Hurts and Brown struggle to sync on early-season timing, while the Eagles lean into zone looks as their offensive line deals with health issues. Philadelphia has a path to success by activating DeVonta Smith and tightening up in the red zone, even as Vic Fangio’s defense for Denver aims to throttle the attack with a mix of pressure and cover schemes.

Audric Estime’s signing with Philly adds late-season RB intrigue if injuries open a lane, and Denver’s Week 5 test will hinge on how well Sutton, Mims, and Kelee Ringo matchup on the perimeter. Expect a defensive chess match from Fangio that could tilt the back-half of the game in favor of the Broncos, with a projected final score of 31-21 in favor of Philadelphia.

NFL special teams have become a game-changing force as blocks surge early in the season. Through four weeks, 16 blocks across punts, field goals and extra points—the second-most since 1991—have swung momentum and games. The Philadelphia Eagles highlighted the trend with a punt block by Cameron Latu, a Sydney Brown return, and a Jordan Davis 61-yard FG return, fueling a rare streak of blocked plays that produced scoring from multiple possessions. Other blocks—like Chicago’s Josh Blackwell sealing a win with a blocked 54-yarder—underscore how these plays are reshaping fantasy and betting angles. Pair this with breakout rookies Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty, plus veteran QB narratives like Spencer Rattler’s winless start and the Texans’ defensive emphasis, and the 2024 season’s early weeks look set to reward teams and players who master the block game.

Beyond the blocks, the season’s storylines include Robinson’s dual-threat breakout, Jeanty’s three-TD game, and a slate of long-standing QB arcs—where a handful of passers who started slow later pivot to success—alongside the defensive dimenstion in Houston. Fantasy managers should weigh special-teams volatility, the evolving usage of rookies, and defensive scoring bursts as blocks increasingly tilt week-to-week outcomes and player value.

Two Eagles roster moves ahead of Week 3 vs Rams shape the fantasy landscape. Cameron Latu remains in the mix, prized for special-teams value and potential as an H-back/fullback, even with Goedert back. Marcus Epps was elevated to the game day roster with no remaining practice squad elevations for the season, meaning his future hinges on an active roster spot. Goedert’s return tightens the TE rotation behind Calcaterra and Granson, while the team weighs waivers for a roster opening, possibly Kenyon Green.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor Latu’s snap share and blocking in the run game, as his value grows if he surfaces in early-down packages. Epps’ status could shift safety depth and special-teams leverage. With Goedert back, expect tighter TE targets for Calcaterra/Granson and more dynamic H-back looks from Latu as the Eagles navigate Week 3.

Five must-have PPR running backs to target after Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry anchor your 2025 roster. Alvin Kamara brings a rare combination of elite receiving ability and proven floor as he enters a Saints upgrade with a bolstered offensive line. Chase Brown steps into Cincinnati as a clean three-down option in a high-pace offense. Omarion Hampton lands with the Chargers in a run-heavy scheme with a clear path to workhorse usage behind a growing offense. Ashton Jeanty projects as a true workhorse for the Raiders, boosted by coaching staff and scheme changes. De’Von Achane headlines the cluster with top-tier upside in a fast tempo Dolphins attack, provided health cooperates. This quintet offers high-floor, league-shifting upside in all formats, especially in PPR formats where targets and catches matter most.