New Orleans remains undecided at quarterback between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough as the Saints close camp with one exhibition left. Moore says the edge is extremely close, weighing numbers, reps and experience. In two preseason games, Rattler completed 25 of 35 for 251 yards with one TD and one INT; Shough went 24 of 34 for 231 yards with one TD and one INT. Both were better as backups against deeper depth charts, and Moore declined to name a starter for Saturday’s finale against Denver. Elsewhere, Daniel Jones is the Colts’ Week 1 starter option and Joe Flacco is Browns’ QB1 after Derek Carr’s retirement, highlighting a shifting QB landscape with early fantasy implications as Saints’ decision looms and the offense pivots around the chosen signal-caller.

De'Von Achane is headed toward a 2025 return with a plan to be ultra-cautious in the early going due to his calf history. He was the engine of Miami's offense last year, but fantasy managers must weigh the risk of lingering lower-body issues against the high ceiling he showed as a dual-threat back in both rushing and receiving. The Dolphins are expected to be proactive with his workload, especially in the preseason, and are likely to lean on check-downs and short-area targets to protect him. Week 1 is a question mark, with the Colts looming as a tough opener, but Miami has signaled a careful, gradual ramp to help him stay on the field. In the meantime, stash options like Ollie Gordon II or a clearer backup plan for depth while monitoring Achane's progress. The 2025 outlook remains strong for Achane in PPR formats, provided he can stay healthy amid potential line changes and the evolving Miami offense, which continues to rely on his pass-catching prowess to offset any run-game volatility.

Washington Commanders are moving on from Brian Robinson Jr., a rare true starter in today’s backfields, with a plan to roll in four RBs—Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez—potentially even eating salary to secure a draft-day asset. Fantasy managers should anticipate a crowded workload and shift expectations away from Robinson toward the quartet, especially if Ekeler anchors the ground game and return duties.

Meanwhile, Tyler Warren is highlighted in Colts coverage as a polished, sure-handed rookie tight end with strong yards-after-the-catch potential who could push TE1 status in mid-round drafts. Ladd McConkey has drawn high praise from Jim Harbaugh, hinting at a bigger role in 2025. In Washington, Terry McLaurin remains a focal point of the passing game, with trade chatter and lineup moves continuing to shape the Commanders’ fantasy map.

Colts shock fantasy managers by naming Daniel Jones Week 1 starter over Anthony Richardson, a veteran with Giants and Vikings pedigree stepping in as Indy kicks off the season. Jones brings steadiness and decision-making that could stabilize Indianapolis right away, while Richardson waits in the wings after a camp that highlighted big-arm potential and dual-threat ability.

For fantasy folks, the Week 1 split offers a clear Jones floor and Richardson upside once he seizes an opportunity. Indy has struggled to unlock Richardsons ceiling, but the long arc remains rich with upside if the Colts unlock the offense and allow him to contribute later in the season. The story sets up a pivotal development arc to monitor for dynasty and keeper leagues.

Six late-round lottery tickets headline Thunder Dan Paylo's 2025 fantasy football sleepers, with clear paths to breakout if things break right in the offense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Woody Marks, Dont'e Thornton Jr., Elijah Arroyo, Adonai Mitchell, and Isaac TeSlaa are highlighted as high-upside targets you can realistically snag in the final rounds for upside rather than roster fill.

Strategy centers on exploiting depth-chart openings: Croskey-Merritt could gain touches if Washington moves on from Brian Robinson Jr.; Marks steps in as a potential early-down/backup weapon for Houston; Thornton Jr. profiles as a big-field WR who could emerge as Raiders’ WR2; Arroyo offers big-play upside at tight end with Noah Fant gone; Mitchell and TeSlaa carry upside as late-round bets in Indy and Detroit, respectively, if their quarterbacks improve or injuries create opportunities.

The piece stresses the draft’s middle rounds as the frontier, where knowing top handcuffs and rookie depth charts matters. Autodraft aside, these sleepers form a cohesive late-round group that could anchor fantasy rosters in weeks to come, especially in best-ball and superflex formats, where volatility can translate to weekly rewards.