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NFL DFS preseason week 1 Thursday lineup advice

By Ben McDaniel

NFL DFS: WESTFIELD, IN - JULY 31: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Chad Kelly (6) runs through a drill during the Indianapolis Colts training camp practice on July 31, 2019 at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NFL DFS: WESTFIELD, IN - JULY 31: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Chad Kelly (6) runs through a drill during the Indianapolis Colts training camp practice on July 31, 2019 at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NFL DFS
NFL DFS: SPARTANBURG, SC – JULY 28: Elijah Holyfield (33) running back of Carolina catches a pass during the Carolina Panthers training camp on July 28, 2019, at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

NFL DFS – Running Backs

Damien Harris NE RB

Rookies tend to garner higher ownership in the preseason, and it’s usually good to avoid the chalk in such an unpredictable environment.

However, Harris might be chalk worth eating. He’s coming off of an outstanding season at Alabama, and in addition to flashing some big play potential, might be one of the better bets to get goal line work in the preseason.

What excites me most about the rookie are the reports of his acumen as a receiver. Jeff Howe from the Athletic had this to say while speaking of Harris’ performance in training camp:

"“Harris has also shown good awareness while slipping out into the flats on passing downs.”"

We know New England likes to get their running backs involved in the passing game, and with the PPR scoring format on DraftKings, Harris could really shine Thursday night.

Reggie Bonnafon CAR RB

In the interest of full disclosure, I had written up an entire section highlighting Elijah Holyfield as one of my favorite plays. That was before I saw this tweet.

This is a situation to watch closely, but when a reporter who follows a team shares information like that, it should definitely grab your attention. I

t’s also worth considering that with DraftKings showing Carolina matched up against the #1 ranked run defense, casual players could be reluctant to roll with any Panthers running back which could work to lower Bonnafan’s ownership even more.

It might be wishful thinking, but we’ll take any edge we can get!

Ty Johnson DET RB

With touches coming at a premium in the preseason, I love targeting running backs who have the ability to take it to the house on any given play. Ty Johnson is that guy. According to stats found at sports-reference.com, Johnson is actually seventh all-time in yards per carry among college players, and in 2016 he recorded an eye-popping 9.1 yards per carry.

Theo Riddick‘s departure should open up a few touches, and Johnson might only need a couple of those to pay huge dividends.