Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry was featured quite a bit on the opening drive of his first game with his new team. Unfortunately, the Ravens strayed away from the run while they played from behind and ultimately took the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. King Henry finished the game with 46 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown while only receiving two targets that were ultimately knocked away by the defense. The score in the first quarter saved his fantasy performance in most formats, but if this trend continues, it will become worrisome for fantasy managers who spent one of their top picks on Henry. Their next couple of games are against solid defenses, so Henry has his work cut out for him at the beginning of his Ravens tenure.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is officially starting his first season in a uniform that's not the Tennessee Titans. The former Offensive Player of the Year looks to start his ninth season with a bang on a team that's known for an outstanding ground game. The Ravens were one game away from the Super Bowl last year, so they added one of the best running backs in the league to complement Lamar Jackson and company. Henry, in a down year, finished with 1,167 yards on 280 carries and 12 touchdowns last season. Now that he has a quarterback who's a dual threat and an offensive scheme that is still in his favor, Henry sets his sights on yet another fantasy finish that puts him in RB1 territory. In half-PPR formats, Henry finished as the RB8 to be exact. Fantasy managers can consider him an RB1 heading into the matchup with the Chiefs on Thursday night.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is looking forward to the Week 1 Thursday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'm excited," said Henry while speaking to the media on Sunday. "It's gonna be fun, so I'm looking forward to it." The 30-year-old has spent his entire career with the Titans, running for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns off 2,030 carries, adding 155 grabs for 1,458 yards and three touchdowns. While most assume Henry will have a tough time remaining an elite fantasy option in a Baltimore offense loaded with talent, a change of scenery could give the veteran enough motivation to become the NFL's top rusher once again. Regarding his fantasy potential versus the defending champs, Henry has amassed 447 yards and six touchdowns off 78 carries in four games versus the Chiefs throughout his career.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson caught just two his six targets for 19 yards in the team's loss to the New Orleans Saints. Johnson was the second most targeted pass-catcher, but was unable to connect with quarterback Bryce Young as the team struggled to move the ball on offense. Johnson was brought in to be a WR1 for Young, and did see encouraging enough usage to be a viable fantasy option moving forward. While it was a lackluster performance, Johnson can be considered a WR3 option in Week 2 when the Panthers take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson will make his team debut this Sunday when the Panthers travel to take on the New Orleans Saints. Johnson was brought in to provide additional support to a unit that severely underperformed in 2023, and looks to be the WR1 for the offense. He faces a Saints defense that was above average against the pass last season, allowing the tenth-fewest receiving yards and thirteenth-fewest fantasy points to the position. That being said, the former Steeler should drive a strong target share, making him a more than viable option in the matchup. Fantasy managers should prioritize Johnson as a WR2/3

Sports Illustrated's Tim Weaver suggests that the Carolina Panthers could consider signing new wide receiver Diontae Johnson to a long-term contract extension to create more salary cap space heading into Week 1 of the 2024 regular season. The Panthers already gave up cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round draft pick to acquire Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. If they don't sign Johnson to an extension, they could see him walk next March in free agency. If Carolina decides to extend Johnson, they could save up to $7.1 million against this year's cap. The 28-year-old missed some time in training camp this summer with minor injuries but played in the preseason finale and caught one of two targets for 17 yards. Johnson is expected to be the top pass-catcher in Carolina this year for what should be an improved offense. Fantasy managers should target him as a WR3/flex.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had a mediocre night against the Los Angeles Rams. LaPorta caught four passes for 45 yards, with the longest reception being 18 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per reception. The Lions went with a very run-heavy offense on Sunday night, running the ball 31 times in their win. Jared Goff's favorite target through the air was his third-year receiver, Jameson Williams. LaPorta is still one of the most elite tight ends in the league, and fantasy managers should continue to start him without question going into Week 2.

Although the Detroit Lions didn't actually hold a practice on Wednesday, tight end Sam LaPorta (hamstring) was not listed on the first official injury report. As expected, it means that the second-year tight end will suit up for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams as he looks for an encore performance this year following an amazing rookie campaign. The 23-year-old missed most of training camp and the preseason due to a hamstring ailment he suffered on Aug. 5, but he returned to practice over a week ago and won't have any limitations this weekend. LaPorta set a rookie record for TEs with 86 receptions in 17 regular-season games in 2023 while going for 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He should once again be heavily targeted by quarterback Jared Goff in Year 2 and is a must-start in fantasy lineups.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that tight end Sam LaPorta (hamstring) should be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season this Sunday night, Sept. 8, versus the Los Angeles Rams. Despite missing most of training camp due to a hamstring injury, LaPorta return to the practice field a week ago and should be ready to roll as a must-start in fantasy lineups this weekend. The 23-year-old second-year tight end was most likely the first TE off the board in your fantasy drafts this fall after setting an NFL record with 86 receptions in 2023. He could be listed on the team's injury report when official practice starts on Wednesday, but fantasy managers shouldn't be worried at all that they won't have him on Sunday night. In addition to his 86 catches in his rookie campaign, LaPorta impressed with 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared to suit up shortly before the meeting with the Patriots. Unfortunately, it didn't matter, with Cincinnati dropping Week 1 to New England. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available. However, while there was a chance of a limited workload for Chase, fantasy managers were still happy to see the green light. Overall, it wasn't a bad game for the wideout, amassing a game-high six grabs for 62 yards. Still, fantasy managers were expecting more from the former LSU Tiger. At any rate, Chase's availability for Week 2 isn't guaranteed if he doesn't get the new contract he desires. Yet, if he's on the field against the Chiefs, he's still a must-start, considering he'll get it together at some point.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is officially active in Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability for the season opener had been in question all week, mainly because he hadn't resolved a contract dispute with the team. Then Chase came down with an illness late in the week. Even though the two sides haven't worked out a long-term contract extension, Chase will suit up to begin the regular season, which is good news for the Bengals, who will be without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Although Chase is expected to be on somewhat of a pitch count after not practicing much at all during training camp, fantasy managers that took him in the first round of drafts need to keep him in their starting lineups

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness), who is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday due to an illness and because of lengthy contract standoff with the team that has yet to be resolved, was seen warming up on the field before the game against the New England Patriots. Chase's availability all week has been up in the air, but the 24-year-old was feeling better on Saturday night and appears to be on the right side of questionable with inactives coming out shortly. Especially with Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful to play, the Bengals' receiving corps would be extra thin if Chase chose to sit out as well. Chase was limited in two practices this week before practicing in full on Friday. He could have his reps limited in Week 1 if he's active, but fantasy managers need to keep the All-Pro pass-catcher in their starting lineups if he's good to go.

When Josh Allen wasn't poaching touchdowns from James Cook in 2023, it was 33-year-old Latavius Murray. The veteran logged 17 carries inside the 10 and 11 inside the five-yard line. That role is now projected to be filled by rookie Ray Davis, a fourth-round pick out of Kentucky. The 24-year-old scored 14 touchdowns in his senior season and has the size to finish runs in the red zone. He'll open the season behind James Cook and Ty Johnson on the depth chart. The backups will split a limited amount of touches in Week 1, depending on the situation. Without a healthy amount of opportunities, Davis will need to find paydirt to turn a respectable fantasy football debut. He's a bench stash until proven otherwise.

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis looked efficient during his first preseason in the NFL. Although the Kentucky product was held to just two yards in the first week, he bounced back with an impressive 58 yards on eight carries in the second week, good for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 19 yards throughout the preseason. The Bills held Davis out of their final preseason game, a real indication that they have plans to use him down the stretch in 2024. He's not the fastest player, but there's a real chance that he can be more productive around the goal line than James Cook. With real touchdown upside, Davis should be viewed as a potential RB3/FLEX play with RB2 upside if Cook gets hurt.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman secured four out of his five targets for 51 yards in his NFL debut against Arizona. Those marks led all Buffalo receivers. The rookie second-round pick also led the Bills' wideouts in snaps and routes. It's an encouraging first effort from Coleman, who should continue to improve as his rookie season progresses. Still, Josh Allen will spread the ball around without an alpha wide receiver on the roster. Nine different receivers recorded a catch on Sunday. Coleman shouldn't crack fantasy football starting lineups when the Bills face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, but his stock is trending in the right direction.

How will the target share be spread out in Buffalo? That's the question many fantasy managers are asking as we approach the Bills' season opener. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is projected to lead the team, with receivers Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel not far behind. Coleman, a second-round pick, is unlike the other two receivers. He's a big body who can develop into a deep threat. He struggles with separation, an issue that could impact him early, even against a weak Arizona secondary. The key is whether Josh Allen and the rookie have developed enough chemistry and timing to get the football where Coleman can make a play. It wouldn't be a big surprise to see Coleman break off a long reception in his NFL debut, but it's a risky gamble. It's safer for fantasy managers to watch how the target and snap shares shake out before inserting Coleman into starting lineups.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has done all the right things through training camp and preseason. He's regularly received praise from the coaching staff through media quotes and interviews. Just a couple of weeks ago, offensive coordinator Joe Brady said Coleman was able to do everything physically asked of him. Now, the Bills general manager Brandon Beane added to all of the praise. He stated, "The young man is super competitive, he loves ball, he's not afraid, he's working his tail off, his teammates believe in him, he has fun out there, he's serious." After the offseason overhaul, Coleman is competing with Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel, and Khalil Shakir for targets. His ADP of 104.6 reflects that he may not be a huge part of the offense right away, but can be a solid stash for the long haul.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (toe) scored twice in the preseason. Yet, it's logical to assume it will still take him at least a year or two before he's consistently relevant for fantasy managers. With that said, Ja'Marr Chase (not injury-related) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) may not be available for the Week 1 opener versus the New England Patriots. If that's the case, the rookie could see more snaps than anticipated, assuming he's cleared to suit up. Granted, Burton will need to compete primarily with Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas for the attention of Joe Burrow. Still, fantasy managers in 12-team leagues and up should keep Burton on the back burner in the event Chase and Higgins are both ruled out.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie third-round wide receiver Jermaine Burton's talent jumps off the page, but off-the-field concerns regarding his coachability pushed him down the draft board in April. The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. writes that Burton's scouting report has proven to be true so far; the Bengals have run into issues getting him on board and up to professional standards. He has not been in the vicinity of where he needs to be as a pro so far and even admitted himself that he needs to make strides to crack any rotation in a receiver group already entrenched in their roles. The 23-year-old often ran the wrong routes in practice and preseason games this summer, and the Bengals won't make him active on game day in the regular season if they don't think he's preparing himself in meetings and practice. The bottom line is that Burton's dynasty/keeper stock is dropping quickly.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk finished with just one catch for 30 yards in a 17-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Kirk was expected, along with Evan Engram (one catch for five yards), to be the offensive skilled players with the best chemistry with Trevor Lawrence to start the season, but that was not the case. Kirk tied for the team lead in targets with Engram and Brian Thomas Jr. with four each. However, the rookie wideout caught all his targets and showed great chemistry with Lawrence. Free agent acquisition Gabe Davis also showed good chemistry with Lawrence, catching all three of his targets for 62 yards to lead the team in receiving. Kirk was merely a flex option/WR3 entering the season, so this Week 1 performance is concerning. Kirk still has the potential to be the top receiving option for the Jaguars, but the only way to know for sure is for the offense to have more success overall. In Week 2, Jacksonville faces the Cleveland Browns and their top secondary, making Kirk a risky flex play.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) avoided landing on the first official injury report of the 2024 regular season on Wednesday by putting in a full practice. It doesn't come as much of a surprise despite Kirk missing some time in training camp due to a mild calf injury. The Jags lost Calvin Ridley in the offseason but added Gabe Davis and first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. to the receiving corps. The 27-year-old Kirk was quarterback Trevor Lawrence's No. 1 target last year before his season ended prematurely due to a core injury. Don't forget that Kirk had his first 1,000-yard season with a career-high eight scores in his first year in Duvall in 2022, so a bounce-back could easily be in the cards in 2024. He's at least a WR3/flex for fantasy managers in a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins that could turn into a track meet.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) is feeling good and will return to practice this week. A mild calf injury has kept Kirk off the practice field at training camp for around two weeks, but the 27-year-old will return this week and should have plenty of time to get up to speed in order to suit up in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins. Don't be surprised if Jacksonville eases Kirk back into practice this week. A groin injury cut his season short in 2023, leading him to finish with a 57-787-3 line in just 12 games played. Kirk set career-highs in catches (84), receiving yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight) the year before, though, and he was on pace for similar numbers last year before his injury. A bounce-back season could be in the making for Kirk in 2024 as long as he's healthy, making him a nice WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts.

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave was the clear leader in the tight end room last season until he suffered a kidney laceration that put him on the shelf until Week 18. Whether Musgrave can retain that heavy snap and route utilization in Week 1 remains to be seen, but this week, Musgrave is more of a streaming option at tight end than a locked-in starter for fantasy purposes. Musgrave was just TE22 in fantasy points per game from Weeks 1-10 last season and he wasn't super useful in fantasy with just two weeks as a TE1. Tucker Kraft (back) may miss Week 1 for the Packers, leaving Musgrave as the lone realistic option for the Packers to run the majority of routes. Even then, the expectations for Musgrave should be tempered against an Eagles team that will keep opposing offenses in front of them with Vic Fangio's two-deep shell.