NFL Preseason DFS Picks: Thursday, August 13th
Week 1 of the preseason continues on August 13th. DraftKings is running a six-game slate for our DFS pleasure. If you missed my preseason strategy article, you can find it here. I won’t rehash everything I said there. Basically, these picks are coming from ESPN W2W4 blogs, Google searches, and beat writers on Twitter. These picks are meant to give you some suggestions to get you started. You could certainly build an entire team from the guys in this article though. If I didn’t mention someone that doesn’t mean I don’t like them.
Remember, this is preseason, and almost everyone is in play. The picks below are mostly backups. Playing a starter in Week 1 of preseason is a huge gamble. Without further ado, let’s get into the picks. Once you are finished feedback is welcome in the comments, forums, or ever on Twitter. My handle is sethayatesDFS on that site.
New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore:
QB: Matt Schaub is expected to get a very long look in Thursday’s preseason opener, which likely includes playing the majority of the game. By all accounts, Schaub has looked terrible in camp. That doesn’t scare me though. Based on his pedigree, and likely heavy amount of playing time, I’m very comfortable ranking Schaub in the upper tier of QBs for this slate.
RB: Lorenzo Taliaferro and Javorius Allen – With starter Justin Forsett unlikely to see more than a series, Taliaferro and Allen are likely to see the majority of reps at RB. Taliaferro is the veteran here and will likely get first crack at this but I think Allen will see about the same number of carries.
WR: Kamar Aiken – Veteran Steve Smith is unlikely to play, rookie Breshad Perriman is out with a knee injury and Marlon Brown is also unlikely to play. This should open up plenty of opportunity for fourth year man Kamar Aiken. In limited time last season, Aiken caught 4 passes (3 for TDs). He needs a strong preseason to catch on as the #3WR and possibly even the starter opposite Smith.
TE: Maxx Williams if you played CFB last season, you already know about my boy Maxx Williams. Right now he’s listed as the backup on Baltimore’s depth chart right behind Crockett Gillmore. I’m not saying either one is a must-play but this is where I would go at TE if taking someone on Baltimore.
New Orleans:
QB: Luke McCown / Grayson Garrett – With Drew Brees likely playing only a series or two we have to look at his backups. So far, there isn’t a lot of clarity on how this situation will play out. If you plan to play a Saints QB, check back tomorrow when we have a clearer picture from the beat writers. If Garrett is likely to see a decent amount of reps, I like him slightly better than McCown.
RB: Tim Hightower hasn’t played an NFL game since 2011. The Saints already have Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller on the roster and neither is on the bubble. Neither Ingram nor Spiller is likely to play much on Thursday as a result. That leaves Hightower to compete with Edwin Baker and Marcus Murphy for a roster spot. The three backs should split carries and I’m leaning slightly towards Ingram though Baker and Murphy would be acceptable plays as well.
WR: Seantavius Jones and Brandon Coleman – Mike Triplett of ESPN reported that Coleman and Jones were listed as second and third teamers respectively on the team’s first depth chart. While this isn’t surprising based on their practice performance, it is surprising they have already jumped established veterans on the depth chart. Of the two, Coleman is safer, but Jones probably has more upside. Some believe Coleman could be the Saints #3 WR by Week 1. Also Consider: Willie Snead
TE: Orson Charles – With Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle, the Saints need to find out what they have at TE. Earlier this year the NFL announced that Charles is suspended for Week 1 due to a road rage incident. The fact that the Saints kept him in camp indicates that they like him. Charles is a long shot to make this roster but he’s obviously going to be given a chance.
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Green Bay
QB: Scott Tolzien, Matt Blanchard, and Brett Hundley – Mike McCarthy said he will decide before the team leaves for New England whether established veterans will play on Thursday. If Aaron Rodgers makes the trip he will play a series or two but he is not in play for DFS purposes. After him, we should see Tolzien then Blanchard/Hundley. I won’t have a lot of exposure, but Tolzien is the play here.
RB: James Starks, Rajion Neil, Alonzo Harris – I don’t have a strong read on this situation. The way I just listed these three guys is how they are on the depth chart after starter Eddie Lacy. The Packers aren’t exactly known for their running game. I haven’t seen anything to indicate how playing time is going to be divided so I’m staying away from GB’s backfield. I will come back and update this tomorrow if I read anything that makes me interested in a Packers’ RB.
WR: Ty Montgomery – The star of Green Bay’s camp thus far has been receiver Ty Montgomery. People who have attended camp have raved about Montgomery’s play making ability, both on deep balls using his speed, and in the red zone using his leaping ability. Montgomery has also played most of his reps on the second-team with Scott Tolzien. The two have great chemistry and would make a great QB/WR handcuff. Also consider: Jeff Janis, Myles White
TE: Andrew Quarless – Just like the situation at RB, I don’t have a good read on this. If you forced me to pick a GB TE I would go Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Justin Perillo in that order. I really don’t feel great about any of them though. Use one of the other options mentioned in this article.
New England
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Lindley – It has been a busy week for Tom Brady. He’s stuck in the middle of a legal battle with the NFL front office. As of now Brady is a game time decision but even if he plays it won’t be much.. That means we will see plenty of Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Lindley. Lindley joined the team only three days ago and doesn’t have a firm grasp on the playbook. If we learn that Garoppolo will play one half or more he makes a great play.
RB: Jonas Gray and James White – According to the Boston Herald, “LeGarrette Blount is the no-doubt starting running back, but he’ll continue to rest his right knee tonight. Tyler Gaffney was waived yesterday, and Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis are likely out with injuries, and it’s conceivable Brandon Bolden could get the veteran treatment. That leaves Jonas Gray and James White to prove themselves, and it will be a good test behind a backup line.” I’m exercising caution here because of the O-Line injuries but Gray and White are the players to look at if you are choosing a Patriots RB.
WR: Brandon Gibson and Josh Boyce – At one point on wednesday, the Patriots offense was out on the practice field without Edelman, LaFell, Dobson, Chandler and Tyms. Since then, Tyms has returned, wearing a red non-contact jersey. Still, the Patriots have many injured offensive players. If Tyms is good to go, I like him, but otherwise Brandon Gibson and Josh Boyce have seen the majority of practice reps and the same could be true in tomorrow’s game. Also consider: Brandon Tyms (out)
New York Jets at Detroit Lions
New York Jets
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick – I’m sure you already heard that Geno Smith is out 6-10 weeks with a broken jaw. Everyone knows this news. Based on this news, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the least-sneaky play ever. He might end up being the highest owned player on this slate. I can’t argue with the logic, it is pretty sound. Fitzpatrick should play the majority of the game. Even with expected ownership factored in, I think Fitzpatrick makes a very solid play. I wouldn’t even argue with using Bryce Petty who will come in and mop up after Fitzpatrick. Also consider: Bryce Petty
RB: Zac Stacy – The Jets have four RBs listed on their depth chart. In order they are: Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Zac Stacy, and Daryl Richardson. Of the group, I like Stacy the most as he is a starting-quality RB out to prove his worth and move up the depth chart.
WR: Quincy Enunwa – With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker likely to rest, plenty of reps should be available to the Jets younger receivers. Of the entire group, the one with the most promise is Quincy Enunwa who has been getting first team reps in practice.
TE: Jace Amaro – Even though he is listed third on the team’s depth chart at TE, Jace Amaro is actually going to be playing H-Back. With TE being a tough position to fill, I like the idea of using Amaro in hopes that he catches a few check downs which are worth a one point each on a PPR site like DK.
Detroit
QB: Kellen Moore – According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, “Don’t be surprised if Kellen Moore receives a lot of snaps Thursday: While I don’t expect Stafford to play much, I think Moore will play a lot against New York. He received the majority of the No. 2 snaps Tuesday and unlike Dan Orlovsky, there are still questions about what Moore can do.” The above quote is enough for me. Moore is a very strong play.
RB: Ameer Abdullah – While Theo Reddick is likely to get the start, I expect Ameer Abdullah to get the Lion’s share (haha, get it?) of the carries on Thursday. You could certainly use Reddick, and I wouldn’t blame you. Abdullah was the Lions’ second round pick this year and has been great in camp. I really think the Lions give him a long look to see what he can do.
WR: Lance Moore, Jeremy Ross – I don’t expect Calvin Johnson or Golden Tate to play much. That should leave plenty of reps for Lance Moore, Jeremy Ross, Corey Fuller and Ryan Broyles and T.J. Jones. I wish I could tell you who to select but I’m unsure. Gun to my head, I would lean Fuller or Moore though.
TE: Eric Ebron – The Lions’ 2010 second round pick had a disappointing season last year. He is on record saying he wants this year to be “20 times better this year”. With backup Joseph Fauria injured (he may or may not play) I think Ebron sees plenty of reps in this contest. He’s not a must-play but he’s a fine option.
Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears
Miami
QB – Ryan Tannehill and the starters will see at least a series or two but definitely nothing close to a full quarter. Behind Tannehill are Matt Moore and Josh Freeman. Considering the Dolphins lost four of their top five pass catchers from last year (Clay, Wallace, Hartline, and Gibson) I really don’t like this situation. Those players were replaced by Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills, DaVante Parker, and Jordan Cameron but there will always be growing pains in this situation. If you insist on going here you need to target either Moore or Freeman. I like them in that order.
RB Damien Williams – As someone who stashed Williams on their season-long bench last year, I couldn’t be more excited about this pick. Williams is competing with LaMichael James for the backup spot behind Lamar Miller. Williams also returns kicks as a nice little bonus.
WR Rishard Matthews – He has primarily worked with the first team in practice and is vying for a spot in the main rotation this season. There is some concern that Matthews will not have any chemistry with Moore or Freeman but I still like him plenty.
TE Dion Sims – The Dolphins’ offense included several big signings. One of those was TE Jordan Cameron. He should start and play a series or two but I like third-year player Dion Sims here. Sims is having a great camp but still needs to show what he can do on the field in a game that sort of counts.
Chicago
QB: Jimmy Clausen – Starter Jay Cutler is likely to play only sparingly. After that we should see backup Jimmy Clausen for the majority of the remaining snaps. Clausen was unimpressive in his few starts last season and he hasn’t lit the world on fire this offseason. With that being said, there isn’t a veteran on this roster to challenge him and his path to the backup spot is pretty secure. He’s likely to play about 1.5-2 quarters on Thursday.
RB: Jeremy Langford – The Bears added veterans Jacquizz Rodgers and Daniel Thomas in free agency and drafted Jeremy Langford in the fourth round of this year’s draft to compete with Ka’Deem Carey and Senorise Perry to be the team’s No. 2 running back behind Matt Forte. Of the players I mentioned, Rodgers and Langford are the front-runners for the backup spot. The Bears already know what they have with Rodgers. In practice this week Jeremy Langford got some reps with the first team. He’s likely to get 15-20 plays at RB which should be enough to make him a strong play.
WR: Marquess Wilson – Last season Marquess Wilson missed the first nine games with a broken clavicle. He returned to the field to catch one TD which won dinkpiece $1M. Wilson has been impressive so far in camp. He’s competing with Kevin White to fill Brandon Marshall’s role. White is currently injured and unlikely to play on Thursday. That should leave Wilson all the reps he needs to prove his worth.
TE: Zach Miller and Bear Pascoe – They are competing for a roster spot. Martellus Bennett is the obvious starter here and Dante Rosario is a blocking TE and fullback. That means one of Miller or Pascoe won’t make the team. I like them equally but not near as much as I like other TE options mentioned in this article.
Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns
Washington
QB: RGIII – RGIII is likely to play up to a quarter. This is more than you will see from other starters but probably not enough to use him. That really downgrades the outlook for everyone behind Griffin as well. I guess that means I have to recommend Griffin here but I don’t like it. Playing Griffin means we would need a touchdown in the first couple of drives. It could happen though. Also consider: Colt McCoy, Kirk Cousins
RB: Matt Jones – Who? Matt Jones! Who?…Sorry, I was about to burst into a rap song there and I think it was Mike Jones in the song anyways. Matt Jones, the Redskins backup RB looks to prove he can be the eventual heir to Alfred Morris. A good showing on Thursday would go a long way in accomplishing that goal.
WR: Andre Roberts and Ryan Grant -I honestly don’t care for this situation at all. I hate the Redskins offense so much I’m considering using Cleveland as my defense. With that said, we know DeSean Jackson is out and Pierre Garcon is unlikely to play much. That should open some reps for Andre Roberts and Ryan Grant.
TE: Chase Dixon, Je’Ron Hamm, and Devin Mahina -The injury bug has hit Washington’s TEs pretty heavily. Niles Paul had a shoulder MRI, Jordan Reed is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, and Logan Paulsen is likely out with a toe injury. This is bad for the Skins, but good for us. It should open up reps for Dixon, Hamm, and Mahina. I’ve listed them here in the order I like them.
Cleveland
QB: Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel – It pains me to even mention Manziel here. Not only has Manziel been really bad in camp, but he also didn’t throw at practice on Wednesday due to a sore elbow. He is still expected to play, but at this point I’m not sure how much. McKown on the other hand has played great in practice. The problem is that he is starting and may only get a quarter. You can play either of these guys at your own risk but I’m not.
RB: Isaiah Crowell – The Browns RB situation is so ugly they have considered signing Ray Rice. Terrance West has been hampered by a calf strain, and rookie Duke Johnson missed the team’s scrimmage and will miss the preseason opener with a hamstring problem. Cleveland’s injuries have given Isaiah Crowell a chance to seize the starter’s job but he hasn’t been able to do it. I like Crowell here because of the injuries mentioned and also because he needs to perform to fend off a Rice signing.
WR: Andrew Hawkins, Brian Hartline, etc – I’m not 100% sure that the Browns are worried about the distinction of who is a starter and who isn’t in their receiving core. Hopefully we get some clarity on this situation tomorrow. The first five on the Browns WR depth chart are: Hartline, Hawkins, Gabriel Taylor, Bejjamin Travis, and Vince Mayle. Unless a beat writer has a tip about one of these guys I’m staying away from this situation. Also consider: Josh Lenz
TE: E.J. Bibbs – Even though he is buried on the depth chart I don’t mind a shot on E.J. bibs here. This isn’t my favorite play and I won’t have a lot of exposure but I don’t hate it. Also consider: Jim Dray, Rob Housler
Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers
Dallas
QB: Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan and Jameill Showers – The Cowboys already announced that Tony Romo will not play on Thursday. That means Weeden will start and Vaughan and Showers will follow. The big question here is how much will Weeden play? I don’t think he has anything to prove. He is all but guaranteed the backup job this season. I don’t really like Vaughan or Showers I’m just mentioning them here so you know who may be throwing to your WRs if you take someone mentioned below.
RB: Gus Johnson – With Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar nursing injuries, Johnson will get the bulk of the carries when the Cowboys play the San Diego Chargers in their preseason opener Thursday. I’m willing to fall on my sword on this one. Gus Johnson is the best RB play on this slate and there is no excuse to leave him off your team. The only other healthy runners are Fullback Tyler Clutts and Lache Seastrunk. Don’t be stupid, play Gus Johnson!
WR: Lucky Whitehead – The Cowboys signed five undrafted players to battle for the fifth WR spot on the roster. So far, Lucky Whitehead is easily winning that battle. As an added bonus, Whitehead is returning kicks and punts. Also consider: Deontay Greenberry, Nick Harwell
TE: James Hanna and Geoff Swaim -The starters in Dallas are Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar. That won’t change no matter what happens in preseason. After them Hanna and Swaim are fighting for a roster spot. I don’t love either but I guess they are worth mentioning.
San Diego
QB: Kellen Clemens – With Phillip Rivers likely to play only a few series we have to look at his backups fro production. Clemens should get most of the work in this game followed by Brad Sorensen. I’m not in love with either, but this is preseason. Everyone is in play to some extent. Also consider: Brad Sorensen
RB: Melvin Gordon – This pick is contingent on hearing favorable news from the beat writers. The Chargers drafted Gordon with the idea that he would be their starter this year. Danny Woodhead is likely to be the change of pace back. If we hear that Gordon will play more than the quarter allotted to starters, I love him a lot. If not, I will look at Woodhead, Brandon Oliver, or whoever else will see action.
TE: Ladarius Green -Antonio Gates is suspended for the first four games of the season. With this being his likely last season anyways, the Chargers are already working Ladarius Green into a bigger role. It remains to be seen how much we will see Green or Gates on Thursday. Gates doesn’t need the work anyways and Green will be treated like a starter.