
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 back to Big Dill Sports! I'm Dillon, your guide through the exciting ups and downs of the fantasy football world. Today, we're diving into the latest from NFL training camps, highlighting those crucial injury updates, standout performances, and a special shoutout to this episode's 'big dill.'
Yesterday, July 29th, was all about key injuries and impressive breakout performances that could make or break your Daily Fantasy Sports lineups. Let’s kick things off with some injury updates that have been grabbing headlines.
Baltimore Ravens' tight end, Isaiah Likely, unfortunately, rolled his left ankle and is expected to be out for a few weeks. That's a big blow, reshaping mid-tier tight end targets for DFS pools and impacting season-long lineups. On the West Coast, the Chargers’ Najee Harris remains sidelined after a summer mishap, which means rookie Omarion Hampton might be a name to watch in DFS. Caution is advised since it’s his first starting gig, and you know how unpredictable those can be.
The Kansas City Chiefs are dealing with their own woes, with Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy exiting practice early due to injuries. Best to steer clear of them in DFS until they’re back at full strength. Meanwhile, keep a close eye on Colts' Michael Pittman Jr., who tweaked his groin. His injury could limit his early-season snaps, making him a risky choice for those high-stakes DFS events. And for Chargers fans, Quentin Johnston is off the list for the upcoming Hall of Fame Game, leaving room for some backups to shine.
Now, onto some breakout performances that have caught everyone's eyes. Buffalo Bills’ Keon Coleman is making waves with his contested catches and route precision. He’s earning consistent first-team reps and could be a high-upside steal if priced right in DFS. Joshua Palmer, another Bill, has shown some smooth route-running skills, making him a potential mid-tier option.
Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan is back in full form, running with the first unit. He’s got big-play potential and could be a smart late-round DFS option. In Las Vegas, Dont’E Thornton’s blazing speed and reliable hands are turning heads. And let’s not forget Marvin Harrison Jr., looking more physical than ever at 220 pounds, hinting at a larger red-zone role—perfect for those tight-end premium contests.
As for emerging sleepers, Tennessee Titans’ Elic Ayomanor is gaining traction following Treylon Burks’ unfortunate collarbone injury. Ayomanor could be a valuable dart-throw in deep-league tournaments. And in Detroit, Jameson Williams is building on his spring hype, sharing the field with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff. His underpriced shares might just surprise you. Meanwhile, Green Bay's Matthew Golden is stepping up, taking first-team snaps in place of the injured Dontayvion Wicks.
Let's not skip over the Hall of Fame Game strategy. With Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh confirming that traditional starters like Justin Herbert will sit this one out, it’s crucial for DFS players to lean on second-stringers and fringe roster players. Remember, backups are often priced more affordably, allowing you to invest in those dependable skill players.
Now, here’s what to focus on as training camp unfolds: Stay vigilant with those practice reports, especially for guys like Isaiah Likely and Najee Harris. Keep an eye on emerging rookies and second-tier receivers like Keon Coleman and Tetairoa McMillan. Be cautious with veterans nursing injuries until they’re fully back on the field. And, of course, consider game context carefully, particularly for those DFS contests involving the Hall of Fame Game.
Before we wrap up, it's time to crown our ‘big dill’ of the episode. This time, it's none other than Keon Coleman from the Bills. His consistent first-team reps and impressive training camp performances make him a big deal in my book.
That’s it for today's Big Dill Sports. Stay sharp, and may your fantasy football insights lead you to victory. Until next time, I’m Dillon, signing off. Keep it locked here for all the latest and greatest in sports.
## Introduction
Yesterday’s NFL training camp sessions on July 29, 2025, featured a slew of injuries and emerging breakout performances that will directly impact Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineups. Key figures such as Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Isaiah Likely and Los Angeles Chargers’ running back Najee Harris faced setbacks, while emerging wide receivers like Buffalo’s Keon Coleman and Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan continued to bolster their late‐round DFS appeal. Fantasy managers need to digest these updates ahead of upcoming preseason slate contests to optimize roster construction and salary‐cap allocations ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Injury Updates and DFS Implications
- Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely suffered a left ankle roll at practice and is now expected to miss multiple weeks, removing a mid‐tier tight end target from DFS pools and season‐long starting lineups alike ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Chargers RB Najee Harris, sidelined since a summer fireworks accident, still has no return timetable; Harris’s absence elevates rookie Omarion Hampton’s immediate DFS value, though Hampton himself carries risk as a first‐time starter ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Kansas City Chiefs saw both Hollywood Brown (ankle) and Xavier Worthy (head) exit practice early, raising doubts about their availability for early preseason games; avoid rostering either in upcoming DFS contests until they’re deemed full‐go ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. tweaked his groin during Wednesday’s drills, which could limit his snaps in Week 1 and reduce his preseason DFS ceiling; monitor his practice participation closely before rostering him in high‐stakes events ([ffmastermind.com](https://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Chargers WR Quentin Johnston is officially off track to play in Thursday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, signaling that most Chargers’ pass‐catchers will rest; this could open up DFS dart throws on backups should the contest be slotted by major DFS operators ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Breakout Camp Performances to Target
- Bills WR Keon Coleman has garnered rave reviews for his contested catches and route precision, earning consistent first‐team reps; he profiles as a high‐upside DFS punt play if priced affordably in slate offerings ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Teammate Joshua Palmer also stood out with smooth route‐running in Buffalo’s drills, making him a viable mid‐tier DFS option in tournaments where rostering multiple Bills receivers is feasible ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Carolina Panthers’ first‐round WR Tetairoa McMillan, now healthy from a lower‐body issue, continues to operate with the first unit, boosting his profile as a late‐round DFS flier with big‐play upside ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Raiders’ fourth‐round pick Dont’E Thornton impressed with 4.3-second speed and reliable hands in one‐on‐one drills; in daily fantasy formats that include preseason stats, Thornton could emerge as a low‐owned value target ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. reported to camp at 220 lbs (up from 209) and has looked more physical in contested-catch scenarios, hinting at an expanded red-zone role that could be leveraged in tight‐end premium DFS contests ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Emerging Sleepers from Training Camp
- Tennessee Titans’ third receiver Elic Ayomanor is carving out looks behind Calvin Ridley after Treylon Burks was waived with a collarbone injury; Ayomanor offers dart‐throw value in deep‐league DFS tournaments where salary relief is key ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Detroit Lions rookie Jameson Williams continues to build on his breakout spring hype, working in tandem with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff; underpriced Williams shares could pay dividends in contests that reward big plays ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
- Green Bay Packers’ rookie WR Matthew Golden has taken first‐team snaps amid Dontayvion Wicks’s calf issue, positioning him as a low‐cost DFS option for mini‐slates ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/article/2025-fantasy-football-training-camp-news-top-storylines-from-the-first-week-of-camp-94774?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Hall of Fame Game and DFS Strategy
According to Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, “traditional” starters—including QB Justin Herbert—won’t suit up in the Thursday night Hall of Fame Game, a sign that preseason DFS lineups may lean heavily on backups and fringe roster players in that specific contest ([rotowire.com](https://www.rotowire.com/football/news.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Fantasy operators often price backups more affordably, potentially enabling tournament players to load up on high-floor skill players elsewhere. However, limited sample size and conservative play‐calling in preseason games warrant caution when rostering defenders and quarterbacks in these showcases.
## Outlook and Recommendations
With training camp now in full swing, DFS managers should:
- **Monitor practice reports daily** to track injury recoveries—particularly Isaiah Likely and Najee Harris—before committing salary to their replacements.
- **Target emerging rookies and second‐tier receivers** such as Keon Coleman, Tetairoa McMillan, and Dont’E Thornton in tournament builds, exploiting low ownership rates and potential high‐ceiling snaps.
- **Exercise caution on wounded veterans** like Michael Pittman Jr., Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy until full practice participation is confirmed.
- **Consider game context** for Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, focusing on value plays from second‐string quarterbacks and wideouts if your DFS contest officially includes that matchup.
By integrating these July 29 training camp developments into your DFS strategy, you’ll be better positioned to identify undervalued assets and avoid injury pitfalls as the NFL season—and main slate action—draws near.
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