The AFC South is shaping up as a high-variance battleground, with Houston betting big on a quick rebuild around CJ Stroud, a bolstered pass protection plan, and a menacing defense led by Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. Indianapolis pivots around a still-unclear quarterback path between Anthony Richardson and veterans, but talent around him could unlock explosive plays. Jacksonville leans into a revamped attack with Calvin Ridley, Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, and Brenton Strange, forming a dynamic, multi-speed unit that can torch defenses through air and space. Tennessee hosts a Cam Ward-led offense that should push tempo and align with Ridley and a deeper receiving corps, while the defense, anchored by Simmons and Sweat, aims to stay stout. Over/under lines reflect a feisty, unpredictable division, with Texans at 9.5 wins, Colts at 7.5, Jaguars at 7.5, and Titans near 5.5, underscoring the volatility and fantasy upside in every matchup.

Two NFL teams that fantasy managers are watching hardest after Week 1 of the preseason are Jacksonville and New York. Jacksonville’s offense looked lively, with Etienne and a nimble group of receivers showing flexible alignment on the field. Trevor Lawrence flashed the baseline efficiency you want from your early-round pick, while the passing game leaned on two versatile weapons capable of lining up inside and out, signaling a potentially bigger target share for the backfield and for the young wideouts as the season nears.

On the Jets side, Justin Fields’ mobility plus Sauce Gardner’s lockdown presence raised questions about the overall ceiling for an improved unit. Donovan Edwards and Deami Brown offered intriguing depth, with Breece Hall expected to be the engine in the backfield again, and Parker Washington among a handful of young pass-game pieces pushing for consistent snaps. A Vegas kickoff weekend featuring the Yahoo crew adds a practical fantasy roadmap: monitor usage patterns, note who takes first-team reps, and adjust drafts accordingly as we head toward Week 1.

Beyond the Jets and Jaguars, the preview touched Giants’ defensive front (with Abdul Carter emerging) and the potential for a tougher front to face late in the season, while the NFC South remains a macro-focus for fantasy balance across the Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints, and Panthers. The conversational tempo and notes about handwritten play diagrams versus digital tools underscored the nerdy precision fantasy players crave when projecting lineup and trade decisions.

Travis Hunter has rapidly established himself as a top 10 wide receiver, showcasing remarkable talent and versatility on the field. His performance during scrimmages has left defenses frustrated, with reports indicating his unguardable nature. Trevor Lawrence is expected to leverage Hunter's skills effectively, as evidenced by his impressive yardage and play-making ability. Hunter’s potential to excel on both sides of the ball has sparked a passionate following, despite the skepticism from some fans based on his ability to maintain health and performance.

Travis Hunter has generated considerable buzz leading into the NFL season, as he is expected to play predominantly at wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Analysts are bullish on his potential, ranking him around WR30. Hunter's versatility could see him lead the team in targets in several games. Meanwhile, Brian Thomas Jr. remains a top fantasy option, though concerns about Hunter's impact linger.

At the Denver Broncos, rookie R.J. Harvey has been impressing coaches, which adds intrigue to a backfield that could see him and J.K. Dobbins sharing the workload. Dobbins's ability in pass protection may limit Harvey’s snaps, making both players intriguing options at their respective ADPs. In Minnesota, there’s speculation of a split workload between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, with Mason being the preferred value pick.

Injury updates include Isaiah Likely's fractured foot, which boosts Mark Andrews' value, while concerns about the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver corps loom after injuries to Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown. Lastly, discussions around the draft positioning of Christian McCaffrey and Nico Collins reflect their potential to be high-impact players this season.