Mazi Smith was inactive in Dallas’ opener as the Cowboys opened the season amid a blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, instantly reshaping the interior line. Clark anchors the middle, while Smith continues to be developed under coach Brian Schottenheimer, who demanded more consistency from the 2023 first-rounder.

Smith’s two-year output and low PFF grades underscore the growth still required. Inactive Friday: Jaydon Blue, Shemar James, Ajani Cornelius, Hakeem Adeniji, Trevor Keegan, with Perrion Winfrey sidelined by a back issue. The rotation figures to be volatile as Dallas adjusts to the new interior dynamic.

For fantasy, Smith’s value hinges on opportunity; Clark’s presence could compress immediate upside but unlock longer-term growth if Smith earns more snaps. Monitor snap counts and how the DL rotation settles in coming weeks as Dallas retools its defense around the Clark-Parsons reshuffle.

Christian McCaffrey opened 2025 limited by a calf issue after Thursday’s San Francisco practice, a setback that echoes last season’s injury saga. He didn’t have an issue Wednesday, but the calf constraint raises red flags for Week 1 in Philadelphia and for the Niners’ offensive plan if the workload must be scaled back early. San Francisco did not play him in the preseason, and questions linger about wide receiver depth as they pursue another deep playoff run. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely, expecting some early-season workload management and a potentially leaner game plan if the calf flares.

San Francisco faces a high-stakes start with a phalanx of young, unproven pieces on defense and a WR corps in flux, all while McCaffrey remains the centerpiece for San Francisco’s title hopes. Week 1 in Philadelphia will test how the team adapts when the backfield carries more responsibility. The Jets were noted as Week 1 opponents in 2024, but this preview centers on a fresh start against the Eagles and the need for a flexible attack if McCaffrey’s health becomes a day-to-day storyline.

Christian McCaffrey’s calf issue clouds San Francisco’s Week 1 plan against Seattle. Limited practice hints at a potential workload dip, pushing fantasy managers to consider contingency options and depth plays early in the season.

If McCaffrey is limited, Jordan Mason and the 49ers’ crew could absorb extra touches, while SF’s passing game and screen work may pick up the slack. Seattle faces a test if McCaffrey is more limited than expected, elevating the value of SF’s pass-catching options and backup runners in early-season lineups.

The 1985 Bears defined a blueprint for fantasy appeal: a bruising ground game led by Walter Payton, a bruiser in William Perry, and a defense that turned every drive into a potential score. Chicago rode a 15-1 pace to SB XX, with Payton piling up yardage and Perry delivering short-yardage thunder, all under Ditka’s relentless, grind-first swagger. The era fused on-field dominance with a cultural roar that still shapes how fantasy owners chase volume, line protection, and game-script advantage.

Memories of the Super Bowl Shuffle and a record-setting defense underscore why this team remains a reference point for value in run-heavy schemes and opportunistic defenses. The Bears’ legacy fuels modern drafts: prioritize backs who can absorb workload, lean on a stout line, and target defenses capable of turning a game script into favorable fantasy outcomes.

Week 1 of 2025 fantasy football kicker rankings is led by Brandon Aubrey, Evan McPherson, Jake Elliott, Ka'imi Fairbairn and Harrison Butker, with a tiered map through 32 starters. The piece highlights key Week 1 news: Tyler Loop stepping in for Justin Tucker in Baltimore, Riley Patterson filling in for Jason Sanders in Miami, Andy Borregales winning the Patriots job, and Jake Moody slated to open SF's season in a strong setup. It also notes roster moves and weather-adjacent notes to watch as rosters lock.

Managers are urged to monitor injuries and updates all week via the free app, which pushes top NFL news, injuries and starts/sits alerts 24x7. The rankings are authored by Nick Mariano and cover standard, PPR and other formats, guiding Week 1 starts with a focus on value and volatility at the kicker position.