DraftKings NFL: Thursday Preseason Picks

DraftKings NFL: Thursday Preseason Picks

This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.

It's the third week of preseason action, which means most of the regular starters will be playing two full quarters, if not three. At least that's the hope for daily fantasy, and that's the route I'll take with my lineup starting with a quarterback who has looked smooth in the first two games.

QUARTERBACK

Carson Wentz, PHI vs. MIA - Wentz didn't see a ton of action in the first two games but was still effective, going 10-of-13 for 112 yards and a touchdown. With more work and Alshon Jeffery also seeing more time, Wentz is the easiest play for Thursday against a beatable Dolphins secondary that was just scorched for 31 points by the Ravens.

RUNNING BACK

Corey Grant, JAX vs. CAR - Grant isn't a starter, but with Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon both out, he should see plenty of action. Grant was Jacksonville's best running back in the first two games with Chris Ivory running into the line on almost every attempt. The bigger reason I'm going after Grant is the Panthers' run defense has been gashed for close to 150 yards per game in the first two contests.

Christian McCaffrey, CAR at JAX -
McCaffrey is a bit easier to trust as he'll see more time and also will have Cam Newton back under center. It also wouldn't be surprising if McCaffrey saw more work in the passing game after 10 carries and two receptions in the first two.

WIDE RECEIVER

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR at JAX - I'll keep it going against this Jaguars defense that won't be at full strength with A.J. Bouye out again. Jalen Ramsey could play, but returning recently from injury, likely won't be on the field more than Benjamin. The hope is that Newton focuses in on Benjamin in his return to the field. Benjamin had a couple catches in each of the first two games and a touchdown.

Allen Robinson, JAX vs. CAR -
I watched the Jaguars-Bucs game last week (not for fun) and it was clear Blake Bortles and Chad Henne wanted to make Robinson happy. Either that, or they just couldn't get to the next receiving option, which is more than possible. The Panthers' secondary is still an issue and Robinson should see time with both quarterbacks.

DeVante Parker, MIA at PHI -
I wanted to use at least one Dolphin, as the Eagles had trouble holding down their first two opponents. The Dolphins haven't gotten much done in the passing game yet, but the hope is that Jay Cutler airs it out a bit more, which would lead to more looks for Parker, who only has two catches in the preseason.

TIGHT END

Zach Ertz, PHI vs. MIA - Greg Olsen was my other option, but I'll go with Ertz, who could capitalize with Wentz in extended time. The other thing is that Jeffery still might not play as much as the other guys due to his penchant for getting hurt.

FLEX

Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR at JAX - With only two games Thursday, the options aren't deep, but Artis-Payne should at least get touches. The Panthers know what Jonathan Stewart can do, so Artis-Payne will hopefully get time once McCaffrey is done.

DEFENSE

Philadelphia Eagles vs. MIA - I'm not confident in any of these defenses and even had the Panthers here before deciding on Philly against Cutler and company. The Dolphins have had trouble moving the ball early due to an ineffective offensive line and that will temper Cutler's output yet again.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Adam Zdroik plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: zdroik, DraftKings: rotozdroik, Yahoo: StreakMaster.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Zdroik
Adam, a 2019, 2018 and 2017 Finalist for FSWA's Soccer Writer of the Year, is RotoWire's soccer editor. He also runs RotoWire's Bracketology, as well as writes on other various college basketball content. He has 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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