Tue Jul 16 10:16am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Godwin is moving to the slot
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.
Saints
The Saints were a bit of a surprise last year, winning their division. Expectations will be high for this team again, mainly because of the veteran players on the team. Their window might be closing sooner than later. There are not a ton of questions to be answered with this squad, but keeping their veterans healthy might be a big key to training camp. New Orleans gets camp started on July 16 at the University of California-Irvine in Irvine, Calif.
Position battle: Chris Olave is the clear No. 1 receiver for the Saints, but things aren’t quite as clear after him. Rashid Shaheed had his chances last year but wasn’t too consistent. He won’t be handed anything this year. A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson and Bub Means should be in the mix for the starter spot, opposite Olave. The job is Shaheed’s to lose, but don’t discount the other guys by any means.
Injury watch: Chris Olave is dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in the weight room this offseason. The injury is considered pretty minor but still something to monitor. He is the top target in this offense and sporting a non-contact jersey for a lot of the offseason workouts. Olave might be brought along slowly in camp to make sure he is completely healthy for the start of the season.
Bucs
The Bucs were a playoff team last season and should have a similar competitive squad this season. Tampa has some good pieces on both sides of the ball. Much of the season might hinge on starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who played his best football last season. He will need to continue to make strides if the Bucs hope to make another playoff run. Mayfield and his teammates open camp on July 23 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Fla.
Position battle: The starting receivers are clear in Tampa, but the No. 3 is up in the air. There are three similar players looking to get that job. Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard are the top candidates to play alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. And with Godwin moving to the slot this year, the player winning that No. 3 job could have some big games in Tampa, getting some chances to stretch the field.
Injury watch: Chris Godwin was able to play a full season last year but injuries have been an issue in recent seasons. And the Bucs are moving him to the slot this year because they want to avoid him getting injured. So his health is something to watch this training camp, making sure he can remain upright and on the field. Godwin can be a fantasy difference maker when all is right with him.
Falcons
The Falcons have a lot of new this training camp, which should be the focus of camp. The new coaching staff will install a new offense for the new starting quarterback. How quickly can everyone get up to speed with the new system? This will be what fantasy owners should be watching during camp. The new offense should be a lot more exciting than last year, which should be a welcome sight for fantasy owners. All this new for the Falcons gets going on July 23 at the IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Position battle: We wouldn’t call this a position battle, but the Falcons used a first-round pick on quarterback Michael Penix, surprising everyone. He should sit behind Kirk Cousins this year but you have to wonder a little what would happen if Penix tore it up in camp and preseason action. It might put a little heat on Cousins. Penix could make things really interesting for Atlanta.
Injury watch: Kirk Cousins is returning from a torn Achilles’ tendon. This is a major injury to come back from, but he has made good progress. Expectations are he should be ready for the start of the year, but nothing is 100 percent certain. We should get a good idea of his health after watching him in camp and preseason action.
Panthers
The Panthers did a much better job this offseason of trying to surround second-year quarterback Bryce Young with more talent. Young had his struggles his rookie season, so something needed to be done to help him get it going. We will see if the Panthers did enough to help Young take some steps forward, starting in camp on July 19 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Position battle: The Panthers upgraded at receiver this offseason, adding Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette to the mix. Adam Thielen is already on the roster, though, as is Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall. This is a suddenly crowded receiver room with a lot to be sorted. You will want to see how this all shakes out before drafting any Panthers receiver to your team.
Injury watch: Jonathan Brooks would have been a higher draft pick if not for a torn ACL, suffered late in his college career. There is a good chance he is not ready for the start of camp or the regular season. The Panthers are likely to bring along their future starting running back slowly, making sure he doesn’t have any setbacks. But once he is healthy, Brooks will be the three-down back for the Panthers, getting plenty of playing time in that role.
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.
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (leg) is expected to be available for the regular season opener, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Reynolds suffered a leg injury during Thursday's practice. It's not believed to be serious, but Reynolds was held out of the preseason finale for precautionary reasons. He's currently competing with Sione Vaki for the No. 3 role in Detroit. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the two primary options in this backfield. It's unlikely that Reynolds or Vaki have a significant role in the backfield while Gibbs and Montgomery are healthy. Whether he's healthy or not, Reynolds can probably be avoided in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett will serve as the backup for Week 1 and Week 2 of the regular season. This was expected to happen with Jimmy Garoppolo suspended for the first two weeks of the season. Bennett sat out of the preseason finale after starting the first two games. He threw for 437 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions during the preseason. Those aren't exactly great results, but Bennett isn't likely to see the field at all in 2024. Matthew Stafford should be full healthy and ready to go for the season opener. Garoppolo should take over as the primary backup once he's cleared to play, so Bennett is unlikely to play at all unless Stafford gets injured in the first two games.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed each of his two pass attempts for 26 yards in a 24-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. George Pickens was the only player targeted by Wilson on the team's first drive of the contest. The duo connected for a 32-yard gain that eventually set up a Cordarrelle Patterson rushing touchdown. Although head coach Mike Tomlin declined to name a Week 1 starter on Saturday, the team certainly gave Wilson QB1 treatment when it pulled him from the preseason finale after one scoring drive. If Wilson struggles early in the regular season, Justin Fields could push for the starting job, making the veteran a risky selection as a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Greg Joseph was solid in his final preseason game, making both field goal attempts and kicking home an extra point in the Packers' 30-7 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Joseph made a 36-yard attempt in the beginning of the second quarter, nailed a PAT in the third quarter, and then with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, drilled a 55-yard attempt. Joseph is in a tough kicking competition with incumbent starter Anders Carlson, but the race is a bit close to call at this moment. The Packers wanted to give Carlson some legitimate competition and Joseph, last season's kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, was just that throughout camp. Wait and see before drafting either kicker in fantasy, but whoever wins the Packers' job should have decent value given how powerful the Packers' offense is.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year kicker Anders Carlson struggled as a rookie, missing five extra points and making 27-of-33 field goals last season. In today's final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Carlson made both extra point attempts and made a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, but missed a 32-yard field goal wide right in the fourth quarter. While Carlson has been solid throughout camp in his battle with former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph to retain the starting kicker job, the final miss this preseason may linger in the head of head coach Matt LaFleur when making his decision. Carlson seems to have an edge on Joseph but could have a shorter leash once the season begins. Carlson is tough to trust as a fantasy selection at kicker, but could be a waiver wire add if things are going well as the Packers should be one of the better offenses in the league.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath led the Packers in all receiving categories during their final preseason tune-up against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Heath, the second-year receiver out of Ole Miss, led the Packers with five targets and a four-catch, 39-yard effort, including a third-quarter touchdown from Sean Clifford. The Packers sat Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, leaving the starting wide receivers to be Heath and Bo Melton, of whom Heath is battling to be the team's WR5 this season. The Packers have an embarrassment of riches at the receiver spot, so the team may opt to keep six on the 53-man roster, but the race is too close to call if the Packers only keep one. Heath was a sporadic contributor last season but was not fantasy-relevant. He shouldn't be drafted, but if any of the receivers ahead of him are hurt, Heath could contribute if he makes the roster.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton scored a touchdown on a beautiful throw from rookie Michael Pratt on Saturday afternoon in the Packers' final preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With the Packers sitting Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, Melton got some extra time to shine on Saturday and delivered with that second-quarter score. Melton only earned two targets and caught one, but made it count. While the first four receivers are set in stone for the Packers, the fifth wide receiver slot is up for grabs between Melton and second-year pro Malik Heath, who also caught a touchdown on the day. The Packers may opt to keep both Melton and Heath on the 53-man roster, but if not, it's likely a decision between the two. For fantasy purposes, there's no need to draft Melton but keep an eye on him if any of the other receivers get hurt as Melton was productive toward the end of 2023 for the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played well in the team's last preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 17 of 25 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11 yards on the ground. The 26-year-old led the Vikings on five consecutive scoring drives and left the game with a 23-3 lead. The second-year quarterback out of BYU was on the roster bubble with the possibility of joining the Vikings' practice squad but may have made the final cut as Hall looked sharp and decisive. If Hall does indeed get cut, expect him to be swiftly signed by another team. The former BYU Cougar likely will enter the 2024 regular season as the Vikings' QB3 behind starter Sam Darnold and backup Nick Mullens.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Michael Pratt was solid in his final preseason outing against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Pratt was 8-of-12 for 80 yards with an 18-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to Bo Melton. He also threw an interception in the third quarter to Trenton Simpson, where Pratt recklessly came flying in to make the tackle and was shaken up on the play. In the post-game press conference, head coach Matt LaFleur said Pratt "lost his wind" when trying to make the post-interception tackle. Pratt is battling incumbent backup quarterback Sean Clifford to be the QB2 behind Jordan Love this season, but the race is too close to call yet. The Packers travel to Brazil and open their season on September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Sean Clifford struggled yet again in the Packers' third and final preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Clifford was 6-of-14 for 53 yards with a touchdown pass to Malik Heath in the third quarter. The second-year pro from Penn State Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt alternated every two drives in their heated QB2 battle behind Jordan Love. Pratt has outplayed Clifford in the last two preseason contests but the race is too close to call with Clifford having the leg up with one more season of experience. The winner of this battle will be Love's direct backup when the Packers travel to Brazil to open their regular season on Friday, September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall played most of the second half against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, looking sharp in his limited passing opportunities. The 2023 fifth-round pick completed four of his five passes for 87 yards and two scores while rushing for 11 yards on two attempts, including an incredible 71-yard bomb to Jeshaun Jones. The Vikings were ahead by multiple scores for much of Hall's playtime, so he did not have many chances to show off his arm, but he was effective when he could. The second-year quarterback bounced back from a disappointing first preseason game, and at a good time for that, too -- the backup quarterback position in Minnesota has been in flux with rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) being placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Hall made his case to be on the 53-man roster for the Vikings and will need to fight off Nick Mullens and newly signed Matt Corral for the opportunity.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. "DaRon Bland experienced foot discomfort on Wednesday of last week during training camp in Oxnard," the team disclosed in a statement. "Imaging revealed a stress fracture in his foot." The 25-year-old had a monster season in 2023-24, finishing with a league-leading nine interceptions, returning five for a touchdown. Without question, his absence is significant for the Cowboys' defense overall. Rookie Caelen Carson is anticipated to take over while Bland is out of commission.
From RotoBaller
According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is expected to begin the season on the injured reserve list. No surprise here, considering the veteran back has been battling an unspecified ailment throughout training camp. Of course, the No. 1 spot on the depth chart is held by Rachaad White, who narrowly missed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2023-24. As a result, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker will be looking for scraps, although neither player should be viewed as anything more than an insurance policy.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston will start in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Under normal circumstances, a lineup move for a preseason game wouldn't mean much. However, with Deshaun Watson (arm) having issues with "general arm soreness" of late, the Browns would benefit from giving Winston all the snaps he can handle. It also means Watson won't get his first taste of in-game action since November until the Browns commence the 2024-25 campaign on September 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys, so the signal-caller could have some residual rust to shake off. Of course, guys like Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and David Njoku (undisclosed) may suffer from a production standpoint if Watson struggles.
From RotoBaller
The Bears cut tight end Tommy Sweeney on Saturday. He signed a deal with Chicago a few months ago after spending his entire career in Buffalo. The 29-year-old appeared in 24 contests for the Bills. However, he had just 18 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. With Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis on the roster, the Bears are set heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Regarding Sweeney's future, there's a chance he could at least earn a spot on another team throughout the National Football League. Yet, his fantasy value can't get any lower, nor will it improve anytime soon.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns have ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) for their preseason finale on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Watson, who has not played since having season-ending shoulder surgery last November, is next slated to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in early September. It's not really a surprise after the 28-year-old signal-caller was held back in Wednesday's practice with general arm soreness. With Watson sitting on Saturday, backup Jameis Winston will draw the start versus Seattle. Watson is best considered as a QB2 with upside in fantasy after playing in a total of 12 games the last two years with Cleveland due to injuries. The former first-rounder proved in 2020 with the Houston Texans, though, that he has clear QB1 upside, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards with 33 TDs and only seven interceptions.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie seventh-round wide receiver Brenden Rice has flashed with physicality in routes and catching in training camp and the preseason, enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and compete for time at receiver, but he probably is the sixth receiver on the depth chart. Fellow seventh-round rookie Cornelius Johnson struggled with drops in camp and hasn't had the positive days that many of his draft peers have, making him a long shot to make the team. The 22-year-old Rice is the son of Jerry Rice. He had 1,402 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons at USC and could eventually become a nice red-zone weapon because of physicality. But for now, fantasy managers should only really consider him a long-term stash in dynasty/keeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner is a roster lock and is projected to be the team's WR3 behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Tre Tucker, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed. Turner was already a great special teams player but has sealed his spot by making plays on offense while being lined up all over the field. Jalen Guyton is general manager Tom Telesco's guy from the Los Angeles Chargers and seems like a reliable option with some speed. Tyreik McAllister's punt return for a touchdown in the preseason finale on Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers may have sealed him the final WR spot over Kristian Wilkerson. Wilkerson is more likely to be signed back to the practice squad. Turner, 27, has no catches in his first two years in the NFL and is unlikely to be on the fantasy radar unless one of the players ahead of him on the WR totem pole goes down with an injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers second-round rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey missed time in training camp with an undisclosed injury but was back for the team's second preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught one pass. McConkey has worked with the starting offense at slot receiver when the team is in three-receiver sets at practice and appears to be third on the receiver depth chart in LA behind DJ Chark and Joshua Palmer. The 22-year-old was the 34th overall pick in April and appears set to have a significant role in his first year in the NFL. McConkey excels as a route-runner and will need to gain plenty of chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert in what is expected to be a run-first offense in 2024. But with the departure of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, McConkey will have a big opportunity and is worth a late-round flier for WR depth in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed have listed Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-round running back Dylan Laube as the RB4 behind Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah and expect him to make the final 53-man roster out of training camp. White showed well for himself when he filled in for the injured Josh Jacobs last year, and now that Jacobs is out of town, White should lead this backfield in touches in 2024. However, Mattison was brought in to help share the load, especially on third down. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has praised White's receiving skills, so he won't exactly just be a two-down back. Abdullah is a trusted veteran who can also play special teams, while Laube is a nice project and will provide depth. The 24-year-old Laube is really only worth stashing in dynasty leagues for now, and his quickest path to playing time will be on third downs.
From RotoBaller