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Jacksonville gives go-ahead to $1.4B upgrade to Jags’ stadium

Tue Jun 25 9:31pm ET
Field Level Media

The Jacksonville City Council approved a $1.4 billion renovation for EverBank Stadium, home of the Jaguars, in a resounding vote Tuesday night.

The measure passed 14-1 with two abstentions. The last step is to receive approval from at least 24 of the 32 NFL team owners at the next league meetings in October.

"This is a historic day for our city," Jacksonville mayor Donna Deegan said. "As I said to the council, this is what we can do when we all row together and we focus on a goal together."

As part of the deal, dubbed by the Jaguars as the "Stadium of the Future," Jacksonville is committing $775 million to the project -- $625 million to the renovation itself and $150 million over the next two years for maintenance to prepare the stadium for construction. The Jaguars will also spend $625 million, with team owner Shad Khan on the hook for any overruns.

Crucially, the agreement also includes a 30-year lease for the Jaguars to stay in Jacksonville, kicking in once the stadium re-opens. The Jaguars would be limited to playing one home game a year in London, as they have done for several years; all other home games will be reserved for EverBank Stadium.

Construction would begin after the end of the 2025 season and conclude before the 2028 season. The Jaguars' plan calls for reduced capacity during the 2026 season, with the upper deck unavailable, before making a temporary home elsewhere for 2027.

The University of Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville and Camping World Stadium in Orlando are the Jaguars' two options for 2027.

The renovation itself calls for a similar layout to the Los Angeles Rams' and Chargers' SoFi Stadium, with a canopy hanging over every seat to keep temperatures down. Capacity would b 63,000 for Jaguars games and could be expanded to 70,000-plus for events like the annual Florida-Georgia football game and the Gator Bowl.

EverBank Stadium hosted Super Bowl XXXIX in February 2005 but has not hosted a Super Bowl since.

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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
George Pickens Sep 8 7:20pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught six of seven targets for 85 yards and lost 10 yards on his lone rush attempt in an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. There was no doubt that Pickens would operate as Pittsburgh's WR1 entering the season, but fantasy managers should be glad to see him succeed in this role immediately. The 23-year-old earned a 30% team target share with Justin Fields under center and was responsible for most of the Steelers' offensive highlights. He should be viewed as a solid fantasy WR2 going forward with the potential to become more should Pittsburgh correct its red zone woes. A matchup against the Denver Broncos is on tap for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 8 7:20pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth turned four targets into four catches for 27 yards in a Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His statistical output won't jump off the page but Freiermuth trailed only George Pickens in targets, receptions, and receiving yards for the Steelers on Sunday. With MyCole Pruitt and Darnell Washington also combining for three targets, it's clear that tight ends will play a prominent role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system this season. With no wide receiver outside of Pickens earning more than two opportunities this week, Freiermuth could very well be the second option in the Steelers' passing attack moving forward. Fantasy managers can consider starting the 25-year-old in an enticing matchup against the Denver Broncos next week.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 8 7:20pm ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled six field goals in Week 1, leading the team to an 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Boswell nailed a 57-yarder in the first quarter and remained hot throughout the contest, converting on field goal attempts of 56, 51, 44, 40, and 25 yards. The 10th-year pro was responsible for all of Pittsburgh's points on Sunday as the team struggled mightily near the red zone. Given how strong the Steelers looked defensively, Pittsburgh may have great field position often enough to make Boswell a fantasy option in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 8 7:10pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) exited Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns and was deemed questionable to return. If Ferguson doesn't make it back in Week 1, he'll finish the day by catching three balls for 15 yards. With that said, there should be an update on his left knee soon, although further testing is likely on the horizon. Dallas has been up big for most of this game and haven't really need to go to the air often. If Ferguson needs to miss time beyond Week 1, Luke Schoonmaker would likely step in as the team's TE1.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 8 7:10pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries in an 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Steelers were conservative in their play calling on Sunday, but Fields delivered when asked to push the ball downfield. He completed passes of 33 and 40 yards to receiver George Pickens, who was clearly his favorite target. His statistics were underwhelming from a fantasy perspective this week but Fields will continue to offer high upside as a fantasy QB1 option any time he starts. Fantasy managers should monitor the status of Russell Wilson (calf) in the coming days ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 8 7:10pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 20 carries for 70 yards and hauled in one of his two targets for nine yards in a Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Harris operated in a workhorse role on Sunday but should expect to lose some touches to Jaylen Warren, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, as the season progresses. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Harris looked solid, especially on a powerful run that picked up 20 yards in the fourth quarter. However, Pittsburgh's offense will need to find a way to get the ball in the end zone for Harris to become a worthwhile fantasy option, making it difficult to trust him as anything more than a flex play heading into a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Reader Sep 8 7:03pm ET
D.J. Reader

The Detroit Lions have declared OT Colby Sorsdal, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, DL D.J. Reader, DB Loren Strickland, DL James Houston, OT Giovanni Manu and LB Trevor Nowaske inactive for Week 1.

From TheHuddle

Josh Palmer Sep 8 7:00pm ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was ejected from Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Both teams were involved in a scuffle during the fourth quarter. However, Palmer and Jack Jones were the players who got the boot. Palmer finished the game by catching two of his four targets for 15 yards. While he'll likely be disciplined, his availability for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers isn't expected to be a concern for many fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 8 6:50pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara looked good in Sunday's decisive win over the Panthers. The veteran ran the ball 15 times, accumulating 83 yards and a touchdown. He also got involved on the receiving end, catching all five targets for 27 yards. Kamara and the Saints had contract discussions over the last few months. However, a deal didn't get done, meaning further talks will likely wait until after the 2024-25 campaign. Despite not getting a new deal, Kamara remains focused on his play. "I'm not worried about it," said Kamara when asked about the unsuccessful negotiations. "I'm here to play. I'm gonna play. I'm gonna perform." It appears the 29-year-old is more focused than ever, which is great news for fantasy managers. Keep him starting in all formats when the Saints meet the Cowboys in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 8 6:50pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) exited Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He's questionable to return. However, considering he needed assistance to the locker room, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he doesn't make it back for the remainder of Week 1. If that's the case, he'll finish with four catches for 44 yards. Hopefully, it isn't anything serious. But Njoku may appear on the injury report ahead of the Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Sep 8 6:43pm ET
Braxton Berrios

Miami Dolphins WR Braxton Berrios and TE Durham Smythe were each held without a catch in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Berrios was targeted twice, while Smythe had three targets.

From TheHuddle

David Njoku Sep 8 6:43pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the Week 1 game and is considered questionable to return.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the NFL, so fantasy players should keep an eye out for an update on his status. He is a weekly starting option when healthy, but fantasy players will need a backup plan if he misses time.

From TheHuddle

Sam Darnold Sep 8 6:43pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold completed 19-of-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Jones Sep 8 6:43pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for a game-high 94 yards and a touchdown in his team debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Jones also converted his two targets into two receptions for 15 yards.

From TheHuddle

Tyreek Hill Sep 8 6:33pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill finished with seven receptions for 130 yards and an 80-yard touchdown in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, bouncing back after being detained due to a minor traffic violation prior to the opener.

Fantasy Spin: Hill got off to a slow start, and fantasy managers were wringing their hands until Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard touchdown with 2:08 to go in the third quarter. The long scoring reception obviously turned a terrible start and day into another strong fantasy line. He'll look to keep it going in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills on a short week Thursday. Hill had seven grabs for 82 yards and a TD on 13 targets at home against Buffalo Jan. 7, 2024 in the most recent meeting.

From TheHuddle

Jonnu Smith Sep 8 6:33pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith posted a lone 7-yard reception on his two targets in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in his team debut.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Lynn Polk Sep 8 6:30pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk hauled in his lone target for a gain of six yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans and fantasy managers alike were curious to see where Polk would rank in the pecking order, and now we have our answer. At best, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It's worth noting that Tyquan Thornton saw more volume than him, too. Polk is avoidable in redraft leagues and nothing more than a bench stash in deeper dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 8 6:23pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert rushed six times for only nine yards in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while totaling two receptions for only 10 yards on his three targets.

Fantasy Spin: Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, while tying for the NFL lead with 21 total scores, but that's last season. He is expected to share the load with De'Von Achane, and the latter was much more productive for fantasy managers, especially in the pass game. Even Jeff Wilson Jr. had a handful of touches, actually leading the team in rushing yards. It's not what Mostert's fantasy managers wanted to see. He remains a low-end RB2 or flex play in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, but expect him to share the wealth.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Moore Sep 8 6:23pm ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore caught five passes for 36 yards on eight targets against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He also rushed for 14 yards on one carry during the game.

From TheHuddle

Keenan Allen Sep 8 6:23pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen caught four passes for 29 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He was targeted 11 times during the game.

From TheHuddle