Yesterday we called the Preseason Week 1 “semi-real football” — “semi-real” did a lot of heavy lifting there. Well, this time we super-duper mean it because there are actual good teams playing and interesting position battles to monitor leading up to the regular season. Plus, if you’re getting in on some NFL DFS picks for the Thursday night preseason NFL slate, here you can find key news, notes and depth charts for all three games. Let’s break down the primary NFL DFS targets for Falcons-Dolphins, Eagles-Ravens and Texans-Steelers Preseason Week 1 DFS picks.
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Preseason NFL DFS Picks: Quarterbacks
Falcons-Dolphins
Michael Penix is expected to start and play for a half, with Taylor Heinicke and new signee Nathan Rourke handling mop-up duty.
For the Dolphins, with Tua Tagovailoa sitting out, Skylar Thompson and Mike White will see increased playing time. All three quarterbacks — Penix, Thompson and White — have the highest projections by a significant margin in the pick‘em market.
Texans-Steelers
The starters are expected to play for both the Steelers and Texans.
The situation with the Texans starters is unclear, so it’s best to avoid most of these options. However, Davis Mills has a solid projection on PrizePicks at 69.5 passing yards. For the Steelers, John Rhys Plumlee may play for a half. He’s expected to be a popular choice due to his strong rushing ability, having accumulated 1,300 yards over the last two seasons at UCF. Plumlee has also had a good camp.
Eagles-Ravens
There is no word on Eagles starters, but the bet is that they will not suit up. The Ravens starters are also unlikely to go.
Each of the Ravens’ three quarterbacks behind Lamar Jackson will likely play for approximately a quarter and a half. None of them particularly stand out, though Emory Jones has some rushing upside and should see the most playing time. For the Eagles, the backup quarterback spot is still up for grabs, with Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee expected to get the majority of the playing time.
Preseason NFL DFS Picks: Running Backs
Falcons-Dolphins
We’re flying a bit blind with the Falcons tonight, as we don’t have clear information on who will be playing and their beat reporters are notoriously unreliable. It is likely that Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will sit out, leaving only three running backs: Avery Williams, Jase McClellan and Carlos Washington Jr.
The Dolphins project to have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and De’Von Achane sit out, which will result in Jaylen Wright, Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks getting more playing time. Wright is the most obvious choice here, but he is likely to have heavy ownership. Ahmed had significant playing time in last year’s preseason.
Texans-Steelers
Joe Mixon is banged up and will not play for Houston. With eight running backs available, it is challenging to prioritize options. Cam Akers and Jawhar Jordan are the top choices.
Don’t expect much action from Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren tonight, as the running back room is crowded with four players competing for playing time after the starters. La’Mical Perine, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklinand Daijun Edwards are all lower-owned options.
Eagles-Ravens
For the Ravens, Owen Wright was impressive last year in the first preseason game, with 90 yards and a touchdown. He is a strong option, along with Rasheen Ali.
Most expect Will Shipley to get a significant amount of playtime for the Eagles, but the team generally doesn’t take the preseason too seriously. Shipley is a safe choice. The running back room is thin, so both Lew Nicholls and Kendall Milton are also decent options.
Preseason NFL DFS Picks:Wide Receivers
Falcons-Dolphins
The situation with the Falcons wide receivers is murky, with up to 10 receivers potentially suiting up. There isn’t much to be excited about, but Casey Washington might be the best target. With Rondale Moore out for the season, they may want to take a long look at the rookie in the slot.
The Dolphins wide receiver room is banged up, so expect eight or nine receivers to dress. Malik Washington is likely the most intriguing play and should get some run. Braylon Sanders, while expected to have less ownership, is also a solid choice for tonight.
Texans-Steelers
The Texans could have up to 10 wide receivers suiting up tonight. As was the case last week, Xavier Hutchinson and Ben Skowronek are the best bets for significant playing time.
Calvin Austin is generating buzz this preseason and should get an extended look tonight. Dez Fitzpatrick is the second-best bet for playing time.
Eagles-Ravens
Former quarterback Malik Cunningham, Tylan Wallace and Isaiah Washington are the top options at wide receiver.
Johnny Wilson, the largest receiver ever, is pushing for the third wide receiver spot and should get a long look with Parris Campbell out. John Ross III could make a difference with a big play. Ainias Smith is a potential slot candidate for the Eagles and is generating some buzz in camp. Britain Covey is on the bubble and should get a chance to show what he can do. Austin Watkins Jr. is also a top option.
Preseason NFL DFS Picks: Tight Ends
Falcons-Dolphins
The Falcons have five players who might see action, but it’s best to avoid them unless Ross Dwelley sits out.
The Dolphins are banged up at the tight end position, with Julian Hill, Tanner Conner and Jody Fortson all likely to see playing time. They are great stack options for the Miami quarterbacks.
Texans-Steelers
The Texans are very thin at tight end, with Dalton Keene and Teagan Quitoriano listed as questionable. Cade Stover is expected to see a lot of playing time.
For the Steelers, Darnell Washington is the standout play. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt are primarily blocking tight ends, whereas Washington is an athletic standout who has been impressive in camp.
Eagles-Ravens
The Eagles tight end situation is crowded, making it difficult to pinpoint the best options. Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. has the highest upside. Scotty Washington and Charlie Kolar are decent fliers from Baltimore, but they might dress four or five tight ends.
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