2 Rams training camp battles fantasy football managers must have their eye on

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Every August, training camp creates hidden value as depth chart battles quietly reshape offensive roles. This gives attentive fantasy football managers a chance to capitalize before average draft position catches up. Few teams present more intriguing possibilities this summer than the Los Angeles Rams. In Sean McVay’s offense, even secondary contributors can become weekly difference-makers. Sure, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are firmly entrenched as fantasy cornerstones. However, the competitions unfolding behind them deserve just as much attention. Two battles, in particular, have the potential to produce some of the biggest fantasy bargains entering the 2026 season.

Aggressive offseason​

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The Rams approached the 2026 offseason with unmistakable urgency. They reinforced a roster that already viewed itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. General manager Les Snead once again proved willing to make bold moves. He executed a blockbuster June trade for superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett while adding future Hall of Fame wide receiver Davante Adams.

The organization also secured stability at quarterback. Matthew Stafford signed a lucrative extension. Meanwhile, the defense received additional reinforcements through the arrivals of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

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As training camp entered its second week, the benefits of those moves became increasingly apparent. Stafford quickly established chemistry with Adams, and the defensive front consistently challenged the offense during padded practices. McVay expanded his use of multiple-tight-end formations as he searched for greater offensive versatility.

Beneath those headline storylines, however, two competitions have quietly emerged with enormous fantasy football implications.

Battle for WR3​

The Rams know exactly where their offense begins. Adams and Nacua will command defensive attention on virtually every snap. That reality creates enormous opportunity for whoever secures the third receiver role. As such, Sean McVay needs another dependable target capable of exploiting the favorable one-on-one matchups created by Adams and Nacua.

Jordan Whittington entered camp with the inside track. Throughout the early stages of practice, he has consistently impressed by running disciplined intermediate routes. Stafford has shown growing trust in him, too.

The competition, however, remains far from settled. CJ Daniels has generated increasing buzz, showcasing the vertical speed necessary to stretch opposing defenses. Meanwhile, Xavier Smith continues making his case through his ability to create yards after the catch.

Each player offers something different. Whittington projects as the reliable chain mover capable of thriving underneath. Daniels provides legitimate field-stretching ability. Smith brings explosive run-after-catch potential.

From a fantasy football perspective, the eventual winner could become one of the better late-round values available. Because Adams and Nacua will consistently attract bracket coverage and safety help, the third receiver should regularly face advantageous single coverage.

Even if Los Angeles leans more heavily on two-tight-end personnel packages featuring Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen, McVay still utilizes 11 personnel extensively enough for the WR3 to remain fantasy relevant. Managers in deeper leagues should pay close attention to preseason usage rather than simply preseason production.

Backfield split​

The Rams’ second critical fantasy football battle takes place in the backfield. For the past two seasons, Kyren Williams has established himself as one of fantasy football’s most dependable running backs. That workload may be changing.

Early training camp reports suggest Blake Corumhas made significant strides. Leaner, quicker and noticeably more explosive, Corum has repeatedly flashed improved burst.

Those developments deserve attention. Williams remains firmly entrenched as Los Angeles’ starting running back. His pass protection, football intelligence and familiarity with McVay’s offense continue to make him indispensable. He should still handle the majority of meaningful snaps and remain heavily involved in critical situations.

The question now, though, is whether he maintains the overwhelming workload that previously made him a fantasy RB1. Managing Williams’ workload over a 17-game season could become increasingly important. That’s particularly true if Corum demonstrates he can handle meaningful offensive responsibilities. The latter’s emergence creates multiple fantasy scenarios.

Should he earn dedicated offensive series and regular early-down opportunities, he immediately becomes more than simply a premium handcuff. Instead, he evolves into an independent flex option capable of producing fantasy points even without an injury ahead of him. Fantasy managers drafting early should therefore monitor preseason rotation patterns carefully.

Keep watching Los Angeles​

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The Rams remain one of the NFL’s premier offensive organizations. They have made nearly every meaningful position battle worth following. Yes, fantasy football managers already understand the value of Stafford, Adams, Nacua and Williams. However, championships are frequently decided by identifying complementary contributors before everyone else does.

The WR3 competition has the potential to produce an excellent late-round receiver attached to one of football’s most efficient quarterbacks. The evolving running back rotation could simultaneously elevate Corum while subtly reshaping expectations for Williams.

Those developments won’t necessarily be determined by preseason box scores. Instead, they will emerge through snap counts, first-team usage and situational deployment throughout August.

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