NFL Preseason Week 4: DFS Picks for Thursday, August 29th

NFL Preseason Week 4: DFS Picks

Lions @ Browns

Detroit Lions: It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but there is a chance that Tom Savage is able to return to action on Thursday night after his Week 1 concussion against the Patriots. Although Josh Johnson has a chance to earn the #2 QB role, it seems as if it’s Tom Savages’ to lose. Running Back Zach Zenner, a fan favorite was surprisingly cut earlier this week making room for Mark Thompson to make a run at a roster spot. Another name to keep an eye on in the Lions preseason finale would be WR Jonathan Duhart.

Cleveland Browns: Freddie Kitchens confirmed this week that no starters will go on Thursday making way for a rather boring contest between the Lions and Browns. The biggest name that is firmly on the bubble for the Browns 53-man roster is Braxton Miller. The former Ohio State QB signed with the Browns on August 21st but has a legitimate shot at making the roster. Kitchens mentioned his interest in Miller’s running ability so don’t be surprised if you see a few unique looks come Thursday. A few other key bubble spots would be the running back position and we will soon learn if the ultimate underdog, Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, makes the roster despite battling a rib injury.

Players to use in DFS: Mark Thompson (RB-DET), Braxton Miller (WR-CLE)

Giants @ Patriots

New York Giants: There is plenty of history and connections between these two teams and despite the insignificance of the preseason finale, there is still plenty of news clipping from this week including Tom Brady hyping up Saquon Barkley…

Daniel Jones will get his first start with Eli Manning expected to sit out the 4th preseason game for the second straight year. The exciting and doubted rookie will get another chance to shine after starting the preseason 25 of 30 for 369 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The backup RB role is still to be decided with plenty of depth available for the Giants (Smith, Perkins, Gallman). Additionally, with Golden Tate being suspended for the first 4 games and the thinned out depth behind Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer, plenty of eyes will be on Bennie Fowler, Russell Shepard, TJ Jones, Reggie White Jr and Alonzo Russell.

New England Patriots: Despite the clear strength of the Patriots depth and roster as a whole, there are a few really interesting position battles brewing in New England prior to the final roster cut. The success that rookie QB Jarrett Stidham has had thus far has been very impressive which has created a situation where backup and long-time friend, Brian Hoyer, is incredibly expendable.

It will be interesting to see how the Patriots use their final preseason game…In their first experiment with Brian Hoyer, they used the final outing to put him on display as trade bait. I am sure they would also like to see more of Stidham to solidify their opinion. I would expect a 50/50 or 60/40 (Hoyer/Stidham) split on Thursday. Braxton Berrios will have his last shot at impressing the top Patriots brass and earning the final WR spot. Finally, who will be the Week 1 starter at TE between Ryan Izzo and Matt Lacosse?

I think this will be one of the highest scoring games on the slate so don’t be shy and stack up on a few of the QB-WR combos…

Players to use in DFS: Daniel Jones (QB-NYG), Reggie White Jr (WR-NYG), TJ Jones (WR-NYG), Jakobi Meyers (WR-NE), Braxton Berrios (WR-NE)

Chiefs @ Packers

Kansas City Chiefs: Despite his recent NFL relevance, Carlos Hyde may be on the outside looking in with Damien Williams, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson and Anthony Sherman expected to be the RB’s that make the cut. Another guy who needs to show up big on Thursday would be Rashard Davis who has one last shot at making it. Other then a few other small position battles, the Chiefs roster is pretty much good to go.

Green Bay Packers: Similarly, the Packers are down to a few key battles to complete their depth chart. With Aaron Rodgers expected to sit out for the entire game, Tim Boyle and DeShone Kizer will battle it out for the #2 spot. Boyle looks to be in the lead coming off of a 16/24, 191 yards and 2 TD performance. At running back, it’s pretty clear cut. Behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, Dexter Williams and Tra Carson will fight for the final RB spot. Finally, with the injury to Equanimeous St. Brown, Darrius Shepard and Allen Lazard are the two left over to take one slot.

Players to use in DFS: Tim Boyle (QB-GB), Tra Carson (RB-GB), Darrius Shepard (WR-GB)