Pittsburgh’s offense showed a real pulse in the joint session with Tampa Bay, especially in seven-shot sets, while the two‑minute drill underscored a need for precision late in drives. Roman Wilson emerged as a potential outside-the-slot wild card, flashing clean routes and reliable hands as Calvin Austin III remains sidelined. Calibrating the attack behind Freiermuth and a healthy first unit line will matter, but the takeaway is clear: the Steelers’ plan includes a quicker, more versatile receiving corps than early expectations suggested.

Defensively, Jaylen Ramsey’s assignment on Mike Evans highlighted the Buccaneers’ ceiling, and Cam Hayward’s presence remains a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s identity—though the coaching staff signaled the plan to test Joey Porter Jr. against elite targets. Ramsey’s impact, alongside the Steelers’ depth, could catalyze growth at the boundary and help unlock the offense’s upstairs options. The two teams meet again on Saturday, a crucial proving ground for how the Steelers will balance growth with winning football in the regular season.

Fantasy implications lean toward Wilson as a deeper stash option if Calvin Austin’s return drags, Freiermuth staying on target as a steady TE1, and the outside WR spot remaining open—making the Steelers a tiered offense with upside if Wilson cements separation. On the defense, expect continued growth from the young secondary, with Ramsey guiding the way and Porter Jr. watching and learning from one of the game’s best. Week 1 plans should hinge on who can sustain the week-to-week improvements seen in practice.

Cam Ward's first NFL preseason appearance was purposeful and restrained, finishing with 67 yards on five of eight passes and no design runs. The broadcast stressed decision-making on third downs, quick releases, and letting playmakers do the work. Ridley led Ward with a targeted share, signaling immediate volume and a clear path for fantasy relevance in a Titans offense that has rebuilt its line and surrounding weapons.

Ridley accounted for a 43% target share in Ward's limited action, while Tyler Lockett logged 88% route participation and Chigo Conquo saw 100% route participation with the starters. That usage hints at a solid floor for Ward if the surrounding corps stays healthy, with upside if the Titans maintain pace and prioritize these receivers. The Tampa Bay subplot adds intrigue elsewhere, underscoring a league-wide theme: efficient offenses with multiple contributors can yield late-round fantasy value beyond obvious stars.

In Tampa Bay, Mayfield has the offense humming, Evans remains a reliable weekly floor, and Ibuka's rising presence adds intrigue to the pass game. The mix of RBs around Tucker and Irving also keeps waiver-wire opportunities alive. Taken together, Ward's path to a trustworthy QB2 rests on a healthy WR duo and a revamped line, while the TB offense supports a broader fantasy narrative. This preseason week one digest offers actionable angles for rostering late-round QBs and shrewdly targeting surrounding pass-catchers.

Baker Mayfield has made a remarkable comeback in Tampa Bay, showcasing the talent that made him the first overall pick a few years ago. However, some analysts are raising concerns about potential regression after his impressive performance last season, where he achieved a career-high touchdown rate of 7.2%. Given the historical data, it’s expected that this rate will likely dip, especially with the Buccaneers' offense potentially shifting towards a more balanced attack with the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving.

Mayfield's overall effectiveness as a quarterback remains strong, supported by a solid receiving corps, including Chris Godwin and the promising Amika Ibuka, alongside veteran Mike Evans. Additionally, his newfound ability to add yards with his legs—averaging over 20 rushing yards per game last year—could further enhance his fantasy value. Analysts continue to rank him highly, with some placing him as a top-10 quarterback for the upcoming season.