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.
QUARTERBACK
Matt Ryan, ATL vs. ARI - Ryan has looked fantastic in limited preseason action, completing four of six passes for 57 yards last week. He should get Julio Jones back this week, and even if Jones plays sparingly, Ryan should be in position to continue his strong preseason, especially at home on a fast track.
Jameis Winston, TB vs. CLE - Even though Winston threw a red-zone interception last week, he's been masterful in moving the ball up and down the field the last two weeks. He's spread the ball around but also targeted Mike Evans often. The Bucs appear to have a really good offense, and Winston should continue his impressive preseason at home against the Browns.
RUNNING BACK
Alvin Kamara, NO vs. Hou - The rookie's been a shining star this preseason, and his abilities were on full display last week when he turned six touches into 83 yards and a TD. He's done the majority of his damage as a runner and has yet to be fully unleashed as a receiver. In the dress rehearsal for the season opener, this is a perfect time for Sean Payton to dial up some passes to Kamara, especially since the Texans have had more than their share of struggles against RBs who are skilled receivers.
Todd Gurley, LAR vs. LAC - Gurley provided confidence to fantasy owners who were nervous about his 2016 performance when he carried eight times for 38 yards and a score last week. He'll have a chance to build on that performance at home against the Chargers this week in a game in which he easily could see double-digit carries. The Rams moved the ball through the air last week, so Gurley might also see some favorable receiving situations, and hopefully an opportunity for some action in the red zone, which is something that wasn't common for him last year.
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Evans, TB vs. Cle - The Bucs' passing game has done a great job moving the football this preseason, and Evans has been heavily targeted. There's no reason to believe things will be different this week, and especially when the first-string offense is expected to see a significant number of snaps. If that's not good enough, it's tough the think that the Browns' secondary will give Evans much resistance.
Mohamed Sanu, Atl vs. Ari - Julio Jones is expected to make his preseason debut but likely won't play much, as the team tries to keep him healthy. Matt Ryan targeted Sanu twice on the only drive he was on the field last week, and assuming the Falcons let their starters play an entire half, that trend should continue against the Bucs.
TIGHT END
Austin Hooper, Atl vs. Ari - A Falcons' stack isn't a bad idea this week, as the team should finally give its starting offense more than a cameo appearance. Hooper finished 2016 on a high note, and he'll likely see enough targets from Matt Ryan to make him a strong DFS play on a small slate of games.
Cameron Brate, TB vs. Cle - Brate's been targeted multiple times in each preseason game as he continues to be a reliable option for Jamies Winston in the middle of the field, just as he was last year. In addition, stacking the Bucs' passing game is a good strategy at home against an improving, but still vulnerable Browns defense, especially since Tampa Bay has looked sharp through the first two weeks.
DEFENSE
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Colts - Andrew Luck is out and Donte Moncrief has been in a red "no contact" jersey during the week, so it appears the Colts will continue to play reserves at critical positions on offense. Also, they'll be without center Ryan Kelly, and there's not much more convincing that needs to be done to make the Steelers a top play.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Browns - The Browns still have one of the worst QB situations in the league, and the Bucs are at home, which makes for a great one-two punch as you decide which defense to slot into your lineup.
KICKER
Justin Tucker, Bal vs. Buf - The Ravens are without Joe Flacco, but against the Bills that looks like a recipe for some offensive success. They should be able to move the ball enough to be able to get Tucker in range for multiple FG attempts, and his outstanding range could also factor into him seeing an extra FG attempt.
Sebastian Janikowski, Oak at Dal - The Raiders should have little trouble moving the ball against the Cowboys' defense, which should lead to a busy night for Janikowski.
