1. TreVeyon Henderson’s Electrifying Start

Wow -- what a way to launch an NFL career, even if it’s just the preseason! In case you missed it, TreVeyon Henderson’s first touch in a Patriots uniform was a kickoff return that went for a touchdown. He also turned his lone rushing attempt into an explosive 18-yard gain. Henderson’s burst is undeniable, and his fantasy value will likely hinge on weekly touches. With his yards-per-carry (YPC) potential looking sky-high, he’s almost certain to make a big impact when given opportunities. Think back to De’Vone Achane’s rookie breakout with the Dolphins: there was room for both Raheem Mostert’s workhorse role and Achane’s dynamic playmaking. Similarly, while Rhamondre Stevenson remains the Patriots’ primary back, Henderson’s electric skill set could force his way onto the field sooner than expected. If you’re tempted to bump him up to the Omarion Hampton tier on your draft board, I wouldn’t hesitate to endorse that move.

2. Tetairoa McMillan and Tyler Warren Shine

Two rookie pass catchers made strong cases for leading their teams in targets this season during their preseason debuts. Tetairoa McMillan, despite converting only 40% of his targets, flashed his dynamic playmaking with a 30-yard reception for the Panthers. While Adam Thielen remains a reliable possession receiver for another year or two, Carolina needs a deep threat to stretch defenses, and McMillan is built for that role. Bryce Young’s late-season progress in 2024 suggests he can elevate a rookie receiver into fantasy relevance, making McMillan a name to watch.

Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, tight end Tyler Warren caught all three of his targets for 40 yards on Thursday night. With no clear go-to wide receiver on the Colts’ roster, Warren’s outlook is promising, provided the quarterback situation stabilizes. The only thing holding him back from top-5-to-8 tight end status in redraft leagues is uncertainty under center. Consider bumping both McMillan and Warren up a notch in your fantasy rankings.

3. RJ Harvey Defies Fifth-String Label in Denver

4. Miami’s Search for a Goal-Line Back Heats Up

The Miami Dolphins’ backfield showcased its depth in Week 1, with three different running backs -- Jaylen Wright, Alexander Mattison (neck), and rookie Ollie Gordon II -- scoring rushing touchdowns. Notably, Wright found the end zone later in the game but struggled earlier, failing to convert three goal-line attempts, resulting in a turnover on downs. Mattison and Gordon, however, punched in their scores, fueling speculation about who might emerge as Miami’s goal-line back. Mattison, a journeyman with positive buzz this summer, unfortunately injured his neck in this game and will miss the entire season following surgery on Monday. That leaves Wright with his speed and versatility in the mix despite the goal-line miscues. Gordon, a powerful 226-pound back rookie, also brings a bruising style that could complement De’Von Achane. For fantasy managers, Achane’s elite receiving role (78 receptions, six touchdowns in 2024) remains his strength, and he’ll likely need to match that production to maintain RB1 value. Keep a close eye on this backfield battle, as the goal-line role could significantly impact fantasy drafts.

5. Calvin Ridley’s Value Is on the Rise

Calvin Ridley still looks every bit like a WR1, both for the Titans and fantasy managers, despite inconsistent quarterback play holding him back in 2024. Last season, Ridley’s ability to separate and find soft spots in coverage was evident, but Tennessee’s erratic passing game limited his production. Fast forward to 2025: while the Titans managed only seven points on Saturday night, with issues persisting on both sides of the ball, rookie quarterback Cam Ward already appears to be a significant upgrade over Will Levis. Ridley capitalized on this in Week 1, hauling in three catches for 50 yards in limited action, including downfield targets that showcased his playmaking ability. The Ward-to-Ridley connection feels like a match made in fantasy heaven compared to last year’s struggles. At minimum, Ridley is poised for a solid WR2 season in fantasy, with legitimate WR1 upside. Don’t let Tennessee’s rebuilding status scare you off -- Ridley’s stock is trending upward, and he’s worth targeting in drafts.

6. Kaleb Johnson’s Fantasy Relevance May Be Delayed

The key word here is “may.” It’s far too early to write off Kaleb Johnson while Jaylen Warren handles the bulk of Pittsburgh’s carries. However, training camp reports noted struggles with pass protection -- a common hurdle for rookie running backs -- and his Week 1 performance against Jacksonville didn’t turn heads. Johnson managed just 20 yards on eight carries, a modest 2.5 yards per carry. While some players don’t shine until the regular season, rookies like Johnson need to seize preseason opportunities to build trust with coaches. As a power runner, Johnson brings an element Pittsburgh wants to complement Warren’s skill set, but history suggests caution: Najee Harris, in the same role, averaged just 3.9 yards per carry over four seasons. Johnson’s skill set is promising, but he hasn’t yet shown enough to challenge Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, or RJ Harvey for a top-tier rookie RB ranking in redraft leagues, likely trailing only Ashton Jeanty. For now, temper expectations until he proves otherwise.

7. Beyond Nico, Targets Are Up For Grabs In Houston

With Tank Dell sidelined for the 2025 season, many assumed Houston’s trade for Christian Kirk would lock him in as the No. 2 target behind superstar Nico Collins. However, Kirk’s lackluster 2024 season in Jacksonville -- where he struggled to maintain consistent production -- made him expendable, and his role in Houston is far from guaranteed. Enter John Metchie, who turned heads in Week 1 by hauling in five of eight targets for 45 yards. That’s a significant workload for a player who’s overcome major obstacles since leaving Alabama. Last year, despite Houston’s depth at wide receiver, multiple teams inquired about trading for Metchie, but the Texans held firm. While he remains a deep sleeper in fantasy, Metchie’s preseason performance suggests he could challenge Kirk for the WR2 role. Don’t assume Kirk will claim the No. 2 spot by default based on name recognition alone. Keep an eye on this target battle as the preseason unfolds.

8. Joe Burrow Is Ready To Roll

Joe Burrow’s potential for a massive 2025 season is no secret to fantasy managers, but his Week 1 preseason performance was a loud reminder. With Tee Higgins re-signed this offseason, Cincinnati’s offense is loaded, even if their defense is likely to surrender points in bunches again this year. Surprisingly, the Bengals gave Burrow, Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Chase Brown two series together against the Eagles on Thursday night. The result? Two touchdown drives, with Burrow completing 9-of-10 passes for 123 yards and throwing touchdowns on both possessions. While Philadelphia often rests starters in the preseason, diminishing the competition’s intensity, Burrow’s precision and command were undeniable. Cincinnati’s offense looks poised to be explosive, signaling the end of their slow starts in recent seasons. For fantasy drafts, prioritizing Burrow -- or his key weapons like Chase and Higgins -- is a must. He’s ready to light up scoreboards, making him a top-tier QB1 with elite upside.

9. Justin Fields Remains a High-Upside Fantasy Pick

Justin Fields’ 2024 season in Pittsburgh was overshadowed by Russell Wilson’s presence, but in 2025, he’s getting a fresh start with the Jets. While New York may not be playoff-bound, Fields’ dual-threat ability could spark a fantasy resurgence. In Week 1, he showcased his signature mobility, scampering for a 13-yard rushing touchdown that was pure Fields. For fantasy managers, that’s significant: a 13-yard QB rushing TD is worth as much as 146 passing yards (assuming standard scoring: 1 point per 20 passing yards). Fields’ ability to rack up points on the ground means his production can come in waves. At just 26 years old and three years removed from a 1,143-yard rushing season in 2022, his upside is undeniable. While his passing consistency remains a question, this preseason performance should pique your interest. In fantasy drafts, Fields is a high-upside QB2 with QB1 potential.

10. Bears’ Rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland Make Their Mark

Bears rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland saw action on Sunday, a positive sign after both battled injury concerns earlier this summer. Burden, a dynamic wide receiver, remains a compelling late-round flier in fantasy drafts. His two catches for 29 yards in Week 1 show he’s already integrating into Ben Johnson’s high-octane offense.

Meanwhile, tight end Colston Loveland, while not yet on par with Tyler Warren in terms of fantasy potential, has put health worries to rest. His participation signals that Caleb Williams will have his full arsenal available to start 2025. Burden’s big-play ability makes him a name to watch in deeper leagues, while Loveland could emerge as a streaming tight end option if he carves out a consistent role. Monitor their usage as the preseason progresses -- their involvement could shift Chicago’s offensive outlook and fantasy value.

Next: Preseason Week No.2. Until then…