NFL football is finally back. And yes, the preseason counts as real football. The news. The stories. The starters playing one series. The backups vying for roster spots. The veterans clinging to their football lives playing deep into games. The rookies getting their first taste of real action. It’s all so beautiful. And when it comes to preseason DFS, all of that stuff matters. As DBro says, “preseason DFS is gawd’s game.”
Preseason DFS may be for the true degens, but it’s also for those trying to cash in on soft lines from DFS sites. And if you’re following our NFL News Desk and chatting with experts like DBro in the FantasyPros Discord, you’ll have all the information you need to gain an edge over the other degens. In this series of articles, we’re providing our top targets from every team, for every matchup throughout the preseason. In addition to the picks we’re providing, be sure to check out DBro’s Guide to NFL Preseason DFS for help determining your overall strategy.
- How to Approach NFL Preseason DFS
- 2023 NFL Training Camp News for Every Team
- Fitz’s Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
Commanders vs. Browns NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Cleveland Browns Targets
Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB – CLE)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson was efficient on the ground and in the air in the Hall of Fame Game. The rookie out of UCLA played the entire second and looked confident in his first NFL action. I don’t doubt the Browns will go with a similar plan with his playing time, so look for Thompson-Robinson to get the opportunity to excel.
What a night for Browns Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson ?
8/11 Passing ?
118 Total Yards ?
1 Touchdown ?
pic.twitter.com/1rhJLUKPH9— Personal Corner (@personalcorner) August 4, 2023
The third-round rookie made some impressive plays in that game against the Jets. He certainly caught the eye of one of the greats.
Cedric Tillman is reportedly thought to be the “best young receiver” to enter the NFL in the past 15 years by Randy Moss (HOF WR).
Moss also said it’s “not even close” and that every owner in the NFL should be “pissed” they passed on him.
Tillman led the Browns in receiving in… pic.twitter.com/xLhOD4LEwJ
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 5, 2023
He certainly stands to be in the mix with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to be the top receivers in this offense, and with a game under his belt, he will be more involved in Game 2.
Washington Commanders Targets
With Sam Howell, the presumable starter, and Jacoby Brissett as the backup, these two will likely play very little, if at all. Jake Fromm is the only other quarterback listed on the depth chart, so he can see ample playing time. He does have some starting experience, stepping in for the Giants in 2021.
Steelers vs. Buccaneers NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Pittsburgh Steelers Targets
Mason Rudolph figures to get some of the snaps in the first preseason game. Rudolph recently said that he’s had the most fun he’s ever had in preseason. However, he also knows that rookie QB Tanner Morgan is trying to win that third quarterback spot on the roster. Rudolph is going to have to bring it. He’s fighting for his job with the Steelers this preseason.
When Rudolph gets reps at quarterback, Calvin Austin III will likely be out there as a receiver. Austin III is likely the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart for the Steelers. He’s a speedy threat and has Kenny Pickett looking in his direction often in practice. That means he’s getting open. Look for Austin III to shine in this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Targets
On the other hand, the Buccaneers released a depth chart with Sean Tucker listed as the sixth running back. The undrafted free agent rushed for 3182 yards in three seasons with Syracuse. He also added 31 touchdowns in 33 games throughout his career with the Orange. Tucker will prove he belongs on the 53-man roster when he gets his chance. He’s been getting reps at the goalline in practice.
Falcons vs. Dolphins NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Atlanta Falcons & Miami Dolphins Targets
The Dolphins have all the speed you could ever want for a fantasy team. Speed allows simple passes and gets you a lot of yards. Although Mike McDaniel is still unsure whether any starters will play in the first preseason game, Skylar Thompson will probably get at least half of the reps in this game at quarterback. Thompson appeared in seven games last year for the Dolphins and only had a 27.2 QBR. He threw just one touchdown in seven games and completed just 60 passes for 105 yards.
But that experience for Thompson will only help him move forward. He’s also got some tremendous playmakers, including Erik Ezukanma and De’Von Achane. Reports state that Ezukanma has had a nice camp and is fighting for the third WR spot on the depth chart. Meanwhile, De’Von Achane is super speedy and capable of catching passes out of the backfield. I’d stack those Dolphins together.
Giants vs. Lions NFL Preseason DFS Picks
New York Giants Targets
Eric Gray (RB – NYG)
Gray is an exciting running back prospect the Giants went after in the draft. Great footwork, can burst to get into the secondary and is an excellent pass catcher. He will be the running back that should see the most snaps in this game and fits well in the Giants’ offensive scheme.
Eric Gray run #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/c4418IbZrb
— The Giant Take Podcast (@TheGiantTakePod) July 31, 2023
Detroit Lions Targets
Adrian Martinez (QB – DET)
The Lions will not likely play their starters, and with Hendon Hooker still injured from the torn ACL he suffered at Tennesee, it should be Nate Sudfeld and Adrian Martinez that will trade snaps behind center. This is an important game for Martinez because he could become the odd man out at quarterback and is likely playing for his next landing spot. He’s shown to be an excellent two-way player, and you’ll see him be able to move the chains with his feet and arm in this game.
Sam LaPorta (TE – DET)
Sam LaPorta has looked great throughout camp, and he’s already established a connection with Jared Goff. The rookie out of Iowa has the chance to be an important part of this offense, and he should establish that groundwork tonight.
Sam LaPorta will be good at football this year pic.twitter.com/FOBHMzKkO7
— John “Supi” Supowitz (@ImThatSupi) August 6, 2023
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