NFL DFS Preseason Week 3 Lineup Advice – Friday

If you’re a fan of preseason football games where the casual fan recognizes most of the names of the players, then week 3 is the week for you! Here are a couple of players that I have my eye on for Friday night! Be sure to check for updates leading up to the start of the games to make sure nothing has changed concerning the status of the players you plan to use in your lineups. As always, follow me on Twitter @BenMcD_Sports as I’ll be sharing team news and player updates as we get closer to kickoff. Thanks for reading NFL DFS Preseason Lineup Advice – Friday!

NFL DFS: Quarterbacks

Tom Brady NE QB

I was skeptical when it was announced that Brady would be logging an entire half of snaps last week. It seemed like a total Bill Belichick move to pull the rug out from under us and relieve Brady after one series. However, the reports were true and Brady was able to complete 19 of 26 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, Brady actually claimed to be “rusty.” With the third preseason game serving as a dress rehearsal for the regular season, Brady should see another half of football and could easily match his NFL DFS numbers from last week. This is one of the easiest calls of the slate – if Brady is getting an entire half of action, he belongs in your lineup.

Cam Newton CAR QB

The NE @ CAR game actually produces two of the better QB plays of the evening. The Panthers hired Norv Turner during the offseason and it seems that a point of emphasis has been changing the offense to increase Cam Newton’s completion percentage. So far, so good. Last week the Panthers QB was able to complete 9 of 12 passes for 89 yards and 1 touchdown. He also threw an interception, but hey, these things happen. Joe Person of The Athletic Carolina reported that Carolina is expected to play their starters through the first series of the third quarter.

With a good chunk of playing time secure, Newton will have the opportunity to shine on Friday night. However, there is one other stat you need to consider before rolling with Cam. Excluding his rookie season, he has never finished a preseason game with more than 3 rushing attempts. So much of Cam’s fantasy points come from his excellent rushing ability, so while he’s a safe NFL DFS option due to the certainty of playing time, his ceiling might be slightly lower, due to his reluctance to run during exhibition games.

Case Keenum DEN QB

If you read NFL DraftKings – An Early Look at Week 1, you’ll know how I feel about Case Keenum. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders aren’t huge downgrades from Diggs and Theilen, and I fully expect the new Broncos QB to improve upon last season’s career numbers. While Keenum hasn’t been awful this preseason, things haven’t quite clicked yet with the Broncos offense. The starters only received three series last week, so they still haven’t logged much time together on the field. As long as it looks like Keenum and the 1st team offense will play the entire first half, I think Denver will be especially focused on trying to get their offense rolling in preparation for week 1.

NFL DFS: Running Backs

James White NE RB

James White erupted last week for 4 carries and 31 yards to go along with 6 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Rinse, lather, repeat. With New England expected to give their starters another full half of action, you can feel confident using most Patriots players in your lineup. Brady and White have an obvious connection, and White is especially valuable in DraftKings’ PPR scoring format.

Peyton Barber TB RB

Have you been reading the frequent negative reports about Ronald Jones II? Even the coaches have been piling on. In the running for my favorite not-so-subtle insult of the week, Bucs RB coach Tim Spencer said, “There’s probably a reason why” Jones was only targeted 17 times in college. Meanwhile, Barber has been impressing coaches.

Through two preseason games, Barber has totaled 10 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. In case you are new to this whole football thing, 5.3 yards per carry is good. I’m excited to see what Barber can do with additional playing time on Friday night. One additional note – the current forecast shows a possibility of rain for this game. If the field gets sloppy enough, look for both teams to lean on the running game.

Wayne Gallman NYG RB

Gallman is making his second straight appearance in my lineup advice. He made me look smart for recommending him last week by finishing with 5 carries, 25 yards, and a touchdown in addition to 2 catches, 9 yards, and a receiving touchdown. Saquon Barkley is currently sitting somewhere in bubble wrap, so snaps should continue to be plenteous for the second year pro out of Clemson. Jonathan Stewart failed to make an impact last week finishing with 4 carries for -1 yards. With another outstanding performance, it’s possible that Gallman could earn regular season backup duties. He should be extra motivated in this matchup with the Jets.

NFL DFS: Wide Receivers

Chris Hogan NE WR

That’s right. Another New England Patriot. Hogan has a lot going for him on Friday night. First, he should get to play 2 full quarters of football with the best quarterback on the planet (Sorry, Aaron Rodgers fans). Second, he has shown both last season, and this preseason, that he has Brady’s trust. Hogan led the team in targets last week with 7, converting them into 5 catches, 25 yards, and a touchdown. Third, the Patriots are always careful with Gronk in the preseason, and if he’s held out again, Hogan will remain their best red zone target.

Julian Edelman should also be a fine play. With a four game suspension looming, this will be his last chance to be on the field with Brady for over a month. He could easily improve upon his 4 catches and 26 yards from last week.

Amari Cooper OAK WR

Last week, Raiders Coach Jon Gruden elected to keep his stars on the sideline. Reports say that the Raiders starters should play into the second quarter, but I won’t be surprised to see them finish the first half. Coming off a disappointing 2017 campaign, Cooper has a ton to prove. Gruden is on the record as saying that Cooper will be the focal point of the passing game, and that should be on display Friday night against Green Bay.

It remains to be seen how much the key Packers defenders will play, but either way, this unit just gave up 3 passing touchdowns to the Steelers last week. I fully expect to see Carr and Cooper connect for 6 in this game.

Robby Anderson NYJ WR

There are two ways to look at Anderson’s performance from last week. Glass half empty is that he only caught one pass. Glass half full is that he played the entire first half while Darnold was on the field. I prefer glass half full. The Jets have to realize the importance of getting Darnold and their best receiver on the same page. Another thing working in Anderson’s favor is that the Giants boast one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Look for the Jets to place an emphasis on getting Anderson involved early and often.

NFL DFS: Tight Ends

Vernon Davis WAS TE

Let me be honest with you. I’ve heard nothing about Vernon Davis’ playing time for Friday night. However, Jordan Reed is expected to sit this one out, vaulting Davis into the role of lead tight end for the Redskins. I love that Alex Smith has some familiarity with the Davis dating back to their time in San Fransisco. Alex Smith has always liked throwing to his tight ends, and Davis could be primed for a solid performance. As we approach kickoff, just make sure he’s expected to see enough snaps to warrant being used in your lineup.

More from FanSided

• Shohei Ohtani Rumors: The best trade package from every NL East team
• Cardinals Rumors: Surprise extension, Dylan Carlson-Yankees link, Rays trade idea
• USWNT vs. Vietnam: Key takeaways before they take on the Dutch
• NFL rumors: 49ers trending toward contract drama with defensive star
• Steelers avoid any camp drama with latest roster move

Greg Olsen CAR TE

Greg Olsen might be one of the most underrated tight ends in the history of the game. Before losing most of last year due to injury, Cam Newton had helped Olsen rack up over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons while averaging almost 80 catches per season. If the Patriots and Panthers both score as many points in this one as I think they will, Olsen should be a big reason why.

NFL DFS: Defense/Special Teams

Minnesota Vikings DST

Look, I get it, I know that Russell Wilson is a stud who can overcome great defenses. I also know that teams often run somewhat vanilla offenses in the preseason to avoid providing too much game film for their week 1 opponent. The Vikings defense is ferocious and Seattle’s offensive line is….not. I love the Minnesota DST in this one.

Denver Broncos DST

The Redskins just signed Adrian Peterson, but I still don’t expect much from their running game. If Denver can force Washington to be one-dimensional, Alex Smith might be spending quite a bit of time on his back. Under enough pressure, he might even commit a few uncharacteristic turnovers. It looks like Jamison Crowder won’t be playing in this one, so expect his sub-par group of wideouts to struggle to get open against the solid Broncos secondary.

Thanks for reading, NFL DFS Preseason Week 3 Lineup Advice – Friday!