Geno Smith lands in Las Vegas as Plan A, a culture fit that could unlock the Raiders' ceiling this season. The two-year, $75 million deal signals stability, and Week 1's controlled, clutch drive hints at a quarterback who can push the offense in a volatile AFC West. The move also reframes his career arc, highlighting resilience and a leadership edge that could translate to fantasy value.

Smith's journey—from Jets backups to Seahawks starter to Raiders catalyst—frames a grit-driven narrative that fantasy managers should monitor: volume looks, fourth‑quarter magic, and a coaching dynamic that stresses trust and late-game execution. If the offense takes flight, Smith could become a high-ceiling, steady QB2 with weekly streaming upside.

Rosters shrink to 53, opening a veteran-led free-agent wave. Diontae Johnson, Kendrick Bourne, Desmond Ridder, Isaiah Simmons and Cam Akers headline the class, each with clear NFL-fit paths. Johnson’s burst and route-running keep him in play for a reunion with the Steelers or a swing to Jets/Commanders; Bourne’s steady target share makes Jets/Bills/Browns plausible; Ridder could land as a practice-squad QB with Chargers/Cardinals/Titans; Simmons’ versatility draws Raiders/Buccaneers/Rams; Akers as a healthy depth option could land with Bengals/Colts/Dolphins.

Fantasy managers should monitor landing spots that maximize target volume, red-zone opportunities and early-down workload. Each player carries upside in the right system, but risk remains until a clear role emerges.

Desmond Ridder was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals as they finalized their 53-man roster, opening the door for Jake Browning to back up Joe Burrow in 2025. Ridder’s late-August showing — 8-for-20 for 75 yards with a pick — underscored a brewing QB decision in Cincinnati. Browning is slated to back Burrow, while Ridder lands in the release pool, reshaping fantasy expectations for Bengals pass-catchers and the Cleveland opener looming on Sept. 7.

Cincinnati’s final 53 will yield a 16-man practice squad focused on WR and OL depth, plus LB, CB, and a QB development lane. Pryor, Njongmeta, Kirkland, McLaughlin, Coker, Johnson III, Williams, Lux, Mayes, Moore, Milton, Ridder, and Thomas headline the group, blending speed, versatility, and special-teams value. Waiver moves will keep shuffling as injuries and matchups dictate.

The squad signals Cincinnati’s plan: gadget and depth plays on offense, heavy emphasis on special-teams roles, and a pathway for Ridder’s development behind Burrow while Milton and Kirkland grow behind the line. Expect further adjustments via the waiver wire through Week 1.

NFL teams trimmed their rosters from 90 to 53 by 4 p.m. ET, resulting in roughly 1,182 players waived or released league-wide. The 70-man pool remains via practice squads (16 by rule, 17 if a club has an International Pathway player). For players with under four accrued seasons, claims must be filed by noon Wednesday, about 20 hours later. Four accrued seasons makes a player an unrestricted free agent. This churn reshapes depth charts and fantasy upside as Week 1 nears.

Fantasy managers should watch how teams leverage the practice squad window and waiver claims to fill immediate needs and create late-round sleepers. Depth moves near the 53-man cut line can redefine handcuffs and speculative stashes, especially on clubs with unsettled backfields and uncertain receiver rotations.