This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.
As always, the biggest concern with the preseason is how much playing time players will get. This week, most starters will get more run than they did in Week 1 of preseason, but they'll be pulled anywhere from the mid-first to the mid-second quarter. I will list a mix of choices between veterans and players trying to establish themselves.
Before setting final lineups, be sure to check the RotoWire news to see if there's any last-minute updates regarding playing time/roles. Finally, all players have the same salary during preseason, so you may start any combination of players you wish in any of the site's contests.
QUARTERBACK
Patrick Mahomes, KC at CIN - The rookie had an exciting preseason debut, and that should only encourage him to keep airing it out, especially when he faces second - and third-string defenders. He's the perfect type of QB (athleticism and strong arm) to fare well in preseason.
Deshaun Watson, HOU vs. NE - Don't be surprised to see Watson continue to get it done against a vanilla defense with both his arm and legs. A mobile QB is usually a great fantasy option, and he ran for a score last week.
RUNNING BACK
Joe Mixon, CIN vs. KC - Mixon couldn't have been too happy to see Jeremy Hill get so much work in the first preseason game, but Mixon certainly did his part by turning seven touches into 42 yards. The rookie still has something to prove to decisively take the starting job from Hill.
De'Angelo Henderson, DEN at SF - The rookie did some serious damage against the Chicago backups, rushing for 54 yards and a TD. He should find himself in a similar role again this week against the 49ers, and with backup defenders on the field, he could have a repeat performance.
WIDE RECEIVER
Cooper Kupp, LAR at OAK - Although the stat line didn't bear it out, Kupp looked dynamic in and out of his cuts on pass routes and was able to separate well in the short area of the field. He could find himself being targeted often this week, as the coaching staff and quarterbacks realize how quickly he gets open.
Victor Cruz, CHI at ARZ - Let's face it, Cruz is playing for his football life, and although he only had 11 yards, he scored a TD last week. He should get plenty of playing time against reserve defenders, and the crafty veteran should find a way to make a play or two, especially since he'll have reasonable QB play regardless of when he enters the game.
TIGHT END
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, NYJ at DET - Despite catching just a single pass for seven yards in the preseason opener, Seferian-Jenkins had a great training camp and should be on the field much more than he was last week. In addition, he potentially could be the most consistent receiving option on the team, and it's likely the team wants to help him build chemistry with the quarterbacks before he serves a suspension to start the regular season.
Clive Walford, OAK vs. LAR - In last week's game, Walford looked like a guy who had something to prove, and he does, considering the signing of Jared Cook. After catching three passes for 44 yards last week, a similar performance wouldn't be too much to ask for against the Rams.
DEFENSE
Detroit Lions (vs. NYJ) - This will be a recurring theme this year — play defenses against the Jets. Regardless of which QB is in the game, the defense will be in a position to pile up fantasy points.
Oakland Raiders (vs. LAR) - The Rams didn't score many points last week, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Until they show they can successfully move the football, they are an offense to exploit when selecting a team defense.
