Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason delivered a brisk, wide‑range slate of depth‑chart tests and memorable flashes. Rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart looked the part in their debuts, providing early clues about their teams’ long‑term plans. Philadelphia’s Tanner McKee rose quickly in the eyes of observers, flashing starter‑level accuracy on two strong opening drives. Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb endured a brutal sideline hit that drew a penalty, a reminder that even stars must stay disciplined through exhibition action.

Arizona’s Emari Demercado sparked the Cardinals with a 43‑yard screen TD and clocked additional impact as a change‑of‑pace option; Bryce Young showed poise for Carolina, with Tetairoa McMillan emerging as a true No. 1 type target in that pairing. The night also highlighted the value of backfields, as several depth players and undrafted contributors boosted their stock, while quarterback evaluation remained the central theme for every club. Overall, Week 1 provided a data‑rich preview for fantasy managers and bettors eyeing the late‑summer roster battles.

Cardinals’ Kyler Murray had a rough moment with a misfire, a reminder that timing and touch can lag in August. Browns fans watched Shedeur Sanders carve up Carolina’s defense, a reminder of why the Browns traded down to secure a QB prospect with upside. In Philadelphia, McKee’s efficiency on two drives signaled a real option behind Hurts, while Cam Little’s 70‑yard field goal stole headlines for Jacksonville as a dazzling preseason capper. The opening week’s overreactions were inevitable, but the depth‑chart revelations will shape decisions for weeks to come.

Several teams leaned into run games and special teams as floor‑raising avenues, while others emphasized pass‑rush depth and secondary competition. Fantasy approaches should weigh early depth roles, potential early-season splits, and the ability of rookies to seize leading roles behind established veterans. Week 1 offered a clear signal: the 2025 season will hinge on how teams convert depth into consistent production when the lights come on in September.

Bottom line: Week 1 delivered conflict, clarity, and a treasure trove of nuggets for fantasy enthusiasts and bettors. The impression left by Sanders, Dart, McKee, Young, and Lamb—paired with backfield depth and special teams impact—creates a dynamic canvas for rostering, stacking, and streaming in the weeks ahead.