2025 NFL Preseason DFS Player Notes: Thursday, August 21st

by Chris Gimino (ChrisGimino) Last Updated 2025-08-21 22:30:34 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 Thursday, August 21st. 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: Thursday, August 21st

Quarterbacks

Jaxson Dart (NYG) – The rookie has earned most of the snaps (40% in Week 2, 38% in Week 1) and should run the offense for long stretches (50-75% expected time this week). The Giants tailored its preseason attack around quick throws and screens – a large portion of his yards have come after the catch (only Riley Leonard has a lower ADOT – 5.6 – this preseason among QBs with a minimum of 35 attempts). The scheme minimizes risk but still reveals his accuracy and mobility. He went 14‑for‑16 for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns (1 pass, 1 rush) against the Jets, which makes his 114.5‑yard pass prop look appealing given the possibility of more action. Beat writers astutely suggest this is the last time we could see Dart in any significant action for a long time, given their unwillingness to part company with Jameis Winston. There is a strong reason to believe most of this game will be his and that there is only limited time left on the clock for Tommy DeVito in both the game and plausibly his NFL career.

Joshua Dobbs (NE) – The veteran backup has logged 36% and 39% of snaps in the first 2 preseason games and is expected to start the game, with Ben Wooldridge finishing up. Dobbs replaced Drake Maye in Minnesota and calmly completed 11‑of‑16 passes for 106 yards, leading a 13‑play TD drive; he also rushed for a short touchdown against Washington. His experience running a pro offense and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a decent bet to approach his passing yards prop (which sits in the 99 to 105 range), but the risk of extended Wooldridge evaluation makes the under somewhat sharp. This is particularly true considering the WR group he could be leading…it’s not great. We expect New England to give him somewhere between 33% and 50% of snaps to keep Maye healthy while also evaluating Wooldridge. An acceptable but not exciting option.

Skylar Thompson (PIT) – Thompson has seen the bulk of Pittsburgh’s preseason snaps (58% and 74%) and should again take over after Mason Rudolph (presuming he starts). In the opener, he went 20‑of‑28 for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns, a monster DFS performance solidifying him as preseason legend. The film reviewers praised his command of the 2‑minute drill and ability to hit throws under pressure. With Aaron Rodgers and rookie Will Howard sidelined, Thompson is likely to handle more than half of the game, making his 99‑yard pass prop attainable and then some. His willingness to take shots downfield adds upside, though there is always a small chance Logan Woodside gets reps to bubble-wrap what seems to be a locked-in QB depth chart.

Jack Plummer (CAR) – Plummer played 76% of the snaps in Week 2 and is expected to handle about 50-65% of the finale by our estimates. He’s thrown for 162 yards with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the first 2 preseason games, and head coach Dave Canales said this game is an audition for Plummer and Bryce Perkins. There are two ways to take Perkins’ arrival this week in Carolina. The first is that they need a body to get through the game, and Perkins has more than enough evidence of being a worthy practice-squad QB for any NFL team. The second is that Plummer has been underwhelming and they see this as a chance to pressure him and possibly consider keeping Perkins as QB3 if he shines. If you think it’s more the former, then sure, Plummer has a chance. If it’s the latter, we fade this jabroni and immediately click Perkins – a god of both preseason and spring football.

Ben Wooldridge (NE) – New England’s undrafted rookie has seen 43% and 39% of snaps in the 2 preseason games and will likely play the 2nd half again (if not more). After a sharp debut (9‑of‑12 for 132 yards and a TD vs. Washington), he struggled a bit more versus Minnesota (55 yards on 7‑of‑13 passing). Wooldridge is a pocket passer with a strong arm but limited mobility, so the Patriots will simplify reads. His passing yards prop (sitting in the 87–92 range) suggests modest expectations; he must show he can move the offense without costly mistakes. Factor in a set of lackluster receivers to target, and you suddenly start to pause even if you know he’s playing more than a half. Still, minutes equal money in preseason. There is a chance for anyone that is available, and he’ll certainly be that.

Bryce Perkins (CAR) – The UFL MVP was signed because of Andy Dalton’s elbow injury and will share the finale with Plummer. Perkins completed 69% of his UFL passes for 1,342 yards and 9 TDs in 2025 (6 starts, 7 games). He also rushed for 269 yards and 5 TDs, illustrating the dual‑threat ability that Carolina lacks. He’s projected for roughly 35-50% of snaps with a passing yards prop of 79.5, but his legs could add tons of fantasy value against deep and lackluster reserve defenders. Coaches want to see how quickly he processes the playbook, so expect designed runs and rollout passes.

Running Backs

Dante Miller (NYG) – Listed fifth on the depth chart but seeing 44% and 51% of snaps so far, Miller has been a small surprise of New York’s preseason.