Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason delivered a brisk, wide‑range slate of depth‑chart tests and memorable flashes. Rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart looked the part in their debuts, providing early clues about their teams’ long‑term plans. Philadelphia’s Tanner McKee rose quickly in the eyes of observers, flashing starter‑level accuracy on two strong opening drives. Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb endured a brutal sideline hit that drew a penalty, a reminder that even stars must stay disciplined through exhibition action.

Arizona’s Emari Demercado sparked the Cardinals with a 43‑yard screen TD and clocked additional impact as a change‑of‑pace option; Bryce Young showed poise for Carolina, with Tetairoa McMillan emerging as a true No. 1 type target in that pairing. The night also highlighted the value of backfields, as several depth players and undrafted contributors boosted their stock, while quarterback evaluation remained the central theme for every club. Overall, Week 1 provided a data‑rich preview for fantasy managers and bettors eyeing the late‑summer roster battles.

Cardinals’ Kyler Murray had a rough moment with a misfire, a reminder that timing and touch can lag in August. Browns fans watched Shedeur Sanders carve up Carolina’s defense, a reminder of why the Browns traded down to secure a QB prospect with upside. In Philadelphia, McKee’s efficiency on two drives signaled a real option behind Hurts, while Cam Little’s 70‑yard field goal stole headlines for Jacksonville as a dazzling preseason capper. The opening week’s overreactions were inevitable, but the depth‑chart revelations will shape decisions for weeks to come.

Several teams leaned into run games and special teams as floor‑raising avenues, while others emphasized pass‑rush depth and secondary competition. Fantasy approaches should weigh early depth roles, potential early-season splits, and the ability of rookies to seize leading roles behind established veterans. Week 1 offered a clear signal: the 2025 season will hinge on how teams convert depth into consistent production when the lights come on in September.

Bottom line: Week 1 delivered conflict, clarity, and a treasure trove of nuggets for fantasy enthusiasts and bettors. The impression left by Sanders, Dart, McKee, Young, and Lamb—paired with backfield depth and special teams impact—creates a dynamic canvas for rostering, stacking, and streaming in the weeks ahead.

Arizona’s roster evaluation hit a high note in a 20-17 win over Kansas City as several youngsters boosted their stock for the regular season. Emari Demercado flashed on a 43-yard TD reception, signaling depth behind James Conner and Trey Benson on early downs and on special teams. Jordan Burch created pressure and showcased disruption even when two sacks were negated by penalties, hinting at a valuable outside linebacker rotation. Seventh-round rookie Kitain Crawford flashed on defense with an end-zone interception, adding value beyond special teams, while Darren Hall flashed in coverage with a pick and slot versatility, strengthening his roster case.

Coaches will continue to evaluate how these performances translate to in-season roles, especially at edge, secondary and return units. The Cardinals left Saturday with clearer reasons to keep Demercado as insurance on third down, Burch as a 도-possibility in the pass rush, Crawford as a tackler-with-ball skills, and Hall as a depth option in the slot. The Rise Up, See Red podcast coverage will further dissect who ultimately earns the final spots and how the depth chart could influence Week 1 fantasy lineups.

Patrick Mahomes opened KC’s preseason appearance with a 1-play, 1-yard TD drive after a Cardinals fumble, finishing 1-for-1 for 1 yard and a score. Gardner Minshew added a 2-yard rushing TD later, and Harrison Butker split the afternoon with a 58-yard FG. Arizona’s offense moved more consistently, with Kyler Murray completing 7 of 8 for 96 yards and an interception across two drives. Brissett threw for 81 yards and two scorers, including a 1-yard TD to Xavier Weaver as the Cardinals grabbed a halftime lead that turned into a 20-17 win. Arizona outgained KC 355-249, while front-line changes and depth-chart shuffles highlighted both teams’ preseason focus. Injuries to KC’s Jaylen Watson and other notable rotations added to the evaluative intrigue. Fantasy takeaway centers on Cardinals depth and potential late-round adds, with Chiefs’ focus on rest and depth pieces offering DFS angles in late-slate games.

Arizona Cardinal starters produced a potent glimpse of their potential, posting elite first-team rhythm with 7.1 yards per play as Jacoby Brissett steered two scoring drives. Yet Kyler Murray’s troubling ball protection re-emerged with an early interception that underscored the need for safer escapes and better decision-making as the season nears. The Cardinals showcased depth along the line and at wideout, highlighted by strong performances from Emari Demercado and Xavier Weaver, who flashed in the roster battle. Special teams hiccups—fumbles, muffed returns, and a rough start on the opening kickoff—remain a concern even in a win. On defense, Dante Stills and the retooled front offered promising depth, while youngsters like Will Johnson, Max Melton, Xavier Weaver, and Elijah Jones pressed for snaps, tempering the offseason hype with real-world results. The Chiefs came up short offensively, allowing Arizona to squeeze out a 20-17 win before the teams meet again next week. The Cardinals head to Denver riding both optimism and reminders of the discipline still required to turn preseason momentum into regular-season reliability.

Emari Demercado is gearing up for his third season with the Arizona Cardinals, having joined the squad as an undrafted free agent out of TCU. As the training camp approaches, starting July 22, Demercado has the opportunity to solidify his role on the team. The running back has shown promise during the offseason, and questions remain about how he will fit into the Cardinals' offensive strategy moving forward in 2024.

With the competition heating up in the backfield, it will be crucial for Demercado to capitalize on any opportunities presented during training camp. His performance in this camp will likely dictate not only his position on the depth chart but also his potential impact in the upcoming season.