DraftKings NFL: Thursday Preseason Picks

DraftKings NFL: Thursday Preseason Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.

The second week of the NFL preseason brings more work for the regular starters, which means one of the most-hyped younger QBs should be looked at for Thursday's games. Jameis Winston is the quarterback in question that should see close to two quarters of work after playing in two series against the Bengals last week.

QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston, TB at JAX: Winston played a decent amount last week, finishing 9-of-13 for 99 yards, most of that on a 14-play opening drive. With more time expected, Winston should be a lock for at least 100 yards. The Jaguars had issues with the methodical Patriots last week, giving up 310 passing yards and Winston could present a similar issue.

RUNNING BACK

Joe Banyard, BUF at PHI: This probably won't be a popular pick, but it could turn out to be a profitable one. Jonathan Williams injured his hamstring last game and I doubt the Bills will push him to get more carries in this one, while they'll need a healthy and rested LeSean McCoy in the regular season. Up next is Banyard, the expected third running back on the team, who led Buffalo with five carries against the Vikings in Week 1.

Corey Grant, JAX vs. TB:
I'm all about Grant this week with Leonard Fournette unlikely due to injury. The Jaguars are plenty familiar with Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon, which means Grant could get another decent workload after rolling for 120 yards on eight carries last

The second week of the NFL preseason brings more work for the regular starters, which means one of the most-hyped younger QBs should be looked at for Thursday's games. Jameis Winston is the quarterback in question that should see close to two quarters of work after playing in two series against the Bengals last week.

QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston, TB at JAX: Winston played a decent amount last week, finishing 9-of-13 for 99 yards, most of that on a 14-play opening drive. With more time expected, Winston should be a lock for at least 100 yards. The Jaguars had issues with the methodical Patriots last week, giving up 310 passing yards and Winston could present a similar issue.

RUNNING BACK

Joe Banyard, BUF at PHI: This probably won't be a popular pick, but it could turn out to be a profitable one. Jonathan Williams injured his hamstring last game and I doubt the Bills will push him to get more carries in this one, while they'll need a healthy and rested LeSean McCoy in the regular season. Up next is Banyard, the expected third running back on the team, who led Buffalo with five carries against the Vikings in Week 1.

Corey Grant, JAX vs. TB:
I'm all about Grant this week with Leonard Fournette unlikely due to injury. The Jaguars are plenty familiar with Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon, which means Grant could get another decent workload after rolling for 120 yards on eight carries last game. This is also the same guy that ran for 122 yards in Week 17 last season, so we know he can produce in this league.

WIDE RECEIVER

Mike Evans, TB at JAX: It was evident that Winston and Evans couldn't wait to return to the field in the first preseason game as Evans was targeted five times, twice in the red zone. If both get two quarters, I like them to finally connect in the end zone, which is good enough in preseason fantasy.

Mack Hollins, PHI vs. BUF:
I needed to get at least one receiver from the Eagles after they threw it 54 times last game. Without Jordan Matthews, Carson Wentz's top target last season, someone else will have to step up. Hollins got the touchdown from Wentz last week and could see a lot of time with the first unit.

Andre Holmes, BUF at PHI:
Tyrod Taylor's first four passes were to Sammy Watkins last week and he's gone. Now with Jordan Matthews hurt, Taylor will have to throw to someone. Zay Jones is on the list, as well, but he only saw eight snaps against the Vikings. Holmes should start, and he at least got one target from Taylor last week.

TIGHT END

Cameron Brate, TB at JAX: And here's yet another Buccaneer I'll use in the passing game. Winston was solid last week and it's already been said that O.J. Howard will work mostly as a blocker early on. Brate had two catches on the first drive last game and is one of the few tight ends I'd consider Thursday.

FLEX

Donnel Pumphrey, PHI vs. BUF: I'm hoping the Eagles get their ground game going a little bit more after just 47 yards on 19 carries last time out. Pumphrey still needs to prove himself with Wendell Smallwood close behind on the depth chart. Last game, Pumphrey had four carries and five receptions, albeit for 17 total yards.

DEFENSE

Baltimore Ravens at MIA: After allowing three points to the Redskins in their first preseason game, the Ravens is the only defense to consider Thursday. The Ravens get an offense that will be working in Jay Cutler, who wasn't in the league two weeks ago. And while the Dolphins scored 23 points, one of their touchdowns was 99 yards and they only mustered 2.7 yards per carry on the ground.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Zdroik
Adam, a multiple-time finalist for FSWA's Soccer Writer of the Year, is RotoWire's soccer editor. He runs RotoWire's Bracketology and partakes in various NFL content. He previously worked at ESPN and Sporting Kansas City, and he is a former Streak for the Cash winner and Michigan State graduate.
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