Training camps around the National Football League have opened up and that means fantasy football is upon us. For me it started in April with the draft but for many this is the time they start their rankings for their upcoming fantasy drafts. For this article I will focus on why training camp is important to fantasy football and highlight a few team camps that will have big battles for key spots on our fantasy teams.
Training camp is not just important for actual teams but it is our first look for our fantasy preparation as well. Sadly, injuries are a part of the game. With week one of camp opening, there have already been several victims of the injury bug. Some notable ones to keep an eye on include Jets quarterback Justin Fields. He was carted off with a dislocated toe. Texans running back Joe Mixon is dealing with a very complex foot injury. In May he was seen in a walking boot but the boot was taken off in June. Fast forward to late July and he is expected to miss some time with the same injury; an injury that is still unclear as to what it is and how long the 29-year-old will be on the sideline. On Fourth of July, Chargers running back Najee Harris was involved with a firework mishap. He sustained an eye injury that the team (and league) are keeping under wraps so far as to how severe the injury is. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks is expected to miss the season with a broken collarbone that he sustained on Friday, July 25.
Some key training camp battles to keep an eye on are heating up. The backfield athletes of the Jacksonville Jaguars are battling for starting and back up roles. Over the last few seasons, Travis Etienne has been the lead back for the Jaguars. However, early indications are that Tank Bigsby has been taking first team reps and may be the starter in week one. Sticking in the AFC South division; Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are competing for the starting role. Jones, who was the starter with the Giants for the last several seasons, signed with the Colts this offseason. He was traded from the Giants to the Vikings last season and now finds himself in a battle with fellow former first round draft pick Richardson.
Richardson is entering his third season but with injuries and lack of impressive play, he was benched in 2024 by the Colts. Only time will tell who will be under center for the Colts to start the regular season but my take is this: Jones is the better option for them in reality, but for a fantasy aspect I’d rather have Richardson on the field.
Keep an eye on training camps, preseason and roster cuts over the next several weeks. This is the key to being successful at your fantasy draft. You do not want to be the person drafting players who are injured or out for the year. I have seen it happen.
Fantasy Football Insight is a special column by sports reporter Dennis D. Cruz as we head in to the new NFL football season, providing some guidelines and tips for those interested in fantasy football drafts and teams.
