NFL preseason Week 1 trending up, down: Ty Simpson sizzles, Tua Tagovailoa fizzles

Moore added two more catches — giving him three for 61 yards in two series — on Buffalo's second drive, the second directly setting up a touchdown.

He experienced an injury scare to his lower leg on his final catch but appeared in good health on the sideline afterward, seemingly avoiding catastrophe.

For a player expected to play a prominent role, Moore's preseason debut was a rousing success. Now pack him — and the rest of the starting offense — in peanuts until the games matter.

Cleveland Browns  wide receiver KC Concepcion | The Browns have a dire quarterback situation, but a bright spot emerged in a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion, the No. 24 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, shined, and head coach Todd Monken's creative usage increases our excitement for the young playmaker in the regular season.

Concepcion was targeted four times and finished with three receptions for 27 yards, but his best highlight came on a reverse, when he took a red-zone handoff, ran through an arm tackle and tiptoed along the sideline into the end zone for a touchdown.

It was a brief but tantalizing glimpse into what could be in store for Concepcion this season. Monken appears ready to utilize him in a number of ways, providing hope for what could be an overall grim Browns offense.

Los Angeles Rams  quarterback Ty Simpson |  The Rams are geniuses. Simpson, surprisingly selected No. 14 in the 2025 NFL Draft months after quarterback Matthew Stafford earned his first league MVP award, received extensive  action in a 20-12 win at the Kansas City Chiefs and showed why Los Angeles took the bold swing with an outstanding performance. The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback finished 21-of-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

As promising as the present is for the Super Bowl LXI favorites, the future could be just as bright.

TRENDING DOWN

New York Giants  running back Tyrone Tracy |  That's no way to make friends with your quarterback.

Tracy, entering his third season, whiffed on a pass protection rep during a 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, giving safety Jay Ward a clear path to Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. The defensive back delivered a massive tackle that left the second-year gunslinger crumpled at midfield, prompting a trip to the blue medical tent.

Dart was cleared to return and finished 3-of-4 for 26 yards and a touchdown, showing no ill effects from the big hit. But it might linger longer for Tracy, who must be monumentally better as a pass blocker. That type of effort won't cut it. Worse yet, it could get his quarterback hurt.

Atlanta Falcons  quarterback Tua Tagovailoa |  Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa failed to take command of the open quarterback competition in poor performance during a 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, leading two drives and going 3-of-5 for 22 yards, with Atlanta managing one first down in the sequence.

With Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for contact, Tagovailoa is running uncontested to enter the season as QB1. While time is running out for Penix to enter the race, Tagovailoa isn't shutting the door.

New Orleans Saints  quarterback Spencer Rattler |  Saints head coach Kellen Moore had plenty to be pleased about in the first half of a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Running back Ty Chandler took the opening kickoff 86 yards to Jacksonville's 9-yard line, and Audric Estime scored a touchdown on the next play, both taking advantage of extended playing time.

The defense was opportunistic, coming away with two interceptions. Undrafted free agent edge-rusher Michael Heldman had two sacks.

Even former New York Jets flameout Zach Wilson was sharp, going 11-of-16 for 145 yards and a touchdown.

But the good fortune didn't extend to Rattler, who started yet failed to do much of anything with the chance. He was 8-of-11 for 42 yards and sacked twice, losing a fumble deep in his own territory.

With a big preseason, Rattler could have been a buy-low option for QB-needy teams in a trade. But that's much less likely after his dud. Instead of showcasing why he could vie for a starting spot elsewhere, he may be the Saints' QB3.