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Keep up with the latest NFL training camp news. Training camp battles will have an impact on 2025 fantasy football, as some roles are due to lead to fantasy points. Which competitions should managers monitor before their draft.
We made it. The grueling, football-less summer is finally winding to a close. All 32 teams are in training camp, and real, tangible football news is flowing through the summer air. In a few more weeks, it will be full-blown football season.
As a matter of fact, the first preseason game is under a week away. The Hall of Fame game between the Lions and the Chargers takes place on Thursday, July 31st at 8 pm in Canton, Ohio. We will likely not learn much from the Hall of Fame game, as starters usually rest. However, all football fans will want to stay tuned to NFL news until the season kicks off.
There are several position battles kicking off across the league, and roster shakeups are bound to happen as teams whittle down to 53 players to open the season. The following training camp battles should have fantasy football fans locked into preseason action.
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Indianapolis Colts Starting Quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. vs. Daniel Jones
After another up-and-down campaign filled with highlight reels, awful decision-making, and injuries, Anthony Richardson is no longer entrenched as the de facto starting quarterback in Indianapolis.
There are times when Anthony Richardson will show more talent on one single play than Daniel Jones has shown in his entire career
pic.twitter.com/OG2iOCSixV— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) July 24, 2025
Coming in to compete against him is a player whose entire career has been filled with highlight reels, awful decision-making, and injuries. Enter the (potential) Daniel Jones era in Indianapolis. Richardson has dealt with shoulder soreness throughout the summer, but is able to participate in training camp.
The two are currently sharing first-team snaps, and it will likely come down to the wire before Shane Steichen names a starter.
Update - Jones has been named the starting QB
New Orleans Saints Starting Quarterback
Tyler Shough vs. Spencer Rattler
The Saints’ quarterback room took an unexpected hit when Derek Carr announced his retirement this summer. The Week 1 signal caller will either be 25-year-old second-round rookie Tyler Shough or second-year Spencer Rattler, who started six games last season as a rookie and showed flashes in a bad situation that has not improved much this offseason.
Saints QB Spencer Rattler completed every pass he threw today, per @nick_underhill. pic.twitter.com/ERktkFF1Tc
— SleeperSaints (@SleeperSaints) July 25, 2025
Regardless of what happens in this quarterback competition, it would be a shock if New Orleans were not picking near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. If neither Shough nor Rattler shows enough upside, the Saints could opt to pick a quarterback early next year. As of right now, the two quarterbacks are splitting first-team reps.
Cleveland Browns Starting Quarterback
Joe Flacco vs. Kenny Pickett vs. Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders
One of the most interesting quarterback competitions in recent memory pits two veterans against two rookies, with not a single player seemingly having a leg up. Joe Flacco has experience in Kevin Stefanski’s offense as well as strong backing from Cleveland fans, but he is 40 years old. Pickett has struggled but could become the latest first-round reclamation project.
Gabriel and Sanders each have their own intrigue, but will have to beat out two veterans and a rookie. It would be shocking to see one of the rookies take the job on Day 1, but the door will likely be open all season for all four options, pending that they all make the roster.
Miami Dolphins No. 2 Quarterback
This backup quarterback competition is very fantasy-relevant, as Tua Tagovailoa has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL career. Quinn Ewers fell all the way to Round 7 but has a lot of experience leading a good offense in the SEC. Zach Wilson has struggled at the NFL level but has shown flashes at times.
Whoever wins the backup role in Miami will be one injury away from leading an offense that includes fantasy-relevant speedsters Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane.
Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 25, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars Starting Running Back
Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Tank Bigsby vs. Bhayshul Tuten
One of the most interesting running back competitions is unfolding in Jacksonville, where Tank Bigsby seemingly unseated Travis Etienne a season ago. Now, the Jags have a new coaching staff headed by Liam Coen. Coen and company selected Virginia Tech speedster Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Tuten has reportedly struggled with fumbles early on in camp, but if he cleans that up, he could find a role in this offense. This could be anywhere from a one-man dominant backfield to an ugly three-way split, and how it plays out could have significant fantasy implications.
Dallas Cowboys Starting Running Back
Miles Sanders vs. Javonte Williams vs. Jaydon Blue
On paper, this is an ugly running back competition. After Dallas let Tony Pollard walk two offseasons ago and Rico Dowdle this past offseason, they failed to spend significant draft capital or free agency money at the position.
Miles Sanders big run on the first play of practice pic.twitter.com/g54Bhuuv9w
— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) July 23, 2025
That leaves them with the ghost of Javonte Williams, a (rejuvenated? fired-up?) Miles Sanders, and a fifth-round rookie pass-catching specialist.
Behind what should be a good offensive line, whoever walks away as the winner from this running back competition will be a significant fantasy contributor. After all, Dowdle was just an RB2 in fantasy. Whichever running back wins this competition will pay off at ADP; it is just a matter of which one gets the job done.
New York Giants Starting Running Back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. Cam Skattebo
After Tyrone Tracy’s breakout rookie campaign, New York went on to draft collegiate superstar Cam Skattebo early in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Not to mention, Devin Singletary is still in town, even if he wasn’t particularly effective last season.
Tracy was good, but fumbling was an issue. Skattebo only lost three fumbles throughout his entire college career. The fourth-rounder will get a chance to establish himself in this backfield, and don’t count Singletary out to bounce back as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers Starting Running Back
Kaleb Johnson vs. Jaylen Warren
Pittsburgh selected Iowa star Kaleb Johnson in the third round after losing Najee Harris in free agency. He joins incumbent running back Jaylen Warren, who split time with Harris over the past few seasons. Johnson and Warren will likely split carries, but which back will see the bulk of the work?
Will Johnson slide into Harris’s role, or will Warren find himself with a heavier workload?
Tennessee Titans Starting Running Back
Tony Pollard vs. Tyjae Spears
Pollard dominated this backfield in 2024, but the same may not be true this season. Tyjae Spears was hurt for a good chunk of 2024 and actually had a bigger workload than Pollard over his final three games of the season. Brian Callahan has noted that he wants there to be a greater split between the two this season.
It may come down to whoever is healthy over the year, but the Week 1 snap count between these two will be interesting to monitor.
Cleveland Browns Starting Running Back
With Quinshon Judkins remaining unsigned and still facing legal issues, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that he will be with Cleveland during training camp or at the beginning of the season. That whittles down the running back room to incumbent starter Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson.
While many were quick to write Ford off after Cleveland drafted two running backs, it seems that he is still very much in the mix here. While he is currently missing practice due to an undisclosed injury, it appears that the injury is minor and he will resume taking first-team snaps upon his return. That being said, Sampson has a chance right now to capitalize on working with the first team.
The rookie has the coveted size-speed combo, and very well could shock the world and emerge as the day one starter.
Philadelphia Eagles No. 2 Running Back
This competition matters. Saquon Barkley touched the ball an insurmountable 378 times last season. Pair that with his injury history, and staying healthy could be a challenge if he continues to be fed the rock at such an alarmingly high rate.
AJ Dillon is working ahead of rookie Will Shipley to open Eagles camp — putting him in line to be Saquon Barkley’s primary backup.
Full breakdown:https://t.co/zureTCGPKQ
— Cody Gray (@scrollingscout) July 23, 2025
With Kenneth Gainwell off to Pittsburgh, A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley are battling it out for the RB2 role in Philadelphia. Dillon missed the entire 2024 season due to a neck injury, but is now healthy and in practice. Shipley flashed as a rookie in limited opportunities.
San Francisco 49ers No. 2 Running Back
Isaac Guerendo vs. Jordan James
With Jordan Mason off to Minnesota after a productive season in San Francisco, Christian McCaffrey has a few new faces waiting behind him if the inevitable happens and he succumbs to the injury bug. McCaffrey only played in four games a season ago and has missed significant time in his career. He’s also not getting any younger, and while he may be healthy now, fantasy managers won’t believe it until they see it.
Isaac Guerendo looked good in relief for Mason a season ago, rushing for 420 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 15 passes for 152 yards. Jordan James was selected in the fifth round after a strong season at Oregon. Both players will battle it out behind McCaffrey for the RB2 role, which is a highly fantasy-relevant position given Kyle Shanahan’s offense and McCaffrey's injury-prone nature.
Los Angeles Rams No. 2 Running Back
Blake Corum vs. Jarquez Hunter
Much like Barkley, Kyren Williams has carried a large workload over the past few seasons and has missed some time as a result. Due to Sean McVay’s tendency to lean on one running back at a time, whoever wins this camp competition will become a valuable fantasy handcuff.
Blake Corum did not get many opportunities as a rookie, and McVay hand-selected Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Either one could emerge as the direct handcuff to Williams, and either one is an upgrade over the Rams’ RB2 situation of the previous few seasons.
Good second day of practice for Rams RB Blake Corum. Even for touch, he was making guys miss with his cuts
And you can really see Jarquez Hunter's speed on the field. Bounced one run outside and was off for a 20 yard gain.
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) July 25, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs No. 2 Running Back
Kareem Hunt vs. Elijah Mitchell vs. Brashard Smith
Isiah Pacheco was seemingly limited by his leg injury even upon returning last season, and still projects to lead the backfield in 2025 despite losing his role to Kareem Hunt. That is, if he truly does have his explosiveness back. If not, the RB2 will be breathing down his neck from the jump and could even make it a camp competition.
Hunt played well last season, but is joined by former 49er Elijah Mitchell and seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith. All three will likely get adequate preseason playing time, and all three will not make the day one roster. One will emerge above the others, and whoever it is needs to be on fantasy rosters.
Been banging this drum all offseason: barring a health setback, Elijah Mitchell is making the roster. https://t.co/9bxXkJqiWI
— Adam Best (@Arrowhead_Adam) July 24, 2025
Buffalo Bills No. 1 Wide Receiver
Khalil Shakir vs. Keon Coleman vs. Dalton Kincaid
Khalil Shakir served as Josh Allen’s go-to target in 2024, and many suspect that he will hold a similar role in 2025 after the Bills neglected the receiver position this offseason outside of Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore.
Last year’s second-round pick, Keon Coleman, had an injury-riddled rookie year and was starting to come on before he was derailed by injury. Dalton Kincaid was selected two years ago as a Bills’ version of Travis Kelce. Neither player has lived up to the billing, but they are just entering their second and third seasons, respectively.
There is a chance that one of them takes a step this season and surpasses Shakir as Allen’s go-to target, and a strong training camp from either player would help build that case.
Los Angeles Chargers No. 2 Wide Receiver
Quentin Johnston vs. Tre Harris vs. Jalen Reagor vs. Keandre Lambert-Smith
Quentin Johnston followed up his poor rookie campaign with a much more promising second season, recording 55 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. With the sudden retirement of Mike Williams, the WR2 spot is wide open, and the former first-rounder is the guy to beat.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith has been an absolute terror at #Chargers camp the last couple of days pic.twitter.com/fgWfy9jAx3
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) July 23, 2025
Los Angeles selected Ole Miss product Tre Harris in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie has impressed quarterback Justin Herbert thus far but so has fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who could reportedly be a sleeper candidate to earn the starting role.
Also competing is another former TCU first-rounder, Jalen Reagor. Reagor has been running with the first team in early practices and is squarely in the mix to earn a role in this offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 2 Wide Receiver
Chris Godwin vs. Emeka Egbuka vs. Jalen McMillan
Longtime Buccaneer Chris Godwin was off to a hot start a season ago before badly injuring his ankle, knocking him out for the season. Godwin is still out as training camp kicks off, opening up the opportunity for one of Tampa Bay’s younger receivers to seize the fantasy-friendly role from the veteran.
Baker Mayfield has constantly praised first-rounder Emeka Egbuka this offseason, and as of now, the Ohio State product looks like the guy to beat. Jalen McMillan cannot be ignored after scoring seven touchdowns in the final five regular-season games in place of Godwin a season ago. No matter who emerges, Tampa should be in good hands at the receiver position.
Denver Broncos No. 2 Wide Receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. vs. Pat Bryant vs. Devaughn Vele vs. Troy Franklin
Behind WR1 Courtland Sutton, it was largely receiver-by-committee in Bo Nix’s first season at the helm of the Denver Broncos. Between Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin, Nix’s favored target seemed to change on a game-by-game basis.
Bo Nix DEEP to Marvin Mims 🚀 pic.twitter.com/EzS4BhnAq8
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) July 25, 2025
Illinois receiver Pat Bryant was selected in the third round of the draft, and Sean Payton has already compared him to former Saints’ star Michael Thomas. It remains to be seen which of the four young receivers emerges from the pack, but training camp will be key for each of the young playmakers.
Houston Texans No. 2 Wide Receiver
Christian Kirk vs. Jayden Higgins vs. Jaylin Noel
With Tank Dell on the shelf for likely the majority, if not all, of the 2025 season, C.J. Stroud will have to find a new favorite complementary weapon alongside Nico Collins. He has options after general manager Nick Caserio loaded the room up this offseason.
Veteran slot receiver Christian Kirk came over from Jacksonville, and two Iowa State rookies join him in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. All three receivers will battle it out in training camp for a starting gig, and the winner will be very fantasy-relevant.
New England Patriots No. 2 Wide Receiver
Kayshon Boutte vs. DeMario Douglas vs. Kyle Williams vs. Mack Hollins vs. Kendrick Bourne
It is truly anybody’s guess as to how this receiver room shakes out behind veteran Stefon Diggs, who projects as the top target in New England this season.
#Patriots Training Camp Notes [Non-Padded Walkthrough] (7/25):
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
• WRs Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte consistently repped with the top-offensive unit during team drills.
• WRs Kendrick Bourne and Kyle Williams mostly repped with the… pic.twitter.com/F9AzmlM0oU
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 25, 2025
DeMario Douglas has established himself as a solid slot receiver throughout his first two seasons, while Kayshon Boutte emerged late in the season a year ago and is reportedly having a strong camp. Mack Hollins has made an impact everywhere he’s gone over the past few seasons, while Kendrick Bourne has been in New England for a while and has familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Rookie Kyle Williams has opened eyes with his crisp route-running ability and should be monitored closely throughout training camp as a sleeper to win an important role.
Los Angeles Chargers Starting Tight End
Will Dissly vs. Tyler Conklin vs. Oronde Gadsden
Will Dissly is coming off his best season as a pro, catching 50 passes for 481 yards and two touchdowns in his first season in Los Angeles. The Chargers brought in competition for their incumbent tight end, adding Tyler Conklin (449 yards and four touchdowns with the Jets last season) and Oronde Gadsden (fifth-round rookie out of Syracuse).
Gadsden has flashed in camp and could be used as more of a big slot receiver after initially starting as a receiver at Syracuse. If he wins that role, he could be very fantasy-relevant. Keep an eye on Dissly and Conklin as well, as whoever emerges between the two of them could also make an impact.
Los Angeles Rams Starting Tight End
Tyler Higbee vs. Terrance Ferguson
Tyler Higbee is going into his 10th season with the Los Angeles Rams, a majority of which he has been the starting tight end for the team. That may no longer be the case, as the Rams used their first draft pick on second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson.
#Rams GM Les Snead on Terrance Ferguson:
“There’s a good possibility that he’s the heir apparent to Tyler Higbee, whenever Tyler’s career is over.” pic.twitter.com/GEDNq7MMHc
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 3, 2025
Higbee is reportedly happy to mentor Ferguson, but ultimately, the two will be competing for a starting role from Day 1. Whoever wins the job could be the third target behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, most certainly a fantasy-friendly role.
Seattle Seahawks Starting Tight End
The Seattle Seahawks made headlines when they released incumbent starting tight end Noah Fant, paving the path for one of their younger options to claim the starting role. For a team that is retooling with youth, the move made sense.
Second-year A.J. Barner scored four touchdowns as a rookie and could be a red zone threat, but he will have to fend off second-round rookie Elijah Arroyo to do so. Arroyo has the athleticism that NFL teams covet in tight ends from a receiving aspect, and broke out for 590 yards and seven touchdowns at Miami as a senior after battling injuries throughout his college career.
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