The Bengals’ vanilla preseason defense drew a D, even as Burrow and Chase flashed their usual big-play chemistry. Cincinnati surrendered touchdowns to Eagles backups and Commanders starters and backups in short, 75-yard to 74-yard marches, underscoring the defense’s lingering warts. Coach Zac Taylor notes progress in practice as the staff teases a fuller playbook for the regular season, with Logan Wilson saying only a sliver of looks were used in August. The real test arrives next Sunday, and fantasy managers should lean on the explosive offense while eyeing matchup-driven defensive risk.

Fantasy takeaway: Burrow and Chase remain top-tier bets, but the defense’s fragility could cap overall upside if game scripts tilt shootouts. Target volume and efficiency on offense matter more than ever, while streaming Bengals defenders becomes a risk-reward proposition depending on opponent and pace.

Drake Lindsey led Minnesota’s 2025 opener with 290 passing yards and 2 TDs, while Darius Taylor powered the ground game to 141 yards on 30 carries. Jalen Smith ignited late with a 60-yard TD as the Gophers controlled the line of scrimmage. The entire defensive front smothered Buffalo, piling up 7 tackles for loss, and special teams delivered with a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and crucial punts. A clean Week 1 win sets Minnesota up for a confident fantasy stretch.

Quinn Ewers landed on the Miami Dolphins’ final roster as the third-string quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson. With no depth chart publicly released, the move signals an NFL path for the former Texas star, though fantasy impact remains limited unless injuries force a promotion.

For fantasy managers, the core takeaway is stability at the top of Miami’s QB room. Ewers’ current slot offers little immediate value, but dynasty leaguers will watch his development in practice and potential future opportunities should the Dolphins rework the depth chart.

Week 2 on Thursday Night Football features Washington vs Dallas, with Micah Parsons looming as the defining obstacle for the Commanders. Parsons' edge pace and versatility put Washington’s blocking and quarterback choices under the microscope, making this a high-leverage fantasy matchup. Expect protection schemes to shift and quick throws to test Dallas’ pressure if Parsons is restrained early, shaping weekend rosters and prop bets.

Parsons vs Washington is the centerpiece, and the game plan surrounding him could tilt the TNF scoring narrative. If Parsons commands extra attention, the Dallas defense could feast on hurried decisions or forced throws, while Washington’s attack will aim to exploit any momentary lapses. This clash sets the tone for Week 2 fantasy play and betting angles.