Ryans laid out a blunt plan after Week 1, stressing that Texans penalties and a sluggish tempo derail their new-look offense. He pegged presnap infractions as the hard stops, insisting the team can control those mistakes with better technique and formation discipline as they prepare for Monday Night Football vs. Tampa Bay.

C.J. Stroud acknowledged the issues, pointing to practice tempo and late-paced checks at the line as culprits. With Nick Caley's scheme, Houston must speed up, run cleaner pre- and post-snap sequences, and leverage improved tempo to turn yardage into points against TB.

Week 1 rosters are set and Minnesota Golden Gophers alumni sprinkle across the NFL’s 53-man rosters. Rashod Bateman and Daniel Faalele anchor Baltimore’s opener, Aireontae Ersery starts at left tackle for Houston, Brevyn Spann-Ford lands as Dallas’ third tight end, and Ko Kieft backs TB’s duo at tight end. Blake Cashman boosts Minnesota’s LB depth, Bucky Irving headlines TB’s backfield, Boye Mafe brings edge presence for Seattle, Jordan Howden helps New Orleans, and Tyler Nubin looks to take the next step with Minnesota’s roster.

Across the league, these former Gophers aren’t just on the field—they’re in the mix for fantasy relevance in various roles from starter to complementary pieces. The depth thread runs through the day, underscoring Minnesota talent driving several teams beyond expectations in Week 1.

Derek Stingley Jr. lands at No. 18 on the NFL Top 100, a landmark for a cornerback who finally stayed healthy and delivered. In 2024 he posted 54 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions and 18 pass deflections, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

Patrick Surtain II praised his ball skills and technique, while DeMeco Ryans highlighted his awareness and hands. The Texans’ Top 100 cohort also includes Nico Collins, CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., and Joe Mixon, with Danielle Hunter representing Houston’s list. A healthy 2026 ascent is within reach.

Fantasy takeaway: Stingley anchors lockdown coverage with turnover upside, making him a high-floor CB2 with genuine weekly upside in D/ST scoring formats.

Blake Fisher suffered a sprained ankle in Houston’s preseason win over Carolina, casting a shadow over one of the Texans’ unsettled offensive-line spots. Fisher left after the first-half punt and did not return, leaving questions about his timeline ahead of the regular season. In the meantime, Aireontae Ersery stepped into a larger role, starting at left tackle as Cam Robinson recovers from a leg issue, while Tytus Howard was inactive. The scene on the edge featured Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, testaments to the test Houston’s blocking will face this fall. Fantasy takeaway: monitor Fisher’s recovery, and watch Ersery’s development as a potential bridge option if Fisher misses time, especially on run plays and play-action protections against stout edge pressures.