Six offenses are pegged as potential busts this fantasy season in a brand-new Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, with the discussion centering on ADP versus Wisdom of Crowd projections and what that means for the top fantasy names on those teams. The Raiders, Cardinals, Vikings, Falcons, Seahawks, Dolphins, and Jets loom as high-draft risks, while the conversation zeroes in on the plausible paths these units could take to underperform and how that shapes decisions for Week 1 and beyond. The chat keeps a critical eye on efficiency, pace, and matchup turbulence that could mute expected ceilings for star skill players.

Raiders, Cardinals, and the Vikings plus Falcons come into focus as the clearest risk clusters, where coaching decisions, quarterback health, or architectural shifts could curb big-play upside. Seattle and Miami are questioned for tempo and play-calling, while the Jets are scrutinized for how quickly their upgraded offense might gel. Fantasy managers are reminded not to chase ADP blindly and to consider safer pivots and smarter rostering moves as the season unfolds.

Jets quarterback Justin Fields is in a developmental phase, and the coaching staff is pushing a patient, run-heavy approach while fielding outside noise about his passing. Aaron Glenn defends the plan, emphasizing efficiency with 8- to 10-yard completions over deep shots as Fields grows into the role. In preseason, Fields has shown flashes—a 13-yard TD run and solid mobility—but also rough spells, including a rough outing against the Giants. The Jets intend to rely on a strong ground game and a measured passing attack as they evaluate Fields in advance of a fuller regular-season role.

The piece contrasts the Jets’ approach with the Philadelphia Eagles’ championship-season model, underscoring the value of balance: the Eagles were 29th in passing but first in rushing, a reminder that a rushing identity can coexist with a competent passing game. Barkley’s historic 2024 season is cited to illustrate the power of a dominant ground game. The Jets’ eye remains on building a sustainable, clock-management offense, with Fields’ accuracy and decision-making expected to improve as the season unfolds, even if early return isn’t explosive.

Cam Heyward returned to Steelers practice in pads after weeks of holding in while seeking a renegotiated contract with a raise. He appeared in individual drills and then joined a media-free padded team session, signaling a step toward football readiness. The contract talks have shown little movement since Aug. 7, even as Heyward dedicated himself to proving value after a strong 2024 season that earned first-team All-Pro honors. Pittsburgh’s leverage hinges on market benchmarks and Heyward’s age and durability.

Context matters: Kansas City’s Chris Jones ranks as the marquee interior defender with about $31.75 million per year, while Heyward sits at $14.5 million on his current deal. ESPN noted Heyward’s plan to return to negotiations after an All-Pro year, highlighting the tension between production and cap reality. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Heyward’s pad work, with Week 1 looming against the Jets, making conditioning and leverage pivotal as camps close.

As the preseason dwindles, the Steelers balance cap constraints with a veteran anchor who still commands respect on every snap. The Jets game adds urgency to the storyline: can Heyward sustain elite impact and justify a raise, or will the team recalibrate around younger talent in a crowded DL?

Jets coach Aaron Glenn treats quarterback chatter with a mix of humor and frustration, insisting the outside noise won’t derail a run-first plan centered around Justin Fields. Fields has shown electric rushing ability, including a 13-yard touchdown, but his passer efficiency has raised questions about downfield production. The Jets plan to lean on the rushing attack and RPOs to maximize Fields, while Garrett Wilson and a solid defense—highlighted by Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson—backstop the offense. The opposition balance comes from preseason tests versus Green Bay and New York Giants, with the final tune-up against Philadelphia before Week 1. Field's comfort with eight- to 10-yard completions could fuel sustained drives, though fans crave big plays. The defense’s health, Gardner’s return, Williams’ calf, and Johnson’s Achilles rehab add another layer of intrigue as the Jets close out the preseason and look toward a potentially title-contending run game.

Fantasy managers should weigh Fields’ rushing upside heavily, as his legs can create a foundation for a robust floor even when downfield shots aren’t explosive. Garrett Wilson’s role remains pivotal, but the Jets’ design around Fields might elevate early-game efficiency over huge air-yard upside. With the run game anchoring things, expect multiple 8–12 play drives and clock control to keep Fields in favorable fantasy spots, especially against defenses that overcommit to stopping the run. The Eagles clash Friday will offer a final snapshot of how the Jets balance pass attempts with designed rushes and short throws, informing late-draft and weekly lineup decisions.

Cam Heyward returned to Steelers practice, a sign Pittsburgh hopes translates to Week 1 against the Jets. After an offseason of a “holding in” while seeking a raise, Heyward joined his teammates as Pittsburgh nears the regular-season opener. The trio of preseason preparation and leadership from Heyward could stabilize an interior line that powered a strong run defense last season. The team finished the preseason against Carolina and now shifts focus entirely to New York, where Heyward’s presence could elevate the Steelers’ defensive front from week one.

Heyward’s return comes amid a contract scenario that remains unresolved, with $19.65 million on the table this season despite negotiations. Nevertheless, his on-field involvement signals a positive prognosis for Pittsburgh’s edge pressure and interior disruption. For fantasy managers, the development could buoy Pittsburgh’s D/ST and IDP projections early, as Heyward anchors the line and creates opportunities for teammates to shine in pass-rush and run-stopper roles.