Kansas City hosts Los Angeles in Week 1 with Xavier Worthy (+185) and Tee Higgins (+135) as the most intriguing receiver TD bets of the board. Worthy peaked late in 2024 and is stepping into a bigger role as Rashee Rice’s suspension looms and Marquise Brown recovers from injury, making his +185 line a high-reward target for savvy bettors. Higgins pops at +135 in a Week 1 showdown with Cleveland, a fixture matchup where last season he showed elite production against the Browns’ defense and the Browns’ man-heavy scheme remains a vulnerability for single coverage.

Donte Jackson is highlighted as a matchup to exploit for Worthy, with Jacksonville-level coverage grades looming around him last season, while Higgins carries a history of strong numbers against Cleveland’s coverage. The new PFF Player Props Tool adds matchup data, historical hit rates, and practical notes to guide bets and fantasy decisions. A limited-time earlybird offer ($20 off PFF+ annually) backs the rollout as Week 1 angles up.

Pittsburgh’s No. 26 jersey has a new face in Brandin Echols, who signed a two-year deal in March and is making a strong case during camp and the Jaguars preseason, potentially locking in a prominent role for 2025. The countdown to Jets at MetLife frames Echols’ ascent as part of a longer No. 26 lineage in Pittsburgh.

No. 26 history on the Steelers includes Donte Jackson (2024), Anthony McFarland Jr. (2020-2023), Mark Barron (2019), and Le’Veon Bell (2013-2017). Rod Woodson stands out as the franchise’s best to wear 26, with a Hall of Fame résumé that mirrors the jersey’s legacy: ballhawk playmaking, multiple Pro Bowls, Defensive POY, and elevated status in Steelers lore.

The piece also situates this year’s No. 26 in the Jets game narrative, noting the crosshair on the defense as Pittsburgh looks to leverage Echols’ camp credibility and the No. 26 banner’s weight in a 2025 campaign that could hinge on secondary depth and big-play moments from the cornerback spot.

In a significant move, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly finalizing a trade to acquire All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins. This acquisition addresses a critical need for the Steelers, who recently lost starting cornerback Donte Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team had been exploring Ramsey's potential addition for weeks, and now they aim to bolster their already formidable defense.

Ramsey's arrival is expected to enhance the Steelers' secondary, which faced challenges following Jackson's departure. As a veteran and elite talent, Ramsey brings leadership and proven playmaking abilities to a defense that has consistently performed well. His presence could shift the dynamics within the secondary, potentially allowing the Steelers to employ more aggressive defensive strategies.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured a major defensive upgrade by signing cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal, solidifying their secondary as they head into the 2025 season. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, will replace Donte Jackson, who recently signed with the Chargers. Despite a quieter 2023 without interceptions, Slay contributed significantly to the Eagles' Super Bowl run, recording 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Joining a defense featuring stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Slay's experience will be invaluable as the Steelers aim to bolster their pass coverage further.

Despite this significant acquisition, the Steelers still face uncertainty at the quarterback position, especially with Justin Fields signing with the Jets. Rumors swirl around Aaron Rodgers as a potential target, which, if realized, could provide the Steelers with a seasoned quarterback to lead a squad that includes newly acquired wideout DK Metcalf. With impressive defensive acquisitions, Pittsburgh is positioning itself for a competitive 2025 season.

The free agency period has proven challenging for the Chargers as they attempt to keep their roster intact. Cornerback Kristian Fulton has signed a two-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving the Chargers to fill the void. Fulton, who started a career-high 14 games last season, was hoping to revive his career after injury struggles. His exit follows that of defensive lineman Poona Ford, who has also left for a deal with the Rams.

In a bid to bolster their secondary, the Chargers have reportedly agreed to terms with cornerback Donte Jackson, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, they re-signed safety Elijah Molden before the free agency opened, ensuring some continuity in their defense despite the recent departures.