Titans fall to Denver 20-12 after a first-week emergency coaching surge that all-but-obliterated any chance of a comeback. Callahan’s clock and play-calling are blamed as the game’s hinge, while Cam Ward showed poise under heavy pressure and a few clean quick-strikes. Jeffrey Simmons dominated up front, Roger McCreary nabbed an INT, and the Titans flashed roster improvement—but the coaching questions loom large for fantasy value moving ahead.

Calvin Ridley drew the only Bengals-like attention from Titans fans (wrong team in the recap here: Ridley is with Jacksonville), as Denver’s Sutton battled coverage and Ward’s receivers dropped key passes. The fringe receiving corps and a leaky left tackle prevented a higher-scoring night, leaving fantasy managers eyeing Ward’s floor, Simmons’ ceiling, and a potential coaching pivot as the season unfolds.

IR stashes and late-week pivots drive week one prep. Tajay Spears and Marshawn Lloyd loom as priority adds for backfields with uncertain early workloads. Jalen McMillan and Jaden Shirden offer rookie upside for those hunting cheap Week 1 upside, especially in deeper leagues. Chris Godwin’s status and Cade Otton’s role add nuance to TB’s pass game, while Roschon Johnson sits on deck for Chicago as the season opens.

In Jacksonville, Etienne and Bigsby shape a nuanced backfield dynamic, with coachspeak signaling continued usage. Brandon Ayuk and Brandon Johnson offer potential Week 1 relevance in shallow formats, and the wider WR corps in Green Bay and TB holds intriguing late-week potential as rosters settle.

Chicago enters Week 1 with a clear fantasy throughline: De'Andre Swift drives the offense, backed by Roschon Johnson, creating a backfield that can stay fresh and versatile. Brisker anchors a defense testing depth with injuries to Gordon and Johnson, while Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson compete to lock down the corners. The Bears showcased depth in the preseason, signaling a balanced approach and a sprint to Week 1 against Minnesota.