The Eagles’ backfield behind Barkley is shaping up as a four-way battle with fantasy implications. Will Shipley looks like the clear No. 2 after Gainswell’s departure, flashing upside in limited opportunities and earning more touches in the playoffs and preseason. A.J. Dillon joined on a one-year deal, bringing downhill power and receiving work in camp, which could push him into a meaningful role if Barkley misses time. Keilan Robinson and ShunDerrick Powell, plus Montell Johnson Jr., are intriguing depth pieces who could surprise if injuries press Philadelphia deeper into the slate. Shipley’s current advantage as Barkley’s direct handcuff makes him a strong late-round target, while Dillon provides a flier with upside should Barkley be sidelined.

In dynasty and best-ball formats, Shipley and Dillon sit as appealing late-round bets, with Shipley offering broader-week-to-week ceiling in Philly’s run-heavy scheme and Dillon serving as a potential short-yardage and pass-protection asset. The depth chart is worth monitoring through the rest of the preseason, but Shipley is the safer stash with tangible immediate upside if Barkley flinches. Dillon, meanwhile, remains a speculative add with tier-two upside if Barkley goes down or workload management becomes a theme again.

Houston’s offense flashed early in the preseason, with CJ Stroud finding Nico Collins on Houston’s second drive, continuing last season’s momentum and signaling a potential high-floor target for fantasy managers if the Texans ride their rookie QB’s development. Collins has shown reliable hands and a growing connection with Stroud, making him a steady Week 1 consideration in fantasy leagues that prize target share.

Cleveland’s rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a rough NFL debut, uncorking a pick-six that underscored the learning curve for a third-round rookie in a pro system. The playbook will likely tighten around him as camp continues, giving him upside in dynasty formats but limited redraft appeal until he demonstrates tighter decision-making and consistent accuracy under game pressure.

Other notable notes included AJ Dillon snagging a batted pass, a reminder of backfield players’ receiving skill and versatility in favorable game scripts for fantasy handcuffs. DTR’s sequence—throwing into pressure and a lineman’s tipped pass that ended as a negative—illustrates the volatility of rookie QB outcomes, with Dillon capitalizing on the chaos in a memorable fashion for those tracking backfield usage.

Malik Willis showcased escapability on a critical fourth down, reinforcing why teams value his rushing floor even as the drive stalled and produced no points. The Packers’ willingness to let him operate in giants’ spots adds a layer of intrigue for deeper fantasy rosters and DFS lineups that bank on quarterback mobility in suboptimal down-and-distance situations.

The evening also highlighted a few budding connections, notably Stroud-to-Collins for a score on Houston’s opening drives, which could portend a more dynamic Texans aerial attack if the coaching staff continues to emphasize quick-hitting throws and misdirection concepts that leverage Collins’ after-the-catch ability. Overall, the night offered a blend of youth movement, learning experiences, and real-time chemistry shaping fantasy expectations for the fall.

Cleveland’s upcoming preseason showdown with Philadelphia centers on identifying the Browns’ most impactful players in a game that doubles as a red‑zone of evaluation. Dorian Thompson-Robinson returns to face his former team, eyeing a bigger workload behind Kyle McCord and Tanner McKee’s dueling reps in Philly’s depth. Darius Cooper, the undrafted Eagles receiver, is pegged for heavy snaps, while Browns linebackers Dallas Gant and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. aim to show they belong in future game plans. AJ Dillon’s rebound arc and Chipper‑level performances by Cameron Mitchell and Rayshawn Jenkins add to the intrigue, as Cleveland looks to lock in role players and build depth for the regular season. The dynamic also features a Kenny Pickett‑era bookmark, with McKee, McCord, and Thompson-Robinson all vying for critical QB3 reps and possible future opportunities.

In 2025 fantasy football drafts, late-round selections can unearth surprising gems. A focus on running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends with upside could pay dividends. Targeting players such as Will Shipley and AJ Dillon, who are positioned behind established starters on high-volume offenses like the Philadelphia Eagles, provides a strategic edge. Shipley, with his collegiate performance, hints at potential value in PPR formats, while Dillon's past performance and current role as a handcuff could make him a worthy pick.

Keaton Mitchell from Baltimore, despite limited early usage, possesses explosive speed that makes him an intriguing late-round candidate. His recovery from injury and camp reports suggest a potential breakout in a rush-heavy scheme alongside Derrick Henry. Wide receivers also offer late-round opportunities, with Dyami Brown showing promise in Jacksonville after a playoff showcase and Elijah Moore poised to benefit from playing alongside Josh Allen in Buffalo. Each of these players could be positioned for significant upside at minimal draft cost.