The first of four Week 3 NFL preseason DFS slates has two games on Thursday. Preseason DFS differs from traditional NFL DFS because playing time is everything. Let’s look at every team’s roster on Thursday’s slate to gather the most actionable information for NFL preseason DFS. Every position is written in preferential order for NFL DFS picks, starting with Anthony Richardson, who for real is going to play today.
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NFL DFS Picks: Full Thursday NFL DFS Slate
NFL DFS Picks: Quarterback
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis) — Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will start. The playing time is undetermined, and Shane Steichen said that the starters will play on a case-by-case basis. Still, Richardson’s rushing upside is enough to target in preseason DFS.
Mitch Trubisky (Pittsburgh) — Mike Tomlin noted that the Pittsburgh starters will play until they get a level of satisfaction. This could mean one series or one half. Behind Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky will presumably come off the bench first. Last week he played 29 snaps, which led the position. With that said, Pickett could also see as much as a half, giving him upside as well
Tanner McKee (Philadelphia) — Philadelphia only played two quarterbacks last week, giving Marcus Mariota 27 snaps and Tanner McKee 36. With each player likely to receive up to a half, this is one of the more projectable situations on this two-game slate.
Logan Woodside (Atlanta) — By far the most volatile situation on the slate, Atlanta only played Logan Woodside in Week 1. This amounted to 54 snaps. In Week 2, he only played 17 snaps, while Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke checked in with 17 and 41 snaps. The Falcons have not specified what they will do in this game.
NFL DFS Picks: Running Back
Godwin Igwebuike (Atlanta) — The most appealing running back room on the slate, Atlanta has basically used two running backs all preseason. Godwin Igwebuike has played 49 snaps, while Carlos Washington Jr. has played 57. Both are elite plays on this slate.
Kennedy Brooks (Philadelphia) — Philadelphia has funneled most of its snaps to Kennedy Brooks and Trey Sermon this preseason. To be exact, Brooks has played 41 snaps, while Sermon has played 47. However, Brooks out-snapped Sermon 28-18 in Week 2.
Jake Funk (Indianapolis) — Indianapolis has spread its snaps across five backs this preseason. Of this group, Jake Funk leads the way with 35 snaps, which ranks narrowly ahead of Evan Hull at 34.
Anthony McFarland (Pittsburgh) — The Steelers have the most crowded running back room on the slate, so they are likely to suit up six backs. While the starters might not play a lot, they will still siphon some snaps. With that said, Anthony McFarland has led the team with 21 and 25 snaps in the first two preseason games.
NFL DFS Picks: Wide Receiver
Joseph Ngata (Philadelphia) — There is a good chance that Philadelphia will trot out the fewest receivers in preseason Week 3 on Thursday. The starters are not expected to play, and Quez Watkins, Britain Covey and Greg Ward Jr. all continue to deal with injuries. Joseph Ngata has played 60 and 36 snaps through two preseason games. Aside from Ngata, Devon Allen and Deon Cain played 39 and 30 snaps in Week 2, which should put them into play for GPPs.
Gunner Olszewski (Pittsburgh) — Even with the Steelers playing their starters in both preseason games, they have still fed Gunner Olszewski 31 and 51 snaps through two games. Honestly, the next-closest player came in with 32 snaps last week. For those taking a shot on another receiver, Dez Fitzpatrick makes the most sense after playing 19 and 22 snaps.
Josh Ali (Atlanta) — The Falcons project to play this game with nine active receivers, assuming the starters see some snaps. If they sit or play briefly, Atlanta could become one of the better receiver rooms on the slate. KhaDarel Hodge and Penny Hart also missed practice on Aug. 22, potentially narrowing the receiver room further. Of the available receivers on the roster, Josh Ali and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside lead with 38 snaps, and Keilahn Harris has played 35 snaps over the last two weeks as well.
Juwann Winfree (Indianapolis) — Indianapolis could have up to 13 available receivers if Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce see the field. However, this team still fed Juwann Winfree 46 snaps in preseason Week 2. For those taking a shot on this situation, Winfree looks like the player most likely to pace the team in snaps.
NFL DFS Picks: Tight End
Darnell Washington (Pittsburgh) — Pittsburgh only has five tight ends on the roster right now. Of this group, Darnell Washington offers the most upside. He now has 54 snaps and 25 routes this preseason, which lead the team.
Tyree Jackson (Philadelphia) — Dallas Goedert does not expect to play, leaving Philadelphia with five tight ends. They have split snaps and routes somewhat evenly to this point. However, Tyree Jackson leads the group with 31 routes so far. Dan Arnold checks in with 26, so he could be an interesting option as well.
Parker Hesse (Atlanta) — Parker Hesse has dominated snaps for Atlanta this preseason with 72. While that has only amounted to 22 routes, he still leads the position. Atlanta does not appear to have much interest in sending its tight ends out for routes this preseason, but Hesse should lead the group.
Will Mallory (Indianapolis) — Indianapolis has nine tight ends on its roster. The only one continuing to miss practice is Jelani Woods. Even if some of the cut candidates sit out, this rotation could be a disaster. Will Mallory paced the team with 15 routes, for those willing to take a shot.
