Xavier Weaver highlighted Week 2 for the Cardinals with 1 catch for 17 yards and a 31-yard kick return, signaling a growing role as a gamble-worthy fantasy dart behind Kyler Murray. He flashed reliability in the short game and continued to show value on special teams, lifting his 53-man roster odds.

Shilo Sanders added two tackles but his Week 2 performance didn’t match the flash of Week 1, while LaJohntay Wester struggled after a strong debut, finishing with 0 catches on four targets and a fumble-related moment on punt return. Jimmy Horn Jr. posted a lone catch for 1 yard and a 6-yard rush, with Will Sheppard not recording a stat as the Packers rotated receivers. Injury dampened the Buffs alumni presence this week, as Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter sat out with injuries, keeping the spotlight focused on a small group of Buffs alums who are still pushing to carve real pro roles.

Week 1 of the NFL preseason produced an impressive spark for Colorado Buffaloes alums, led by Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland. Sanders connected for two touchdowns on 14 of 23 attempts, signaling a poised early NFL transition with accuracy, pocket feel, and arm strength that fantasy managers watch closely. LaJohntay Wester electrified Baltimore with an 82-yard punt return touchdown and a 41-yard receiving night, underscoring his ceiling as a playmaker for a wide-receiver-needy Ravens squad. Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. also saw meaningful time, flashing versatility and potential in new uniforms. Xavier Weaver added a red-zone highlight for Arizona, while Will Sheppard popped as a primary target in Green Bay’s opener with two catches. Shilo Sanders and BJ Green II contributed on defense and pass rush for their Jacksonville cohorts, rounding out a banner debut weekend for Buffs who could shape dynasty and best-ball rosters as the season unfolds.

Beyond the headline performances, Week 1 offered a broader view: Buffs in new schemes and crowded depth charts showed flashes that could translate to expanded roles as rosters trim and offenses settle in. The Browns leaned into Sanders’ accuracy and timing, the Ravens leaned on Wester’s speed in space, and the Jaguars leaned into Hunter’s two-way possibilities, even as the media pounced on the smaller sample sizes. Panthers and Cardinals investments in Horn Jr. and Weaver hinted at explosive potential in 2025, while the Packers and Titans mirrored the depth-building trend across the league. For fantasy managers, it’s about spotting the right week-to-week opportunities as these players integrate into NFL offenses.

Cleveland and Carolina staged a rain-free joint practice ahead of Friday’s preseason clash, with Shedeur Sanders slated to start and play most of the game as Cleveland adds Tyler Huntley as a sixth quarterback. The day blended hype and hurdles: Sanders connected on a notable throw to Jerry Jeudy in practice, but Jeudy will not play Friday, limiting the rookie’s topTargets. The session underscored a measured approach to the QB competition rather than a full-bore “get Sanders ready” sprint, per Stefanski.

For fantasy angles, Sanders’ ability to move the offense with discipline and decisiveness will matter most. If he minimizes pre-snap penalties and hits high-leverage throws, his Week 1 ceiling could rise quickly in dynasty and keeper formats. Carolina’s defense offered a stern test, while injuries to Las Vegas targets and a conservative gameplan kept the day practical rather than explosive, setting the stage for a telling Friday night showcase.

Donovan Ezeiruaku's rapid development is crucial for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly amid Micah Parsons' unresolved contract situation. Meanwhile, Pat Bryant has been making waves during training camp, challenging for the WR2 position with the Denver Broncos. His notable performances against top-tier defenders, including reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, have caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.

As NFL teams gear up to face competition in the preseason, numerous rookies are set to showcase their skills. Among the players to keep an eye on in Week 1 are Justin Walley from the Indianapolis Colts, who is pushing for a starting cornerback spot, and Dylan Fairchild of the Cincinnati Bengals, who aims to improve a struggling offensive line. The Las Vegas Raiders' Dont'e Thornton Jr. is also anticipated to make a significant impact as a wide receiver, given his impressive size and speed. In the defensive spotlight, Atlanta Falcons' James Pearce Jr. hopes to revitalize the team's pass rush after a lackluster previous season. Lastly, Carolina Panthers' Jimmy Horn Jr. is gaining traction as a potential key offensive player.