The NFL returns on Sunday with a showdown NFL preseason DFS slate. For DFS purposes, this single-game slate functions like a normal showdown, with a few intricacies. For preseason, every player has the same price. Due to uncertain playing time across the skill positions, kickers and defenses generally grade out as the top plays. This breakdown will dive into the top options ahead of the Saints-Chargers game.
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NFL Preseason DFS Picks: Best Saints-Chargers NFL DFS Picks
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Saints Defense
The Saints are 3.5-point favorites over the Chargers. Both defenses are solid options because they will accrue points over the entire game. New Orleans also benefits from facing backup quarterbacks for all 60 minutes.
Chargers Defense
The Chargers defense benefits from the same game environment factors as the Saints. However, it will face slightly better quarterback play, with Derek Carr and Jameis Winston both expected to play. Typically, kickers come in right behind defenses on the NFL preseason showdown slates. However, each of these teams has a true quarterback battle on their hands.
Max Duggan (Quarterback)
Max Duggan and Easton Stick both played a half last week. That only led to 23 snaps for Duggan, but he rushed four times on his limited sample.
Easton Stick (Quarterback)
Stick is not the same rusher as Duggan, but he projects to play about a half. He took 41 snaps last week.
Jameis Winston (Quarterback)
After a Carr cameo appearance, Jameis Winston and rookie Jake Haener both played 31 snaps last week. Winston has more NFL experience, giving him a slight edge, but both are strong plays.
Isaiah Spiller (Running Back)
Los Angeles only projects to use four running backs, with Tyler Hoosman injured and Austin Ekeler getting veteran treatment. Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley continue to battle for the backup job. Spiller out-snapped Kelley 23-19 last week, but both are quality DFS options.
Ellis Merriweather (Running Back)
New Orleans returned Kirk Merritt from injury and signed Darrel Williams this week. This puts the backfield count at six. Ellis Merriweather did play 30 snaps last week, but Kendre Miller left the game early due to injury. He is riskier than the Los Angeles backs but highlights the Saints backfield.
Keelan Doss (Wide Receiver)
The Chargers will have eight receivers, and starters will not play. Jalen Guyton and Darrius Shepherd are injured. Last week, Keelan Doss led this group with 47 snaps, catching three of four targets for 39 scoreless yards. Next to him, Terrell Bynum played 45 snaps. It should be noted that John Hightower did not suit up last week and should be interesting in GPPs. The final options to consider are Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis, who played 20 and 25 snaps apiece.
A.T. Perry (Wide Receiver)
The Saints will have nine active receivers, but Rashid Shaheed and Tre’Quan Smith do not project to suit up. A.T. Perry played 28 snaps, catching all six of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Only Bryan Edwards outsnapped him with 34. Behind these top two, Kawaan Baker and Lynn Bowden are the next most interesting players.
Lucas Krull (Tight End)
Tight ends typically only enter the NFL preseason showdown conversation in the largest of slates. With that said, Lucas Krull highlights that group after missing last week. Taysom Hill, Jesse James and Jimmy Graham all project to miss this game, reducing the available snaps for the other tight ends.
Donald Parham (Tight End)
Surprisingly, the Chargers trotted out Donald Parham for 22 snaps and 11 routes in Week 1. He caught his only target for 13 yards but is the most talented actual tight end who will see the field.
