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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
T.J. Watt Dec 11 11:50am CT
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) is currently in a local hospital with a lung issue and is undergoing medical evaluation, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. Watt will not practice on Thursday and could miss the Monday night game against the visiting Miami Dolphins. The 31-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has an extra day to recover this week, but his status is firmly up in the air in Week 15. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will need to have a backup plan in place in case it's not looking good for Watt to play on Monday night. The former first-rounder is the heart and soul of a Pittsburgh defense that has been a disappointment this year. Through 13 games, Watt has 53 tackles (22 solo), only seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, an interception, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

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Kyle Pitts Dec 11 11:40am CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) has had two of his best games of the season in the last two weeks with wide receiver Drake London (knee) sidelined, catching 13 of his 18 targets for 172 yards while playing over 90% of the offensive snaps. Pitts is considered questionable to play on Thursday night versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he's expected to suit up. Meanwhile, London will be missing a fourth straight game. Pitts has only found the end zone one time in 2025 (back in Week 4), but he should be more involved once again on Thursday night if he's active in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has used Pitts as a safety blanket of sorts with London out of the picture since spraining his PCL in Week 11. Fantasy managers should consider the former fourth overall pick to be a midrange TE1 for at least one more week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Jones Dec 11 11:30am CT
Travis Jones

The Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension with nose tackle Travis Jones on Thursday, sources told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The deal will keep Jones under contract with Baltimore through the 2028 season and continues the Ravens' focus on rewarding its own players before they can hit the open market. The 26-year-old defensive tackle is having a fine season in 2025 in his fourth year in the league, recording 34 tackles (16 solo), a career-high-tying 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 12 starts. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Connecticut will now be sticking around with the Ravens long term as a building block on the interior of their defensive line.

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Trey Hendrickson Dec 11 11:20am CT
Trey Hendrickson

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson (hip) on IR. The move comes as the 31-year-old underwent hip/pelvis surgery this week, effectively ending his time in the regular season. Per Schefter, he's expected to be sidelined for six weeks as he recovers. It's a disappointing end to a disappointing season for Hendrickson, who could only amass 16 tackles, four sacks, and a fumble forced in seven appearances following a hold-in amidst a contract dispute with the team this summer. In his stead, teammates Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai (shin) should continue leading Bengals' edge rushers in snaps, with Cedric Johnson and Cam Sample mixing in behind them on occasion.

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Jason Sanders Dec 11 11:20am CT
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (hip) will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Sanders suffered a hip injury during the preseason and has been on Injured Reserve all year. With only three regular-season games left after this week, there's a good chance we won't see the 30-year-old placekicker at all this year. In his absence, Riley Patterson has filled in nicely for Miami, making 23 of his 25 field-goal attempts (92 percent) and 28 of his 29 extra-point opportunities. Patterson has been solid, but he's only made one field goal beyond 50 yards on just two attempts. He has been under the radar in fantasy football and is currently the No. 10 kicker in terms of overall fantasy points. Patterson will be on the streaming radar in deeper fantasy leagues for Miami's Week 15 matchup versus the Steelers on Monday night.

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Josh Jacobs Dec 11 11:10am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back Josh Jacobs (knee) will likely miss a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, and the team will see where he's at on Friday. "He's been battling through it. We'll see," LaFleur said. This is a situation worth keeping a close eye on going into the weekend. Jacobs has been a must-start fantasy RB this year with 12 rushing touchdowns in 12 games, but he could be questionable going into a bad matchup on the road against one of the better defenses in the league in the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old initially suffered a knee contusion in Week 11 and was held out in the Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs only missed one game, though, and handled his normal heavy workload the last two weeks. If he's in danger of missing Sunday's game in Denver, Emanuel Wilson would once again become a plug-and-play fantasy option.

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Chimere Dike Dec 11 11:00am CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike's yardage total in last Sunday's 31-29 victory over the Cleveland Browns may not have been what fantasy managers expected. Still, he should be on fantasy managers' radars considering his role in the offense. Dike and the Titans' air attack struggled through poor weather in Week 14, as he posted just 24 yards on 5-of-8 receiving against a tough Cleveland defense. However, the former fourth-round pick was the only Tennessee pass-catcher to eclipse four targets and two receptions on the afternoon. Moreover, he punched in his third receiving score of the campaign, and fifth total TD since Week 7. Dike's ceiling might be capped in a volatile Titans' passing game, but he's been the most consistent option of that bunch by far, and has a fine floor as a low-end asset in PPR leagues.

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Devon Achane Dec 11 10:50am CT
Devon Achane

According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ribs) will kick off this week as a limited practice participant as they gear up for a Monday night matchup with the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. McDaniel also notes that the 24-year-old will wear a red non-contact jersey at least for Thursday's session. Achane exited Sunday's 34-10 win over the Jets in the second quarter with a rib injury, although he apparently could have reentered the contest if necessary. Fortunately, it appears he's avoided a significant issue, but Miami will be cautious with him as they prep for Monday Night Football. As it stands, it doesn't seem that Achane will be in danger of missing Week 15, though fantasy managers should closely monitor his status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Dec 11 10:30am CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey posted his most significant workload of the season in Week 14's 24-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, totaling 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 23 total opportunities. Harvey was out there for the most snaps (50) and highest snap share (68%) of his debut season, setting a new career-high with his touch total. It was a strong performance for the rookie, and he'd be on the rise even further if fantasy managers could rely on a heavy touch load moving forward. Denver's offense has been up and down, but Harvey's touchdown upside and an increasing opportunity share have him positioned to be a force down the stretch of the fantasy playoffs. He'll face a tough test this weekend against the visiting Green Bay Packers, though he still presents solid RB2 value.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 11 10:20am CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele should continue to see heavy utilization in the team's pass attack when they take on the visiting Carolina Panthers in Week 15. The second-year pro has materialized as a decent second option in New Orleans since ex-teammate Rashid Shaheed was moved to Seattle. In fact, Vele has been the Saints' leading receiver through the last two games, out-producing Chris Olave and matching his snap total in both contests. While that isn't the most likely outcome moving forward, there's no doubt that the 27-year-old has built a solid rapport with rookie QB Tyler Shough, and he should continue to operate as the second or third option at worst in a Saints' offense desperate for playmakers. Vele is a better asset in PPR leagues.

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Luther Burden III Dec 11 10:10am CT
Luther Burden III

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III led the team in receiving in Week 14, hauling in four of six targets for 67 yards in the 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers. With Rome Odunze (foot) inactive last week, Burden handled the duties as the lead receiver for the first time in his NFL career and played well against the strong Packers secondary. Burden has increased in snaps in every game since Week 11, playing a career-high 71% in Week 14. The 2025 second-round pick is making his way up the depth chart in Chicago, and fantasy managers should be fully aware of his emergence. He faces the tough Cleveland Browns defense, which has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Week 15 will be a tough test for Burden, but he's checked every box so far, except for becoming a reliable option for fantasy managers to count on.

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Bucky Irving Dec 11 10:10am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has worked his way back from injury and is starting to heat up at the perfect time for fantasy managers. Since making his return in Week 13. Irving has totaled 162 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the past two games. His snap count has been limited since returning, as he's played just 53% of the snaps, while Rachaad White has played 44% and Sean Tucker has played 16%. Hopefully, Irving can pull away from this rotation as he did in his rookie season, where he averaged 17.4 PPR points per game from Week 15 on. He faces the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, who Irving has yet to eclipse 45 rushing yards in his NFL career. Despite his previous struggles against this Falcons defense, fantasy managers should fire up the second-year back as a low-end RB1 in Week 15.

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Jayden Reed Dec 11 10:00am CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice ahead of Week 15. Reed made his return last week, catching four passes for 31 yards, while adding 22 yards on two carries on the ground. After missing nearly the whole season with a broken collarbone and a fracture in his foot, he was a difference maker in the 28-21 win over the division rival Chicago Bears. Reed was limited to just 49% of the snaps in Week 14, which is down from his 2024 average of 63%, so expect that to improve moving forward. He faces the Denver Broncos defense, which has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Assuming he's active, Reed will be much needed in Week 15, but he is a high-risk/high-reward option in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Dec 11 9:50am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has emerged as the starter in replacing veteran Tyler Higbee. Since Higbee (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve before Week 12, Parkinson has had 11 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. The former Seahawks starter has hauled in a touchdown in four of his last five games and ranks as the TE8 during that span. Unfortunately, the tight end rotation in Los Angeles is tight. In Week 14, Parkinson played 72% of the snaps, while Davis Allen played 75%, and rookie Terrance Ferguson played 67%. Whether it was due to a blowout victory by the Rams or a changing of the guard, fantasy managers in deeper leagues will need to monitor this room.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Dec 11 9:30am CT
Jauan Jennings

After a slow start to the 2025 season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has proved himself as a must-start receiver moving into the fantasy playoffs. Jennings has caught a touchdown in four of his last five starts and has averaged 13.9 PPR fantasy points per game since Week 9. His hot streak has gotten him back to his WR1 role in San Francisco, ahead of Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk. With Aiyuk (knee) unlikely to play in 2025, Jennings has no reason to slow down. He faces the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, who have allowed the sixth-most receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025, and struggled to maintain Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the snow in Week 14. Fantasy managers can fully trust Jennings as a starting option in the fantasy playoffs, as he looks to extend his touchdown streak following the bye.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 11 9:20am CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had his best game of the season in Week 14, hauling in all six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown in the 39-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Gesicki was having a career-worst season prior to his Week 14 explosion, averaging just 3.2 PPR points per game, ranking as the TE51, trailing the likes of Daniel Bellinger and Jackson Hawes. His snap count remains low, playing just 39% of the snaps in Week 14, behind both Noah Fant (43%) and Drew Sample (46%). If he wants to become a starting option for fantasy managers, he needs to play more snaps; otherwise, he'll be incredibly volatile. His role will be one to watch this week, as the Bengals host the division rival Baltimore Ravens in a must-win game in Week 15.

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Chris Godwin Dec 11 9:10am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. missed most of the past year following a gruesome leg injury last season, but he has begun to show some of his old form just as the fantasy playoffs are set to begin in 2025. The veteran has 13 targets for eight catches and 133 yards in the past two weeks, though a Bucs receiver room that has been decimated by injuries could be getting closer to full health. Mike Evans (collarbone) and Jalen McMillan (neck) have been activated from injured reserve, which could cause a shuffle ahead of Tampa's Week 15 game against Atlanta. The Falcons rank 22nd against PPR receivers, which is normally a green-light matchup, but managers rostering Godwin will shoulder some risk if the Bucs have Evans available to take targets away from other Bucs pass catchers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 11 9:00am CT
Michael Wilson

Following another monster performance in Week 14, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has further cemented his place as a waiver-wire home run. Wilson, who now ranks among the top 30 PPR wide receivers heading into the final month of the season, has gone off for 39 catches, 481 yards, and two touchdowns in the past four weeks alone, by far the best stretch of his career. Unfortunately for managers who have benefited from Wilson's recent outburst, they'll be forced to make a tough decision on Wilson at a high-stakes moment. As the fantasy playoffs begin for many leagues, the Cardinals will take on the stingy defense of the Houston Texans, who have allowed the third-fewest points to fantasy wide receivers. But Wilson has been so productive of late that he still deserves lineup consideration in all formats once again.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 11 8:50am CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has seen his fantasy value rise after piling up 161 yards and two touchdowns against a good Cleveland Browns defense in Week 14. Managers likely haven't been in a rush to add shares from a Titans offense that has struggled for most of the year, but Pollard is the No. 25 overall PPR running back and finished second at his position last week, making him an intriguing, if risky, option for the fantasy playoffs. The Titans take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranks 17th against fantasy running backs in Week 15, giving Pollard a decent but not outstanding matchup. He has 27 catches on the season and has maintained some RB3/flex value, but he could bring added value if Tennessee's offense turns a corner during the final month of the season.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 11 8:40am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) has maintained a role within his team's backfield that makes him a rosterable fantasy player as Washington prepares to take on a shaky New York Giants defense in Week 15. Though the season is all but finished for Washington, Rodriguez has drawn double-digit carries four times in the past five weeks, which includes three rushing touchdowns and a pair of top-30 finishes among PPR running backs despite his lack of involvement in the passing game. Rodriguez didn't practice on Wednesday, but with quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) out again, the Commanders could look toward the backfield against a Giants defense that ranks 31st against fantasy running backs. The third-year back has been touchdown-dependent, but if he's able to play, he's getting enough action to consider him in favorable matchups, particularly in leagues with more than one flex spot.

From RotoBaller