Washington and New England face off in Foxboro on Thursday night on NFL Network. DraftKings has a DFS Showdown for the game and there are some intriguing players to watch out for in this first preseason game of their season.
Quarterback
Mac Jones, Patriots
It looks like we should see plenty of Mac Jones in Week 1, as beat writer Jeff Howe says, “Jones should conceivably get the majority of playing time against Washington.” He believes Newton will get the start, but Jones should see the bulk of the work with Jarrett Stidham injured and Brian Hoyer possibly not making the team. Since we’ll look toward quarterbacks as strong contenders for fantasy points in this game, Newton and Hoyer are also good possibilities, but Jones is the favorite.
Taylor Heinke, WFT
Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start, but even though there is a “competition,” we know he’s got the job and has shown he deserves it so far in camp. Kyle Allen has been out with an ankle injury and Steven Montez has been awful by all accounts. Even if Montez plays a lot, I wouldn’t want to roster him. I’m leaning Heinke between him and Fitzpatrick, as I think he’ll see more work, but Fitzmagic could make something happen even if he only plays a couple of drives.
Running Backs
Peyton Barber/Jaret Patterson, WFT
Barber isn’t guaranteed a spot this season, but is a solid back who, if given time, should be able to put up numbers in preseason. I doubt they risk Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic that much in Week 1 of the preseason, so Barber could eat up a lot of work along with rookie Jaret Patterson. Those two are likely fighting for a spot and both have a good chance of getting touches.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
The rookie shouldn’t have trouble making the team, but they likely wont save him in preseason. Damien Harris and Sony Michel have both had good, injury-free camps, so have a leg up due to their veteran status. The rookie needs reps and I expect they’ll give him plenty this preseason.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Kristian Wilkerson, Patriots
Wilkerson was a longshot to make the team coming into training camp, but has proven he’s worth multiple looks in preseason. He’s a perfect player for preseason DFS as he’s going to get his shots to prove himself and has been looking great in practices.
DeAndre Carter, WFT
Carter has shown plenty of flashes throughout his career, but has never been able to win consistent playing time. He’ll be looking to make the team this preseason and he has a chance if he can perform well. He should get plenty of chances as a receiver and returner in all three games.
N’Keal Harry, Patriots
Harry has had a strong training camp, and shouldn’t have all that much trouble keeping a roster spot, but he was on the bubble coming into camp and a poor preseason could push him into a bad spot. Maybe Bill Belichick and company have seen enough already, but I expect they’d like to see him prove himself in live action this preseason.
Defense
Defense is always a good play in DFS preseason as there will be plenty of poor offense, especially in the first preseason game. Rostering both makes plenty of sense and both defenses are coached well and have good upside.
Strategy
Quarterbacks and defenses are the safest plays in preseason, as we know they will get multiple chances to put up fantasy points. I’ll lean toward Jones and Heinke and the defenses while sprinkling in some of the other player.