Nik Bonitto’s extension saga with the Denver Broncos remains ongoing as he nears the end of his rookie deal. Denver has publicly prioritized re-signing him, but the sides are weighing timing, injury security, and market dynamics in a league-wide edge rush crescendo sparked by record deals for Watt and others. Bonitto himself believes the market favors him, aided by solid communication with his representation and the Broncos, who see him as the next extension target after Allen and Sutton. The timeline is deliberately patient, with competing pressures from Week 1 leverage and the season’s start just ahead. A bone spur briefly sidelined Bonitto, but he returned to full activity and demonstrated disruptive burst, adding to the case that he could command a strong contract if he continues ascending into 2025. The broader backdrop is a market where younger pass-rushers with recent success can push the price higher, potentially impacting Denver’s decisions on Sutton, Payton, and the rest of the defense’s long-term plans.

Saints quarterback competition remains unsettled with Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough and Jake Haener sharing reps in the preseason. Rattler and Shough have alternated as the projected starter and posted nearly identical stat lines, while Haener trails in attempts and game action. New Orleans coach Kellen Moore refused to name a Week 1 starter ahead of preseason game No. 2, signaling a true closer race as the team prepares for a Week 1 date against Arizona.

Haener is listed as a first-teamer on the depth chart but has attempted just eight passes this preseason and did not play in the Jaguars tie. Rattler (25-of-33, 252 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and Shough (24-of-34, 232 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) have swapped starts in each exhibition, leaving fantasy managers craving clarity. The finale against Denver looms large; whichever quarterback wins the job could unlock Saints weapons and shape Week 1 fantasy projections.

Saints quarterback competition remains unresolved as the team readies for Saturday’s showcase against Denver. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough have split first‑team reps through two preseason games, while coach Kellen Moore refused to reveal a starter, saying the decision is too close to call. The dynamic keeps fantasy managers on their toes, as practice reps could tilt the outcome week to week. A Denver result this weekend may provide a clearer signal on Week 1 expectations for the Saints’ passing attack.

Meanwhile, Tyler Warren’s hype train continues in Indianapolis. The Colts describe him as a tough, sure‑handed playmaker with standout open‑field ability and after‑the‑catch juice, reinforcing his status as a low‑end TE1 with upside if he earns frequent targets. For fantasy rosters, Warren’s trajectory suggests late‑round TE opportunities in deeper formats, especially if his role expands in open space.

Denver’s looming preseason clash adds a helpful stress test for the Saints’ QB decision, with the Broncos' upcoming game acting as a barometer for timing and decision‑making in the Saints’ aerial attack. Until a clear starter emerges, fantasy players should tolerate the ambiguity in New Orleans and watch how practice reps translate into in‑game usage and weekly projections.

Illinois opens No. 12 in the country, the highest preseason ranking in more than three decades, and the fan base is hungry for a playoff run. Pat Embleton’s banner line—our head coach doesn’t care about hype—frames a program aiming to fuse history with a relentless push to the future. Bret Bielema has built a bruising, physical identity that returns core pieces on both sides of the ball, and Luke Altmyer at quarterback has the confidence and work ethic to drive a high-variance offense that can win games in the margins.

The Illini’s 2024 rebound to 10-3, Citrus Bowl win, and a No. 16 finish set a baseline. They bring back 78% of their offensive production and 72% of the defense, top-15 nationwide in both metrics, and the schedule is manageable enough to swing toward a playoff trajectory if Illinois can split with a couple of ranked foes, notably Ohio State or Indiana. Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry warns that potential is a double-edged sword, but the vibe is clear: Illinois believes it can be championship-caliber with continued work and a fearlessness that finally matches the talent on the roster.

Von Miller backs Peyton Manning as the quarterback G.O.A.T., arguing Manning changed the position with his arm-focused, pre-snap control and his knack for altering plays at the line. The debate with Tom Brady remains fierce, with Brady’s seven rings underscoring longevity, yet Manning’s five MVP seasons and historic single-season yardage and TD marks fuel Miller’s case. The piece also highlights Manning’s humility and his relationships across the facility, framing leadership and study as a bigger differentiator than pure physical tools for fantasy prep.

Brady’s dominance and longevity are acknowledged, but the article leans into Manning’s influence on pre-snap design and offensive evolution, likening the Manning-Brady rivalry to Nicklaus-Palmer—two legends who redefined their sport. For fantasy managers, the key takeaway centers on quarterback processing, audibles, and leadership as much as arm talent, with Miller’s praise spotlighting how a quarterback’s approach can unlock fantasy production beyond raw stats.