Preseason Week 1: TV Guide & Power Shifts
Games Today
Preseason football’s back—here’s the full slate for Week 1. All times ET:
- Steelers vs. Bills (7:00 PM, ESPN) – Buffalo’s D looks sharp, but Pittsburgh’s QB room is a mess. Bet the under.
- Packers vs. Broncos (8:00 PM, NFL Network) – Denver’s offense is a work in progress, but Green Bay’s young WRs could feast.
- 49ers vs. Chargers (10:00 PM, CBS) – Justin Herbert vs. Brock Purdy? Worth the late watch if you’re out West.
Power Rankings Shakeup
The Rams sit atop NFL.com’s preseason power rankings, leapfrogging the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks (No. 3). Seattle’s title defense starts now, but LA’s loaded roster—Stafford’s arm, McVay’s scheme, and that D-line—makes them the team to beat. Patriots? Stuck at No. 12. Mac Jones better hope Bailey Zappe’s preseason magic is real.
Fantasy Football: Late-Round Gems & Rookie Hype
Top 150 & Rookie Fever
CBS Sports dropped their 2026 fantasy rankings, and the rookie WR class is stacked. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals) and Malik Nabers (Giants) are locked into Round 2, but the real steals? Xavier Legette (Panthers, WR40) and Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars, WR45)—both going late but poised for 1,000-yard upside.
Six Late-Round Sleepers
NFL.com’s Matt Okada highlights six deep cuts:
- Rashee Rice (WR, Chiefs) – Suspension’s a buzzkill, but if he’s back by Week 6, he’s a WR2.
- Jonathon Brooks (RB, Panthers) – Rookie’s recovering from a torn ACL, but Carolina’s RB room is a joke. Draft him as your RB3.
- Jermaine Burton (WR, Bengals) – Tee Higgins’ injury history means Burton could start Week 1. Target him in Round 12.
Bust Alert
James Conner (RB, Cardinals) is going RB15 in some drafts. Hard pass. Trey Benson’s the back to own in Arizona—Conner’s a 3-down grinder with no upside.
Sharp Money Move
If you’re in a superflex league, Gardner Minshew (QB, Raiders) is a steal in Round 10. Vegas’ offense is underrated, and Minshew’s got weapons. Pair him with a late-round WR like Jalen McMillan (Buccaneers) for a cheap stack.