Welcome to the weekly Fantasy Notebook, the must-stop spot for keeping your finger on the pulse of Fantasy Nation. NFL news and developments drive fantasy values. The Notebook is here to keep you in the loop on all of it throughout the season.
Training Camp Floodgates Open: Sorting the Signal from the Noise
All 32 NFL teams have reported to their respective training camp, and, after the relative dearth of developments earlier this month, we're now getting a veritable torrent of fantasy-specific news, notes, and other tidbits in real time.
Here's the thing, though: Not all minutiae matter.
Don't get me wrong. We love and embrace the flood.
But as fantasy managers trying to get a jump on the competition, it's time to shift gears. We have to go from actively searching for information to putting more effort into sorting through it. We have to start separating the wheat from the chaff to find the signal in the noise . . .
Putting It In Perspective
Focusing on what matters most becomes increasingly complex with the moment-by-moment reporting we get from the practice fields. My argument here isn't that we should ignore it. But we shouldn't get carried away with a great play, move, or moment from a single practice session.
For example, when you see glowing reports on a seventh-round draft pick who played one game at the collegiate level last year:
There's just something about Jacory Croskey-Merritt...
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 25, 2025
I have a feeling the Commanders rookie RB is going to be special.
He jumps off the screen.
Explosive
Runs violently
Fast feet
pic.twitter.com/NeHxRXniJh
You shouldn't ignore it.
You should, however, keep it in perspective.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is interesting (starting with the fact that ESPN.com's John Keim told me the rookie likes to be called Bill; go figure), and you're more than welcome to be excited by his initial workouts.
But Footballguy Jason Wood would like me to remind you that seventh-round picks -- even those who generate considerable training camp buzz -- historically fall short when it comes to fantasy production.
Of the 34 backs drafted in the seventh round in the previous 10 years, 2.9 percent -- one player -- delivered a top-36 season.
Zero finished with RB2 or RB1 seasons.
In other words, for every Isiah Pacheco, there are a whole bunch of Eno Benjamins . . .
Keep Your Finger On The Pulse; Pay Attention To Context
Again, the ongoing stream of training camp news and information is worthwhile -- as long as you don't look down the drinking straw and put too much importance on single moments.
The Fantasy Notebook isn't the place to keep up with the minute-by-minute. We have that covered with the Footballguys News Feed. You'll find the real-time updates that keep you on top of all the latest news there. For the headlines that matter most, you'll find a Footballguys View, written by me, Cecil Lammey, or Sigmund Bloom, to give you an additional perspective.
You will also find some good stuff floating around on social media, often from reliable Footballguys, like Dave Kluge.
Keeping your ear to the street during the offseason and training camp is one of the best ways to find an edge in your fantasy football leagues.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) July 25, 2025
Let's dive in and examine a valuable piece of news from every team as Week 1 wraps up.
Our Training Camp Reports, which commence on August 3, will offer even more detailed and in-depth insights into the activities of all 32 teams.
Once you set a baseline of knowledge using those sources, dig deeper into what it means and how it impacts your drafts with our steady stream of Fantasy Articles (including The Fantasy Notebook). Additional context can be found in the Footballguys Rankings and Projections . . .
Back To Our Regular Programming
With training camps heating up, it's time to continue our series on new offensive minds shaping the 2025 fantasy landscape. In case you're just tuning in, the Fantasy Notebook has covered changes of play-callers for Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, New England, New Orleans, the New York Jets, and Philadelphia over the last three months.
So, let's dive into the next one . . .
Getting Coordinated: It's Next Kubiak Up In San Francisco
After a disappointing 2024 season, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan made some expected changes to his staff.
In addition to new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, the 49ers announced in late February the hiring of or a change in titles for 14 coaches on Shanahan's staff.
Headlining the list was Klay Kubiak.
Shanahan announced that Kubiak would be promoted to offensive coordinator after he called plays in the preseason and the season-ending loss to the Cardinals. Kubiak assumes a role that hadn't been filled since Mike McDaniel left to become head coach in Miami after the 2021 season.
"I think Klay's done as much as anyone on offense these last two years," Shanahan said back in January. "This is his second year doing that, and he gets better and better each year at it. Just hasn't had the official title yet, and now he'll get the official title, which he more than deserves. But it's more about recognizing what he's already been doing at a high level."
Kubiak is entering his fifth season with the team, having previously served as the offensive passing game specialist (2024), assistant quarterback coach (2022-23), and defensive quality control coach (2021).
Kubiak's brother, Klint, is also an NFL assistant. Klint, who also did a stint on Shanahan's staff, was hired as Seattle's offensive coordinator this year (we'll explore what his hiring means for the Seahawks next week.) . . .
Other Adjustments
With Kubiak moving into the offensive coordinator title, the Niners also made a change at quarterbacks coach, the title Brian Griese has held for the past three seasons. Mick Lombardi, who was hired as senior offensive assistant in 2024, is replacing Griese in that job.
Griese, who was considered instrumental in identifying and developing Brock Purdy, decided to step away from coaching, which opened the door for Lombardi to take his place.
Chris Foerster, who has served as the team's offensive line coach and run game coordinator since 2022, has also been appointed assistant head coach, in addition to his existing responsibilities. . .
The Biggest Change Is No Change
Even with all the changes, Shanahan will continue as San Francisco's playcaller.
And while the man calling the shots remains unchanged, his scheme has evolved.
As Ben Solak explained in an article published by The Ringer in 2024, while it was once defined by the union of wide-zone running and play-action passing, Shanahan's offense now relies less on those specific tactics. Instead, it manipulates defenses through personnel versatility, pre-snap motion, tight formations, and unpredictable play design.
Shanahan continues to innovate, moving beyond the original playbook that made his name.
His current offense emphasizes adaptability over rigid structure. It thrives not by following a single formula, but by staying ahead of defensive expectations -- often by making opponents guess wrong.
The only constants? Misdirection and leveraging available talent . . .
The People Matter
According to Solak, at the heart of Shanahan's approach is a deep trust in his personnel. He doesn't just scheme plays; he tailors his entire system to highlight his players' unique talents. There are plenty of examples from past seasons, whether it's leveraging Christian McCaffrey's receiving skills, Deebo Samuel Sr.'s versatility, or Kyle Juszczyk's flexibility.
While Samuel is gone and other personnel changes are forthcoming, the objective remains the same: Forcing defenses to make impossible choices . . .
It Starts Where You'd Expect
Quarterback is the most important position on the field, and the Niners think they have it dialed in.
As 49ersWebzone.com's David Bonilla understated: "It's been a monumental offseason for Purdy."
The 25-year-old signal caller signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension in May. Purdy's $53 million annual salary ties him with Lions quarterback Jared Goff as the seventh-highest-paid player in the NFL, while his total guarantees ($181 million) rank eighth overall . . .
A Proven Commodity?
In 2023, Purdy set a 49ers single-season record with 4,280 passing yards while throwing 31 touchdowns. But his production dipped last season as he finished with 3,864 passing yards and 20 touchdowns as the injury-plagued 49ers stumbled to a 6-11 record.
Those 2024 numbers might explain why some critics contend that Purdy hasn't consistently performed at a level that merits such a lucrative deal.
The argument is that Purdy failed to elevate the team during adversity, a trait expected from the league's top quarterbacks -- especially those with elite contracts . . .
Shanahan Disagrees
Speaking this week, Shanahan addressed the expectations for Purdy following his big payday, making it clear that nothing has changed in terms of how the 49ers view their quarterback.
"I think Brock's played at a very high level since he's been here, since his first game in, to his last game," Shanahan stated. "I think Brock's played at an extremely high level, and that's why he's earned that contract."
It's not hard to see what the coach is talking about.
Since he took over as the starter for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13 of 2022, including playoffs, the Niners are 27-15 in games Purdy started. In that time, he ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (9,452), first in yards per attempt (8.9), and seventh in touchdown passes (64) . . .
But What About Last Year?
While it's true Purdy's numbers weren't as robust in 2024, neither was his supporting cast.
Purdy and the Niners were playing without key pieces, including McCaffrey (Achilles, knee), Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Trent Williams (ankle), tight end George Kittle (hamstring), and Samuel (calf, illness, ribs) for various stretches.
Still, Purdy finished as fantasy's QB13.
Samuel was traded to the Commanders earlier this offseason. Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL on Oct. 20, does not have a timetable at this point.
But McCaffrey appears to be fully healthy and ready to roll after missing all but four games last year. Kittle will play on a new contract that makes him the highest-paid tight end in the league. In addition, Jauan Jennings, who has been effective when asked to handle a lead role at wideout, and promising youngster Ricky Pearsall will provide solid options on the outside until Aiyuk is back (more on that below).
As Kluge suggested earlier this month, Purdy "offers more upside than most drafters realize."
Purdy sits at QB11 on the 2025 Footballguys Projections, matching his QB11 average draft position (ADP), which comes with a Round 9 price tag. . .
All Systems Go For CMC
ESPN's Nick Wagoner explained the importance of McCaffrey's health like this: "He won the league's Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023, but an injury-plagued 2024 has many wondering if the 29-year-old can defy the odds and return to form in his ninth NFL season.
"If he can, the Niners' offense can return to dominance. If not, running back again will become a huge question mark."
Fortunately, the star halfback not only participated in every phase of organized team activities and the mandatory minicamp, he was also one of the few Niners starters to take reps in team drills. He made it through all that without issue.
Although Shanahan told reporters McCaffrey's workload will be managed in camp, he looks healthy and explosive.
#49ers RB Christian Mccaffrey looking very nice @LombardiHimself pic.twitter.com/ACWohDL4CO
— ninerspride (@ninerspride_) July 23, 2025
It's a good sign for the Niners, given his importance to their success . . .
What About Our Success?
We all know what McCaffrey is capable of as long as he remains in the locked and upright position.
His 272 carries in 16 games in 2023 tied for second-most in the NFL that year. His 17 carries per game ranked fourth in the league. Add in 67 catches, and he got 339 turns to rack up fantasy points that season. He made the most of his opportunities. Again, the upside is there.
Fantasy investors know it.
McCaffrey has quietly crept back into the tail end of the first round of drafts. He's going as RB5 with pick 1.09.
This isn't just a reasonable price; it would be a discount if he returns to his 2023 form . . .
Next Man Up
Of course, given his age, McCaffrey doesn't come without risk, as we saw last year when he played just four games and scored zero touchdowns in 2024.
Jordan Mason played well early in the season but then got injured and phased out of the offense. Isaac Guerendo played well for a rookie, but he ended his season on a cart after just 84 carries.
The 24-year-old ran for 420 yards and four touchdowns, averaging five yards per attempt.
Now, Mason is on the Vikings after the 49ers traded him for a fifth-round pick, so Guerendo could spell McCaffrey -- assuming the team can get CMC to leave the field now and then -- regularly, though rookie fifth-rounder Jordan James could push for the backup role at some point . . .
A Tangled Web At Wideout
As noted above, Purdy enters the 2025 season without two of his trusted playmakers in Samuel and Aiyuk. Further complicating the receiver picture, Jennings is seeking a new contract and reportedly could request a trade if negotiations stall. Meanwhile, Pearsall opened camp on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, though his absence is expected to be temporary.
The situation creates opportunities for several young receivers, including second-year wideout Jacob Cowing and rookies Jordan Watkins, Isaiah Neyor, and Junior Bergen, to step up and prove themselves during camp -- although Cowing pulled a hamstring during Day 1 of training camp.
Aiyuk's eventual return should provide a boost to the offense and offer comfort to Purdy . . .
No Timetable
When healthy, Aiyuk has been Purdy's favorite target and a key piece of the offense. He signed a lucrative contract extension last summer following a dominant 2023 campaign, where he recorded 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions. However, before last year's knee injury, Aiyuk struggled to replicate that level of play, managing just 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.
On Tuesday, general manager John Lynch refrained from speculating on a timeline for Aiyuk's return.
"With respect to B.A., he did a lot to his knee, and I would tell you that he's in a really good place, considering all that," Lynch said. "Now, what does that mean in terms of a timeline and all that? We're continuing to assess and get information. He did a lot of his rehab away from here, and so, I think, when you get these guys back, there's all kinds of objective measurements that you want to do.
"So, he'll be working on his rehab with our guys. I think we're encouraged on where he's at, but not anywhere close to having a set-in-stone timeline."
That means opportunities for Jennings and Pearsall -- assuming all goes well for them . . .
Better Than We Realize?
While the 49ers struggled to secure six wins last season, Jennings had his most productive campaign. He set career highs in targets (113), receptions (77), receiving yards (975), and touchdowns (6). Now entering the final year of his contract, Jennings is in line to be the 49ers' top wideout in Week 1.
How good can Jennings be?
In Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, he posted a career-high 175 yards and three touchdowns on 11 receptions. Jennings also recorded five games with 88 or more receiving yards. In the nine games he played last season in which he saw more than 70 percent of the snaps, he averaged 17.9 PPR points per game.
Had he not missed two midseason games due to a hip injury or not been ejected in Week 18, Jennings likely would have surpassed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
Pearsall showed promising flashes as a rookie, especially toward the end of the season, but I'm thrilled to land Jennings, who I expect to command the receiving room in Aiyuk's absence, as my WR4.
The veteran is being drafted as WR38 in Round 7 . . .
More Targets For Kittle?
Although he missed two games with a hamstring issue, Kittle was healthy enough to deliver for the Niners and fantasy managers last season.
He caught 78 passes and posted 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns.
It's the fourth time in Kittle's career he has achieved 1,000 yards in a single season, which places him in some elite company; he became one of just five tight ends in NFL history to accomplish that feat, joining Travis Kelce (seven times), Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski and Jason Witten (four, apiece).
While Kittle was third in total fantasy points at the position behind Brock Bowers and Trey McBride, he was first in points per game, with 15.8.
This kind of finish is not new. As FantasyPros' Andrew Erickson noted, since his breakout in 2018, Kittle has been a top-five fantasy TE in six seasons where he played at least 14 games.
It's not just the consistent production; it's the ceiling.
There will be weeks when his superior blocking skills will limit his receiving work, but as Erickson argues, Kittle's spike weeks are hard to find elsewhere. To that point, Kittle had seven games with 20-plus points, including a 30-point eruption in Week 17.
Could We Get Even More?
Lynch told reporters this week that Kittle may run more routes in 2025 because the team is comfortable using Luke Farrell as a blocking tight end in two-tight-end sets.
Last year, Kittle stayed in to pass block on 11.6 percent of the team's passing plays -- his highest mark since 2021. In 2023, when they played more multi-TE personnel, he was on pass blocking on 7.0 percent of the team's pass plays.
As USA Today's Kyle Madson suggests, with question marks at wide receiver, having Kittle, who led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, available as often as possible makes sense.
Even if we don't see the totals rise, Kittle's consistent production over time makes his TE3 ADP and fourth-round price appealing . . .
This And That: Around The League Edition
Time to get a feel for some players and situations of interest as teams start getting to work in advance of the 2025 NFL season . . .
Vikings Working To Get Passing Game In Sync
As Profootballtalk.com's Josh Alper suggested last week, one of the keys to the 2025 Vikings season is the development of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and his top target is taking a hands-on role in making sure that the 2024 first-round pick is ready to go.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson didn't have much time to work with McCarthy before the quarterback's season-ending knee injury in the preseason last year, and he has been working to strengthen their connection this offseason.
McCarthy has also put in work. ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports that the former first-round QB organized a pair of on-field workouts with teammates this summer.
Opinions vary on the significance of such workouts, but McCarthy said there is value in volume.
"The more reps the better," McCarthy said Wednesday after the Vikings' first practice of training camp. "A lot of this offense is based on timing and rhythm, and being able to get as many reps as possible is going to [be] important going into this camp and this season."
Jefferson told Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports that he is "trying to make [McCarthy] dialed in every chance that I can" in hopes of building up the quarterback's confidence ahead of his first regular-season action.
"Our lockers are right next to each other, so every chance that I get to talk to him about football, about anything that goes on outside of football. Just try to get to know him as much as I can because when the season comes and whenever we're locked in, I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there."
The Vikings won 14 games last season, and any hope of repeating that kind of success will rely on McCarthy feeling at home in the lineup as soon as possible.
A strong bond with Jefferson will be a significant part of that.
The comfort level McCarthy shows over the next month should give fantasy investors a better idea of what to expect -- not so much from Jefferson, but from McCarthy . . .
Why Not Jefferson?
Because we already know what to expect. The former LSU star has consistently demonstrated his ability to produce at a high level, regardless of who the quarterback is.
Jefferson has produced 1,493 fantasy points in his first five NFL seasons -- the most of any wide receiver in NFL history. Randy Moss comes in second in the Super Bowl era with 1,481.2 points, and Jerry Rice is third with 1,423.5 points.
With a first-time starter at quarterback this season, it's worth looking back to see how Jefferson has fared with various quarterbacks in the past.
While much of his success came while catching passes from Kirk Cousins, Jefferson has also been successful with lesser-known quarterbacks, such as Sean Mannion, Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and Sam Darnold.
In 2023, Cousins went down with a torn Achilles in Week 8. Jefferson returned from a hamstring injury of his own in Week 14 that year and delivered WR3 overall numbers -- scoring 18.6 points per game -- playing with Dobbs, Hall, and Mullens.
Although he's dealing with a minor hamstring issue that could limit him into next month, Jefferson will figure out his new quarterback in short order . . .
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