Top NFL Training Camp Storylines for 2024 Fantasy Football: Chargers RB Battle, 49ers WR Situation, Panthers RB Depth Chart

2024 NFL training camp storylines for 2024 fantasy football.
Two backfields with sneaky fantasy football ceilings contribute to the top position battles this preseason.

Football is back. All teams reported in full to camp, and while position battles can be found for all 32 teams, Roto Street Journal narrowed down three significant NFL training camp storylines and their impact on 2024 fantasy football.

3 HEADS IN THE CHARGERS’ BACKFIELD

Los Angeles is changing its offensive approach, as NFL fans have known it for many years.

Jim Harbaugh is in as head coach, and Greg Roman is in as offensive coordinator. Roman, formerly with Baltimore, is known for his run-heavy offensive approach. The Chargers also shipped off their top two receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as versatile veteran back Austin Ekeler

We saw Justin Herbert struggle for really the first time in longer stints than in his previous seasons. He had a 20:7 touchdown to interception ratio in 13 games and ranked 17th in the NFL’s quarterback index – the lowest of any season in his career.

Granted, Herbert was without Williams most of the year and played with a beaten Ekeler, too. But removing them completely and adding a backfield committee that previously played together in Baltimore with Roman and seemingly has an unproven receiving corps points to a new scheme in L.A.

Currently, L.A. has to decide if it will feature a three-headed monster in its backfield or choose a bell cow.

Gus Edwards would be the favorite as a bell cow, joining the Chargers after a career-high 13-touchdown season. Baltimore used him in the red zone but ran the ball so frequently that he still set career-high marks in rushing yards (810), attempts (198), and first downs gained (49). He hasn’t had the opportunity in his five-year career to be a workhorse, but he possesses the consistency and talent to handle the load.

J.K. Dobbins, Edwards’ Ravens teammate, has had season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons. Dobbins blew his Achilles in Week 1 last season and tore his ACL, LCL and ruptured his hamstring the season before. Despite that, multiple reports are tagging Dobbins as having the most upside – but camp will paint a clearer picture.

Many likely don’t know about rookie Kimani Vidal, but the Troy rusher brings skills to the table for run-first offenses. He had at least 1,250 yards in back-to-back seasons, as well as at least 10 touchdowns. Roto Street truly believes that the success of the Chargers’ offensive line and the health of the veteran backs will dictate Vidal’s playing time.

It’s natural for a GM to be excited about their rookies after the draft. However, it truly seems like the Chargers like what they have in their sixth-round choice. Vidal’s tackle-breaking ability and pass-pro chops could allow him to get meaningful reps immediately in Harbaugh’s offense.

JUST AS MANY HEADS IN CAROLINA?

Carolina, the league’s worst team one season ago, is also kicking off the season with its own running back competition with new head coach Dave Canales calling the shots.

Our own MOH cited that drafting the RB1 in a Canales offense is like hitting the lottery from a fantasy perspective. Last season, Canales fed Rachaad White with 336 touches, ranking fourth in weighted opportunities per game. This workload lifted White to an RB4 finish overall (PPR).

The Panthers, who traded for Miles Sanders before last season, also drafted Jonathan Brooks out of Texas to join workhorse Chuba Hubbard.

Hubbard snatched the job away from Sanders last year, but the Panthers kept Sanders on the roster (so far) while still taking Brooks in the second round. Brooks, who is coming off an ACL injury, isn’t expected to be ready for Week 1. 

Carolina is most likely banking on Brooks’ versatile three-down skill set once healthy. He could do various things for this offense, whether it’s eating into early-down carries or Hubbard’s 44 targets from last season. Will they ease the rookie into a third-down role or eventually throw him into an every-down role once he’s 100% healthy from his late-season ACL injury?

Nothing aside from the sheer drafting of Brooks warrants concern for Hubbard, but we also thought that when he backed up Christian McCaffrey in 2022.

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG FOR BRANDON AIYUK, 49ERS?

There was speculation the 49ers and their No. 2 receiver were on the rocks. The relationship got weakened when San Francisco drafted Florida wideout Ricky Pearsall in the first round this year.

Multiple sources stress the Pearsall pick is about long-term value and not immediate usage in 2024, especially if Aiyuk remains in the Bay Area. However, Pearsall has all the makings of an NFL-ready prospect with elite route-running and sticky, dependable hands.

But with eight draft picks in 2024 and three veteran receiving options – did San Francisco need to draft a receiver in the first round? No. 

Subsequently, Aiyuk requested a trade on July 16. 

“Aiyuk’s request comes after an offseason filled with unsuccessful attempts to reach an agreement on an extension with the 49ers,” NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported. 

Aiyuk, a former 2020 first-round draft pick, had a career year last season, hauling in 75 passes for more than 1,300 yards. He was also San Francisco’s most-targeted receiver.

Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings, would take a huge fantasy boost if Aiyuk is traded and/or Deebo Samuel struggles with injuries again this season. Roto Street Journal likes Pearsall over Jennings should the latter ensue. 

Preseason begins Aug. 8.

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