NFL training camps are in full swing, bringing a flurry of updates crucial for us fantasy football enthusiasts. This week, significant developments have emerged that could impact draft strategies and player rankings. From injury reports to standout performances, these insights are essential for gaining an edge in your fantasy football leagues. Below are some of the biggest updates around the NFL from the week of August 5-9, 2024.
NFL Training Camp Updates
Adoni Mitchell has yet to make any impact: According to James Boyd of the Athletic, Mitchell has been quiet so far in training camp. It often takes time for a rookie wide receiver to adjust to the NFL, so Mitchell may have a very small fantasy impact this season. He is listed as the co-WR3 with Alec Pierce on the Colts’ first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.
There is a genuine quarterback competition in Pittsburgh: Although it was considered throughout the offseason that Russell Wilson would be the team’s starter in 2024, his calf injury has set him back. According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Justin Fields has reportedly been taking many first-team reps and is impressing the coaches. The result of this competition could have serious fantasy implications.
Josh Downs is expected to miss 4-6 weeks: Downs, who has had a great camp up until Wednesday, suffered a high ankle sprain. Now, his availability for week one is uncertain. Even if he is ready to go, it may take him time to build all the way back up and earn his reps. You may want to avoid him in relatively shallow leagues.
Keon Coleman further improves his chemistry with Josh Allen: Coleman continues to impress at training camp and continues to improve his chances to begin the season as the Bills number-one receiver. This could improve his fantasy draft stock even more than it already has.
Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle are equal on Titans depth charts: On the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, the two tight ends are listed as co-starters. This may impact Okonkwos fantasy value, especially to start the season. He may not see as many targets (at least not right away) as many of us thought.
Jarett Stidham is listed as Denver’s week one starter: In the Broncos first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, Stidham is listed as the QB1, Zach Wilson is listed as the QB2, and Bo Nix is listed as the QB3. Stidham has likely stood out above the other two so far at camp and will try to hold onto that job as long as possible. He could have value in deep, deep fantasy leagues.
Mike Williams is activated off the PUP list: Williams has been hurt since week three of last season, where he tore his ACL. Now, with him beginning practice, he may be ready to go by week one of the 2024 season. If all goes well, he should see lots of targets as the Jets WR2 behind Garett Wilson.
Malik Nabers is already making an impact: The sixth overall pick from the 2024 NFL draft is already turning heads at training camp. Nabers, who is expected to start the season as the Giants’ WR1, had 89 receptions, 1,569 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns in 13 games last season.
Ray-Ray McCloud is currently the Falcons’ starting slot receiver: McCloud, who only has 90 career catches in six prior seasons, has apparently earned the starting job. This is much more relevant in deeper fantasy leagues, however, McCloud has explosive speed and could provide good numbers if given the chance.
Puka Nacua sustained a knee injury and is now week to week: The Rams announced that Nacua suffered an injury this past weekend, and the injury should not be that serious. This is still something to monitor if you have not yet drafted though, as Nacua is projected to be a first-round fantasy pick. This may drop his value a tiny bit.
Cade Otton could be slated for a bigger role: The Bucs tight end could greatly benefit from the hiring of new OC Liam Coen. According to Buccaneers.com, Coens system is going to have a bunch of shifts and motions to bait defensives, giving playmakers more space and creating advantages in each individual matchup. Ottons playstyle would thrive in this type of environment, so he could be on the verge of a breakout season.
Cooper Kupp is completely healthy: According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kupp is believed to be ‘all the way back,’ and the Rams offense still runs through him. Kupp finished as the WR1 in 2022 and broke all kinds of receiving records. He should be on everyone’s radar if there is any chance he returns to that form.
Christian McCaffrey has a calf strain: According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, McCaffrey will not play in the preseason and might miss a couple of weeks. Assuming he is ready to go by week 1, this shouldn’t impact his fantasy value. Still, keep an eye out for more news.
Sam Darnold is named the Vikings starter: This was expected. Since neither Darnold nor McCarthy have that much value in fantasy football leagues for this year, this point is more about the impact it has on Justin Jefferson. Many reports say that Jefferson and Darnold have formed a solid connection, so Jefferson should still remain an elite, top-tier fantasy player in 2024.
Rico Dowdle’s stock is rising: According to Saad Yousef of The Athletic, Dowdle has been taking reps all over the place and has shown his great versatility as a pass catcher as well as a running back. With Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughan both currently injured, the RB2 job may be Dowdles to run with. Who knows, if all goes well, he may even be able to take the starting job from Zeke.
Joshua Palmer is raising his stock: Palmer, who had 38 catches for 581 yards last season for the Chargers, is the most experienced receiver on the team. Because of his past success with quarterback Justin Herbert, he is in position to start the season as the team’s WR1 ahead of second-year receiver Quinten Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey. This could make him a valuable WR4/5 on your fantasy team.
Jayden Reed endured his second injury of camp already: Reed, who missed the start of training camp with a toe injury, hurt his calf on Wednesday. The injury isn’t too serious. However, his lack of durability/strength could cause him to lose reps early on in the season to Christain Waston, Romeo Doubs, etc.