We'll start out with some potentially interesting news for LeSean McCoy owners. The Bills released Jonathan Williams, who was expected to serve as McCoy's primary backup, and was considered by many to have stand-alone value just like Mike Gillislee had last year. With Mike Tolbert looking like the most reliable backup unless the team adds someone via waivers, it's hard to imagine that McCoy will be pulled from games aside from an occasional breather. Tolbert hasn't been a useful fantasy option in many years, and one of the things that lowered McCoy's value a bit was when he was spelled by Gillislee last year. Not only did McCoy have the most efficient year of his career as a runner last year, he's also averaged roughly 50 catches over his career, so he could see a massive workload.

• As if there was any question, Carlos Hyde enters the season as the featured back for the 49ers, especially since he's the only RB on the team with NFL experience. 25-year-old Matt Breida will be the primary backup, but should see just a change-of-pace role along with some third-down work. Clearly, Hyde's worth drafting in the first 40 picks of drafts based on his role and potential.
• The Bears backup RB situation is a bit clearer today after the release of Jeremy Langford. They'll go into the season with Tarik Cohen and Bennie Cunningham backing up Jordan Howard. Based on preseason usage, Cohen already appears to be in line for change-of-pace along with third-down duties. He's quickly becoming a player who could make an impact, and someone to consider drafting late, especially in PPR leagues. Those who are worried about his diminutive frame, he was very effective running between the tackles when he received first-team rushing attempts in the preseason. Also, unless the team adds another viable option, Cunningham would likely see a fairly-significant role running on early downs should Howard be forced to miss time.
• Another backup RB who was buried on the depth chart in Washington was Matt Jones, but the team finally cut ties with him, which allowed the Colts to scoop him up on waivers. Jones always had a nice blend of size, quickness and receiving ability, but issues with fumbling caused him to be banished to the sidelines. Along with Marlon Mack, Jones will be competing for significant work should Frank Gore finally show signs of slowing down. He's worth a roster spot in deeper leagues based on potential upside.
• Over in Los Angeles, with Lance Dunbar (knee) out for at least the first six games of the season, Todd Gurley could see plenty of work on all three downs, potentially increasing his fantasy value. In addition, Malcolm Brown will begin the season as Todd Gurley's primary backup, so fantasy managers who feel the need to handcuff their top RBs should take note and act accordingly.
• Moving to WR, Mike Williams is likely a couple weeks away from practicing as he recovers from a back injury. In reality, that also means he's unlikely to see the field for a longer time period than that. Without being able to build chemistry with Philip Rivers, it's difficult to imagine that he'll make a big impact as a rookie. However, in TD heavy leagues, he could be someone to stash away, as he projects to be a strong red zone presence.
• The Dolphins have made a change at kicker, as they parted ways with Andrew Franks and added Cody Parkey. In his previous stint with the Browns, Parkey converted 84.6 percent of his FG attempts, and now he'll be on a team with a better offense. Although he's not a top-12 option at kicker, in deeper leagues, he's someone to consider adding.
• Over in Carolina, the Panthers currently have two kickers on the roster, Graham Gano and rookie Harrison Butker, and the organization is unsure as to how long they'll keep both on the roster. Should they go into this week without getting rid of one, Gano would start Week 1, but if that's the case and he struggles, he could have a really short leash, and could even risk an in-game replacement should he miss an easy kick.