2025 NFL Preseason DFS Player Notes: Friday, August 15th

by Chris Gimino (ChrisGimino) Last Updated 2025-08-14 14:47:28 Premium Content Part of the product NFL DFS

Got the itch to hit the NFL DFS streets for the first real action in months but have no idea who to roster or who the players even are? We’ve got you covered! With the help of AI, Chris Gimino has compiled some player notes to quickly get you up to speed for the 2-game slate on Friday, August 15th. So while NFL lineups can be extremely fluid in the preseason, the notes below should be of great use when it’s time to start building your own lineups in our NFL optimizer, LineupHQ.

2025 NFL Preseason DFS Player Notes: Friday, August 15th

Quarterbacks

Easton Stick (74% snaps Week 1) – Stick played much of Atlanta’s preseason opener, but it’s noted that the game ended early due to injury (making the snap count misleading as a percentage). He completed 15 of 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, calmly directing a 70-yard scoring drive. He kept the offense moving despite a non-existent ground game, suggesting the coaching staff could lean on him again while Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. sit; his 28 snaps were second only to the starting linemen. Because Atlanta might shop Cousins, it has been speculated Stick could become valuable trade insurance, so another extended audition is likely.

This week the Falcons are evaluating backups rather than exposing their stars, meaning Stick should see similar playing time and perhaps work with a more balanced attack. The one caveat is his supporting cast: rookie runners Elijah Dotson and Nate Carter combined for just 12 yards on 9 carries, forcing Stick to carry the offense. If the run game can’t get on track again, he may once more be asked to shoulder the load, but his controlled accuracy and pocket presence make him a steady option.

Jalen Milroe (42% snaps Week 1) – In his preseason debut, Milroe showed off his dual-threat ability by completing 6 of 10 passes for 61 yards and rushing for 38 yards, including a 27-yard scramble. He engineered one scoring drive while playing the entire second half, but Seattle’s coaches were clear that his performance did not alter the quarterback depth chart – Sam Darnold remains the starter.

The Seahawks starters will play a short time, but Milroe could again see significant snaps as they assess their young quarterback. Coaches will likely push him to demonstrate improved pocket poise and accuracy; his running ability is evident. To climb the depth chart, he must show he can sustain drives through the air.

Brandon Allen (6/12 – 62 Yards – 1 INT Week 1) – Tennessee’s veteran quarterback had a memorable practice when he left the field to receive stitches, only to return and continue making plays. That toughness and familiarity with Brian Callahan’s system make him a trusted option behind rookie Cam Ward. Given that Ward is expected to play only a couple of series, Allen should see extended snaps in the next preseason game.

He’ll need to show he can consistently execute the offense without turnovers, especially with newcomer Trevor Siemian here to compete. If Tennessee’s running game struggles, Allen may face difficult down-and-distance situations, so his experience reading defenses will be key to sustaining drives. He should play long enough to have a chance and has many good stacking options that should play alongside.

Gardner Minshew (25% snaps Week 1) – Kansas City coach Andy Reid said there’s a “good chance” Patrick Mahomes won’t play in the upcoming preseason game, and Travis Kelce is also likely to sit. That means Minshew, who has been taking first-team reps all week, is expected to start. Still, Reid emphasized that he wants to evaluate younger players, and it is debatable if he, Bailey Zappe, or Chris Oladokun gets the longest leash in the game.

The veteran must demonstrate command of the offense while working with backup linemen and receivers to maintain grip on the backup job. His success could depend on Kansas City’s young backs picking up blitzes and helping in the screen game. He also may run with young players like Jaylen Royals and Nikko Remigio – both of whom have every reason to show up under the lights. One of Minshew, Zappe, or Chris Oladokun is going to put up a better performance than you’d expect simply relying on projections. It’s tough to predict the top option among them.

Emory Jones (25% snaps Week 1, cut short) – Jones rotated in at quarterback for Atlanta, taking about a quarter of the offensive snaps but paced for more than this if they played the full game. He was in the midst of showcasing his mobility and arm talent when the game’s flow was abruptly halted due to the serious injury to a Lions player.

Because of that early ending, his total evaluation time was shortened, leaving fewer plays on tape for the coaching staff to assess. This makes his Week 2 opportunity even more important, as he’ll need to demonstrate command of the offense and sustain drives over a fuller set of series. He’s not likely to be on the team if Cousins sticks around (and he probably will thanks to his contract), and so it’s risky to assume any truly extended run. Still, a rushing TD is on the menu any time a guy can run like this and that’s a big deal on a short slate.

Running Backs

Brashard Smith (28% snaps Week 1) – A converted wide receiver, Smith is still learning the nuances of playing running back in Kansas City’s offense.