The 2025 NFL preseason kicks off from August 7–10, and it’s more than just a warm-up; it’s a critical opportunity for fans, fantasy managers, and coaches to evaluate key position battles, scheme changes, and breakout rookies. With new systems in place, fresh faces emerging, and starters trying to cement roles, here are the storylines you can’t afford to miss in Week 1.
Colts Quarterback Battle: Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are heading into Week 1 with a quarterback battle that could define the entire 2025 season, and possibly the futures of head coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard. All signs point to the Colts alternating starts throughout the preseason, with Anthony Richardson getting the nod in the opener against Baltimore and Daniel Jones set to start Week 2.
In joint practices, Richardson completed 10-of-13 passes, showing improvement in footwork and short-area accuracy, a crucial development given his struggles in those areas last season. Meanwhile, Jones went 14-of-17, looking comfortable and efficient in live reps. The coaching staff needs to figure out which QB gives them the best chance to win right now, and every rep will be evaluated with playoff aspirations in mind.
What makes this battle especially compelling is how different the two quarterbacks are. Richardson offers the long-term upside, elite mobility, and raw arm talent, but must show growth in timing and anticipation. Jones, while less flashy, might bring a safer floor with his experience. Both Richardson and Jones have significant impacts on their teammates’ values in fantasy football. Many of the Colts’ pass catchers will receive a boost if Daniel Jones is announced the starter. Meanwhile, if Richardson is announced as the starter, he is a steal at his current ADP.
Week 1 will be about more than stats; it’s about rhythm, command, and how each quarterback moves the offense. Don’t be surprised if this game starts a serious debate about who should be QB1 come Week 1 of the regular season.
Josh Simmons’ Debut vs. Cardinals’ Starters
Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ 2025 first-round pick out of Ohio State, is entering Week 1 of the preseason with more hype than any other rookie offensive lineman. Despite an injury that cut short his college season, Simmons has taken every single first-team snap at left tackle during camp, a clear signal from the coaching staff that they believe in him as a day-one starter.
This Friday’s matchup against the Cardinals starters will be his first real test, and expectations are high. Kansas City’s tackles have been underwhelming the last two seasons, especially in terms of protecting Patrick Mahomes and establishing the run. Simmons’ athleticism and foot speed have impressed in camp, and if he can hold up in pass protection, it may mark a turning point for this entire unit. On the other side, there’s an ongoing battle at right tackle between Jawaan Taylor and Jaylon Moore, but Simmons has locked in the blind side.
If Simmons holds his own against the Cardinals in Week 1, he won’t just solidify his spot; he could be the catalyst for a Chiefs offense that’s flying under the radar in fantasy circles. There’s sneaky value here, and how this line performs could shift how we view Mahomes, Pacheco, and the receivers in upcoming drafts. The Chiefs are looking to return to their gaudy offensive numbers, and some stability at LT could be the missing piece.
Rookies Fighting for Playing Time
This year’s rookie class goes beyond the big names. Several mid-to-late-round picks are generating real buzz in camp and could earn meaningful roles with strong preseason performances. Below is a list of a few names to keep an eye out for in Week 1.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – Commanders): Drafted 245th overall, Croskey-Merritt has been a training camp standout, earning first-team reps and praise for his explosiveness. His 2023 season at New Mexico (1,190 yards, 17 TDs) and MVP performance at the Shrine Bowl (97 yards, 2 TDs) prove he can shine when the lights are on. Washington is searching for an explosive back, and Croskey-Merritt has a real shot to claim that spot.
Brashard Smith (RB – Chiefs): A 7th-round pick and former wide receiver at Miami, Smith transitioned to running back at SMU and tallied 1,332 total yards and 14 touchdowns last year. His 4.39 speed, route-running chops, and return ability make him a threat in multiple phases. Don’t be surprised if he carves out a Jerick McKinnon-style role in the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
Pat Bryant (WR – Broncos): A third-rounder out of Illinois, Bryant had 984 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and has already drawn comparisons to Michael Thomas from head coach Sean Payton. His route-running, hands, and physicality could make him an instant contributor. With the WR2 job up for grabs, Bryant has a real opportunity to climb the depth chart quickly.
Tory Horton (WR – Seahawks): Horton had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons at Colorado State and clocked a 4.41 at the Combine. Drafted in the 5th round, he’s getting first-team reps and could push for the WR3 job, especially with uncertainty surrounding Seahawks receivers other than JSN. Horton is polished and fast, a dangerous combination in Seattle’s vertical scheme.
Woody Marks (RB – Texans): A 4th-round pick with 1,133 yards and 47 receptions last season at USC, Marks is battling for snaps behind Joe Mixon. His receiving skills and quick burst out of the backfield make him a natural fit on third downs. With the current uncertainty of Mixon’s injury and Nick Chubb’s lengthy injury history, Marks could have a big impact on day one.
Elic Ayomanor (WR – Titans): Tennessee took Ayomanor in the 4th round after he posted 125 catches in college and ran a 4.4 40. With Treylon Burks released and only Ridley and Lockett entrenched, Ayomanor has a path to a big role in the Titans’ passing game. His size (6’2”, 206) and speed combo is intriguing, with the ability to grow with fellow rookie Cam Ward.
Kyle Williams (WR – Patriots): Drafted 69th overall, Williams is a field-stretcher with 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns at Washington State in 2024. He brings a 4.4 40 and deep-threat skillset to a Patriots offense needing juice. With Stefon Diggs commanding attention and DeMario Douglas thriving underneath, Williams has a path to WR3 and could become Drake Maye’s top downfield target. A strong preseason will set him up for a starting role over his veteran competition.
Jaydon Blue (RB – Cowboys): The 5th-rounder out of Texas ran a 4.38 and has been getting first-team reps in camp. With both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders struggling over the last two seasons, Blue’s speed, agility, and three-down potential make him a serious threat to steal touches. A strong preseason will give Blue a chance to earn this backfield early in the season and will become a valuable fantasy target late in drafts.
New-Look Offenses: Raiders, Bears, and Jaguars
Each team enters the 2025 season with a new head coach, new scheme, and new weapons. This week gives us the first glimpse of how these revamped attacks will operate, and what kind of fantasy football value may emerge as a result.
In Las Vegas, Pete Carroll returns to the sidelines, this time with Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. It’s a pairing that promises creativity and tempo with added talent. Geno Smith was acquired via trade and steps into a system that relied on Jakobi Meyers and rookie tight end Brock Bowers in 2024. This offseason, they added Ashton Jeanty and Dont’e Thornton through the draft, giving Smith more playmakers in 2025. Chip Kelly’s schemes often feature misdirection, speed, and open space, and we should get a look at how he plans to deploy his players this week.
Chicago fans are buzzing about Ben Johnson, who revolutionized the Lions’ offense over the past few seasons. Johnson helped engineer one of the most efficient passing attacks in the league and now gets former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams as his quarterback. Surrounded by talent at every position and an improving offensive line, the Bears are expected to be much better offensively in 2025. Throughout the preseason, I want to see how comfortable Williams feels in this system and how well he can execute the scripted plays Johnson has for this offense. If the Bears’ starters look comfortable within the scheme, I would expect big things from this offense in 2025.
Jacksonville is arguably the most intriguing of the three. New head coach Liam Coen arrives from Tampa Bay, where he helped Baker Mayfield have a career year and developed a well-rounded offensive unit. Now in charge of Trevor Lawrence, Coen has a loaded depth chart. First-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and dynamic two-way threat Travis Hunter headline the receiver group, while the backfield rotation of Tank Bigsby, Travis Etienne, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten offers explosiveness and versatility.
Reports suggest Bigsby is getting early-down work, with Etienne and Tootin rotated on passing downs. The backfield production will be something to watch throughout the preseason, with any of the three players still looking to solidify their roles. I don’t expect to see much of BTJ and Hunter, but I am interested to see what Coen scripts up and where they are lined up when they do play together. The Jaguars’ offense could be a fantasy gold mine this year, and I am excited to see it play out this weekend.
JJ McCarthy’s Return in 2025
JJ McCarthy is finally back. After an impressive 2024 preseason debut (11-of-17, 188 yards, 2 TDs), he tore his meniscus and missed the entire regular season. Now healthy, the former No. 10 overall pick is set to start the Vikings’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
This is a critical moment for McCarthy, who enters the season with a loaded supporting cast: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Reports from camp say he’s showing confidence and control of the offense, and the team is eager to see how he responds to game-speed reps.
What matters most on Friday? Pocket presence, timing, and how he handles pressure coming off of last year’s injury. Similar to Williams, if he can execute the script at a high level, I will feel comfortable about McCarthy’s 2025 outlook. If he performs like he did last preseason, this Vikings offense could become one of the most efficient and explosive in the NFC with big-time fantasy production.
