Buffalo Bills DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (personal) was excused from Sunday's training camp practice for personal reasons. It's unknown how long Cook might be away from the team, but it's nothing that is going to affect his fantasy value heading into the 2024 season. The 24-year-old former second-round selection (63rd overall) in the 2022 NFL draft out of Georgia took on a much larger role in his sophomore season in 2023 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod, carrying the ball 237 times for 1,122 yards and just two touchdowns. He added 44 receptions on 54 targets for 445 additional yards and four touchdowns through the air. Cook heads into his third year in the league as Buffalo's unquestioned lead back. He does not thrive between the tackles and will probably never have a high TD ceiling with quarterback Josh Allen vulturing goal-line carries. Cook is more attractive in PPR formats and is listed as RotoBaller's No. 15 fantasy RB.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel had a breakout day on Thursday at training camp. On his last catch of the day, he broke open on the right side with Cam Lewis in coverage. It sounds like Samuel is impressing at practice, which bodes well for his standing in Buffalo's wide open receiving corps following the departures of top targets Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. The 27-year-old veteran is set to be one of quarterback Josh Allen's preferred options in three-receiver sets alongside rookie Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir in 2024, but he could also see some work on the ground as well, with 121 rushing attempts for his career. His ceiling may be limited by a role with a low average depth of target, but Samuel is looking like a high-floor WR3/4 option in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts.

Buffalo Bills second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid is a popular breakout candidate in 2024 as he heads into his second season because of his approach, talent and on-field connection with quarterback Josh Allen. Kincaid was also excellent on the first day of training camp practice this week, and the potential is there for him to be one of the Bills' top targets in 2024. However, from the looks of things on the first day, those expecting Kincaid to take over the full-time pass-catching role from Dawson Knox this year and push the veteran TE into a backup role may have their hopes dashed, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Both Kincaid and Knox worked heavily with Allen, and neither player worked in with backup QB Mitchell Trubisky. It's something worth watching, and as long as Knox stays healthy, it could keep Kincaid from reaching true breakout status as a TE1 in fantasy.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (lower body) returned to practice Wednesday after missing time due to a lower body injury. Shakir initially suffered the injury during minicamp. His recovery is crucial as he aims to secure a more prominent role in Buffalo's passing game, especially following the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Shakir stands out as the only returning wide receiver who has caught a pass from quarterback Josh Allen in a game, showcasing his potential to become a key target. Last season, he impressed with 39 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games. He is competing with rookie Keon Coleman, tight end Dalton Kincaid, and veteran Curtis Samuel for targets in Buffalo's passing game. With minimal competition for targets and established chemistry with Allen, Shakir presents significant value as a late-round pick in fantasy drafts, offering upside for those looking to round out their roster.

The Athletic's Daniel Popper thinks Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Joshua Palmer, rookie Ladd McConkey and DJ Chark Jr. will start in 11 personnel packages to begin the 2024 season. McConkey was mostly playing the slot in spring practices, Palmer can play inside and outside, and Chark fits as a true X receiver due to his size, speed and contested-catch ability. Palmer could emerge as quarterback Justin Herbert's top target because he's already established rapport with Herbert and is the most complete receiver in the Chargers' receiving corps. But McConkey is extremely refined as a route-runner and will push for targets immediately. As of right now, it looks like former first-rounder Quentin Johnston is the No. 4 after displaying poor route-running and key drops in his rookie campaign. Palmer has plenty of opportunity in 2024 and is worth a late-round flier as a fantasy sleeper.