This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
Throughout preseason, playing time is nearly impossible to predict, as coaches typically don't divulge how many snaps a player will get. However, this week most teams will play their starters the first half, and many will play them a series or two in the third quarter. That allows us to make more educated guesses than we've been able to make the past couple weeks. Regardless, be sure to check the Rotowire player news before submitting your final lineup in case anything is made public at the last minute.
The Thursday slate is just two games, so player choices are limited, but as has been the case all preseason, all player salaries are the same, allowing you to choose any combination of players you'd like.
QUARTERBACK
Carson Wentz, PHI vs. MIA - Although Wentz hasn't seen much playing time this preseason, he's completed 10-of-13 passes for 112 yards and a TD and has looked sharp. He'll almost certainly see his first extended action Thursday against a Dolphins defense that's far from imposing. In addition, he should be given opportunities to build chemistry by targeting Alshon Jeffery downfield. Wentz appears to be the best QB play on the board.
Jay Cutler, MIA at PHI - Cutler threw just six passes in his preseason debut last week, but he leaned heavily on DeVante Parker. Given more playing time this week, he'll likely throw a deep pass or two to his new favorite WR as he faces an Eagles secondary that should be improved from 2016, but is still vulnerable to opposing passing attacks.
RUNNING BACK
Christian McCaffrey, CAR at JAX - Anyone who was unsure about what McCaffrey brings to the table should have a good idea after he turned five touches into 72 yards and a touchdown last week. Although the Jaguars project to be a solid defense this year, Doug Martin ripped them for six yards per carry and a TD last week while catching a pair of passes for 11 yards. This looks like a strong matchup for the rookie.
Chris Ivory, JAX vs. CAR - The Jaguars will be without Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon this week, so Ivory should be the focal point of the rushing attack against the Panthers. Although Tennessee's Derrick Henry was held to fewer than three yards per carry last week by Carolina, he scored a pair of touchdowns, and among the other RBs playing on this slate, Ivory appears to be the second-best option.
WIDE RECEIVER
Alshon Jeffery, PHI vs. MIA - Carson Wentz has been excellent in limited preseason action, and after starting to build chemistry with Jeffery last week, the duo should continue working together in extended action. Jeffery had a team-high five targets last week and should have little trouble beating the Miami secondary this week. Stacking Wentz with him is a sound strategy.
DeVante Parker, MIA at PHI - As soon as Jay Cutler stepped on the field, it became apparent that he's the same QB who's always peppered his alpha receiver with targets. Although Parker caught just one pass, he had a big gain negated by penalty, and he had multiple targets fired to him downfield. With another week of practice under the duo's belts, Parker could easily make a big play, making him worthy of a DFS roster spot.
TIGHT END
Zach Ertz, PHI vs. MIA - There are really just two viable TEs this week, but regardless, Ertz makes for a strong play, especially since Carson Wentz has been excellent in limited action this month. With the starters likely seeing the field for a half, Alshon Jeffery can't see all of the targets, and Ertz is Wentz's second-best option. He could easily see enough targets to be the top TE on this slate.
Greg Olsen, JAX vs. CAR - Although Cam Newton is expected to play, it's unclear as to how long he'll be on the field. Regardless, Olsen is always an excellent lineup choice, especially on a two-game slate.
KICKER
Caleb Sturgis, PHI vs. MIA - If we're gonna recommend the Eagles to move the football, then their kicker should be busy as well. Should the starters score TDs instead of FGs, the second-string offense could potentially set Sturgis up for a late FG or two.
Graham Gano, CAR at JAX - The Panthers should move the football on the Jaguars, and since Gano has the ability to hit from long range, he could find himself on the field more than some other kickers on this small slate of games.
DEFENSE
Carolina Panthers at JAX - The QB situation has become a joke with the Jaguars, and do we need any better reason than that to promote the Panthers as the top play on Thursday?
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. CAR - Since the list of recommended players is littered with Eagles and Dolphins, that basically rules out those defenses on a four-team slate. However, with Cam Newton looking to knock off some rust, the Jaguars' defense certainly has the ability to make some noise by picking off a pass or two, and possibly getting into the sack column.
