10 fantasy rankings that won't survive training camp

AJ Brown has left the Philadelphia Eagles, creating a massive hole in the passing attack that will generate significant target volume for remaining receivers like Makai Lemon.

Brian Thomas Jr. has generated significant offseason steam as a potential rebound candidate. Boone notes that injuries last year may have been holding him back and that he appears more comfortable in the offense this year. While Boone ranks Parker Washington slightly higher, he is willing to draft both Washington and BTJ, viewing both as viable targets in the Jaguars receiving core with Hunter's reduced offensive role opening opportunity.

Justin Boone ranks Brian Thomas Jr. slightly higher than Parker Washington, positioning him as the X receiver whose ideal role lends itself to being on the field all the time, contrasting with Washington's slot role. Boone acknowledges both could emerge as Jacksonville's number-one option depending on chaos/injuries, but prefers BTJ's positional role for consistent field time. Notes BTJ is more expensive than Washington but worth it in formats like Scott Fishbowl.

Justin Boone mentions Carnell Tate as another rookie WR available at value in the sixth round. Tate went to the Titans and has a more obvious early opportunity to be the number one in that offense, which adjusted Boone's rankings post-landing spots.

Matt Harmon expresses concern that Carson Beck will likely start for the Cardinals at some point during the fantasy playoffs, which could negatively impact the fantasy value of Cardinals pass catchers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson. Harmon notes that Beck was a third-round pick and has no realistic shot to start week one, but the team will want to evaluate him late in the season when they're out of playoff contention.

Rodriguez is unlikely to be the lead back in Jacksonville despite the Liam Cohn connection from college. He lacks passing-game utility (never over 500 rushing yards in a season) and has not convinced coaching staffs to make him a featured back. He is currently sidelined with a foot injury in OTAs with uncertain return timing, which further limits his ability to carve out a role and compete with Tootin for early-down work.

Matt Harmon notes that Chuba Hubbard is currently going in a range that is a bit pricey, especially with Jonathan Brooks potentially breathing down his neck. Hubbard had a solid fantasy season a couple of years ago but suffered an injury last season. The uncertainty around whether Hubbard can recapture his previous form or whether Brooks will take over the backfield makes this a complex situation.

Justin Boone dismisses concerns that George Helani will prevent Jadarian Price from taking over the Seahawks backfield, calling the worry 'so odd.' Boone expects Helani to be involved and part of the backfield but does not view him as a significant threat to Price's role.

Matt Harmon expresses surprise at George Kittle's ADP, noting he is going as tight end 10 in the 8th or 9th round, which represents incredible value. Harmon's primary strategy at tight end this year is to draft Kittle and pair him with a secondary option like Isaiah Likely, Dalton Kincaid, Dallas Goddert, or Chigakonkwo. This approach allows him to secure a proven elite producer at a discount.

Matt Harmon reports that George Kittle's Achilles injury recovery is progressing well. Kittle explained during the offseason that his specific type of Achilles injury has stronger blood flow to the affected area compared to typical Achilles injuries, allowing for faster healing. Harmon notes that Kittle is an incredible hard worker and has a realistic chance to be available week one, though even if he returns in week four, his current ADP represents great value.

Matt Harmon highlights that George Kittle has been a top-three fantasy tight end in per-game scoring in seven of the last eight years, with the eighth year being a top-five finish. This eight-year track record of elite production makes him a reliable option even at age 32-33. After the elite tier of tight ends (Brock Bowers, Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and potentially Trey McBride), Harmon views Kittle as the next tier of production.

Kittle is available at a significant discount despite being a top-three fantasy tight end in per-game scoring seven of the last eight years and top-five for eight straight years. At 32 years old turning 33 in October, coming off a serious injury, Matt Harmon believes he could get back into the top five, maybe even better, as an elite fantasy option based on the progress seen so far. Even if you have to wait a few weeks into the regular season, it's probably going to be worth the wait. Harmon expects him to go no lower than tight end seven in rankings, and his ADP will likely only go up if positivity continues.

McCarthy is not the answer for the Vikings. He would have to make massive strides to pass Murray on the depth chart. Last year he was significantly worse than Murray, posting worse efficiency metrics. The Vikings' public quarterback competition is viewed as coach speak to keep McCarthy interested, but there is no realistic chance he starts week one.

Matt Harmon notes that the Cardinals are currently in a contract impasse with Jacoby Brissett, who has not been with the team all summer as of July 21st. Harmon indicates that if the contract situation is resolved and Brissett is in camp, it could support a modest rise in the fantasy outlook for Cardinals receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr.

Justin Boone is bullish on Jadarian Price despite tempering sentiment heading into training camp. Boone notes Price has first-round draft capital (32nd pick), is going to a defending Super Bowl champion offense that wants to run the ball, and faces minimal competition with Kenneth Walker gone and Zach Charbonnet (torn ACL in January) unlikely to return meaningfully until the second half of the season. Boone is drafting Price more aggressively, viewing him as RB2/RB3 value in the sixth round or later, and dismisses concerns about George Helani and Emmanuel Wilson preventing Price from taking over the backfield. Boone acknowledges some warning signs (never a workhorse in college, potential offensive regression without Kubiak, late first-round RB history) but argues that if Price doesn't emerge, he was overdrafted to begin with, and someone in that backfield will put up stats.

Justin Boone drafted Jalen Coker in the 10th round at Scott Fishbowl live draft in Richmond, suggesting strong value at that price. Boone's wife made the guest pick, selecting Coker based on Boone's prior commentary about the player.

Jennings is a third receiver in the Vikings offense and doesn't move the needle much for fantasy purposes.

Matt Harmon presents Jonathan Brooks as one of the last true home-run swings at running back. Brooks is recovering from two ACL tears (one in college, one in the NFL) and was participating in OTAs. The opportunity exists for Brooks to step in and outperform Rico Dowdle's role from last season and potentially take over the backfield from Chuba Hubbard. Harmon acknowledges the inspiring comeback story but notes that Brooks has been pushed up in ADP to the ninth round, making him riskier if he continues to rise without proof of concept.

Matt Harmon notes that Jonathan Brooks suffered two ACL tears—one in college that bumped him out of the first round and made him a day-two pick, and another in the NFL that raised questions about his career viability. Brooks was participating in OTAs but was not running at full speed, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Harmon emphasizes that Brooks' primary challenge is simply getting on the field and staying healthy, which would be a major win for his fantasy value.

Matt Harmon explains that the opportunity for Jonathan Brooks exists because Chuba Hubbard suffered an injury last season and Rico Dowdle stepped up with solid fantasy performances. Brooks has the chance to replicate Dowdle's role or potentially unseat Hubbard on the depth chart. However, Harmon cautions that Brooks has been pushed up in ADP to the ninth round, and to justify that price, he would need to become the lead back rather than just a number-two option.

Matt Harmon notes that the Carolina Panthers have injuries at both tackle spots, which will impact the running game. The team drafted Monroe Freeling in the first round and signed Rashid Walker, but losing strong tackles like Taylor Moton (who is dealing with blood clots and will miss portions of the season) will create headwinds for the running game and affect Brooks' fantasy value.

Justin Boone mentions Jordan Tyson as another rookie WR available at value in the seventh or eighth round, alongside Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate. Boone argues any of these receivers could blow up in year one and have big seasons, making them great value at that price point.

Jefferson's interviews and comments about McCarthy and Murray showing up suggest the Vikings are excited to have a veteran quarterback and don't need a superstar. Jefferson is described as the rising tide that lifts all boats in the Vikings offense, and he is great, but outside of him, the Vikings personnel is maybe a touch overrated.

Allen is a day-three rookie who could take the early-down job in the Commanders backfield if Krosky Merritt doesn't establish himself as a passing-down option. He is one of three competing backs in an ambiguous backfield situation.

Pitts is being taken ahead of George Kittle in current rankings and ADP, which Harmon questions. He believes Kittle is going in a very comfortable range right now and will likely only rise in ADP if positivity continues around his recovery.

Murray is ranked QB 14, 114th overall, but is going off the board as QB 17 in ADP. Despite a down 2024 season where he posted a 4.72 adjusted net yards per attempt (37th of 45 QBs), he was still significantly better than J.J. McCarthy. In his six seasons before last year, Murray was a top-12 fantasy quarterback every single season. Boone believes the Vikings quarterback competition is coach speak and that Murray will be the week-one starter. Learning a new Kevin O'Connell offense, Murray should get more comfortable as the summer progresses. His ADP could flirt with top-12 numbers, and if he performs like his first six seasons, he offers great value as a late-round quarterback you can start all year.

Matt Harmon cites Kyron Williams as a historical example of a running back who was expected to handle special teams duties (punt returner) but went on to be one of the better fantasy draft picks at the running back position, suggesting that special teams concerns about Jadarian Price should not be overweighted.

Matt Harmon explains that Luther Burden should be ranked higher than Roma Dunes because Burden will get more layup targets, screens, manufactured stuff, and quick-game opportunities, whereas Dunes is the big-play/boundary route player. This framework applies to understanding the Eagles' receiver roles as well.

Justin Boone ranks Makai Lemon as WR31, 72nd overall, significantly ahead of consensus ADP (WR38, eighth round). Boone was originally highest on Lemon as his WR1 in the 2025 class before adjusting rankings post-landing spots. Boone cites hamstring injury in OTAs/mini camp as reason for quiet offseason and lower ADP, but expects Lemon to be healthy and on the field from day one of training camp. Boone is excited about the Eagles' passing attack with AJ Brown gone, new OC Sean Mannion bringing more creativity, and massive target volume available for a first-round receiver. Boone argues the 2025 WR class is being undervalued due to past rookie disappointments (Marvin Harrison Jr. year), and Lemon can be acquired in the eighth round without needing him to be an immediate starter.

Matt Harmon posits that Makai Lemon could outperform Devante Smith in fantasy despite Smith's higher draft position; Lemon is positioned to receive more layup targets, screens, and manufactured quick-game touches from the slot, whereas Smith runs harder perimeter X-receiver routes against press coverage. If Jalen Hurts struggles in the new Eagles offense and relies on quick throws, Lemon could accumulate fantasy points even if it's suboptimal for the offense. Harmon estimates a 2-in-10 simulation probability that Lemon outscores Smith.

Matt Harmon argues that Marvin Harrison Jr. is being unfairly pushed down in rankings due to disappointment relative to his fourth-overall draft pedigree and early-career underperformance. However, Harmon notes that when Harrison and Michael Wilson shared the field last season, Harrison was the number-one receiver on the team despite Wilson's hype. In the 10 games before injury, Harrison posted wide receiver 28 fantasy points per game with five top-24 finishes, already outperforming his current ADP. With a new offensive coordinator (Michael Fleur) and the Cardinals likely in comeback mode frequently, Harmon sees upside if Harrison stays healthy and shows positive reports in training camp.

Matt Harmon clarifies that despite Trey McBride being the de facto number-one receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. remains the number-two receiver and was producing more than Michael Wilson when both were healthy. Harmon emphasizes that the fantasy community has overreacted to Harrison's early struggles and injury, and that if he shows positive reports in training camp and stays healthy, there is significant upside remaining.

Matt Harmon notes that Marvin Harrison Jr. was injured for much of last season, which limited his opportunity when Jacoby Brissett was throwing frequently in comeback situations. Harmon speculates that if Harrison had been healthy during the second half when Brissett was posting video-game-like stats, Harrison would have benefited from increased volume. The injury context is important for understanding why his fantasy output fell short of expectations.

Collins was on the Texans with Diggs a couple of years ago when Diggs was still a decent fantasy play before getting hurt, suggesting Collins was part of a receiving corps that could support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.

Washington is ranked WR29, 58th overall, and Boone is high on him as a breakout candidate. He finished last season extremely strong, posting over 90 yards and/or a touchdown in five of his last seven games, including a Week 13 hip strain exit. Over the final nine weeks, he averaged WR19 in fantasy points per game as the offense found its groove. With Travis Hunter expected to play more defense this year and be part-time on offense, Washington has a clear path to increased volume and role expansion.

Matt Harmon prefers Washington over Brian Thomas Jr. despite ranking BTJ slightly higher, citing Washington's strong finish last season: 90+ yards or a touchdown in five of his last seven games, 19 fantasy points per game over the final nine weeks. Harmon notes Jacksonville's sixth-easiest fantasy schedule for receivers this year and Washington's slot versatility as complementary to BTJ's downfield role. Willing to draft both but targets Washington in the eighth round as a value pairing with Trevor Lawrence.

Stevenson is currently ADP RB30, going in the seventh round, which Boone views as strong value. Last year he finished as RB30 in fantasy points per game despite limited touches, and he's entering an offense that was one of the highest-scoring in the league last year with expected improvements. Boone finds himself taking Stevenson in recent drafts over Henderson, viewing him as a per-game contributor in an elite offense with potential to maintain lead-back role longer than fantasy managers expect.

Laporta is coming into training camp with an injury but should be fine and is expected to be full go, according to reports seen today.

Sean Mannion is the new Eagles offensive coordinator and is expected to be more creative in his approach compared to the previous offense. Matt Harmon notes Mannion has history with Don Tavian Wicks from the Green Bay days, which could influence Eagles' receiver usage.

Diggs is currently ranked WR 52 and going much deeper than that in drafts, outside the top 150 picks. Once he signs with a team—whether Washington, Baltimore, Kansas City, or the Rams—his ADP will rise significantly. Harmon has him ranked as a 10th-round pick in his rankings. The strategy is to take him now at his current discount and cash in on the obvious fantasy return once he signs. He could be a wide receiver three/flex option in the right offense. There is zero risk taking him at the end of your draft, and if he doesn't sign before the season, you can drop him.

Dell was on the Texans with Diggs a couple of years ago when Diggs was still a decent fantasy play before getting hurt.

If Diggs signs with the Commanders, McLaurin would not be moved down in rankings, as the depth chart is open enough to support both receivers.

Hunter is expected to play significantly more on defense this year and become a part-time player on offense, a shift that opens opportunity for Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. in the receiving core. An injury would be required for his offensive role to grow significantly, indicating a reduced fantasy ceiling compared to prior expectations.

Mentioned as a potential breakout candidate in Jacksonville's receiver rotation. Could emerge if chaos/injuries consolidate routes, though currently part of a planned four-man rotation in the passing attack.

If healthy, Tucker Craft can fit into the elite tight end mix alongside Kittle. Harmon expects to be more excited about Craft this season because of how good he can be for fantasy when healthy.

Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January 2025 and is not expected to return meaningfully to the field until the second half of the 2025 season. Even upon return in year one post-ACL, running backs typically experience a ramp-up period and are not as productive. This clears the path for Jadarian Price to take over the Seahawks backfield.

If Diggs signs with the Ravens, Flowers would not be moved down in rankings, as the depth chart is open enough to support both receivers.