We have hit on several NFL Preseason DFS picks this month, but it’s admittedly been difficult to put it all together at the same time on the same night. I won’t say it will become any easier on Thursday, when we get a 2-game slate without much certainty in front of us.
In fact, all that we actually know for sure is that most (if not all) of the starters for all four teams involved are going to sit or be extremely limited. Even the top backups could be riskier than usual, as teams start to finalize their rosters with an eye toward the 2025 regular season.
That said, a few plays to stand out above the rest and make the cut for my Thursday night NFL Preseason DFS core:
QB: Jaxson Dart (Giants)
The New York Giants starters are not expected to play much, if at all. The team also doesn’t really need to see much more from Jameis Winston and Tommy De Vito is unlikely to make this team. Logically, we should see a ton of Jaxson Dart, even though he already seems to be quite good.
Dart has looked solid in preseason action so far and he offers some nice rushing ability. I anticipate 2+ quarters, making him the top QB play of the slate.
I also have interest in Josh Dobbs and Bryce Perkins. New England shouldn’t play Drake Maye, so we could see a half of Dobbs, who was solid last game and also offers a rushing floor. Ditto for Perkins, who is the reigning UFL MVP. The only issue there is he was (very) recently signed, but the Panthers could be without both Bryce Young and Andy Dalton, so he could still play a lot.
Jack Plummer is also in play due to CAR likely sitting two passers. He’s in play due to sheer field time (likely 2+ quarters), but I don’t feel great about it.
RB: Shane Watts (Patriots)
Watts was inefficient with his touches last game, but he toted the rock 10 times. He will likely split work with JaMycal Hasty (also in play), but with Hasty probably garnering much more ownership, Watts is a fun pivot.
Watts faced very weak competition in college, but he’s a good athlete with nice versatility and was very productive last year.
The New York RB room is also appealing, depending on who plays. Cam Skattebo is fine if he’s active, but if he’s out or limited, it could easily be the Dante Miller Show again.
Trevor Etienne is another rock solid option, with the Panthers likely sitting Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. RB is kind of a mess beyond these guys, though, so I am probably only playing the required two.
WR: John Jiles (Patriots)
New England is likely sitting most of their key players and a lot of their secondary options are banged up. This should mean a ton of field time for guys like John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb. I don’t mind pairing them together, but Jiles was more productive last week so he has the leg up for me.
New York and Carolina pass catchers are also in play, depending on who is active. Beaux Collins had an 80-yard catch last week, so his explosiveness could make him a fine stacking option with Dart. I also like Dontrell Washington if you’re looking for a Giants WR.
Jimmy Horn Jr. and Brycen Tremayne also look good for CAR. The Panthers are banged up at WR so these two youngsters should get some nice playing time. Neither are a definite lock to make the team, but between the two, Treymayne is the safer bet to see the field more.
Tight end and Defense are a crapshoot. I’d just be using a defense against a high owned offense I’m not using; ie, if you aren’t playing a chalky Dart, use the defense he’s facing.
I don’t feel amazing about any of the TEs. I said in my video that the two Giants guys (Fidone and Dulcich) look the best, but that’s not saying a lot. Carolina’s Mitchell Evans should also get a good amount of playing time, but again, nothing amazing to see here.
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