Mon Jul 7 9:13am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Williams hopes to start in Dallas
This is the second in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Cowboys
The Cowboys were a big disappointment last season, failing to make the playoffs. This led to the team firing long-time coach Mike McCarthy. There is always a ton of pressure on the coach in Dallas, so it will be intriguing to see how new head coach Brian Schottenheimer handles it all. Schottenheimer and the boys open camp on July 21 at the Staybridge Suites in Oxnard, Calif.
Position battle: The Cowboys have a big opening at running back. Their starting job at running back is far from settled. Javonte Williams might be the favorite right now but he hasn’t done a whole lot in recent seasons in Denver. He will have to show he can carry the load and produce in a starting role if he hopes to win the job. The Cowboys drafted Jaydon Blue, who is getting some offseason hype. He could end up being the guy with a strong camp and preseason. Miles Sanders could also be in the mix for carries, but will need to look a lot better than he has the last few years if that is to happen. Either way, this is a wide open race to start for the Cowboys and the winner should have clear fantasy value in this offense.
Injury watch: Dak Prescott has been slow to recover from his torn hamstring suffered last year. He has done little in offseason workouts. He is expected to be ready for the start of camp but you will want to keep an eye on him to make sure everything is good with that hamstring. He doesn’t need to suffer any setbacks at this stage of the game.
Eagles
Philadelphia will have a target on their back this year after winning the Super Bowl last season. The Eagles had a magical season and will be the favorites to win it all again this year. So the story of camp will be how the team responds to the pressure. The Eagles quest for another Super Bowl gets underway on July 22 at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.
Position battle: The Eagles are pretty set at all their major offensive positions but the backup running back job seems up for grabs. This is an important position for all the Saquon Barkley fantasy owners. If he gets hurt, who would be the next man up? Right now, the battle is between Will Shipley and newly acquired AJ Dillon. This is a wide open race between the two backs. Dillon might have the leg up for the job but will need to show better than he has in recent years with the Packers. Maybe a change of scenery gets him going. Shipley is more of a complete back but is unproven. This job should be sorted out in camp and preseason action.
Injury watch: Dallas Goedert is not currently injured but he missed seven gams because of injury last year and has played a full season just once in seven years. He needs to stay on the field if he hopes to help fantasy teams. And it starts in camp for Goedert, seeing if he is healthy and playing at a high level. He can help fantasy teams in this offense because of his big-play ability at the tight end spot. Here is to hoping he can make it through a full season healthy.
Giants
New York hopes to have finally solved their quarterback dilemma, getting both Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart in this year’s draft. Wilson should start until Dart is ready. This is going to be the big story at camp, seeing if the Giants finally have a dependable quarterback to run their offense. We will get to see the quarterbacks in action at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility in East Rutherford, N.J starting July 15.
Position battle: The Giants could have a battle on their hands for the starting running back job. Tyrone Tracy is likely to start but the team brought in Cam Skattebo to improve the depth at the position. Skattebo was a highly productive three-down back in college. He has the skillset to carry the load in the NFL and could push Tracy for playing time his rookie season. It will be interesting to see how they use Skattebo this coming season in New York. Is this going to be a split backfield? Hopefully, we get a better idea in training camp and preseason action.
Injury watch: Malik Nabers continues to be slowed by a toe injury suffered in college. He was held out of offseason workouts because of the ailment. The Giants are not concerned about the injury but we still think it is something to at least monitor to make sure it isn’t an issue going into the season. Nabers has a chance to be one of the best fantasy receivers in the game if all goes well for him.
Commanders
The Commanders are a team on the rise with arguably the most exciting quarterback in the game on their roster. Many are excited to see what Jayden Daniels can do in year two. How much better is he going to get after showing so well his rookie season? The focus on camp will be on the development of Daniels. Daniels and his friends get camp started on July 18 at the OrthoVirginia Training Center in Ashburn, Va.
Position battle: The addition of Deebo Samuel gives the Commanders two solid starting receivers, but after those two, things are pretty wide open at receiver. There should be a battle between Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane and Michael Gallup for that No. 3 receiver job. And all have a shot to win the job. They have their pluses and minuses, meaning it is anyone’s guess that might emerge.
Injury watch: Michael Gallup is back in football but isn’t off to a great start, suffering a hamstring injury during the offseason. He missed all of mandatory minicamp. If he hopes to make the roster, Gallup will need to get healthy in a hurry and show he can still make plays on the field.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, but he isn't expected to miss significant time and should be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Harris is likely to miss limited time to begin training camp this month. It's not the way the 27-year-old would have preferred to enter training camp in his first year in L.A., but it shouldn't affect his regular-season availability as he looks to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fifth straight season to begin his NFL career. Harris should have a key role in the Chargers' run-first offense in 2025, but his fantasy upside will be limited due to the presence of first-round rookie Omarion Hampton. Hampton has more big-play ability than Harris, who should be viewed as an RB3/flex target in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has really benefited from the addition of new defensive coordinator Al Golden, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. Taylor-Britt has been unable to find consistency and was benched multiple times in 2024, but Dehner writes that his energy, athleticism and playmaking ability have shown up during the offseason. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (60th overall) in 2022 out of Nebraska has played at a high level before in Cincy's secondary and could become a true No. 1 cornerback for the Bengals in 2025. Although he had a career-high 77 tackles (58 solo), half a sack, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a career-high 16 pass breakups in 17 starts a year ago, Taylor-Britt was a liability in coverage and gave up 734 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. The Bengals need him to be better in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain writes that Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze should be much better in 2025 with a better offensive scheme and improved quarterback play out of Caleb Williams. Fantasy managers were disappointed with Odunze last season after he was taken ninth overall by the Bears out of Washington. However, Fishbain points out that the 23-year-old pass-catcher was fifth among all rookies in receiving yards (734) while catching 53.5% of his targets. He was most definitely inconsistent and scored only three times in 17 games (12 starts), but there remains plenty of upside, and he should be better in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense with Keenan Allen gone. Odunze's after-the-catch abilities and physical prowess make him a nice WR3/flex with upside to target in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey is expected "to play a significant role in the passing game," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Denver selected Harvey out of Central Florida in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft and he enters training camp in a battle with free agent addition J.K. Dobbins for backfield touches. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime could also be in the mix. Harvey had just 20 receptions for 267 and three touchdowns last season at UCF, but it sounds as though he'll be relied upon as a pass-catcher in Denver. Broncos' head coach Sean Payton has designed offenses that heavily feature running backs in the passing game before, so Harvey's usage in that role could be a significant boost to his value in PPR league formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders receiver Luke McCaffrey impressed during the team's offseason practices and should have a more meaningful role in 2025, according to Mike Jones of The Athletic. Jones writes that McCaffrey "demonstrated an improved understanding of the playbook and improved confidence." A third-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft, McCaffrey logged just 18 catches for 168 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. The Commanders have Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel entrenched atop their depth chart at wide receiver, but there could be playing time available via the WR3 role. Veterans Noah Brown and Michael Gallup, as well as fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane, are among the names McCaffrey will have to beat out for the job. He'll need to earn consistent playing time to become fantasy-relevant, but it appears as though McCaffrey will have that opportunity.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen will "have plenty of opportunities in 2025 to make his mark and prove he can be the long-term starter with (current starter Breece) Hall in the last year of his contract," according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Rosenblatt notes that Jets' first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and play caller Tanner Engstrand would like to emulate the two-back model that was so successful in their last stop with the Detroit Lions. Allen was the clear RB2 behind Breece Hall last season, earning 92 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. A more even timeshare with Hall would be a highly fantasy-relevant development in the Jets backfield. That's especially true if Allen, as the larger back, gets more of the team's work around the goal line.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have placed wide receiver Mike Williams (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Los Angeles will start training camp later this week. The 30-year-old missed mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believed the veteran would be available for the start of activities in July. It's worth noting that Schefter reports a player can be transferred off the PUP at any time during the offseason, and it's mainly used as a roster management tool at this point in the year. It's at least mildly concerning that the nature of the injury is unknown, although Harbaugh doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. Williams disappointed last year in his first season back from an ACL tear with the Steelers, but he'll get a chance to redeem himself in his second stint with LA. Barring health, that is.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the New York Jets and wide receiver Garrett Wilson reached an agreement on a four-year, $130 million contract, including $90 million guaranteed. Per Schefter, this marks the first time in NFL history that a wide receiver will average over $31 million per year after only three seasons in the league. Despite sharing the field with former superstar teammate Davante Adams in 2024 and dealing with less-than-ideal quarterback play in the two years prior, Wilson has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving and 80 receptions in each of his first three campaigns. He'll head into 2025 as the team's undisputed No. 1 pass-catching option, but will again face the difficulty of developing rapport with a new quarterback in Justin Fields. While the quality of his targets is currently unknown, the Ohio State alum's talent and usage should provide WR1 upside.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder), who hosted his first football camp for kids last week, remained a limited participant as he's still recovering from offseason AC-joint surgery. "It's been good," Loveland told Aaron McMann of MLive.com. "There haven't really been live bullets flying yet. We'll really know in camp once I get out there, doing a lot more stuff." Expectations are high in 2025 for the Bears, and that goes for the former Michigan Wolverine, too, despite his status as a rookie. It sounds like his shoulder has responded well, but he hasn't exactly been aggressive in his testing of it. The Bears boast an array of talented weaponry to deploy for second-year signal-caller Caleb Williams, and upgraded their coaching staff with the offensive-minded Ben Johnson. Loveland's impact could be spotty due to the excess of mouths to feed, but he has the talent to be a standout early on if he can adapt quickly to the league.
From RotoBaller
ESPN.com's Rich Cimini reports that new New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has challenged defensive back Sauce Gardner to bring his game to a new level this offseason. "I know I'm not perfect, but the fact that he's trying to get perfection out of me is what I need," said Gardner. "I've had a lot of success, early success in the league...the last thing I need is a new regime to come in here and just allow me to be complacent." The fourth-year pro took the league by storm in his rookie season and followed it up with another exceptional campaign. However, 2024 saw Gardner rank 47 out of 52 qualified corners in EPA per target as the nearest defender, and he's recorded a lone interception in his last 31 appearances. It seems he's responded well to the challenge and is an excellent bounce-back candidate ahead of 2025.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy alluded to Kay Adams during an appearance on FanDuel TV's "Up and Adams" that the team may return to their once-signature explosive play style. "Coach Reid told us during OTAs Phase 1, 'When you come back, get your hamstrings ready,'" said the former Texas Longhorn. Once a high-flying offensive juggernaut, Kansas City has shifted to a more clock-control, defensive-oriented style of play. However, Worthy flashed his prowess as a deep threat during the team's playoff run, and an improved offensive line could push the Chiefs back to favor stretching the field more in 2025. He'll have third-year running mate, Rashee Rice, and veteran tight end Travis Kelce to contend with for targets, although it isn't a foregone conclusion that Rice and Worthy won't be a boon for each other as they operate in different roles. The 22-year-old garners some of the highest upside of the mid-round fantasy wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Despite an eye-raising off-the-field incident this offseason, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) impressed the team at minicamp and gave the impression he might be ahead of schedule in his rehab from an ACL tear suffered last year. The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that Diggs will likely open training camp this month working on the side until he's fully cleared from his injury. It always seemed likeliest that Diggs would open the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would mean he'd miss the first four games, but that all depends on how quickly he can get onto the field in a full capacity. He's on the wrong side of 30 with his prime behind him, and with Diggs' availability for Week 1 in question, fantasy managers have every right to be thinking about avoiding him entirely in drafts. It's not like Diggs was particularly explosive before his knee injury, either.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Carolina Panthers second-year wide receiver Xavier Legette should see improved production in 2025 as quarterback Bryce Young develops and rookie first-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan draws coverage his way. Legette had 49 catches for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts) after going 32nd overall in last year's draft out of South Carolina. It was a disappointment for the 24-year-old, but as Person points out, Legette didn't become a full-time starter in college until his fifth season. His eight drops put him among the leaders in that category. the 6-foot-3, 227-pounder has a big, chiseled frame and could make strides this year as long as Young continues to improve as well. There will be plenty of competition for targets in Carolina, though, so RotoBaller has Legette ranked as the No. 64 wideout.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec writes that the Baltimore Ravens think second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins has star potential. The 21-year-old former 30th overall pick last year out of Clemson got better as the season advanced last year, and quarterbacks had just a 66.7 QB rating when targeting the young defensive back in 2024. He allowed only 31 receptions on 62 passes thrown his way while playing 68 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Wiggins has put on 10 pounds of muscle and has a much better understanding of the Ravens' defensive plan going into Year 2, which could be the recipe for a strong sophomore season. He finished his rookie season with 33 tackles (25 solo), an interception returned for a touchdown, 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 games (six starts).
From RotoBaller
As long as he stays healthy, Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop is a pretty good bet to be a Week 1 starter in 2025, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (60th overall) in 2024 out of Utah was one of the main reasons why the Bills didn't address the safety position in this year's NFL draft. Bishop began his rookie season in Buffalo slow due to inconsistent performances and injuries, but he was able to hit his stride late in the year and even made spot starts in the regular season and playoffs. He finished his first regular season with 40 tackles (25 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 games (four starts) for the Bills. Buscaglia writes that Bishop looked more comfortable within the defensive scheme this offseason and has drawn very positive reviews from the coaching staff.
From RotoBaller
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, more details have emerged involving Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins' recent arrest for domestic battery over the weekend via the arrest report. Judkins' accuser told police that he punched her with a closed fist in the chin/lip area and also hit her in the left arm and thigh while they were in a car leaving the airport on July 7. In addition to this disturbing news involving the 21-year-old second-round pick back in April out of Ohio State, Judkins remains unsigned by the Browns. Not only will he potentially miss valuable development time during training camp this summer, but he could be facing a suspension in his first NFL season in 2025. If Judkins is suspended for any length of time, it will make both Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson even more valuable for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has kind of flown under the radar among the Atlanta Falcons' defensive additions this offseason, but The Athletic's Josh Kendall believes that Elliss could end up being the team's most impactful pass-rusher this year. The 30-year-old veteran has 16 sacks in the last three seasons and leads the league in pressure percentage in that span. Despite the fact that the Falcons have also added outside linebackers Leonard Floyd, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has promised to keep deploying Elliss as a pass-rusher at inside linebacker. Kendall thinks that Elliss could rack up double-digit sacks in 2025 for the first time in his career -- his career-high of seven came in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints. Last year, Elliss had a career-best 151 tackles (85 solo), five sacks, eight tackles for loss, 16 QB hits and his first career interception.
From RotoBaller
Despite just requesting a new contract or a trade, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) is expected to be present when the team's veterans report for training camp next Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that Jennings' situation will be smooth and tidy after that. After signing a two-year, $15.4 million deal last year as a restricted free agent, the 28-year-old wideout broke out in 2024 to the tune of 975 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 77 receptions (all career-highs) in 15 games (10 starts). He missed some spring workouts with a minor calf injury, but he's expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025 regular season. With Deebo Samuel Sr. now out of town and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) potentially missing around half the season, Jennings is a prime WR3/flex target that should see an expanded role once again.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Doug Haller writes that Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darius Robinson is healthy and positioned to make his mark in his second NFL season in 2025. The Cardinals took Robinson 27th overall in 2024 out of Missouri, but he injured his calf in training camp and spent the rest of his rookie campaign trying to play catch-up. As a result, the 23-year-old interior defensive lineman failed to make much of an impact, recording just 10 tackles (four solo) and one sack in six games played in the desert. With Robinson healthy going into this year, though, the Cardinals' defensive line could be much improved after the drafted pass-rusher Walter Nolen in the first round in April and also signed veterans Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. Robinson will surely play a much bigger part for Arizona's D-line in 2025.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a new contract or to be traded heading into the 2025 NFL season. Jennings, who is set to make $7.5 million in the last year of his current deal, racked up career highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (975), and receiving touchdowns (six) a season ago. The 28-year-old is likely to start the season as the team's WR1 with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) potentially starting the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Based on the average salary of his active deal, he ranks outside the top 40 wideouts. The former seventh-round pick out of Tennessee has a strong case to deserve a pay raise, and it would be somewhat surprising if the organization does not work with him, given its scarcity of pass-catchers behind tight end George Kittle. Should the Niners decide to trade him instead, his fantasy football outlook could be positively or negatively affected. His departure would open the door for sophomore Ricky Pearsall.
From RotoBaller