Dynasty Takeaways From The Hall of Fame Game
Chew highlights three dynasty takeaways from our first taste of the 2025 NFL season.
It is finally here, the 2025 NFL season! Well, it is at least the year 2025 and there NFL players playing football. The Chargers and Lions kicked off the 2025 NFL season/preseason and it is time for us dynasty managers to start paying attention to more than just training camp news. Here are three dynasty takeaways from this year’s Hall of Fame game.
KLS… AM I RIGHT?
Much of the offseason focus has been on the growth of second year receiver Ladd McConkey and addition of rookie Tre Harris; however, KeAndre Lambert-Smith has entered the chat. Preseason stats are rarely the story but how KLS got them is noteworthy, starting the game with good ball-tracking over his shoulder from Trey Lance. KLS followed that up with a touchdown catch later in the first half.
KLS joins a Chargers’ receiver group that only has one name written in pen, Ladd McConkey. The big-armed Justin Herbert is looking for players to compliment McConkey’s skillset and KLS fits the bill. Harris and Quentin Johnston could be ahead of KLS to start but the former Auburn Tiger has the requisite size, speed, and ball-tracking to earn meaningful snaps in 2025. For dynasty managers, the fifth round pick is very much worth stashing on your roster, especially in a taxi spot.
DETROIT IS ALL IN FOR WEEK 1
The Lions are coming off an early playoff exit in 2024 where they were scrambling to piece the roster together following a slew of injuries. As Detroit gets collectively healthy and used to new offensive/defensive coordinators, it is no surprise that the focus was on the backups in their first preseason game. The two notable players that we DID get to see were Craig Reynolds and Isaac TeSlaa.
With the Lions’ prior injury woes in mind, depth is tremendously important. For the rushing attack, Detroit leans on the two headed monster of Sonic (Jahmyr Gibbs) and Knuckles (David Montgomery). If one is injured look for Tails (Craig Reynolds) to step in as an all-around back. And let’s not forget about the passing attack in Detroit via the third round, uber-athletic Isaac TeSlaa. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have two starting spots locked down but TeSlaa’s size, speed and physicality could earn him snaps as he refines his route running ability. For the 2025 season, Reynolds serves as a priority waiver wire pickup following a Gibbs/Montgomery injury and TeSlaa serves as an intriguing dynasty stash who could have more boom-bust performances than steady volume.
GET YOUR DYNASTY HOUSE IN ORDER
For much of the dynasty offseason the mindset is to accumulate value and not worry about what your starting lineup looks like. As we enter August there should be a heightened focus on shoring up your starting line ups and churning the end of your rosters. Yes it is awesome that Trey Lance threw two touchdowns but at best he usurps Taylor Heinicke for the role as Justin Herbert’s backup. Sure Kimani Vidal getting two touchdowns of his own is awesome but even with Najee Harris dealing with an alleged fireworks injury the dynasty impact for Vidal is likely minimal.
Look to trade these preseason darlings and other similarly valued players in dynasty while they still have some allure. Remember, rookie picks hold their value better than players this deep on the depth chart. And despite everyone’s focus on the 2027 rookie class, there is still a year of collegiate surprises to make the 2026 rookie dynasty picks worthwhile. So with that being said, let’s get ready for Week 1!
So you made it this long and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates I would greatly appreciate it!