4 new scoring rules for 2025!

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs' presence is hard to miss at training camp practices and he "gets targeted a lot, and not just in the short area." Downs appears to be getting separation in practices this summer. Quarterback Daniel Jones wasn't very accurate deep down the field in his time with the New York Giants but if he's more comfortable in the short-to-intermediate areas, Fowler thinks Downs will be a primary target. The Colts' QB situation is far from settled, but Anthony Richardson Sr. is also improving in the middle of the field. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took the next step with a 72-803-5 line in 14 games (eight starts) a year ago. However, a lack of size and the unattractive Colts QB battle hurt Downs' overall fantasy upside as a WR4/flex.

From RotoBaller

The Chicago Bears will likely manufacture touches for wide receiver DJ Moore out of the backfield as well as a receiver as new head coach Ben Johnson adds wrinkles to the offense, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes. Moore has the ability to line up in the backfield and still end up deep downfield for targets. Fowler adds that last year, Moore was "relegated to hopeless screen plays and looked disengaged at times." This year, the Bears will "try to maximize his opportunities in a thoughtful way." The 28-year-old had career-highs in catches (96), receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (nine) despite the fact that Chicago's offense struggled under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The addition of a more creative offensive mind in Johnson, paired with the fact that Keenan Allen is out of town, is good news for Moore's 2025 fantasy value. Treat him as a low-end WR2.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has looked the part so far in training camp, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Golden's hands (he's not a body-catcher) and his determination to be great have stood out so far, per Fowler. A person with the team pointed out Golden hadn't dropped a pass through the first week-plus of camp and he connected on a 60-yard deep pass earlier in the week. The 22-year-old first-rounder is competing for playing time right away in his first year in the NFL in what is now a crowded receiver room in Green Bay. But with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss a good chunk of the 2025 season, Golden should have a key role in the Packers' passing attack this season. Golden's speed should serve him well and at least make him worth a WR4/5 flier later in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs looked like the best player on the field at training camp the day he visited, and "his explosion suggests another heavy workload is coming." Jacobs had 301 carries in his first year in Green Bay in 2024 and has averaged 18.6 carries per game since 2022. Fowler doesn't see Jacobs' carries declining, and that could especially be true if MarShawn Lloyd (groin) cannot stay healthy. The 27-year-old's open-field cuts have looked really sharp this summer. If you decide to wait a little bit on your RB1 in fantasy drafts this year, Jacobs represents a high-floor, low-end RB1 target going into his second season with the Packers. The three-time Pro Bowler had 1,329 rushing yards and a career-best 15 touchdowns on 301 carries last year. He's still the centerpiece of this offense.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason could be the "Co-RB1" alongside Aaron Jones in the upcoming season. According to Jeremy Fowler, Mason could operate as the Co-RB1 in the offense. During their recent practice session on Friday, Fowler noted that Mason saw significant opportunities and is a good complement to the veteran Jones. Last season, Mason operated as the lead back in San Francisco through most of the campaign while Christian McCaffrey was injured. Mason looked quite comfortable as the top running back, averaging 14.8 PPR points per game during the first seven weeks. During this stretch, Mason averaged 95.3 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone three times. Given Jones' age and injury risk, Mason is an intriguing selection as he could be viewed as a reliable flex option in most weeks with the upside to produce as an RB1 if Jones were to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is expected to have a role in the upcoming season. After flashing immense big-play ability during his rookie season in 2023, Mitchell spent most of the 2024 campaign recovering from a knee injury he suffered late in the 2023 season. When he did eventually return to the field in 2024, Mitchell had a minimal role as he was the clear No. 3 option on the depth chart behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. He carried the ball just 15 times and ran for 30 yards. He added 28 yards on one reception. In 2023, Mitchell posted an eye-catching 8.4 YPC, which suggests he could carry fantasy upside if given the carries. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he could be worth a look as a late-round target in deeper leagues, if he can take over the No. 2 job on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has looked "explosive during training camp. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Spears has looked explosive when running through holes and several members of the coaching staff believe he is in store for an uptick in carries. While veteran Tony Pollard is still expected to be the feature back of the offense, Spears should push for over 100 carries as he fell short of this mark last season, tallying just 84. During the 2024 season, Spears ran for 312 yards on the ground and added five total touchdowns. However, much of his work came over the final three games when Pollard was either very limited or even sat out (Week 17). During this three-game stretch, Spears averaged 20.7 PPR points per game with 42.3 rushing yards per game and 44.7 receiving yards per game. Even though Pollard is still slated to lead the backfield, Spears will likely be viewed as a high-end handcuff that could hold standalone value in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed for a career-high 1,079 yards in 2024, his first season with the team. While many expected Tyjae Spears to siphon more work away from Pollard last season, the former only saw 84 carries in 11 games. ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler visited Titans camp on Saturday and came away believing that Pollard is still the team's lead back, although Spears is expected to see a larger role in 2025. The Tennessee offense's arrow is pointing up with Cam Ward now under center, making Pollard a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 heading into fantasy drafts this summer, while Spears sets up as an interesting handcuff who could have some standalone flex value in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders continues to impress during training camp this year. Sanders has been the Panthers' offensive MVP thus far in camp, according to the Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye. Sanders "is catching passes in droves and is adding yards after the catch with regularity," Kaye wrote in his Stock Watch piece on Monday. Sanders, heading into his second NFL season, also looks leaner and more muscular this year after playing at 255 pounds as a rookie. The young tight end appears primed for a breakout in 2025 on an ascending Panthers offense, making him an interesting dart-throw as a late-round option in fantasy drafts later this summer.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (undisclosed) did not practice on Monday. Brown suffered an injury during mandatory minicamp in June but has been practicing throughout training camp. As of now, there is no explanation for Brown's absence on Monday. Brown caught 35 passes for 453 yards and one touchdown for Washington in 2024 and could see a larger role in the team's offense this season if the Commanders decide to fulfill Terry McLaurin's trade demand from last week. Stay tuned as the team is likely to elaborate on Brown's absence from practice later in the day on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones remain locked in a preseason battle to be the team's starting signal-caller when the regular season begins. Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters earlier in the day that both QBs would play "a good amount" in the team's first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday. Later on Monday morning, the Colts released their first unofficial depth chart and listed their QB1 as such: "Daniel Jones OR Anthony Richardson Sr." The team continues to evaluate the play of both QBs and doesn't seem to be in a hurry to declare who will be the Week 1 starter against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) won't practice this week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. Gonzalez injured his hamstring last Tuesday during practice and has not practiced since. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Gonzalez's injury is not expected his prevent him from playing in Week 1. Gonzalez is an emerging star at the cornerback position and will be a major piece of the New England defense this season, so the team will continue to play it safe with him in training camp.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (undisclosed) will not practice this week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. According to Vrabel, Bourne "got rolled up" during practice last Friday and will be sidelined as he tends to his injury. The team has not elaborated on the nature of the injury, but Bourne was seen without his left cleat on after getting hurt on Friday. Bourne is locked in a training camp battle in a crowded receiver room, so the missed time will not help his cause. Even if he does make the team out of training camp, Bourne will not be on the radar for fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is not practicing for a second-straight day as his hold-in continues. Cook was spotted walking out to practice on Monday morning, but was not in uniform as he continues to angle for a new contract. The veteran running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has been pushing for a long-term extension with Buffalo throughout the offseason, although the team has not met his demands as of yet. As of now, Cook's hold in isn't a huge concern for fantasy as he is still likely to be the Bills' starting running back in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. That said, if his hold-in continues deep into August, conditioning could become a concern. He remains worth a look as a mid-range RB2 in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) remains sidelined for his team as their first preseason game approaches later this week. Mooney injured his shoulder during the first week of training camp and is expected to miss some more time. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that they still have a few more weeks to allow Mooney to heal, but will not commit to Mooney being ready for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team hasn't provided much as far as the extent or nature of Mooney's shoulder injury, which is a bit of a concern. Mooney sets up as a low-end WR4/high-end WR5 in fantasy drafts this summer, but it would be reassuring to see him get back on the practice field before Week 1. If he's not ready for the season opener, Drake London would see a huge target share while Kyle Pitts would also get a bump.

From RotoBaller

The Baltimore Ravens released kicker John Hoyland on Saturday, leaving rookie Tyler Loop as the lone kicker on the roster. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Loop is "kicking well enough to win the job." A sixth-round pick out of Arizona, Loop made 83.8% of his field goals and 98.4% of his extra-point attempts in 50 career college games. The 24-year-old is poised to fill the shoes of longtime Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who was released this offseason amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct after 13 years with the team. Baltimore could always bring in a veteran kicker later in the summer, so Loop will still need to perform throughout the preseason to hold the job.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Falcons will not play quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in the team's first preseason game on Friday against the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are the quarterbacks on Atlanta's depth chart behind their top two guys, so they will presumably split snaps against Detroit. Penix Jr. is expected to enter the season as the starter for Atlanta after taking over for Cousins in Week 16 of 2024. The veteran Cousins had been the subject of some trade speculation during the offseason, but it appears Atlanta is planning to keep him in place as the backup. In 14 games last year, the 36-year-old completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. There's not much that Cousins needs to prove in preseason action at this point in his career.

From RotoBaller

Through two weeks of training camp practices, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller has been the team's wide receiver to stand out the most behind D.K. Metcalf. According to SI's Noah Strackbein, he has outperformed both Roman Wilson and Robert Woods. Calvin Austin III (undisclosed) has missed the last two practices, and the gap between Miller and the rest of the supporting cast has been even more evident. The Steelers' offense as a whole has reportedly struggled throughout camp, with Strackbein reporting that the defense has had the decided edge in nine of the team's first 10 practices. Sunday's practice focused on goal-line work, where the offense scored only twice in their 12 opportunities. Outside of Metcalf, the Steelers' passing game can be avoided except in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith posted two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Hall of Fane preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Preseason results mean less than ever, but this is somewhat notable after Lambert-Smith has reportedly been fantastic in practice. The Chargers are still looking for wide receiver and help and are apparently in the mix for Keenan Allen. Still, Lambert-Smith belongs on deep dynasty rookie draft lists as a late round target with some apparent upside.

Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (ankle) is week-to-week with an ankle injury after being stepped on during Tuesday's practice. As a precaution, he was carted off the field, but head coach Sean McVay says the team is "really fortunate" that the injury is not as serious as originally feared. With the Rams slated to play their first preseason game next Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, it remains to be seen how much action McVay plans to give his starters before the regular season. However, it's safe to assume Curl will be held out of the game. When healthy, Curl should be viewed as nothing more than a deep flier in IDP leagues, as he saw his tackle numbers drop precipitously after moving from the Commanders to the Rams last season, and he once more projects to play away from the box.