Sunday features an exciting NFL preseason DFS game between the Texans and Saints. In terms of NFL DFS, this unique single-game lineup operates similarly to a regular showdown, albeit with a few nuances. Notably, during the preseason, all players are priced the same. Given the uncertainty surrounding playing time for various skill positions, kickers and defenses tend to emerge as the most favorable choices. This analysis will explore the best Texans-Saints DFS plays for Preseason Week 3 Sunday Night Football.
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NFL Preseason DFS Picks: Best Texans-Saints NFL DFS Picks
Texans Defense
The Texans are 2.5-point underdogs, but they will face backup quarterback play for the entire game, with Derek Carr sitting out. Defenses accrue points for the entire game, while most skill positions players will only play a portion. Behind the guaranteed playing time and turnover happiness of the preseason, defenses are high floor/high ceiling DFS targets.
Saints Defense
The same analysis applies to the Saints defense. They are favored despite C.J. Stroud projected to play two drives, but they are a similar to play Houston.
Ka’imi Fairbairn (Kicker)
New Orleans still has a kicker battle on their hands, while Houston only has Ka’imi Fairbairn on the roster. Like defenses, kickers accrue points over the duration of a game, whereas skill players do not.
Jameis Winston & Jake Haener (Quarterback)
With Carr not playing, Jameis Winston will start this game before rookie Jake Haener closes it out. Winston provides borderline NFL-starter talent, giving him a slight edge over Haener. Ultimately, both expect to play a quarter, making them the top 2 quarterback plays on the slate.
Davis Mills (Quarterback)
Stroud expects to play for two series, leaving a little less for Davis Mills and Case Keenum to clean up. Keenum recently returned to practice but had been battling injury. Mills played 28 snaps last time out and should get the first opportunity after Stroud.
Ellis Merriweather (Quarterback)
New Orleans projects to sit their starters, including Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. Further narrowing the situation, Kirk Merritt and Darrel Williams missed practice on Aug. 24. Even Kendre Miller has been in out of practice this week. While some of these players may suit up, Ellis Merriweather is the healthiest back by a wide margin.
Mike Boone (Running Back)
The Texans will play starters briefly, but Mike Boone should still be in line for decent opportunity. Last week he played 28 snaps, dwarfing any other Houston back. This still only amounted to five carries, but he should be the favorite for attempts.
A.T. Perry & Jontre Kirklin (Wide Receiver)
Due to various injuries and veteran rest, New Orleans could have as few as five receivers active. Of this group, A.T. Perry and Jontre Kirklin have been the most utilized. Last week, Kirklin slightly edged Perry in snaps 46-33. Both could see further increases due to the injuries. Behind them, Kawaan Baker, Shaquan Davis and Keith Kirkwood should be considered, in that order.
Tank Dell (Wide Receiver)
Houston projects to play with 11 receivers. This puts every pass catcher behind the New Orleans top five. However, for those taking a shot, Tank Dell should get some run with Stroud before some cleanup with Mills. Just make sure he is active, as Houston held him out last week as a precaution.
Lucas Krull (Tight End)
New Orleans held out Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau last week with the other starters, and Taysom Hill and Jesse James have been injured. Jimmy Graham did return to practice, but his veteran status also puts his availability up in the air. Last week, Lucas Krull ran 27 routes, compared to 11 for J.P. Holtz. They are the top two tight ends on the slate, with a strong preference to Krull.
