NFL preseason winners and losers: Which rookies stood out? — Yahoo Sports

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

NFL preseason winners and losers: Which rookies stood out? — Yahoo Sports | AIPROPX

A facsimile of football has returned.

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is in the books, with all 32 franchises now having made the transition from training camp to the exhibition slate. How much those exhibition matchups actually matter is a point of debate, with several teams keeping their starters out en masse and placing a higher emphasis on joint practices, as well as their own workouts.

Yet from unsettled position battles to rookies finding their way and end-of-roster hopefuls scrapping for spots, the initial tilts still can shape the coming weeks and months, even if at a reduced scale.

With that in mind, here are the biggest winners and losers from Week 1 of the NFL preseason:

NFL preseason Week 1 winners

Bears WR DJ Moore

Preseason action wasn't necessary to confirm that a major role for Moore, who's cracked 1,000 yards four times in his career and for whom the Bills gave up a second-round pick to acquire. Still, his connection with Josh Allen looks to be in stellar shape. Moore broke free for a 32-yard catch-and-run on the opening drive against the Panthers for the clear highlight of his three-catch, 61-yard day.

This is sure to remain a group effort to support Allen, with targets spread out among Moore, fellow receiver Khalil Shakir, tight end Dalton Kincaid and running back James Cook, among others. But Moore has an extensive track record of propping up receiving corps in need of help. He looks in line to continue that trend in Buffalo.

Allen and Moore continue to build that connection 🦬 Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LyNAjhvzIU

— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026 Rams QB Ty Simpson

One key caveat here: The Rams invest less into preseason results than almost any other team, so any flourishes in these games might fade even faster than they would elsewhere. That said, the initial glimpses of their first-round quarterback were highly encouraging .

In nearly three full quarters against the Chiefs, Simpson completed 21 of 25 passes for 190 yards, with both of his scores going to undrafted free agent rookie running back Dean Connors. The game plan looked to be narrowed a good bit for the former Alabama passer, who largely worked short throws to the sidelines until late in the game. Still, Simpson was precise and efficient while avoiding any major mistakes. After operating alongside and against backups and roster longshots, it would be a leap to consider the one-year college starter fully ready to step in for Los Angeles anytime soon. But for both Simpson and the Rams, there's at least something to build on for the rest of training camp and the preseason.

21/25, 190 passing yards, 2 touchdowns. A great start to the Preseason for @RamsNFL rookie QB @ty_simpson06 . pic.twitter.com/QgkzQleVcl

— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026 Ravens WR Ja'Kobi Lane

No rookie has generated hyperbole this summer quite like Lane, whom Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle compared to former Saints great Michael Thomas. In his preseason debut, the highlights kept coming.

Lane hauled in three catches for 38 yards against the Eagles, with his night punctuated by a 16-yard catch over the middle that he took in for a score. The 6-4, 208-pound wideout also served up another reminder of his catch radius when he contorted and reached behind him for his first reception, an 18-yard gain. With everything he can offer Lamar Jackson as a target capable of coming down with even the most difficult of throws to his area, Lane looks like a more convincing Week 1 contributor with every big play.

JA'KOBI LANE'S FIRST TOUCHDOWN!!!! Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/M9KeOR9vn3

— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026 49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling

Running with whatever is thrown his way has never been a problem for Stribling, the second-round receiver out of Mississippi who made a habit of hauling in passes and racing downfield. And with the 49ers perhaps needing him to play a larger role than initially expected this season, Stribling is once again stepping up.

Extending his strong work from training camp, Stribling racked up seven catches for 63 yards while running with the starters. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan praised both his sure hands and his physicality. With Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. undoubtedly needing assistance to keep the aerial attack running after Ricky Pearsall was lost for the season , expect Stribling to play an important role in providing Brock Purdy with some much-needed juice.

Steelers' rookie class

Drew Allar is the clear headliner here for Pittsburgh after his 10-of-13 performance against the Packers that included three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing). To be sure, the outing was a promising development for the third-round quarterback, with whom coach Mike McCarthy went back to basics this offseason after the Penn State product's star-crossed collegiate career. But with no real movement yet in the backup quarterback picture, let's zoom out to appreciate an impressive wider set of rookie performances.

Receiver Germie Bernard's showing is likely the most consequential to a team trying to retain its playoff contender credentials under McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. The former Alabama standout showcased all of his selling points – consistent separation, trustworthy hands and abundant run-after catch ability – that helped make him a second-round pick. Speed demon Kaden Wetjen also took a slant from Allar for a 74-yard score, evading one defender before outracing all the others to the end zone. Seventh-round running back and all-purpose threat Eli Heidenreich got an extended look, logging nine carries for 21 yards. And fifth-round fullback Riley Nowakowski got in on the action with a 4-yard touchdown delivered by Allar.

Raiders WR Jack Bech

With the focus on Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins' debuts for the Silver and Black , Bech's beginning to Year 2 in the NFL wasn't a primary storyline for Las Vegas. Yet the receiver ended up being a ra...