Shedeur Sanders landed with Cleveland in the fifth round, a path that underscored the Browns’ plan to develop him behind a veteran-heavy QB room. In August, Sanders' preseason arc mixed a strong outing, an oblique injury, and another game where pressure overwhelmed him, illustrating why NFL teams were wary of his immediate readiness. Joe Flacco’s mentorship and Dillon Gabriel’s kept-back presence shape a long-term path that could yield a future starter, though this season remains a wait-and-see period for fantasy rosters.

The Browns’ two-QB dynamic plus an unsettled offensive line means Sanders won’t be a Week 1 fantasy factor, but the profile—accurate passer, leadership, and growth trajectory—keeps him on dynasty rosters as a possible breakout candidate if the developmental plan pays off. The preseason narrative reinforces the reality of NFL speed and the grind Sanders must endure to ascend from sideline to starter.

In fantasy terms, Sanders is a speculative hold in deeper leagues with a long-term horizon. For now, monitor the QB room shifts, offensive line health, and coaching signals. If Sanders shows tangible improvement behind Flacco and Gabriel, he could become a late-round target in dynasty leagues once the Browns commit to a longer-term plan.

Buffalo’s 2025 plan centers on a dominant edge duo and a deeper, more versatile pass rush. Greg Rousseau remains the centerpiece, but the addition of Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht injects veteran pressure and versatility up front, with Landon Jackson providing a fresh, speed-rush presence. The goal: unlock Rousseau’s potential to reach double-digit sacks amid a crowded, upgraded DE room.

On offense, Khalil Shakir, Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer join Dawson Knox as key playmakers, creating a varied, matchup-driven attack. Tyler Bass anchors the kicking game, while Ed Oliver anchors the interior. Taken together, the Bills project a tougher defense and a more dynamic offense as they chase a Lombardi, using a revamped front seven and a sharper skill-position group to stress AFC defenses.

Fantasy angle: Rousseau’s ceiling climbs if the surrounding talent frees him for more one-on-ones, while Knox, Moore and Palmer offer appealing stacking and usage without overreaching the roster. The combination of a fortified line and a stronger WR corps could lift multiple Bills players into start-worthy fantasy upside in 2025.

Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze continually connected during the Bears’ joint practice with the Bills, with Zaccheaus delivering another big-play moment on a 55-yard crossing route while Williams kept trusting his receivers. Brisker locked down in coverage, topping two pass breakups and nearly snagging another, underscoring Chicago’s safety play. Edmunds and Hyppolite supplied steady edge and middle-field pressure, with Edmunds forcing a red-zone pick and Hyppolite grabbing one off Mike White. The Bears also featured rookies Loveland, Burden III, and Trapilo, and depth pieces Kramer, Robinson, and Owens pushing for roster spots as Johnson reshapes the roster.