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
Chiefs vs. Saints NFL Preseason DFS Picks
Kansas City Chiefs Targets
Justyn Ross hits my markers regarding his height (6? 4?) and weight (209 lbs). Ross has a young breakout age (18) and a high college target share (23%) attached to his name. Blend in the fact that he has been a human highlight reel in camp, and this first preseason game can be the beginning of something special after being injured all last season.
Another height and weight target is Deneric Prince stands six feet and weighs 216 lbs. Prince has a flash of Zamir White in his game while attached to an organization that always finds hidden gems for the backfield. Prince has been making waves in camp, and we expect that to continue in the game.
Blaine Gabbert is the new backup to Patrick Mahomes and will need time in this game to learn/ execute the offense that comes with the Andy Reid system. Don’t get it twisted; Gabbert has sneaky athleticism, as he was the third most athletic quarterback in his class of 14 QBs. He has shades of Jay Cutler in his game and in a preseason game where he is tied to an Andy Reid offense, take that shot.
New Orleans Saints Targets
Another player who lands in my height markers is A.T. Perry stands at 6’3. Perry also runs a 4.47 40-yard dash. Perry needs a good game as someone fighting for the fourth wide receiver slot. Motivation and talent combine for fantasy gold in your lineup.
Yes, It’s 2023, and we recommend Jimmy Graham if he plays. Why would we do this? Well, we have seen him dominate the league for years. He is a monster of a man as he stands at 6’6 and weighs 259 lbs. Graham needs the reps as he didn’t play in the NFL last season, and he will see those reps as he is further down the depth chart behind Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. Athletic tight ends should always be a target, especially in an offense where every quarterback on the depth chart loves targeting that position.
Bryan Edwards has made a few waves recently in training camp while fighting for a roster spot. Edwards hits our model’s height and weight markers (6’3/212 lbs). Let’s hope his scarce breakout age (17.8) and flashes of Corey Davis‘ play style resurface like a Phoenix from the ashes, leading us to fantasy success in this game!
**Always remember to consider both teams’ defenses in the preseason as the rules change compared to the regular season.**
49ers vs. Raiders NFL Preseason DFS Picks
San Francisco 49ers Targets
Trey Lance (QB – SF)
This could be a make-or-break preseason for Lance. He needs to go out and prove he was worth the 49ers trading up to get him, or at least show another team he’s worth being traded for. Brock Purdy is doubtful to play, so Lance and Sam Darnold should split the two halves of this game.
Las Vegas Raiders Targets
Zamir White (RB – LV)
With no Josh Jacobs for possibly the entire preseason, Zamir White has a chance to cement the backup role and, if Jacobs’ holdout goes into the season, be the starter. White had a memorable performance in the Hall of Fame Game last year when he had ten carries for 40 yards and added 23 receiving yards on three catches. That was with Jacobs getting the start, so White should have a heavier workload in this game.
Michael Mayer (TE – LV)
Mayer was one of the top tight ends taken in this year’s draft. The rookie out of Notre Dame has excellent hands and can shed tackles. Austin Hooper is above him on the depth chart, but Mayer is in a great position to prove he’s the TE1.
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