
Fantasy Football Insider
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Daily Fantasy Football news. NFL updates and how the affect Fantasy sports.
Transcript
Welcome to Big Dill Sports, where we dive into the world of NFL updates and fantasy insights to help you dominate your Daily Fantasy Football leagues. I’m Dillon, your host, and today, we're breaking down the latest buzz from July 25, 2025, as we gear up for the new season.
Yesterday was packed with headline-grabbing news, and let me tell you, it’s going to shake up your fantasy strategies. We’ve got injuries to track, standout performances in training camps, and some key roster moves to explore. So, let's jump right in!
Starting with some injury updates that are crucial for your DFS lineups. Darnell Mooney, Atlanta’s star receiver, will be out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury. That’s a real blow, but it opens opportunities for others like Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud. Keep an eye on those cheaper options to fill the gap.
Justin Jefferson is dealing with a mild hamstring strain. He’s set for a re-evaluation next week. If Jefferson isn’t at 100%, it might be wise to explore other high-floor receivers for now.
Now, Justin Fields has a dislocated toe, and while he's day-to-day, it might affect his availability early in the season. If you’re eyeing him for your roster, keep tabs on his participation in practice.
As for the Browns, Quinshon Judkins is currently sidelined with off-field issues, boosting the value of guys like Jerome Ford. And over in Green Bay, Savion Williams missing practice due to a concussion may shake up their depth chart.
Let’s move on to some standout performances from training camps. In Cincinnati, rookie Jermaine Burton is turning heads with impressive red-zone efficiency. And then there's Chase Brown, who’s making waves as a potential lead back—definitely someone to consider adding to your lineups.
The Washington Commanders are showing promise in their evolving offense, thanks to fierce competition among wide receivers. This is definitely worth monitoring for DFS value plays.
And don’t overlook our steady veterans—guys like DeAndre Hopkins and Matthew Stafford are rehabbing and poised to provide stability as the season progresses.
Shifting gears to our rookie sleepers and breakout candidates. Chicago’s Luther Burden III has been showcasing his skills with coach Ben Johnson. If priced right, he could be a fantastic punt play. Meanwhile, Jayden Higgins in Houston and Trey Benson in Arizona are also showing strong potential to be under-the-radar picks.
Now, let’s talk about some impactful roster moves. The Bengals secured Shemar Stewart, which might bolster their offensive stability. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s signing of DJ Chark could provide solid value if Mooney remains sidelined.
And, of course, we’ve got Matthew Stafford progressing well. A healthy Stafford keeps the target ceilings high for guys like Cooper Kupp, making them prime picks for your DFS roster.
Before we wrap up, here's my "big dill" player of the episode—Chase Brown. With his potential lead-back role shaping up, he’s definitely a big deal worth keeping an eye on for your DFS tournament strategies.
As we edge closer to the preseason, remember these key strategies: aim for a balanced roster, keep tabs on injury reports, and be ready to pivot your lineups based on the latest practice updates.
That’s it for today’s rundown on Big Dill Sports. Stay vigilant, play smart, and keep checking in for the latest insights to keep your DFS rosters winning. Until next time, happy drafting!
## Introduction
On July 25, 2025, a flurry of NFL updates emerged—training camp injuries, standout practices, and key roster moves—that carry direct implications for Daily Fantasy Football (DFS) managers preparing for the upcoming season. From the status of star receivers to the emergence of rookie sleepers, these developments will shape salary-cap decisions, lineup construction, and tournament strategies as the preseason progresses. Below, we provide an in-depth breakdown of the most impactful news from yesterday’s reports, along with actionable DFS insights. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-tuesday-july-25?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-tuesday-july-25?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Injuries to Monitor Impacting DFS Rosters
Several notable injuries reported on July 25 will directly affect fantasy projections and DFS pricing:
- **Darnell Mooney (WR, ATL):** Mooney suffered a shoulder injury expected to sideline him for “a few weeks,” putting his early-season availability in question. After hauling in 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, Mooney’s absence opens up targets for Kyle Pitts (who may line up more often in receiver alignments) and depth options like Ray-Ray McCloud. DFS managers should downgrade Mooney’s price and target cheaper Falcons pass-catchers until he’s back to full strength. ([thefalcoholic.com](https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2025/7/25/24474516/darnell-mooney-suffered-a-shoulder-injury-set-to-miss-a-few-weeks?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN):** Jefferson is tending to a mild left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated next week. Coming off a record-setting 1,809-yard campaign with 14 TDs in 2024, any limitation in camp could impact his target volume to start the year. Until he’s logged full routes in padded practice, consider fading Jefferson in early-season DFS slates or spreading exposure across other high-floor receivers. ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Justin Fields (QB, NYJ):** Carted off with a dislocated toe, Fields is listed day-to-day and may sit out of the preseason for a full recovery. His rushing floor (six rush TDs, 587 yards in 2024) is a major DFS advantage; a delayed camp ramp-up could temporarily suppress his rushing usage in Week 1 projections. Monitor practice participation reports closely before rostering Fields, and consider Tyrod Taylor as a late-swing punt in single-game formats if Fields remains limited. ([ganggreennation.com](https://www.ganggreennation.com/2025/7/25/24474172/new-york-jets-aaron-glenn-justin-fields-quinnen-williams-garrett-wilson-chris-banjo-tyrod-taylor?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/40699880/fantasy-football-injuries-position-battles-nfl-news-analysis?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Quinshon Judkins (RB, CLE):** The Browns’ second-round pick from Ohio State remains unsigned as of July 25 amid an unresolved battery and domestic violence investigation. Without a contract or camp reps, his fantasy outlook is paused, boosting the value of Jerome Ford (who logged 210 carries for 935 scrimmage yards in 2024) and rookie Dylan Sampson in DFS lineups. Managers should wait for Judkins to take field reps before locking Browns RBs into lineups. ([fantasydata.com](https://fantasydata.com/nfl/fantasy-football-player-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-nfl-offseason-recap-news-signings-and-rumors-from-june-july-94610?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Savion Williams (WR, GB):** Held out of practice with a concussion, Williams’s absence from early camp drills reduces his chance to climb the depth chart in Green Bay. Until he clears protocol, limit exposure to Williams in DFS, especially in PPR formats where secondary receivers often struggle for consistent volume. ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/40699880/fantasy-football-injuries-position-battles-nfl-news-analysis?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- **Cedric Tillman (WR, CLE):** Tillman exited practice early Friday with a lower-left leg issue but is expected to be fine after evaluation. Coming off a 598-yard rookie season with four TDs, Tillman’s brief scare warrants a short-term monitoring approach in DFS, but his high-upside role in Cleveland’s offense remains intact. ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Training Camp Standouts Driving DFS Value
Beyond injuries, several players turned heads on July 25, enhancing their perceived value in DFS contests:
- **Cincinnati Bengals Receivers:** On Day 3 of camp, rookie Jermaine Burton drew attention with two red-zone touchdowns, while stars Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase each produced highlight-reel catches. Burton’s red-zone efficiency (seven TD catches in 12 college games) suggests a fast track to goal-line work behind Chase and Higgins, giving DFS managers a bargain salary option on DraftKings and FanDuel slates ([cincyjungle.com](https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/7/25/24474336/bengals-training-camp-day-3-twitter-recap-highlights?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [hogshaven.com](https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/7/25/24469774/daily-slop-25-jul-25-training-camp-report-commanders-javon-kinlaw-looks-leaner-and-very-explosive?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Chase Brown (RB, CIN):** Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher called Brown “a household name by season’s end,” indicating potential lead-back usage. Coming off a rookie campaign with 781 rushing yards and four TDs, Brown’s growing role could lead to an underpriced salary if priced on 2024 stats alone, making him a DFS tournament pivot against pricier RBs ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Washington Commanders Offense:** While Von Miller’s mentorship of Frankie Luvu grabbed headlines on defense, the real DFS takeaway is the evolving WR competition. Rookies Ja’Corey Brooks and veteran Chris Moore battled for snaps, and core targets like Terry McLaurin remain in play. Monitor target reports from Dan Quinn’s air-raid system to identify value plays in week one DFS slates ([hogshaven.com](https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/7/25/24469774/daily-slop-25-jul-25-training-camp-report-commanders-javon-kinlaw-looks-leaner-and-very-explosive?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [hogshaven.com](https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/7/25/24469774/daily-slop-25-jul-25-training-camp-report-commanders-javon-kinlaw-looks-leaner-and-very-explosive?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Steady Veterans:** DeAndre Hopkins returned to practice in Baltimore, and Matthew Stafford edged closer to full participation for the Los Angeles Rams. Regular-season readiness from these veteran weapons ensures they remain safe DFS anchors in cash games, though tournament rosters should hedge against any lingering practice limitations ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Rookie Sleepers & Breakouts for Early DFS Contests
Identifying low-cost, high-upside players in training camp can be the key to tournament wins:
- **Luther Burden III (WR, CHI):** Under new coach Ben Johnson, Burden impressed with crisp route-running and contested catches. His college tape (1,212 yards in 2023) and role in an ascending Chicago offense make him a viable DFS punt play if priced near the minimum ([fanduel.com](https://www.fanduel.com/research/5-rookies-to-watch-for-fantasy-football-during-2025-nfl-training-camps?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [hogshaven.com](https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/7/25/24469774/daily-slop-25-jul-25-training-camp-report-commanders-javon-kinlaw-looks-leaner-and-very-explosive?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Jayden Higgins (WR, HOU):** With Tank Dell still on the mend and Nico Collins commanding attention, Higgins’s size-speed combination (6'4", 4.47 40-yard dash) stands out. Early camp reps suggest he could seize a boundary role, giving him sleeper appeal at sub-$5,000 salaries on DK and FD ([fanduel.com](https://www.fanduel.com/research/5-fantasy-football-sleepers-to-monitor-during-2025-nfl-training-camps?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [fanduel.com](https://www.fanduel.com/research/5-fantasy-football-sleepers-to-monitor-during-2025-nfl-training-camps?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Trey Benson (RB, ARI):** After flashes in limited 2024 action, Benson drew praise from HC Jonathan Gannon as “poised to take a step.” His versatility as a receiver (43 catches in college) and early camp work highlight his PPR upside—buy low before backfield roles are finalized ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Value Tight Ends:** Keep Zach Ertz on the radar as a late-round DFS target in tournaments; his heavy red-zone usage in Washington (seven TDs in 2024) could translate to scoring opportunities against softer secondaries ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-dfs-optimizer-reveals-2025-wild-card-daily-fantasy-football-picks-projections-for-draftkings-fanduel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Contract Moves & Roster Shifts
Offseason contracts and roster additions can shift projected snap shares:
- **Shemar Stewart (DE, CIN):** The Bengals’ four-year, $18.97 million deal shores up the defensive line, indirectly preserving offensive efficiency by keeping pass-rush threats off Joe Burrow’s back. This stability supports the high-end ceiling for Cincinnati’s receivers in DFS play ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **DJ Chark (WR, ATL):** Signed to a one-year contract to replace injured Mooney, Chark’s 1,000-yard upside (led the Jaguars in 2022) makes him a lottery ticket in tournaments, especially if priced below his potential target share ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR):** Expected to participate in the first padded practice on Monday after back issues, Stafford’s health is a critical fantasy consideration. A fully healthy Stafford preserves Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua’s target ceilings—cornerstones of any DFS cash-game roster ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Noah Fant (TE, FA):** His scheduled visit to New Orleans suggests a potential red-zone role shakeup for Saints TEs. If signed, Fant could reduce Juwan Johnson’s touchdown equity, so DFS managers should adjust tight-end exposure accordingly ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## DFS Strategy & Lineup Construction Tips
In light of these July 25 updates, consider the following for Early-Season DFS slates:
- **Roster Balance:** Blend high-floor veterans (Chase, Chase Brown, Jefferson if healthy) with low-cost upside plays (rookie sleepers, mid-tier TEs) to navigate salary caps while maintaining scoring potential ([cincyjungle.com](https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/7/25/24474336/bengals-training-camp-day-3-twitter-recap-highlights?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [fanduel.com](https://www.fanduel.com/research/5-rookies-to-watch-for-fantasy-football-during-2025-nfl-training-camps?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Monitor Newsfeeds:** Lock in lineups only after Thursday and Friday practice reports for injury clarity—especially for Mooney, Jefferson, Fields, and Stafford. Last-minute pivots can save a lineup from a zero‐point kerfuffle ([thefalcoholic.com](https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2025/7/25/24474516/darnell-mooney-suffered-a-shoulder-injury-set-to-miss-a-few-weeks?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Contest Selection:** In large-field GPPs, overweight low-owned breakout candidates like Burden III or Higgins. In double-up cash games, favor more proven options—ensure a minimum of two stable veterans in each lineup to cushion variance ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-dfs-optimizer-reveals-2025-wild-card-daily-fantasy-football-picks-projections-for-draftkings-fanduel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- **Prop Bet Layering:** Before season openers, lock in player props around training camp buzz—over/unders on receptions or yardage often mirror DFS value trends and can be hedged against lineup risk ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/40699880/fantasy-football-injuries-position-battles-nfl-news-analysis?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Conclusion
The July 25 training camp and roster developments underscore the ever-evolving landscape of NFL fantasy valuations. By staying vigilant on injury reports, tracking breakout performances in camp, and adjusting to contract and depth-chart shifts, DFS managers can craft lineups that capitalize on market inefficiencies. As preseason action ramps up, continue integrating real-time updates into your strategy to maintain an edge on both DraftKings and FanDuel slates. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-tuesday-july-25?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-tuesday-july-25?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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