NFL Player News

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson begins his post-Super Bowl year with a strong matchup against the Packers Week 1. 

Wilson performed well during the preseason, completing 78.6 percent of his passes. He threw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Wilson also managed three rushing touchdowns to cap off a strong preseason.

His ability to put up solid Fantasy numbers should be tested Week 1. The Packers did not boast a great defense against the pass last season. The team allowed quarterbacks to score 20.65 Fantasy points, which was the seventh worst clip in the league. Green Bay has been proactive in resolving the issue, drafting Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, but it’s unclear how much better the team’s defensive backs will perform. 

The bigger question will be whether the Seahawks open up the offense for Wilson this season. With Marshawn Lynch out for much of the preseason, Wilson showed the ability to carry the team with his arm. Now that Lynch is back, the team could opt to get back to conservative play-calling with the franchise quarterback. Wilson has all the makings of a strong matchup here, but could get the short end of the stick if the Seahawks pound Lynch.

The San Francisco Chronicle expects Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin, not Matt Schaub, to back up rookie Derek Carr in Week 1 at the Jets. Coach Dennis Allen has not confirmed the pecking order.

Expectations for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton are high after he signed a massive extension this offseason, and he will get his first chance to try and live up to them in Week 1 against the Ravens.

Dalton is very familiar with the Ravens, having faced them six times in his career, but he doesn't have the best track record. Dalton has just six touchdowns to 11 interceptions through the air against the Ravens, while completing just 53.9 percent of his passes. He especially struggled in two games a year ago, as seven of his 20 interceptions for the season came against the Ravens defense.

If you take out a historic seven-touchdown performance by Peyton Manning in Week 1 a year ago, the Ravens were solid against quarterbacks, allowing 14.9 Fantasy points per game. Dalton will be looking for a measure of payback against the Ravens, given his struggles, but Fantasy owners should be wary as the season begins. Consider him more of a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 1; neither Jamey Eisenberg nor Dave Richard has Dalton among the top-15 for quarterbacks this week. 

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill enjoyed some of his best success a year ago against the Patriots, but he might not be so lucky as he gets set to open the season in Week 1.

Tannehill scored 44 Fantasy points over two games against the Patriots, including a massive 312-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 15. However, the Patriots made some key additions to the defense this offseason, none bigger than the signing of shutdown corner Darrelle Revis. An improved Patriots defense will only make life tougher for Tannehill this Sunday, and he had just 14 Fantasy points in his first matchup with them a year ago anyways. 

Tannehill has faced the Patriots four times in his career, averaging 231 yards per game while adding five touchdowns and three interceptions. Entering his third season, Tannehill may yet become a consistent Fantasy contributor, but our Fantasy experts don't think he is worth the bet for Week 1; neither Jamey Eisenberg nor Dave Richard has him ranked among the top 24 quarterbacks for the week. 

Patriots rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is still adjusting to his new status as Tom Brady's backup. It was clear Garoppolo won the job after New England traded Ryan Mallett to Houston.

"It hasn't really sunk in," Garoppolo, a second-round pick, told ESPN.com.

"I feel confident, but I have a long way to go still. I'm still a rookie, still have a lot to learn, the whole playbook, defenses, everything."

The Browns signed quarterback Connor Shaw, linebackers Justin Staples and Keith Pough, offensive linemen Patrick Lewis and Karim Barton, tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi and receiver Charles Johnson to their practice squad.

Raiders players have been told the team will start rookie Derek Carr over veteran Matt Schaub at quarterback, reports Fox Sports. Carr threw three touchdown passes in last Thursday's preseason finale while Schaub has battled elbow problems.

Oakland opens the season Sunday at the Jets.

The Rams claimed quarterback Case Keenum off waivers from the Texans, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Patriots filled their entire 10-man practice squad, signing defensive linemen Jake Bequette, Charley Hughlett and Deontae Skinner, receiver Josh Boyce, quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, linebacker Ja'Gared Davis, safety Kanorris Davis, running back Jonas Gray, offensive lineman Chris Martin and defensive back Dax Swanson.

After acquiring quarterback Ryan Mallett from the Patriots, the Texans waived quarterback Case Keenum, reports ESPN's Adam Caplan. Keenum played in eight games last year, accounting for 10 touchdowns and eight turnovers while completing 54.2 percent of his passes.