Fantasy Football Insider

## Injury Updates and Fantasy Impact

Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely will undergo foot surgery and is expected to miss approximately six weeks of action, casting uncertainty over his Week 1 availability. With Likely sidelined, incumbent TE1 Mark Andrews should retain his primary red-zone role, but relinquished practice snaps could extend Andrews’ slow-season starts and impact early-season fantasy production ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise), [ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

Baltimore also saw wide receiver Zay Flowers miss practice after tweaking his leg on Tuesday, though coach John Harbaugh believes it’s merely a precautionary measure. If Flowers’ limited participation lingers, fantasy managers may need to monitor secondary targets—such as Nelson Agholor and rookie fifth-rounder Matthew Sexton—for additional snaps in the Ravens’ high-powered passing attack ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

## Rookies Rising in Camp

Dallas rookie back Jaydon Blue has earned first-team reps alongside veterans Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams after critics questioned his work ethic. Blue’s speed and hands have impressed coaches, and an unexpected role in the Cowboys’ backfield this preseason could translate to upside in late-round fantasy drafts and DFS tournaments if he continues to stand out against backup defenders ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise), [fantasyalarm.com](https://www.fantasyalarm.com/articles/nfl/nfl-offseason/nfl-training-camp-updates-live-news-injuries-jj-mccarthy-struggles-7-31/177868)).

In Kansas City, rookie receiver Xavier Worthy entered concussion protocol this week, opening the door for Jalen Royals to see additional work alongside stars Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown. Should Worthy miss multiple practices, Royals steps into more prominent drills, making him a speculative preseason DFS target and a deeper dynasty stash ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

Denver second-year speedster Marvin Mims Jr. is getting more touches in Sean Payton’s offense than anticipated, flashing in multi-receiver sets behind Courtland Sutton and potentially Evan Engram. Payton’s commitment to utilizing Mims’ downfield ability positions him as a late-round fantasy flier, particularly in big-play scoring formats ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

## Camp Cuts and QB Battles

The Colts’ quarterback competition heated up as Anthony Richardson Sr. appears sharper and more accurate than Daniel Jones in padded practices, raising Richardson’s upside as a late-round QB sleeper and superflex DFS punt candidate ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)). Meanwhile, Cincinnati released veteran Zack Moss after underwhelming camp showings, clearing the way for rookie Tahj Brooks to back up starter Chase Brown and for Samaje Perine to carve out a passing-down role—key context for those rostering Brooks or Perine in dynasty formats ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

## Veteran Spotlights

Buccaneers star wideout Mike Evans, poised to chase a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season, displayed his familiar elite route-running and hands in padded sessions. His established chemistry with Baker Mayfield and red-zone prowess maintain Evans’ status as a high-ceiling WR2 or flex option in seasonal leagues and a locked target in DFS contests ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

In Atlanta, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. emphatically underscored his intent to “feed Bijan,” spotlighting rookie running back Bijan Robinson as a focal point of the Falcons’ offense. Robinson’s 61-catch performance last year sets him up as a formidable receiving threat out of the backfield and a potential No. 1 overall fantasy pick in non-superflex formats, while making him a high-upside play in DFS PPR slates due to his projected volume ([ftnfantasy.com](https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/camp-news-likely-goes-under-the-knife-blue-on-the-rise)).

## Preseason DFS Strategy

Preseason DFS in football demands a unique approach: loading up on defenses and kickers (defenses average nearly eight points per game in the preseason, two points more than any other position; kickers rank third in scoring behind QBs) and prioritizing known playing time over pure talent ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/), [fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)). With lower-scoring games and limited starter snaps, understanding each team’s depth chart rotation is crucial, while tight ends typically offer negligible value and are best left off preseason DFS rosters ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/), [fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)).

## Hall of Fame Game: Core DFS Picks

For Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, both the Chargers and Lions’ defensive units and kickers (Cameron Dicker, Jake Bates) project as high-floor, low-ownership core plays given guaranteed playing time and upside. The Chargers’ defense holds a slight edge in model projections due to rookies like Omarion Hampton and Tre’ Harris seeing snaps ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/), [fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)).

Quarterback Trey Lance is the tournament slate’s top play; slated for a full half of action and leveraging his dual-threat ability, he leads all players in median projection while facing backup-level talent ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)). On Detroit’s side, veteran Kyle Allen will see a series or two, but third-round pick Hendon Hooker could usurp starter duties or rotate series—Hooker holds appeal as a contrarian punt with rushing upside if he joins the offensive rotation late ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/), [rotogrinders.com](https://rotogrinders.com/articles/2025-nfl-hall-of-fame-game-dfs-player-notes-4133458?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).

Chargers running backs Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson should command the bulk of early-down work, with Vidal’s 41.2% snap share and 49 rushing yards in one 2024 preseason game hinting at a ceiling that outstrips Patterson’s steady volume ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/), [fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)). Rookie receiver Ke’Andre Lambert-Smith, leading all Charger pass-catchers in projected points thanks to a 4.37 40-yard dash and 981 college receiving yards, checks in as the highest-upside skill position dart in DFS lineups ([fantasylabs.com](https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/nfl-dfs-showdown-picks-breakdown-for-chargers-vs-lions-hall-of-fame-game/)).

## Player Props and Tournament Darts

Trey Lance over 116.5 passing yards (-130) and Tre’ Harris over 16.5 receiving yards (-115) stand out as strong prop plays in Underdog contests, banking on Lance’s projected half-game workload and Harris’ speed-to-field role ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/31/betting/chargers-vs-lions-odds-prediction-hall-of-fame-game-best-bets-picks-thursday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Conversely, fading Hendon Hooker under 99.5 pass yards makes sense if he cedes early reps to Kyle Allen and faces stout backups ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/31/betting/chargers-vs-lions-odds-prediction-hall-of-fame-game-best-bets-picks-thursday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Chargers RB Kimani Vidal exceeding 21.5 rushing yards also offers positive expected value, given his expected 30–40% snap share ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/07/31/betting/chargers-vs-lions-odds-prediction-hall-of-fame-game-best-bets-picks-thursday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).

## Mid-Tier and Value Plays

In Showdown formats, Tier 2 targets include Lions kicker Jake Bates, the lone Detroit kicker guaranteed field-goal attempts, and Sione Vaki, the Lions’ fourth-string back expected to rotate into meaningful carries once Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery sit ([rotogrinders.com](https://rotogrinders.com/articles/2025-nfl-hall-of-fame-game-dfs-player-notes-4133458?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). On the Chargers, Raheim Sanders provides leverage as a later-down power back likely to receive late-game work after Najee Harris and Hampton exit, making him a boom-or-bust GPP dart with contrarian appeal ([rotogrinders.com](https://rotogrinders.com/articles/2025-nfl-hall-of-fame-game-dfs-player-notes-4133458?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).

By blending training-camp news—injuries, roster movements, and rookie surges—with targeted preseason DFS strategy and player-specific props, daily fantasy enthusiasts can craft lineups that exploit inefficiencies and capitalize on projected usage for July 31’s Hall of Fame Game.