This article will cover the Thursday preseason DFS slate, and our main goal will be to identify players who will a) see quite a bit of playing time and b) who have a chance to excel. There are two important things to remember before finalizing your lineup:
1. Players are frequently deactivated, and often for no reason, 90 minutes before kickoff. This article will be written many hours before the inactive list comes out. It is recommended that you check the latest news page on RotoWire an hour before kickoff to make sure you players are active.
2. All salaries are the same for players during preseason.
My philosophy when handicapping players in the second week of preseason is that there are two types of players who tend to see significant action — second-string players battling for a job and rookies who need to be evaluated. Unlike next week's games, when starters usually play more than a half, we're still at the point where most backups will see the most playing time.
QUARTERBACK
Brett Hundley (Cardinals vs. Raiders) - Don't expect the coaching staff to roll out the air raid offense until the regular season, but we should see Hundley get a quite a bit of work with wide receivers who are fighting to earn roster spots and starting roles. In limited action last week, he passed for 104 yards and a TD and rushed for 14 yards. He could easily improve upon that this week.
Honorable mention: DeShone Kizer (Packers vs. Ravens)
RUNNING BACK
Elijah McGuire (Jets vs. Falcons) - Not only did McGuire work as a runner last week, but, more important, he caught six of seven targets. As he battles for a reserve role with Trenton Cannon, he should continue to have enough opportunity to be a strong producer this week, and his above average speed and explosiveness should help him post solid stats.
Dexter Williams (Packers vs. Ravens) - Williams is trying to show the Packers' coaching staff that he's the best choice to back up Aaron Jones this season. In the first preseason game, he showed off his 86th percenile explosiveness and 78th percentile agility when posting 62 yards on the ground and 18 yards as a receiver. As he again plays against backup defenders this week, he should get enough touches to have another productive performance.
Honorable mention: Justice Hill (Ravens vs. Packers)
WIDE RECEIVER
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (Eagles vs. Jaguars) - The rookie got his feet wet with four targets last week, but between his huge frame and 88th percentile speed, he clearly looked like he belonged on an NFL field. As the coaching staff tries to determine if the rookie is ready for a significant role in the offense this year, he should see another game in which he competes for the team lead in targets.
Miles Boykin (Ravens vs. Packers) - You'll be hard-pressed to find a better athlete on an NFL field, as Boykin is above the 90th percentile in speed, agility and explosiveness. But even better than his physical ability, he saw an impressive nine targets last week, and it's clear the Ravens want to get him ready to contribute Week 1. Even if he doesn't match the nine targets again, he should be busy, and don't be surprised to see him break off a big play.
Trent Sherfield (Cardinals vs. Raiders) - Down the stretch last year, we saw that Sherfield can produce at the NFL level, but he still finds himself competing for a secure spot on a crowded WR depth chart. In the preseason opener, he had five targets, catching four for 44 yards and a TD. With agility and speed that are well above average, all he'll need is to keep seeing targets to come through for fantasy.
Honorable mention: J'Mon Moore (Packers vs. Ravens)
TIGHT END
Ricky Seals-Jones (Cardinals vs. Raiders) - There wasn't a TE who really stood out this week, but Seals-Jones as 68th percentile speed and with him listed as third on the depth chart, he's officially fighting for a roster spot and will need to shine to help his status with the team.
Honorable mention: Chris Herndon (Jets vs. Falcons)
DEFENSE
(Bengals vs. Washington) - Few teams project to be as bad on offense this year as Washington, and that's enough to endorse the Bengals defense this week.
Honorable mention: Cardinals (vs. Raiders)
