Denver’s Week 1 preseason win over San Francisco sparked mixed feelings from Sean Payton, who watched 30 unanswered Broncos points but still called for sharper operate on both sides of the ball. Nik Bonitto showed he’s ready to wreck games, Jarrett Stidham looked confident under center, and RJ Harvey flashed the speed the backfield craved. The first-team rust-off exercise sets the stage for another late-summer showcase as Denver hosts Arizona in Week 2, with a full roster look at the position battles and depth pieces that fantasy managers will be watching closely.

Week 2 against the Cardinals is set for Aug. 16 at Empower Field (9:30 p.m. ET), with KUSA and NFL Network carrying the broadcast. Pat Bryant flashed as a rookie receiver, drawing 34 snaps—top among Broncos pass-catchers—on the night he’s trying to carve out a role behind Sutton and the new additions (Mims, Vele, Franklin). Harvey’s burst was on display again, hinting at a potential hot-hand split with the backfield. Bo Nix’s leadership in the offense adds a rookie-quarterback dynamic to monitor as the QB competition tightens into the regular season.

In the trenches, Bonitto’s early impact signals Denver’s ceiling for pressure, while the duo of Bryant and Harvey represents intriguing upside as the team builds chemistry around a bolstered passing game and a fast, versatile ground attack. The Cardinals visit will be another data point for fantasy managers eyeing Denver’s Week 1 starters and breakout prospects who could swing shallow leagues or late-round targets this season.

Denver’s 30-9 preseason win over San Francisco showcased a strong rookie imprint and a high-upside veteran revival. The 2025 draft class, led by RJ Harvey, flashed depth and versatility as Barron, Bryant, Jones, Robinson, Crawshaw and Lohner contributed in meaningful ways. Courtney Jackson jump-started special-teams and added two receptions, while Stidham seized the moment after relieving Bo Nix, delivering efficient accuracy and a rushing threat. Denver’s defense forced five turnovers, underscoring their ball-hawking potential even before the regular season.

Harvey’s modest carries still suggested a future committee role behind a revamped backfield, while Barron and Barron-adjacent rookies appear poised to compete for early snaps. Stidham’s 14-of-15, 136 yards and two TDs signaled a viable fallback option, with 36 rushing yards adding fantasy intrigue in mobile QB formats. Courtney Jackson’s multifaceted impact, including punt returns and a couple of catches, indicates a fresh weapon for depth charts. The defensive takeaway—five turnovers including three INTs and a fumble—gives IDP managers a glimmer of upside as the Broncos aim to convert takeaways into fantasy points this season.

The Denver Broncos' wide receiver lineup is shaping up nicely with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims as the expected starters, while Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin are positioned as backing players. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi praised Sutton's improved performance from last season, highlighting his strong training camp. Mims, noted for his promising finish last year, is also expected to continue growing. Vele has recently shown improvement, and rookie Pat Bryant will need to prove himself to secure a spot. The competition for the six-player WR roster spot will be fierce, with veteran Trent Sherfield and Michael Bandy also in the mix for consideration.

Rookie skill-position players are emerging as valuable assets in upcoming fantasy drafts, particularly those with higher average draft positions (ADPs) like Luther Burden III and Tyler Warren. With the Kansas City Chiefs' past success in promoting rookies, players like Brashard Smith may also find themselves in significant roles soon.

Burden, now with the Chicago Bears, showcased elite potential during his sophomore year at Missouri, and despite a dip in production in his junior season, he remains a hot prospect with a chance to shine alongside new head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Meanwhile, Warren's unique skill set could see him utilized in innovative ways within the Colts' game plan, leveraging his versatility from his time as a high school quarterback. DJ Giddens, another rookie in Indianapolis, shows promise as a handcuff to Jonathan Taylor and could be a solid late-round option.

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.