Seattle's preseason run game looked sharp, powered by elite run blocking and a backfield featuring Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Walker remains the lead back with ceiling when blockers hold their lanes; Charbonnet stands out as a sturdy pass protector and potential third-down weapon.

SF's run defense carries questions, and while Saleh back as DC could tighten it, Seattle's plan favors the run and a patient, disciplined attack. In fantasy, Walker and Charbonnet are labeled as strong matchup options this week, with clear paths to production if blocking holds and the offense sustains its rhythm.

If Seattle maintains blocking and uses both backs in the passing game, Walker and Charbonnet deserve starting consideration in Week 1, with the pace and workload to set fantasy tone early.

Time is a construct, not a thief, and this fantasy column leans into nimble, season-long thinking. Week 1 is framed as a high-scoring opening for smart darts and waiver adds, not a rigid blueprint. Expect shootouts, plenty of backfield committee intrigue, and opportunistic targets ready to seize early leverage.

Baker Mayfield projects for a strong Week 1 in Atlanta with a likely top-seven ceiling, even if a few pass-catchers are hobbled. Sam LaPorta pops as a clean TE option for Detroit, while Jerry Jeudy and Ricky Pearsall offer appealing upside at wide receiver. Roschon Johnson and Jamaal Williams hover as backfield pieces to monitor in Chicago and New Orleans, underscoring the piece’s core idea: stay flexible, lean on the waiver wire, and let luck complement solid process.

Nik Bonitto signed a four-year, $106 million extension with the Broncos, including $70 million guaranteed and incentives that could push the ceiling to $120 million. He becomes the Broncos’ highest-paid non-QB and anchors a defensive rebuild that also saw Courtland Sutton and Zach Allen secured on long-term deals.

Bonitto rose from a 1.5-sack rookie to a Pro Bowler with 13.5 sacks last season, part of Denver’s league-leading 63 sacks. The trio of extensions signals a deliberate push to maximize edge pressure while surrounding a growing offense with playmakers, shaping both real NFL and fantasy outlooks for Denver in 2025.