DFS NFL Preseason Lineup Advice for Friday, August 10th
By Ben McDaniel
A two game slate of DFS NFL football usually provides few options worth playing. However, with the way the snaps are distributed in the preseason, there are numerous ways to differentiate your lineup from the rest of the crowd on Friday night. As always, be sure to to keep up with team news and check the status of all players before kickoff! Follow me @BenMcD_Sports for more fantasy insight and to let me know some of your favorite DFS plays for Friday night!
DFS NFL: QUARTERBACKS
Teddy Bridgewater NYJ QB
I fully expect Bridgewater and Jets’ rookie QB, Sam Darnold to be the two most popular DFS NFL plays of the night. That is because they are both safe bets to receive a lot of snaps. When choosing between the two, there are a few factors that have me leaning Bridgewater. First, Sam Darnold is way behind, having just signed with the team on July 30th. The extra practice reps he lost were picked up by Teddy, who should be prepared for this game. Second, the Jets are reportedly looking to trade Bridgewater and will need to show teams that he is fully recovered from that gruesome knee injury. I expect Bridgewater to be able to produce in his first extended time under center in over two years.
Connor Cook OAK QB
This quote by Oakland coach, Jon Gruden, which can be found in an article by Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas – Review Journal is really all you need to see in regards to Connor Cook. His ownership will be relatively low for a two game slate but he could easily end up as the highest scoring QB of the night. Cook is my favorite play from this slate.
"“He’s made great strides,” Gruden said. “Since he stepped foot here in Napa, he hasn’t turned the ball over. He’s made good decisions. He audibled two or three times today to big plays. He’s thrown the ball short, medium and deep accurately, and he’s showing real good command. This will be a real good test for him Friday night. He’ll get a good amount of playing time.”"
DFS NFL: Running Backs
Ito Smith ATL RB
Do you like playing under the radar guys? Ito Smith is your man. Smith is expected to get every opportunity to win the #3 RB job in Atlanta during the preseason. One thing to keep in mind with the ATL backfield situation – Tevin Coleman is set to be a free agent after this year and will most likely be moving on from Atlanta in search of a large contract. Atlanta won’t be able to give Ito Smith a ton of work in the regular season, so look for them to utilize these exhibition games to try and get a read on who they might have as in-house replacements.
Kerryon Johnson DET RB
He’ll probably be the most popular RB on Friday night, but for good reason. Detroit spent a second round pick on the rookie out of Auburn and won’t waste any time getting a look at him in this matchup with Oakland. When Detroit drafted Johnson, many people quickly speculated that it wouldn’t take long for him to pass LeGarrette Blount on the depth chart. A strong preseason could make that a reality.
DFS NFL: Wide Receivers
Martavis Bryant OAK WR
Remember just a few minutes ago when you read about how impressive Connor Cook has been in practice? Bryant has had a tulmutuous few days of practice and recently received a public tongue-lashing from Coach Gruden. According to reports from NFL.com, it seems to have lit a fire under Bryant and he has responded well in practice. Here’s what Gruden recently said about his new WR.
"“Martavis is not a good talent, he’s a great talent and we’re going to continue to work him into our offense,” Gruden said, via NBC Bay Area. “Today showed, I think, what he’s capable of doing. … We have big plans for him.”"
Bryant has talent crawling out of his ears and it sounds like he might have gotten refocused just in time to dominate a below average Jets defensive unit in their Friday night matchup.
Kenny Golladay DET WR
It seems like every other post on my twitter feed is a video clip of Golladay making a ridiculous leaping catch. If the Lions switched his number to 81, he could pass for Calvin Johnson. For what it’s worth, just a year ago in his first preseason game, Golladay scored two touchdowns. Because of his recognizable name, he should be a fairly chalky play. In a GPP it might be worth it to fade him and hope that Detroit limits him to just a series or two.
DFS NFL: Tight End
Eric Tomlinson
I had planned to peg Jets rookie TE, Jordan Leggett into this spot. Leggett, however, isn’t expected to play Friday night due to an undisclosed injury. His snaps will now be distributed among the other Jets tight ends. Tomlinson is listed as the current starter and could get a few extra snaps as the Jets do their best to develop Darnold and showcase Bridgewater.
DFS NFL: Defense/Special Teams
Oakland Raiders DST
After recommending that you start Bridgewater and Tomlinson it might seem strange that I’m now suggesting you play the Raiders D. Give me a break! Options are limited on a two game slate! My favorite lineup will consist of Connor Cook at QB allowing me to fade both Darnold and Bridgewater. I expect the Raiders to be the least popular Defense due to DFS players not wanting to roster a QB and Defense on teams that are facing each other. To me, this the easiest way to quickly differentiate your lineup from most of the others on Friday night.
Next. DFS NFL Game-by-Game Breakdown Preseason Week 1. dark