The NFL season has officially arrived with the Hall of Fame game between the Texans and Bears in the rear-view mirror.

With training camps fully underway and beat reporters working overtime, let's take a look at some of the biggest takeaways from the first week of NFL Training Camp for dynasty fantasy football managers.

Colts Passing Game

The return of Anthony Richardson has been long-awaited by fantasy managers after he appeared in just four games as a rookie.

However, in those four games, he made some serious noise for fantasy. A quick look at the Utilization Report reveals that, while he technically only played in two full games, he was an elite fantasy option in those two weeks.

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He topped 20 fantasy points in his two near-full performances and had a designed rush rate of over 25% in both as well.

However, it's the Colts' passing game that is turning heads this offseason. With Richardson fully cleared from his injury, he's been making waves with his wideouts, specifically sophomore Josh Downs and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

As a rookie, Downs posted nearly 100 targets and 70 receptions and finished with 771 receiving yards. Mitchell was selected in Round 2 this past spring and is currently splitting WR3 reps with Alec Pierce. On paper, the Colts have one of the stronger, deeper WR units, and dynasty managers should take notice.

Chase Brown SZN

Second-year RB Chase Brown is reportedly earning more reps with the Bengals' first-team offense than newly acquired veteran Zack Moss and I am very excited.

As a rookie, Brown didn't earn consistent playing time until Week 13, but the Utilization Report shows us just how involved he was, especially in the passing game.

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Even coming out of college, much was made about Brown's explosive athleticism. In 2022, he was one of the nation's leaders in explosive runs (10+ yards) and, perhaps even more impressive, he posted 9.3 yards per catch at Illinois despite a very low aDOT.

He capped it off by running a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine. Brown's speed score in our Rookie RB Model put him right between Bijan Robinson and De'Von Achane. If he continues to earn the trust of the coaching staff, he could be a league winner in fantasy this year and beyond. His dynasty price will never be lower.

Rookies WRs

This rookie WR class is shaping up to have more than a handful of contributors both this season and in dynasty formats. Specifically, I want to call out Ladd McConkey and Roman Wilson.

McConkey landed with the Chargers at pick 34 and stepped into an offense with no clear-cut WR1 option. The departures of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, coupled with the atrocious rookie season from Quentin Johnston, make this a ripe environment for McConkey to produce immediately.

The talented rookie is already turning heads in camp and catching some nice passes from Justin Herbert. Much has been made of the new coaching regime and how the Chargers will become incredibly run-heavy. Still, Herbert is too talented to contain forever and they're certainly going to have to throw the ball to…someone. That someone is McConkey.

As for Wilson, he landed in Pittsburgh with the 84th pick. The Steelers have had a successful history of identifying and developing WRs via the NFL Draft, and Wilson was looking like a prime candidate to continue that tradition.

However, he was carted off with an ankle injury this week and his status is now uncertain. While it looks like he avoided a major injury and should be ready for Week 1, his potential for this season certainly takes a hit.

In dynasty formats, this could actually open a brief window to land Wilson if he gets off to a slow start as he works back from injury.

The Steelers' WR2 job is wide open right now. Behind George Pickens, it's Wilson and Van Jefferson. Give me the talented rookie in dynasty formats every time, even as he gets healthy in the coming weeks and months.

Jameson Williams Breakout

This has slowly turned into the hill that I might very well die on. I'm refusing to give up on Jameson Williams and the early reports out of Lions camp are very encouraging.

Insert Wolf of Wall Street "I'm not f*king leaving" meme. You get the idea.

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Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

From injuries in college that continued into the NFL, Williams offers a unique skill set that could unlock the Lions' offense even more. Few can stretch the field like him. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta are the clear-cut top options in the passing game, but there's no legitimate WR2 that defenses have to take seriously.

Enter, Williams.

He's been a standout in camp thus far and reportedly looks like a different player. If all of that is true, and he can stay healthy, the sky's the limit. In dynasty formats, his price could rise the boards in a big way in the coming months.

Chris Godwin is Undervalued

If you are looking for a dark horse player to finish as a WR1 (top-12) this season who is going in the eighth round in ESPN leagues, Chris Godwin is your guy. Over the last three seasons, he's averaged:

  • 133 targets
  • 95 receptions
  • 1,050 receiving yards

Yes, playing alongside Mike Evans means you may never be the No. 1 option in the passing game, but you also won't be the number one priority for opposing defenses. Much of the hype surrounding Godwin this offseason has been his moving back to the slot.

Liam Coen comes over to Tampa Bay as the new Offensive Coordinator. He most recently worked with Sean McVay and the Rams and played a key role in the massive success Cooper Kupp has had in recent years.

Fantasy Life's projections have Evans (WR15) finishing far ahead of Godwin (WR40), but I am willing to buck that trend a bit.

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Reports are that Godwin is already in midseason form during training camp.

If there's even a chance he takes over the Kupp role this fall, the sky's the limit for the savvy, experienced, veteran wideout. He's someone dynasty managers should be looking to acquire before Week 1.