Read This to Stay 1 Step Ahead of Your Leaguemates

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Author

Sal Vetri
August 23, 2024

Hey gang!

Happy Friday - I’ve got a nice tip for your today (pause).

I spend 1-2 hours a day reading camp news - and I’ve filtered out all the crap for you.

Here are 20 key pieces of camp news that actually matter for fantasy football:

1. Jaylen Warren’s hamstring injury isn’t a long-term concern – according to coach Mike Tomlin

And a study from @Jmthrivept on Twitter found that 92% of RBs with similar injuries return in 3 weeks or less. Warren has a decent chance to be ready Week 1…

2. Curtis Samuel is week to week with a turf toe injury

He suffered this injury just 21 days before the Bills Week 1 game. According to @SportMDAnalysis on Twitter

- Samuel has a real chance to miss Week 1 with re-injury risk if he plays…

3. Diontae Johnson has been battling minor injuries

But there's been no indication of him missing Week 1. Coach Dave Canales stated earlier this summer:

“We really try to feature someone. And, for us right now — ‘where’s Diontae Johnson at?’”

4. Jahan Dotson was traded to the Eagles

This crushes his fantasy value as he’ll be behind AJ Brown & DeVonta Smith. As for the Commanders – the biggest winners are Zach Ertz – Dyami Brown & Luke McCaffrey.

All these guys will see more snaps and/or targets…

5. Brian Robinson is a clear RB1 according to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury

Robinson finished Top 10 in yards created per touch last season. He’s a nice target in Round 9 of fantasy drafts…

6. Jayden Daniels is named the Commanders QB1

Last season at LSU - Daniels averaged over 100 rushing yards per game when you factor out negative yardage from sacks. He's the best late round QB to target in Round 9…

7. Saquon Barkley is back at practice

He left practice earlier in the week with a lower back issue – but he appears to be good to go. Barkley will run behind a Top 5 offensive line this year in Philadelphia…

8. Justin Herbert back at practice – and is reportedly is looking good

He’s been dealing with a plantar fascia foot injury. This is a nagging issue that can last a long time - so it’s good to see Herbert is back at practice after just 2-3 weeks off…

9. The Patriots starting WRs are becoming clear

The 3 starting receivers are reportedly Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas and rookie Ja’Lynn Polk. Polk is the most appealing in Round 16 of fantasy drafts…

10. Bo Nix named the Broncos QB1

Nix completed 77% of his passes last year in college. And he brings a level of playmaking with his legs – averaging 28 rush yards per game the past 2 seasons. Nix is an appealing option in Round 15 of drafts…

11. Ray Davis & Ty Johnson are still competing for the Bills RB2 job

Davis is a 4th round rookie who was a reliable producer in college. And Johnson was a meaningful contributor towards the end of last season for Buffalo. I prefer targeting Davis in Round 17 of drafts…

12. Matt Stafford returns to practice

He’s been dealing with hamstring tightness. Also important – Guard Jonah Jackson returned to practice. The Rams have been down 3 starting linemen in camp – Jackson returning is huge as we approach Week 1…

13. Saints TE Juwan Johnson is activated off PUP

He had foot surgery in June. Johnson is one of the few Saints players who gets open in the short to intermediate parts of the field. He’s a late round target as the 29th TE off the board...

14. Deshaun Watson is dealing with arm soreness

He had shoulder surgery 9 months ago. Thankfully he was back in practice on Thursday. This doesn’t appear to be a chronic issue - Watson goes as the 23rd QB in drafts…

15. Browns reporters are projecting Nick Chubb to begin the year on PUP

Meaning Chubb will miss at least 4 games. This is in line with earlier camp reports that Chubb won’t be ready Week 1. Jerome Ford is preparing to be the Browns RB1...

16. Titans slot WR Tyler Boyd has been heating up

Boyd is reportedly going to be leaned on a lot by Will Levis. Boyd was hand-picked by Titans coach Brian Callahan in free agency. Callahan was Boyd’s play-caller the past 2 seasons with the Bengals…

17. The Patriots O-Line has been a concern in camp

PFF has them as the 28th offensive line entering the season. This isn’t ideal for a young offense – and certainly isn’t good for Rhamondre Stevenson…

18. Kalif Raymond is the Lions clear WR3 according to coach Dan Campbell

Raymond has elite 4.39 speed & has averaged 43 receptions per season since 2021…

19. Lions All-Pro Tackle left practice Wednesday with a rolled ankle

His MRI came back fine. Sewell appears to be good to go as we approach Week 1. The Lions O-Line ranks #1 in the NFL entering the season.

20. Gardner Minshew wins the Raiders QB1 job

He brings experience to the position - but lacks consistent accuracy & ball security in his career. Expect a run-heavy offense in Vegas this season…

If you made it to the end let me know you’re a fellow sicko by replying with ‘real one’

Enjoy your weekend - I’ll be back Monday with some preseason Week 3 takeaways for you.

Sal