Landon Dickerson's Week 1 status versus Dallas remains in doubt after Sept. 1 practice absence, despite a mid-August meniscus surgery and a rapid return to drills two weeks later. If he’s limited or out, Brett Toth could slide into a guard spot beside Jordan Mailata, signaling a potential interior-line shuffle heading into the opener.

Drew Mukuba’s hamstring history and shoulder issues loom, while Sydney Brown battles for the starting safety role. Vic Fangio says Mukuba looks healthy this week, but the depth chart remains unsettled. Tanner McKee’s broken thumb keeps him from throwing, anchoring Sam Howell as Hurts’ likely backup for the Dallas game.

Marcus Epps returns to Philadelphia two weeks before Week 1 against Dallas, joining Vic Fangio’s defense and a high-expectation safety room. Coach Nick Sirianni’s optimism centers on his intelligence and quick learning, with Christian Parker and Joe Kasper driving the install. Reed Blankenship’s captaincy adds continuity as Epps acclimates.

Blankenship credits Epps with shaping his 2022 rookie year, and the veteran’s leadership could speed up the transition. Epps’ prior ACL setback in 2024 and a Patriots stopover are part of a winding path, but the plan is to integrate rapidly and push for Week 1 contributions in a pivotal divisional clash.

For fantasy and IDP fans, the immediate impact hinges on the Eagles’ usage of Epps in Fangio’s scheme and how quickly he communicates with Blankenship. If the speed is there, Epps could carve a notable role as a versatile back-end defender with a real Week 1 ceiling.

CJ Gardner-Johnson is set to start Houston's opener vs. the Rams after knee rehab, a big boost to a secondary that’s already among the league’s best. Expect his leadership, physical play, and playmaking to lift Houston’s coverage and turnover potential in a must-win season kickoff.

The swap that sent Green to Philadelphia for Gardner-Johnson reshaped Houston’s defense; Green’s move to PHI was part of a deal that underscored Gardner-Johnson’s impact in Houston’s back line. M.J. Stewart called Gardner-Johnson a swag-filled, fierce competitor who helps anchor the unit.

Parsons’ move to Green Bay reshapes the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry and fantasy chessboard. Philadelphia no longer faces Parsons twice yearly, easing pass-protection stress but forcing the Cowboys to deploy a new scheme around Kenny Clark in the middle. Dallas’ offense must adjust without Parsons’ edge rush, while Green Bay inherits a potent interior disruptor. Week 10’s Eagles- Packers clash becomes a pivotal fantasy pivot, spotlighting how schemes shift and which players step up as new focal points in the rush game.

Week 1 opens with Eagles-Cowboys, but fantasy attention centers on a wave of season-shaping storylines. Parsons’ trade to Green Bay reshapes the defense and adds chaos to the NFC, while Dallas must navigate life without a premier edge. Kansas City pursues a revenge arc with Mahomes and Kelce leading a high-powered attack, and Hurts’ Eagles look to repeat while Barkley’s workload shifts to a more versatile role. Rodgers’ stint in Pittsburgh adds veteran gravity to the mix. Plan for breakout options, shifting backfields, and high-variance Week 1 setups.