Training Camp Preview: AFC West

Mon Jul 21 10:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Pacheco has some concerns


This is the fifth 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.

Chiefs

The Chiefs made another trip to the Super Bowl last year but were blown out in the big game. The big thing to watch this camp is how they respond to that devastating loss. Was it the start of the end of the Chiefs’ dynasty? It is certainly to be the storyline of camp, seeing how much the Chiefs have left in the tank. Kansas City begins their quest for another Super Bowl, starting July 21 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.

Position battle: It will be interesting to see how the running back position shakes out for the Chiefs this year. Isiah Pacheco was supposed to be the clear No. 1 back for the team last year but that didn’t happen. He had some injury issues and struggled at times when on the field. Kareem Hunt served as the lead back down the stretch with Pacheco taking more of a backseat for the team. Pacheco should be the favorite to start this year, but Hunt is back and the team added Elijah Mitchell to the mix as well. You never know how the carries for the Chiefs will shake out from week to week in this offense.

Injury watch: Receiver Rashee Rice is not hurt, but he is facing a possible suspension for his legal issues regarding a car crash. The speculation is he could be suspended anywhere from two to four games. This is a big issue to watch because the length of the suspension clearly impacts his fantasy value. We should get some clarity on the situation sooner then later. Stay tuned.

Raiders

The Raiders have an all-new coaching staff in place after finishing just 4-13 last season. Veteran coach Pete Carroll takes over. So the big story of camp will be if Carroll can get this franchise headed in the right direction once again. He has a lot of work to do after several poor seasons. There are some key pieces in place, though, so maybe Carroll can work his magic and get this team competitive once again in a hurry. Carroll will get to see his team in action July 17 at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nev.

Position battle: The Raiders have some openings at receiver behind Jakobi Meyers. He is the clear No. 1, but it gets really clouded after that. You have Tre Tucker, Dont’e Thornton, Jack Bech, Collin Johnson and Tommy Mellott vying for playing time. It really is a tossup with this group at this stage of the game. Any of these guys could step up and earn a big role with the team. We should get a better idea once camp gets going and the games start in the preseason.

Injury watch: The good news for the Raiders is they don’t have any big injury issues in this year’s training camp. The main offensive contributors for the Raiders are healthy and ready to go. We might keep an eye on rookie Ashton Jeanty, though. He carried a huge workload in college and is expected to follow a similar path for the Raiders. How will he hold up to all the touches? That might be the big thing to watch this camp for Las Vegas, seeing how the Raiders manage his touches to make sure he doesn’t wear down as the season progresses.

Broncos

The Broncos are a team on the rise after making the playoffs with first-year starting quarterback Bo Nix at the helm. Nix looks to be the face of the franchise for years to come in Denver. So much of this camp will be on the development of Nix, seeing just how much better he can get in this offense. The Broncos open camp July 16 at Broncos Park in Englewood, Colo.

Position battle: The Broncos used a second-round pick on RJ Harvey but also signed JK Dobbins. These two should battle it out for the right to start in what could be a very good Broncos offense. Harvey has a lot more potential because of his pass-catching ability, so most fantasy owners hope he emerges quickly as the go-to back in this offense. Head coach Sean Payton likes his veterans, though, so don’t be surprised if Dobbins were to open the season as the starter for the team.

Injury watch: JK Dobbins is another player that is not currently injured but has a very ,long injury history. He will need to prove he is healthy and can carry the load if he hopes to play a big role in the Broncos offense. Dobbins is fighting for a starting job so any injury in camp could hurt his chance to play a significant role for his new team. A healthy Dobbins can make a big fantasy impact, though.

Chargers

The Chargers turned things around in a big way in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. The team went 11-6 and played great football much of the season. The big question for this camp will be how much better this team can get. Can they knock off the Chiefs in their division? This is a tall task but it seems Harbaugh and his team are close to getting to that next season. We will see just how good they can be, beginning July 12 at The Bolt in El Segundo, Calif.

Position battle: The Chargers are another team with some openings at the receiver position. Ladd McConkey is the top target, but nothing is certain after that. Rookie Tre Harris should get every opportunity to start, but won’t be handed anything. He will have to earn it. Quentin Johnston is still around and the team also has Derius Davis, Jalen Reagor and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. These guys will battle out to earn targets in a solid Chargers passing attack.

Injury watch: Running back Najee Harris suffered some sort of eye injury right before the start of camp. The reports are he suffered an injury from fireworks. This is obviously a concern because he is expected to miss time early in camp because of the injury. He could fall farther and farther behind rookie Omarion Hampton on the depth chart the more time he misses. 

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
T.J. Hockenson Jul 25 8:50am ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson appears to be becoming a favorite target of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. During their first practice, McCarthy reportedly looked efficient and effective while targeting Hockenson quite frequently. Hockenson could certainly use a boost after being limited to 10 games last season. He returned from a torn ACL and never quite regained his superstar form. Before the injury, Hockenson posted back-to-back 900-plus receiving yard seasons. The Vikings don't have a ton of weapons on offense, so fantasy managers could be looking at a bounce back year from Hockenson.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Jul 25 8:40am ET
Miles Sanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders reportedly looked good while playing with the first-team during Thursday's practice. According to Calvin Watkins, Sanders is running smoother than Javonte Williams in practice. It's early in camp, but it seems like Sanders is the favorite to be the lead back in Dallas. The 28-year-old hasn't done much on the field over the last two seasons. However, Sanders rushed for 1,269 yards with 11 touchdowns during his last season as the full-time starter in Philadelphia during the 2022 season. Sanders wasn't productive in Carolina, but maybe a move to Dallas will help spark him. The expectation is that Williams and rookie Jaydon Blue should also be in the mix in the backfield. This could end up being a three-back committee, but too early to tell right now.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Jul 25 8:30am ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was going through first-team reps during the beginning of Thursday's practice. It would make sense that Warren would get the first chance at the starting job in Pittsburgh. He has earned that opportunity after putting in solid work as the backup over the last few seasons. Most notably, Warren rushed for 784 yards with four touchdowns while earning a 5.26 yards per carry during the 2023 season. The departure of Najee Harris will give Warren a chance to earn full-time reps this upcoming season. However, third-round pick Kaleb Johnson figures to be breathing down his neck. The Iowa product should immediately be in the mix in what many believe will be a co-starter role. It's hard to imagine either back running away with the job, so a co-starter type of situation seems likely.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Jul 24 10:00pm ET
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield called his team's rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka an "absolute stud" during a recent episode of New Heights with Travis and Jason Kelce. The Bucs surprised many when they used a first-round selection on Egbuka this past April despite already rostering receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. Egbuka starred at Ohio State in college, recording 81 catches for 1,011 yards and ten touchdowns as a senior in 2024. Tampa Bay recently placed Godwin (ankle) on the active/physically unable to perform list, and it's unclear if he'll be ready to go for the start of the season. That would open up a clear pathway to playing time for Egbuka early in the season. If he can take advantage of the early opportunity and run with it, Egbuka could be a draft-day steal for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Jul 24 9:50pm ET
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been "remarkably fluid in his routes and a consistent target" for quarterback Drake Maye, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. It's a great sign for the 31-year-old coming off an ACL tear he suffered in October 2024. Diggs played well for the Houston Texans before the injury, hauling in 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. The Patriots signed him to a three-year, $63.5 million contract this past offseason, and he'll be relied upon to be the number one receiver in an offense that is desperate for playmakers in the passing game. Diggs may no longer have the same downfield juice he did in his peak, but he could be a PPR monster if healthy. In Drake Maye's second season, New England's offense should be improved to at least some degree relative to 2024.

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Keon Coleman Jul 24 9:40pm ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman "failed to deliver on several opportunities" in practice on Wednesday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Buscaglia notes that Coleman struggled to create separation, which has been a consistent issue throughout his NFL career so far. Buffalo used a second-round pick on Coleman in 2024, and he caught 29 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Khalil Shakir emerged as the team's top wide receiver target last season, and the Bills signed veteran Joshua Palmer to compete with Coleman on the outside. Coleman will have every opportunity to win a prominent role, but he's off to an inauspicious start to training camp after early reporting indicated he was also inconsistent during minicamp in the spring. He's a high-upside bet in fantasy, but he has a long way to go before he's can be counted on as a consistent contributor.

From RotoBaller

Quintez Cephus Jul 24 9:30pm ET
Quintez Cephus

The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver Quintez Cephus, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. The team waived running back Israel Abanikanda to make room on the roster for Cephus. Originally drafted in 2020 by the Detroit Lions, Cephus has not appeared in an NFL game since 2022. He profiles as a depth piece in San Francisco, but the 49ers need all the help at wide receiver they can get. Top wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) are on the active/physically unable to perform list, and Jacob Cowing (hamstring) left the team's practice on Wednesday due to injury. Jauan Jennings is healthy and practicing, but he's reportedly seeking a trade if the team does not offer him a new contract. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco has proven the ability to get production out of unheralded players. Even still, Cephus is a long shot to make an impact in fantasy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Jul 24 9:30pm ET
Christian Wilkins

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins has been released by the team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's a shocking turn of events for the 29-year-old, who signed a long-term deal with Las Vegas worth over $100M in March 2024. Wilkins played 51 straight games for the Miami Dolphins from 2021 to 2023, but injuries limited him to just five appearances for the Raiders in 2024. Rapoport reports that Wilkins and the team disagree about how to treat his ongoing foot injury, with Wilkins preferring rehab and the Raiders pushing for surgery. When he's on the field, Wilkins is a difference-maker on the interior. He recorded nine sacks, 10 TFLs, and 23 QB hits in 2023. His health is a limiting factor, but Wilkins will surely have a chance to latch on somewhere else and prove he can still contribute.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Jul 24 9:20pm ET
Tucker Kraft

The Green Bay Packers are searching for ways to expand tight end Tucker Kraft's role in the passing game, according to Mark Oldacres of Packers Wire. Kraft took a step forward in his second season in 2024, recording 50 catches for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. However, Oldacres notes that 101 of his 118 career targets have been either behind the line of scrimmage or in the short area (zero to 10 yards). Heading into 2025, the coaching staff in Green Bay is working on how to get Kraft more involved down the field. Between Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, the Packers have a deep group of wide receivers, but none of them are cemented as a true go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love. If Kraft can grab hold of a larger share of the pass-game volume in Green Bay, he's talented enough to be a difference-making fantasy tight end.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Jul 24 7:40pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (undisclosed) came off the field with a trainer during training camp practice on Thursday after missing a catch and didn't return, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. It's unclear what type of injury Mooney is dealing with and how severe it is, but we should have clarification on his status soon. The 27-year-old had a nice bounce-back season in his first year in Atlanta last year, catching 64 of his 106 targets for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 16 starts. He also had career-highs in yards per catch (15.5) and yards per target (9.4). If healthy, Mooney should once again serve as the WR2 in Atlanta behind Drake London. While fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily be expecting a repeat of 2024, Mooney should still be useful as at least a WR4/flex with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. heading into his first full year as the starter.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jul 24 7:30pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Speaking at the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) said he's 100 percent healthy after missing seven games last year due to a shoulder injury and a concussion, per Jags beat writer John Oehser. Lawrence required season-ending surgery in December on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "I feel really good," Lawrence said. "It's the best I felt in a long time physically." In addition to rehabbing in the offseason, the 25-year-old former first overall pick spent time honing in on his footwork. Lawrence so far hasn't lived up to his draft billing, but he was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and should be able to have a bounce-back season in head coach Liam Coen's offense in 2025. He'll have a nice one-two punch of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter at wideout as well, making him a decent QB2 target with upside in superflex fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Jul 24 7:20pm ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (shoulder) made five of his six field-goal tries into the wind during training camp practice on Thursday, per Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. It's notable that Aubrey is practicing early on in training camp this summer after he had surgery on his shoulder in the offseason. The 30-year-old should be a full-go for the start of the regular season and should be considered one of the top fantasy kicking options going into his third year with Dallas. Aubrey has been a Pro Bowler in both of his first two NFL seasons and is coming off a 2024 in which he made 40 of a league-high 47 field-goal attempts, including a long of 65, in 17 regular-season games. He also made all 30 of his extra-point attempts. RotoBaller has Aubrey ranked as the top fantasy kicker.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Jul 24 7:20pm ET
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Thursday that he doesn't expect to see rookie second-round running back Quinshon Judkins on the field at training camp for a while. Judkins was arrested on July 12 in Florida on a charge of battery and domestic violence and remains unsigned. The Browns are in no rush to sign Judkins to his rookie deal as they gather information around his legal issues. The 21-year-old is a big-play threat any time he has the football in his hands and rushed for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns for Ohio State in 2024. He was drafted with the 36th overall pick in April and was viewed as the future lead back, but that might be put on pause as he faces missed games in 2025 due to a potential suspension. The longer Judkins remains away from the team, the more it helps the fantasy stock of both Jerome Ford (undisclosed) and rookie Dylan Sampson.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Jul 24 7:10pm ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has noticed new offensive coordinator John Morton's aggressiveness in his approach to taking deep shots down the field, and it's one of the major areas that Williams thinks he has improved since a year ago, writes ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "My route running -- coach Johnny Mo is letting me run more routes," Williams said. "I knew I could run more routes, but he's putting me in position to run more routes so I'm getting better with cuts and angles and how to run this route and that route, so I would say I'm more polished in my route game." There is a lot of pressure on Morton after Detroit's offense averaged 29 points per game over the last three seasons under Ben Johnson, who is now in Chicago. Williams broke out in 2024, but there are a lot of mouth to feed in this offense, making him a boom/bust WR2/3 target in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Michael Woods II Jul 24 7:00pm ET
Michael Woods II

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (hand) was not on the field for training camp practice on Thursday due to a hand injury, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle Telegram. It's unclear how serious Woods' hand injury is, but it's yet another injury for the former sixth-round pick (202nd overall) in 2022. The 25-year-old had five catches for 45 yards and no touchdowns in his rookie campaign in 10 games, missed all of 2023 due to injury and caught just seven of 17 targets for 65 yards and no scores in only five games (two starts) in 2024. He missed the season finale last year with a knee injury that also caused him to miss some workouts this spring. Woods is going to need to stay healthy, but even if he does, he will probably be on the outside looking in for a starting spot behind Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Diontae Johnson.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Jul 24 6:40pm ET
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed) missed the team's first training camp practice on Thursday with an undisclosed injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Patterson is considered day-to-day, which means he should be able to rejoin his teammates soon. In his first year with the Steelers in 2024, Patterson carried the ball 32 times for 132 yards and no touchdowns while catching 12 of his 14 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Although Najee Harris is out of town, the Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon in free agency and drafted Kaleb Johnson, so the 34-year-old Patterson once again figures to struggle for consistent touches in a backfield that also includes Jaylen Warren. Patterson is definitely versatile on offense, but he will be off the fantasy radar once again in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Artie Burns Jul 24 6:20pm ET
Artie Burns

The Miami Dolphins announced on Thursday that they placed cornerback Artie Burns (knee) on Injured Reserve and waived offensive lineman Tedi Kushi. They also signed cornerback Cornell Armstrong and offensive lineman Obinna Eze in corresponding moves. Burns suffered a season-ending torn ACL in training camp practice on Wednesday and will miss the entire 2025 campaign. Storm Duck and Cam Smith are projected to start on the boundaries for the Dolphins secondary this year, with Kader Kohou being the primary nickelback. With the 30-year-old Burns now sidelined all year, Kendall Sheffield and John Saunders will see more opportunities as depth in Miami's defensive backfield.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 24 6:20pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (undisclosed) missed another training camp practice on Thursday with what is considered minor muscle tightness, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. The Patriots are playing it safe with Polk early in camp, but any practice he misses could be crucial for last year's second-round pick who is battling for a roster spot this summer. The 23-year-old was previously dealing with a shoulder injury earlier this offseason, but he passed his physical, which is why he was left off the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin camp. Polk has plenty of ground to make up after he caught only 12 passes in 15 games for New England as a rookie in 2024. He will have opportunities with this new coaching staff, but it won't be easy to find playing time in what is now a somewhat crowded receiver room.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Jul 24 6:10pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (legs) had some mild tightness in his legs during training camp practice on Thursday and sat out the end of practice as a result, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The Vikings have no concerns, even in the short term, and they are just being extra cautious to prevent the leg issues that Jefferson experienced in 2023. It doesn't make sense to put the 26-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher in harm's way so early in camp. Fantasy managers shouldn't be at all concerned for now as he heads into his first season catching passes from former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson has had over 1,000 yards receiving in all five of his NFL seasons and went for a 103-1,533-10 line in 17 regular-season starts with Sam Darnold at QB in 2024. He's the No. 2 fantasy wideout, behind only Ja'Marr Chase.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Jul 24 6:00pm ET
Ladd McConkey

The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey's chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert continues to blossom in Year 2 and described it as a "seemingly telepathic connection." McConkey knows when to sit down on routes against certain defensive looks, when to manipulate defensive leverages and when to expect the ball from Herbert on either shoulder. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said this week that McConkey "is uncoverable right now by one guy." For the 23-year-old Georgia product to really thrive, he needs one of Quentin Johnston or rookies Tre Harris and Keandre Lambert-Smith to threaten defenses deep down the field. McConkey was a stud in his first year in the NFL, catching 82 of his 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite being in a run-first offense, he's a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller