2025 NFL Preseason DFS Player Notes: Thursday, August 7th
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 3-game slate on Thursday, August 7th. 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 7th
Quarterbacks
Jalen Milroe (SEA) – With starting QB Sam Darnold sitting out the opener, Milroe is slated for extended action. We estimate Seattle plans to split the game between veteran Drew Lock and the athletic rookie Milroe, meaning Milroe could see 2+ quarters of work. He has obscene rushing upside (a 6’2”, 220-lb dual threat) yet has also impressed with his arm in camp – he even punished himself with push-ups after slightly off-target throws despite completing them. In a recent padded practice, Milroe connected on a 20-yard pass to fellow rookie Ricky White III (prompting those push-ups) and orchestrated a game-winning 2-minute drill, including a 35-yard strike on the move. The Seahawks are bringing him along methodically, but his upside is evident. Facing backups, Milroe’s combination of scrambling ability and willingness to throw deep gives him a chance to post a big fantasy line if he’s efficient.
Jake Browning (CIN) – Browning is expected to play around 2 quarters once Joe Burrow exits. Cincinnati plans to give starters roughly a quarter in the opener, after which Browning will take over and play “most of the game.” Coaches have trusted him as the No. 2 QB – in fact, with Burrow and Browning handling the bulk of snaps, 3rd-stringer Desmond Ridder may only clean up late. Browning showed dual-threat flashes in past preseasons (including a 13-yard scramble) and held off a veteran challenger to win the backup job. Against reserve defenders, Browning’s familiarity with the offense and ability to extend plays could yield solid production, especially if he takes shots downfield after building chemistry with young receivers in camp.
Cooper Rush (BAL) – The Ravens brought in Rush as a steady, veteran backup, and we expect him to start and play 1.5 to 2 quarters with Lamar Jackson and top units resting. Baltimore’s starters had heavy work in joint practices, so they’ll rely on backups like Rush to handle the actual game snaps. Rush has 14 career NFL starts and is known for mistake-free management. In Dallas last season, he excelled in a pinch, and Baltimore will value that stability. He should open the game with the 2nd-string offense (since many 1st-teamers will sit) and could play into the 2nd quarter. Don’t expect rushing stats – Rush is a pure pocket QB – but he could move the chains with play-action and check-downs. Notably, Baltimore’s RBs or thin TE depth (e.g. Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali, Charlie Kolar, Zaire Mitchell-Paden) could be the point of his targets. Rush may not light up the fantasy scoreboard, but his presence should provide a fair floor; two or three sustained drives with short passes could accumulate modest yards. If he can hook up on a red-zone throw (perhaps to a big target like Elijah Arroyo or a tall receiver), he’d exceed expectations. Just be aware that Baltimore’s offense might be run-heavy, limiting Rush’s attempts.
Anthony Richardson (IND) – Richardson will start for the Colts and is slated to play about a quarter and a half. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the plan to give AR15 roughly 1.5 quarters of action against Baltimore, with Daniel Jones taking over before halftime. Richardson’s performance could matter – the Colts are evaluating him in a heated QB competition, so they’ll let him operate a significant chunk with the 1st-unit offense. Notably, several key Indy starters (linemen and top playmakers) may sit for precaution, meaning Richardson might work with some backups. Still, his physical talent can shine through. In joint practices, he made highlight throws, like a deep sideline shot and a red-zone TD. If he’s efficient – for example, hitting a big play or two with his cannon arm or scrambling for chunk yards – Richardson can deliver decent fantasy points in limited drives. Keep in mind Baltimore isn’t playing their defensive starters either, so Richardson will be facing backups where his athletic edge should be pronounced.
Cam Miller (LVR) – Miller is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback known for his rushing prowess and decorated college career. Over 5 seasons at North Dakota State (2020–24), he amassed nearly 12,000 yards of total offense, set school passing records (9,721 yards and 81 TDs), and tied the program’s quarterback record with 48 career rushing touchdowns. Miller was a 2x FCS national champion (he earned MVP honors in the 2024 title game) and a 1st-team FCS All-American in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Miller in the 6th round, and team minority owner Tom Brady – himself a former 6th-round pick – gave the pick his blessing, praising Miller’s throwing technique and winner’s mentality
The Raiders’ rookie 3rd-string QB could be a low-owned upside dart throw. Brady “liked the way he threw it…his technique” and felt Miller has potential to improve. In camp, he’s been mostly working with 3rd-teamers, but the Raiders brass is intrigued – he’s drawn praise for his solid arm and polished footwork. Head coach Pete Carroll has been coy about playing time, simply saying “everybody’s ready to go” regarding starters. That suggests veteran Geno Smith might see a series, then Aidan O’Connell and Miller will split the rest. If Miller only gets the 4th quarter, his fantasy impact could be limited. However, he has some mobility and a knack for the deep ball. In a mop-up role against Seattle’s deep reserves, Miller could flash if allowed to uncork a long pass or two. It’s a boom-or-bust profile – he’ll need a big play to matter – but Brady’s stamp of approval and Miller’s NDSU pedigree indicate the kid can sling it.
Aidan O’Connell (LV) – O’Connell could end up playing close to a half depending on how the Raiders deploy Geno Smith. There was some misdirection about Raiders starters – Coach Carroll left open the option of playing them – but it wouldn’t be surprising if Geno sits or plays only one series. In that case, O’Connell would start and potentially log up to 2 quarters. O’Connell was phenomenal in preseason as a rookie when given the reins: in his debut, he started and went 15-of-18 for 141 yards and a TD with no turnovers. That came with the vets resting, and he looked poised beyond his years. Camp reports indicate O’Connell has continued to progress; he’s been working with the 1st team in Geno’s occasional absences and maintains a command of the Raiders offense. We also know O’Connell has a good connection with fellow young receivers – just this week, he hit rookie Jack Bech for impressive touchdowns. If he indeed plays the 1st half, O’Connell could produce one of the better QB lines of the slate. He has a quick release, will take the throws the defense gives, and can push the ball vertically when needed. Monitor pregame news to confirm if he’s starting. If O’Connell starts and plays ~2 quarters, he brings a reliable floor with upside, as evidenced by prior preseason’s efficient outings.
Drew Lock (SEA) – With Darnold resting, Lock will start for Seattle and should play roughly 1.5 to 2 quarters before giving way to Milroe. The Seahawks are not playing most starters in this game, but Lock’s experience is valuable to guide the 2nd-unit offense. Reports out of camp note that Lock has looked sharp. In recent practices, he’s shown chemistry with both veterans and rookies – he even hit Marquez Valdes-Scantling deep in a team period for one of the veteran’s few big plays of camp. Lock has a strong arm to push the ball downfield and won’t be afraid to target guys like Tory Horton or Elijah Arroyo. Facing Las Vegas’ backup defense, he’ll have a chance to post efficient numbers. If Lock can avoid turnovers, his stint could include a scoring drive or two given his comfort in the scheme.
Running Backs
Rasheen Ali (BAL) – Ali should see opportunity in this game, as the Ravens have one of the thinnest RB depth charts available.
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About the Author

Chris Gimino is a leading expert in the industry and a key contributor at RotoGrinders. Alongside our team of specialists, his work drives projections, simulations, ownership insights, and analytics across 15+ sports, supporting betting, DFS, and fantasy pick’em contests.
A Best Ball Millionaire finalist, multiple-time DFS Live Finalist, winner of six-figure prizes, and the inaugural FastDraft Origins champion, Chris brings a wealth of experience to deliver actionable tools and expert advice for RotoGrinders Premium subscribers. Follow Chris on X – @ChrisGimino