Fantasy Football Insider

July 29, 2025 • Sports

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 back to Big Dill Sports, your home for all things fantasy football! I'm Dillon, and today we're diving into some exciting updates from the NFL training camps. Following yesterday's sessions, we have a lot to discuss that’ll shake up your Daily Fantasy Football strategy.

Let's kick things off with the quarterbacks. Cleveland’s quarterback competition hit a snag with Kenny Pickett’s hamstring strain, making Joe Flacco the guy to watch. If Pickett stays sidelined, Flacco might start the season, bringing some serious value to your DFS lineups. In Indianapolis, Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are neck and neck. If Richardson gets the nod, his dual-threat potential is enticing for those early tournament plays. And keep an eye on Russell Wilson’s situation in New York. If he’s out, rookie Jaxson Dart could slide into the starting role and become a budget-friendly option.

Now, let's switch to the backfield. Joe Mixon is dealing with a foot issue, leaving the door wide open for Dameon Pierce to shine in Houston. With Antonio Gibson returning from injury, the Patriots' backfield could be a bit of a puzzle, but that makes Gibson an intriguing pick for contrarian plays. And for Chargers fans, Omarion Hampton is worth watching as Najee Harris recovers from an injury that’ll keep him out for a while.

Wide receiver news is buzzing too. Darnell Mooney’s shoulder injury drops him on your list, but don’t sleep on D.J. Chark, who might step up for the Falcons. Justin Jefferson’s mild hamstring strain doesn’t seem severe, but keep tabs on his participation before locking him in. The Giants have some depth issues, so Sterling Shepard could find himself taking on a bigger role if injuries linger there.

Training camp isn’t just about injuries, though. We’ve had some standout performances that might give your DFS lineups an edge. Tetairoa McMillan is making waves with his playmaking for the Panthers. Jaylin Noel for the Texans is showing strong potential, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith from the Chargers is displaying some serious speed. Keep an eye on Donte Thornton Jr. out in Vegas; his big-play abilities could translate into fantasy gold.

With all these updates, your DFS strategy should focus on fading players like Joe Mixon and Darnell Mooney until we see more stability in their situations. Instead, think about engaging mid-range backs or rookies ready to make an impact.

Now, for the big moment—this week’s Big Dill Player! Anthony Richardson, with his rushing potential, stands out as a high-reward option. If he secures the starting role, DFS managers will want to jump on his bandwagon early.

So, whether you’re adjusting your lineups or scouting for sleepers, these insights should help you stay ahead of the game. Stay flexible, keep up with the latest training camp reports, and good luck out there. That’s all for today on Big Dill Sports. Until next time, I’m Dillon. Keep playing smart and scoring big!

## Daily Fantasy Football News: NFL Training Camp Updates and Fantasy Implications (July 28, 2025)

Yesterday’s NFL training camp sessions yielded several key injury developments, depth‐chart shakes, and standout performances that will directly impact Daily Fantasy Football (DFS) strategy as we approach the 2025 regular season. From quarterback battles to wide receiver ailments and running back setbacks, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of July 28’s top news and what it means for your DFS lineups.

### Quarterback Updates and DFS Implications
On July 28, the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts continued their highly anticipated quarterback competitions. Browns starter Kenny Pickett was held out of practice with a hamstring strain he sustained over the weekend; head coach Kevin Stefanski labeled Pickett “day‐to‐day,” elevating veteran Joe Flacco to virtually all first‐team reps in practice ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). In Indianapolis, both Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson split first‐team work, each impressing the staff without a clear starter named, per Colts coach Shane Steichen ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).

Meanwhile, Russell Wilson remains a watch‐item in New York following his fourth straight missed practice due to a lingering calf issue; the Giants expect a re‐evaluation early next week ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-sunday-july-28?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). These developments carry significant DFS weight:

- Joe Flacco: If Pickett’s timeline extends, Flacco could open the season as the Browns’ starter, offering low salary value with mid‐range passing upside in early DFS slates.
- Anthony Richardson: As a dual‐threat QB, Richardson’s rushing upside could be undervalued if he secures the Colts’ job, making him a high‐ceiling, low‐ownership tournament target.
- Russell Wilson: Monitor his calf‐status closely; if sidelined Week 1, rookie Jaxson Dart could inherit starter duties, representing a bargain play if he starts.

### Running Back News and DFS Impact
Several notable backfield developments surfaced on July 28:

• Joe Mixon (RB, Texans) has been placed on the non‐football injury (NFI) list with a debilitating foot issue, expected to sideline him “an extended period” early in camp ([fftoday.com](https://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Mixon’s ADP in both season‐long drafts and DFS slates will surely plummet, thrusting Dameon Pierce and rookie QB‐scrambling backs like C.J. Stroud (if used in designed runs) into higher‐value roles.
• Antonio Gibson (RB, Patriots) has passed his physical and is eligible to return from the NFI list ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-sunday-july-28?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). With Rhamondre Stevenson returning from a quad surgery, Gibson’s return adds committee risk, but also contrarian GPP appeal at bargain DFS pricing on early slates.
• Najee Harris (RB, Chargers) remains out of camp due to the aftermath of a July 4 fireworks accident that injured his eye, landing him on the NFI list; he faces at least a four‐game absence without removal from that list by final roster cuts ([the-sun.com](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14824431/najee-harris-sidelined-chargers-training-camp-injury/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Rookie Omarion Hampton will assume early-season workload, making Hampton an upside DFS dart throw in tournament play, especially if Harris’s timetable extends.

### Wide Receiver Developments and Fantasy Ramifications
Wide receiver depth took a hit across the league on July 28:

• Darnell Mooney (WR, Falcons) suffered a shoulder injury in practice, now sidelined “a few weeks,” dropping his expected Week 1 usage significantly ([fftoday.com](https://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). D.J. Chark, newly signed as insurance, should see immediate volume bump in camp reps and could be a sneaky DFS tournament play if priced as a secondary option.
• Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings) was held out of Friday’s practice with a mild left hamstring strain; head coach Kevin O’Connell reports it’s not serious but will be re‐evaluated next week ([rotostreetjournal.com](https://www.rotostreetjournal.com/2025/07/26/2025-nfl-training-camp-news-tracker-7-26-justin-jefferson-injury-update-and-fantasy-impact/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Jefferson’s elite per‐target upside keeps him locked as a core DFS play, but managers should monitor his practice participation leading into Week 1 before rostering him in high‐stakes contests.
• Bryce Ford‐Wheaton (WR, Giants) collapsed with an apparent leg injury and was carted off during practice alongside limited injuries to Wan’Dale Robinson and edge rusher Brian Burns, per BigBlueView’s report on Day 4 of Giants camp ([bigblueview.com](https://www.bigblueview.com/2025/7/27/24475080/giants-training-camp-2025-live-updates-from-day-4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). While sidelined receivers on the Giants practice squad typically don’t carry major fantasy weight, any extended absence by Wan’Dale Robinson could elevate Sterling Shepard’s camp role and provide DFS salary‐saving value as a WR3/flex option.

### Training Camp Standouts and DFS Sleepers
Beyond injuries, several rookies and under‐the‐radar veterans impressed on July 28:

• Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Panthers) wowed with contested catches in one‐on‐ones, flashing explosive playmaking ability under live contact ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
• Jaylin Noel (WR, Texans) turned heads despite being a third‐round selection, showing crisp route running and contested‐catch prowess, potentially earning an early‐season role in Houston’s pass‐catching rotation ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Chargers) has been a standout among the Chargers’ deep rookie class, offering speed and contested‐catch upside that could translate to low‐owned DFS value if he earns slot or gadget‐role targets ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
• Donte Thornton Jr. (WR, Raiders) connected on a 70-yard bomb from Geno Smith, underlining his big‐play potential in an offense in flux ([fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-qb-battles-heating-up-7-28/177743?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).

These camp standouts typically carry minimal DFS salary risk heading into August and could be tournament pivots if roles materialize in preseason action.

### DFS Strategy and Key Takeaways
Given the flood of camp‐period news on July 28, here are actionable pointers for DFS lineups:

- Fade or underweight Joe Mixon, Darnell Mooney, and Najee Harris until their statuses stabilize. Pivot to mid‐range backs like Dameon Pierce, Antonio Gibson, or rookies such as Omarion Hampton.
- Lock in Justin Jefferson as a core DFS asset when he practices; monitor his participation but don’t overpay if dampened in camp. Seek out cheap leverage in Tetairoa McMillan or Jaylin Noel in tournaments.
- Target dual-threat QBs in tournaments: Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco (if Pickett misses Week 1) offer rushing upside at bargain salaries.
- Utilize cheap, high-ceiling receivers from impact camp standouts—KeAndre Lambert-Smith or Donte Thornton Jr.—in +EV tournament builds, especially in lineups featuring chalk plays like Jefferson.
- Stay nimble: practice reports and NFI/PUP lists will continue to shift through August. Frequent camp updates are your friend; prioritize daily monitoring from sites like Fantasy Alarm and FFToday for breaking news.

Armed with these insights from July 28’s camp sessions, DFS lineups can be optimized to exploit emerging value while mitigating risk around injury‐embroiled stars. Good luck on the gridiron and the DFS platforms this season!

Fantasy Football Insider