Colts lean on Jonathan Taylor in a run-heavy clash with Tennessee, with Tyler Warren looming as a sleeper in the Colts’ short-week plan. Ridley faces a stout Rams corner and pass rush, but remains a buy-low long-term bet as Lawrence’s offense looks to gel. Nico Collins was limited by the Rams last week, CJ Stroud lives with pressure from LA, and Mooney, London, and Pitts offer flexible upside as the slate unfolds.

Sunday Night headlines: Ridley’s matchup, Lawrence’s ceiling, and the Rams’ disruptive front shape a week of crucial lineup calls for fantasy managers targeting upside without overpaying for risk.

Denver hosts Tennessee in Week 1 as Cam Ward makes his NFL debut in Mile High against a Broncos defense that figures to be one of the league’s stingiest. Bo Nix leads a Denver offense hoping to start fast, while questions linger about how quickly Ward can handle the altitude, the pressure, and the playmakers around him.

The Titans’ path hinges on Ward managing the hostile environment and limiting turnovers, while Denver’s interior push and turnover-creating defense will test Tennessee’s rookie quarterback. Turnovers, field-position margins, and special-teams plays will largely decide this opener, with fantasy angles centered on Ward’s early command and Ridley’s movement and Sertan II’s shadowing.

Fantasy takeaway: Ward’s ceiling rises if he survives early pressures and keeps drives moving, Ridley’s versatility could yield value if he creates separation, Sertan II’s matchup will influence Titans’ pass-game output, and Levis’ recent meme-fueled optimism adds a quiet overlay to any Titans success.

The discussion centers on the top three defenders for the 2025 season, with Pat Surtain II, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett dominating the rankings. Surtain stands out as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, with a consensus behind his ability to shadow the league's top receivers. His impressive performance metrics, especially in limiting yards after the catch, contribute to his top ranking. Parsons and Garrett also showcase exceptional skillsets, with Parsons noted for his versatility and Garrett for his consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The panelists unanimously agree on the greatness of these players, expressing their excitement for the future of defensive talent in the NFL.

Pat Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' cornerback and Defensive Player of the Year, expressed his surreal feeling upon receiving this prestigious award. He emphasized that achieving this honor was a result of his dedication to becoming the best version of himself, focusing on consistency and tackling. Surtain highlighted the importance of the team's collective effort, crediting head coach Vance Joseph's scheme for allowing defenders to excel in their roles.

He also spoke fondly about his roots in New Orleans, where he celebrated the award surrounded by family. Surtain shared moments of camaraderie and competition with quarterback Russell Wilson, believing that Wilson's confidence and leadership as a rookie brought a new dynamism to the team. He concluded by noting the excitement surrounding the team as they look forward to future successes.

As the NFL awards season approaches, discussions are heating up around the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. Derrick Henry, despite a strong season with 1,000 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, finds himself at number five on the list for the Offensive Player of the Year. Joe Burrow, with impressive stats, ranks fourth, but faces stiff competition from quarterbacks ahead of him. Lamar Jackson's historic season puts him in the third position, showcasing one of the best passing seasons in NFL history.

Saquon Barkley is a strong contender for the award, sitting at number two, but his chances may hinge on breaking the rushing title record. Leading the charge is Ja'Marr Chase, who made history as a Triple Crown winner. On the defensive side, the race is equally tight, with players like T.J. Watt, who struggled with stats this year, and Myles Garrett making strong cases despite setbacks.

Zach Bond's remarkable performance earns him third place, while Trey Hendrickson leads in sacks but faces a challenging team defense context. Lastly, Pat Surtain II is poised to take home the Defensive Player of the Year award after shutting down top receivers.