NFC West Training Camp Update

The NFL season is right around the corner as we get started for the preseason weeks in August. Over the last couple of weeks, each division has had its own training camp and each team has had its own stars start to breakout in preparation for the upcoming season. Here are a few fantasy standouts from the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals as a team are looking forward to the end of the season more than anybody else. They are owners of two high-value first-round picks in the 2024 draft. The Cardinals cut Hopkins earlier in the off-season. They also will look to start the 2023 campaign without Kyler Murray.

Training camp has seen a battle between Colt McCoy and Clayton Tune to see who will step in to fill Murray’s shoes. Both names will look to impact any receiving threats for the Cardinals this year. The Cardinals run game looks to again be dominated by James Conner who’s looked fresh since working out in training camp. But the real star of the show so far has been rookie third-round pick Micheal Wilson. Wilson has been electric in camp and has shown route running that has caught the eyes of the Cardinals’ front office. Wilson slid in the draft due to his injury history at Stanford, but his electric play style is still evident in camp and could be a huge steal at the end of fantasy drafts and maybe even a strong waiver wire addition.

Overall, I would stay away from the Cardinals’ offense entirely this season as they look to rebuild underneath a new head coach. Conner and Zach Ertz are two names that could be worth their value, but everyone else is too dependent on quarterback play. I don’t see that being extremely reliable this season. At least not until Murray gets back, which could be as early as Week 5 and as late as Week 9.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams entered training camp with a bit of a scare as Cooper Kupp went down with a tweak to his ankle. He has been limited from being able to practice. Luckily, rookie receiver Puka Nacua has been a clear standout since. Nacua, apart from having one of the coolest names in the league, has been dominating camp, winning jump balls and creating elite separation. He should pair nicely with Kupp in an offense that desperately needs another pass catcher.

Another shocking standout has been rookie (even if he’s old enough to look like a veteran) quarterback Stetson Bennett. It looks like his extra years playing in college have paid off. Bennett has looked poised and polished in camp and could be worth a ride on your taxi to replace Stafford. Unless Stafford gets injured again, I doubt Bennett sees much value this season. I do, however, see him taking over as the Rams’ next quarterback once Stafford calls it quits.

San Francisco 49ers

Death, taxes, and wondering who’s gonna be playing quarterback for the 49ers are the only certainties in life. It looks to be Brock Purdy’s job as the starter when he’s fully healthy. The real battle is for the number two role. But will it be former third overall pick Trey Lance or former third overall pick Sam Darnold? The battle between these two has yet to show any real answer, as both had days where they dominated and both had times where they struggled. Purdy has also been practicing and hasn’t exactly wowed anyone either. So there might be a chance we see any one of these guys suit up as the Niners’ starter this season. Shanahan’s dedication to Purdy did destroy a ton of value for Trey Lance. However, preseason play and how well Purdy’s elbow has healed will decide the QB1.

On a more positive note, Brandon Aiyuk has been absolutely dominating training camp. Each and every practice it seems like he’s continuing to improve on his abilities. He is ready to fully release it this season. I’m a huge Aiyuk believer myself, and the tape at camp has only solidified him as a guy I’d draft above his ADP.

Seattle Seahawks

Bold prediction: the Seattle Seahawks will finish the year with the best 1-2-3 combination of wideouts with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN has continued to shine through training camp, looking explosive in the slot. If all of the hype pays off, a ton of dynasty owners are gonna be thrilled with JSN. I do think his emergence might be a bit of a hit to Lockett’s production. But I still believe that all three receivers will finish the year as an amazing trio.

Now for a huge question mark for the Seahawks: the running back position. The Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet a year after Kenneth Walker had an amazing offensive campaign. Unfortunately, reports came out of Walker having to deal with an injury. Then Charbonnet had an injury but was fine a couple of days later. That started the emergence of Kenny McIntosh as well in the mix. It looks like the Seahawks will be using all three running backs in an extreme running-back-by-committee this fall. That works well for reality football but not as much for fantasy success. It’s hard to say after a great season like Walker had, but I would stay clear of the Seahawks’ running back room for this season.

NFC West Training Camp Conclusion

The NFC West looks to be a bit more competitive than last year. While I’m already counting out the Cardinals, I could see both the Rams and Seahawks looking to battle it out for a second. Both high-powered offenses should translate to more points for fantasy owners, especially those that hold rookie receivers like Nacua and JSN as well as already established players in Kupp and Metcalf. As for the Niners, I see them easily pulling a bit ahead to be at the top of the NFC. Challenging for a top spot will lead to some great years for their already well-known weapons (Deebo, CMC, and George Kittle) and breakouts, from Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk.