Best NFL Preseason Picks for Friday, August 8
Best NFL Picks current as of 10:30 AM ET Friday.
Shedeur Sanders 123.5 Pass Yards (Lower - Underdog Fantasy)
I'm rooting for Sanders more than most, and it pains me to go the hater route but let me lay out the facts. Sanders will start Friday, and he probably does not have much chemistry with the first unit due to Cleveland rotating its quarterbacks so frequently. Plus, he could be facing Carolina's top defense for the majority of his snaps. Add in the fact he will be throwing his first passes in an NFL uniform and I think it is just too much to overcome.
Unlike many I'm buying into Sanders long-term, but I think he needs at least one appearance to get his feet wet.
Matt Gay 1.5 PAT Made (More - PrizePicks)
Matt Gay 1.5 PAT Made (Higher - Underdog Fantasy)
There is no kicking competition in Washington, so Gay has a monopoly on the opportunities. I anticipate the Commanders will score more than expected in a game that features a 35.5-point total, and thus I like Gay to hit at least a couple PATs.
New England's defense should be far better from top-to-bottom under head coach Mike Vrabel, but I believe Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman will provide at least average quarterback play in a preseason game and get a couple drives going.
I debated going with two field goals made for Gay but instead settled on the PATs.
Drake Maye 42.5 Pass Yards (More - PrizePicks)
With these niche plays -- it is only preseason after all -- late-breaking NFL player news gives the biggest edge, so we may add more picks later. This is a bit of a hunch, but given the current information I'm going with Maye to round things out, and the PrizePicks number gives us the best chance.
I -- like a lot of others -- am expecting Maye to make a leap this season, and he has reportedly looked great in joint practices. This doesn't shock me much since Washington's pass defense was not stout last season.
Vrabel has not announced how much Maye and others will play, but he has said it's very important to get ready for the real games, so I think he will allow his starting quarterback to complete at least one successful drive before the first quarter concludes.
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