Vikings Beat: Demond Claiborne could complicate RB splits

Aug 04, 2026

Invest in the Vikings' running game this season. How exactly to do that is admittedly tricky. Aaron Jones Sr. will continue to split carries with Jordan Mason. Mason averaged 47.4 rushing yards per game last season; Jones was right on his heels at 45.7. Their split could be complicated by fifth-round rookie and training camp darling Demond Claiborne, an undersized firecracker out of Wake Forest.

Fantasy Impact:

Claiborne has been a bit of a popular name during dynasty rookie drafts this past spring, and now he's starting to get noticed in camp. The story said Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was asked about Clairborne and highlighted his already substantial improvement: "There were a lot of growing pains in the spring as far as being disciplined with his footwork, his tracks ... but you just see a much more comfortable player even in the first few days here, coming into camp." He could be a name to watch out for once the season gets going.

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Jaguars Beat: Team confident WR Brian Thomas Jr. bounces back

ESPN

3 minutes ago

The Jaguars are feeling confident about Brian Thomas Jr. bouncing back. He has looked phenomenal since the spring, and when you watch him live, he's in a different class athletically than his teammates.

Related players: Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter

Fantasy Impact:

The story said Thomas will be the vertical threat. HC Liam Coen noted that QB Trevor Lawrence and Thomas connected more in the spring than they had in last year's camp and season. Coen added his routes the other day were "unreal." The story added the Jags don't have a true WR1 and Lawrence likes to look for Washington and Meyers on third downs, which was a trend last season as well, but BTJ could get back to his big-play ways this season and is so far looking the part.

Chiefs Beat: Team plans to give Kenneth Walker majority of carries

ESPN

11 minutes ago

The Chiefs have plans to give running back Kenneth Walker III the majority of their carries. They signed him for a reason, and they believe he gives HC Andy Reid something he hasn't had in a very long time -- a running back who can do everything they need. They like him as a blocker, pass catcher and between-the-tackles runner. They're running more under-center plays with Patrick Mahomes, as they think that's the best way to maximize what Walker does best.

Related players: Emmett Johnson, Emari Demercado, Brashard Smith

Fantasy Impact:

Perhaps more of note for Walker owners is the story believes Johnson has a shot to be the number-two back. Johnson is the rookie fifth round back drafted this past spring. It will be a situation worth watching, especially if Walker is going to get a heavy workload. The story added Walker might have operated in a timeshare last season with the Seahawks, but the Chiefs believe he's capable of much more.

Colts Beat: WR Josh Downs could have a bigger role

ESPN

18 minutes ago

But as the Colts move away from 11 personnel in favor of more multi-tight-end sets, there will be opportunity to line up Josh Downs on the outside. To this point in his career, he has been as traditional a slot receiver as they come -- notable, as that prototype has fallen out of favor on modern offenses. Downs ran 74% of his routes from the slot last season, second only to DeMario Douglas; in Downs' career, that number is 76.5%, behind only Tyler Boyd and Hunter Renfrow.

Fantasy Impact:

Ben Solak believes we'll see Downs' time in the slot drop this season. He added Downs is an elite route runner, and getting him on more downfield breaking routes might be the solution as Alec Pierce ramps up to speed. Downs is ranked 39th on our WR list.