reception for two yards. This is about what we expected, though a recent report did indicate that Dowdle would be the Steelers’ “workhorse.” For now, treat both players as reliable FLEX starters with RB2 upside in what should be a split backfield, at least early on.

What exactly does this mean? It probably means that Stribling is a clear-cut starter in three-wide receiver sets, but Barrows did not expand on the matter. Barrows recently reported that WR Deebo Samuel will take over “a portion” of the Z-receiver role, while also contributing as a “wide back.” The remaining portion of the Z-receiver role in two-wide receiver sets could end up going to Stribling. He’s certainly made a strong case with his preseason play, but coach Kyle Shahanah is sometimes hesitant to feature rookies right away. Regardless, Stribling can be viewed as a FLEX starter with easy WR3 upside in the season opener.