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Training Camp Preview: NFC East

Mon Jul 15 11:09am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Prescott in make or break season


This is the first 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 are always a team to watch in training camp, mainly because of the high expectations for the team. But this year the expectations could be even higher with Dak Prescott possibly in a make or break year. He will need to play at a high level and produce in the playoffs if he hopes to continue to start and land a big contract with the Cowboys. There will be a lot of pressure on Prescott this season. The Cowboys open camp on July 24 at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, Calif.

Position battle: The running back spot is the big one for the Cowboys this training camp. This spot is truly up for grabs with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman battling it out for playing time. Elliott is the favorite to start but will need to show he still has something left in the tank. Dowdle is the big wild card. He is the younger option that showed well at times last year. If he can take a step forward, he could emerge as the lead back in this high-powered offense.

Injury watch: Dak Prescott scared some when he was spotted in a boot recently. He was battling some sort of ankle injury but it was considered minor. He is expected to be just fine for the start of camp. It is something to maybe keep an eye on, though, just to be sure. Ankle injuries can linger.

Eagles

Philadelphia had a great regular season but fizzled towards the end and in the playoffs. This will put more pressure on the team to perform the entire season. There is a ton of talent on this team, especially after adding running back Saquon Barkley to an already high-powered offense. It will be intriguing to see how Barkley is used on the offense, making it one of the big storylines in camp. Barkley and his teammates get things started on July 23 at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.

Position battle: There really isn’t much to decide in Philadelphia but one spot to watch is the backup running back position. Kenneth Gainwell is the returner but he will have rookie Will Shipley to compete with for that job. Shipley is a talented three-down back that has already impressed in his short time in Philadelphia. Gainwell has produced well at times but been a little inconsistent. Starter Saquon Barkley can have some injury issues, so figuring out the back that might end up getting the most work if he were to get hurt could be a big plus for fantasy owners.

Injury watch: Dallas Goedert is not currently injured but injuries have been an issue for him in recent seasons. He has missed games each of the last five seasons. Injuries are always a concern when it comes to Goedert. But if healthy, he can be a big producer at fantasy tight end. Keep an eye on him during training camp to see how he looks and plays.

Giants

New York has a lot of questions once again, mainly offensively. Do they have the right quarterback to lead the team? Who is going to step up at receiver? How will the team replace superstar Saquon Barkley at running back? And lastly, will the offensive line hold up over a full season? All these questions will be closely monitored this training camp, which kicks off July 16 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility in East Rutherford, N.J.

Position battle: The Giants are a mess at receiver. They have all sorts of openings. Rookie Malik Nabers might be about the only sure thing out of the group. He is expected to be the No. 1 receiver this season. But after him, you have Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah McKenzie, Isaiah Hodgins and Allen Robinson vying for playing time. It really is anyone’s guess who might emerge out of that big group of receivers. We should have a better idea after seeing these guys in camp and preseason action.

Injury watch: Starting quarterback Daniel Jones is returning from a torn ACL, suffered in Week 9 last year. This is a major injury to return, so Jones is no sure thing to be ready for Week 1. The good news is his offseason progress has been really good. All signs point towards him being ready for the start of the season. Just make sure he keeps progressing in camp and doesn’t have any setbacks before pulling the trigger on him come draft day.

Commanders

The Commanders have a lot of new this season, including a franchise quarterback and head coach. These two aspects of the team will be the main focus of training camp for Commanders fans to watch. Washington will need to hit on these two if they hope to get the franchise headed in the right direction once again. Washington gets camp started on July 18 at the OrthoVirginia Training Center in Ashburn, Va.

Position battle: The tight end position is up for grabs in Washington this year. The Commanders drafted Ben Sinnott, who is the future at the position, but also signed veteran Zach Ertz. These two will battle it out for the right to start. Ertz has reportedly been a top target in offseason workouts, so he might have the early lead for the job. Either way, the starting tight end could carry good fantasy value in Washington with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The tight end can be a nice safety net for a young player.

Injury watch: Austin Ekleler had an ankle injury last year that caused him to miss three games and be limited in others. Nagging injuries have slowed him in recent years. He isn’t getting any younger and this might be his last chance to play a big role in an offense. Ekekler will need to show he is healthy and still has something left in the tank if he hopes to get consistent playing time.

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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Trey Sermon Oct 11 6:00pm CT
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) has been cleared to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's primary RB for the second straight week with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) being ruled out. Sermon missed practice on Wednesday but was a full-go on both Thursday and Friday. The 25-year-old saw 10 carries for 38 yards and his second rushing touchdown of the year in last week's loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, adding six receptions for another 25 yards. For the added volume alone with JT out again, fantasy managers should consider Sermon an RB3/flex this weekend. However, the matchup against the Titans on the road isn't nearly as good, as they've allowed the 22nd-most half-PPR points to opposing backs through five weeks this year.

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Josh Downs Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report for Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Downs was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he appears to be tracking in the right direction to play on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Fellow wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did the exact same this week, but he appears to be much more up in the air due to a back injury that reportedly could keep him out multiple weeks. Downs' fantasy stock has risen after he put up 17 receptions (21 targets) for 151 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks. However, his status is in question this weekend against a very stingy Tennessee secondary, and his fantasy upside could actually tank if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) returns to action. The 23-year-old is lining up as a shaky WR3/flex if he's active. If both he and Pittman are ruled out, Alec Pierce will be Indy's WR1.

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Brayden Narveson Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson looks to continue building up some momentum as the Packers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. After Narveson's brutal showing in Week 4 where he missed two field goals, the Packers stuck with him and Narveson made his only field goal attempt and booted home three extra point attempts in their win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Starting Narveson in fantasy lineups this week is a bet on the game environment being filled with points, which is definitely on the table with the scoring potential of both the Packers and Cardinals. Consider Narveson a fringe starting option this week in Week 6.

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Jeremy McNichols Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols could move up the depth chart on Sunday afternoon if Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is unable to suit up. Robinson entered last weekend with a questionable status but was able to play. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend. McNichols has shined in the few opportunities he has gotten this season. In Week 4 with Austin Ekeler sidelined with a concussion, McNichols tallied 68 yards and two scores on eight attempts. Late into the fourth quarter last weekend when the Commanders had a sizeable lead, the 28-year-old received seven carries and totaled 44 yards and another score. If Robinson is unable to play, McNichols becomes a viable flex option in deeper formats and should share the backfield with Ekeler.

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Chase McLaughlin Oct 11 5:50pm CT
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the more consistent options early in the season. Last week, McLaughlin was perfect on all six of his kicks during the overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran kicker is a perfect 10-for-10 on field goal attempts heading into the Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. McLaughlin has connected on two field goals or more in every game, but one this season. The Bucs offense continues to give McLaughlin plenty of work on a weekly basis which gives him solid streaming value for this Week 6 divisional matchup.

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Terry McLaurin Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has topped double-digit PPR points in each of the past three weeks and remains a high-end WR2 in Week 6 when he faces the Baltimore Ravens. Since tallying just 39 yards in the first two games of the season, McLaurin has hit the century mark in two out of the past three games and averaged an impressive 88.0 yards with eight targets per game in this stretch. In addition, he has found the end zone twice during this span. Facing a Baltimore Ravens defense that has allowed the most points to opposing wideouts this season makes McLaurin a high-upside play in all formats and should be locked into all starting lineups.

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Taysom Hill Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (rib) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 6 divisional clash on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This will be Hill's third missed game of the year and his second in a row due to fractured ribs that he suffered in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. The 34-year-old can do it all on the football field, but it's impossible to predict when he'll be heavily utilized when he's healthy. For now, Hill should remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats. When he does return, Hill could see more action out of the backfield as a passer or runner if he's able to return before quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) does. The Saints have a quick turnaround in Week 7 next Thursday against the Denver Broncos, so Hill may be fighting an uphill battle to return by then.

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Noah Brown Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was held out of last weekend's game but is expected to return to the field this weekend and could be worth a look as a high-risk, high-upside play in DFS format. Since making his Commanders debut in Week 2, Brown has logged more snaps and ran more routes every week, highlighted by a season-high in Week 4 with 26 routes, the second-most on the team. During this stretch, Brown has caught three passes in each game. Brown logged three limited practice sessions this week and is expected to suit up this weekend. With how well Jayden Daniels has performed in the NFL, Brown's breakout performance could be right around the corner and facing one of the worst pass defenses in football could be the recipe for success.

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Cade Otton Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has picked up his performance over the last few weeks. Otton started off slow with two duds, but has played better over the last two weeks. The third-year tight end has 44 receiving yards or more over each of the last three games. It's also worth noting that the Bucs could be without Rachaad White (foot), Jalen McMillan (hamstring), and Trey Palmer (concussion) for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. That means, Otton could be pushed up the pecking order with the Bucs having less options on offense. Otton has done enough lately to be a playable option as a TE2 for this Week 6 matchup.

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Zach Ertz Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught a season-low two passes for ten yards last weekend but has a great opportunity to bounce-back facing the Baltimore Ravens. Even though Ertz had his worst game on the scoresheet, he saw eight targets. From Weeks 1 to 4, Ertz averaged four targets in each game with a solid 37.5 yards. With the Commanders lacking a proven No.2 option in the passing attack, Ertz should continue to remain productive every week. Facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the 26th-most points to opposing tight ends makes Ertz a low-end TE1 with upside.

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Austin Seibert Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has remained perfect since joining the DMV in Week 2 and has entered streaming territory heading into Week 6. Seibert's leg has not been tested outside of 50+ yards, but he has produced double-digit fantasy points in three of his four games. This weekend, their matchup against the Ravens holds the highest projected point total of the week at an incredible 51.5 which suggests that both teams will be in scoring positions often, making Seibert a safe play with upside in all standard formats.

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Tucker Kraft Oct 11 5:40pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) popped up on the injury report with limited practices on Thursday and Friday, but is good to go for Week 6 as the Packers square off against the Cardinals. Kraft has no injury designation heading into the weekend, so he should be able to continue his excellent run of production in recent weeks. Kraft has been fantasy football's top tight end the last two weeks and had his best game of the season last week where he caught four balls for 88 yards for two touchdowns, including a 66-yard catch and run. With the Packers returning Romeo Doubs to the lineup and the possibility of Christian Watson (ankle) returning, the targets for Kraft may be more limited than in previous weeks, but Kraft will be on the field a ton (83% snap rate for the season). Fantasy managers should still start Kraft in most formats as a TE1 this week.

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Jayden Reed Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed should be targeted plenty in the Packers' upcoming matchup in Week 6 where they'll host the Arizona Cardinals. Reed has been a big play waiting to happen for Green Bay this season and has emerged as the Packers' unquestioned top target and playmaker in their offense. With a four-catch, 78-yard effort along with 19 rushing yards last week against the Los Angeles Rams, that stat line represented his worst game of the three games with Jordan Love starting at quarterback. With other receivers returning to the lineup like Romeo Doubs and potentially Christian Watson (ankle) who is listed as questionable in the injury report, Reed's targets may shift slightly, but Reed is still in a great position heading into Week 6. He's become a must-start wide receiver for fantasy managers and should be universally started.

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Alvin Kamara Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, hip) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara picked up a DNP on Wednesday but was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller (hamstring) practiced in full all week and is questionable to make his season debut. The 29-year-old Kamara played a season-high 90% of the offensive snaps in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night and remains a workhorse for this offense. Expect another heavy workload for Kamara in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's first career start, which makes Kamara a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers. However, with QB Derek Carr (oblique) out, the Saints' offense could struggle to move the ball effectively, which could be an overall downgrade for Kamara's upside.

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Rashid Shaheed Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) was removed from Friday's injury report and will be active on Sunday in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Shaheed did not practice on Wednesday but returned to limited sessions on both Thursday and Friday. The 26-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season in 2024 and enters Week 6 as the No. 14 fantasy wideout in half-PPR scoring thanks to 19 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He has had some nice chemistry on the deep ball with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique), but with Carr likely out multiple weeks, Shaheed's fantasy value could take a big tumble while taking passes from rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who will be making his first start this weekend. Shaheed should be viewed as a much more volatile WR3/flex in Week 6.

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Sterling Shepard Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard could be asked to take on a bigger role during Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Bucs could be shorthanded at wideout with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) both uncertain heading into this game. That being said, Shepard could be asked to step in and be the third receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. His best performance came in Week 3 when he hauled in three receptions for 51 yards. It's hard to imagine Shepard being a viable streaming option even if he gets the nod as the third wideout.

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Jayden Daniels Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to win his fifth straight game on Sunday as he takes on the Baltimore Ravens. After losing his first professional game, Daniels has averaged an impressive 24.2 PPR points per game with 951 total passing yards, 212 rushing yards, and six scores. The LSU standout has only turned the ball over twice and completed a remarkable 78.5% of his passes. This weekend, he faces a Baltimore defense that has allowed the 28th-most points to opposing quarterbacks. Daniels should be locked into all lineups this weekend as this game could become quite high-scoring given the projected 51.5-point total, which is the highest of the slate.

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Austin Ekeler Oct 11 5:30pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats this weekend as they will face the Baltimore Ravens in what could be a very high-scoring affair. After missing Week 4 with a concussion, Ekeler looked strong in Week 5 as he ran for a season-high 67 yards on six carries. He added 30 yards on two receptions. Ekeler has seen at least two targets in every game and ran double-digit routes in three out of the four games he has played in. In addition, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, which could further increase Ekeler's opportunities. If Robinson is unable to play, Ekeler should be viewed as a high-end RB2.

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Josh Jacobs Oct 11 5:20pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs looks to keep his solid run going when the Packers host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Jacobs scored his first touchdown as a Packer last week and totaled 94 total yards in their win over the Rams in Week 5. Jacobs should find many more running lanes against the Cardinals, who are a bottom-six defense in EPA/rush attempt on the season. Arizona has given up at least 80 yards rushing to four running backs in the last three weeks, so Jacobs should be in line for a quality day with the safe and solid volume he gets each week. Fantasy managers should feel secure in slotting Jacobs into their lineups as a RB1 option in most weeks and that doesn't change in Week 6.

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Zamir White Oct 11 5:20pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. White missed the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos and is in danger of missing his second straight game. The 25-year-old was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday before returning to a limited session on Friday. Even if White suits up this weekend against Pittsburgh, fantasy managers should only consider him for a starting lineup spot if they are in dire straights at the RB position. He's been a huge disappointment through the first five weeks of the season, averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry on 49 rushing attempts (152 yards and no scores) in four games. Alexander Mattison will see the majority of backfield work for Vegas if White sits out again, putting him in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy in a tough matchup.

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