NFL Week 3 Preseason DFS: Saturday’s Top Picks

August 28, 2021

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Week 3 of the NFL preseason is in full swing, and DraftKings keeps it going with a five-game Saturday slate, with the headlining contest a $12 entry with $60,000 in total prizes and $20,000 to the winner. Like all preseason contests, every player and defense is priced at $5,500, so you can play anyone you want without any salary-cap concerns. As always, keep your eyes on Twitter throughout Saturday for late-breaking lineup and playing-time news that could alter the strategy for your lineups. But entering Saturday, this is the way each position is shaping up, with players to target highlighted in bold:

Quarterback

Tom Brady, Buccaneers: Bruce Arians has indicated that he plans to play his starters for a half, possibly more, likely somewhat less. But still, if we’re giving Brady 3 of 4 drives to work with, the GOAT is going to put points on the board against the Texans. We saw what Patrick Mahomes did on Friday night. When the starters play, they produce.

Justin Fields, Bears: There are no preseason MVP awards, but Fields would certainly be in the conversation thus far. He is going to start against the Titans, and there’s no reason to think he’s going to have any setbacks as he looks to convince the coaching staff to cut the Andy Dalton Era short. The rushing numbers are what could separate Fields from Brady on this slate.

Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos: The Broncos are the other team that’s expected to roll the starters for a full half, and with Courtland Sutton playing his first game coming off an injury rehab, it stands to reason that Bridgewater will be throwing his way early and often to get Sutton’s game legs underneath him. Sutton says he expects to play a full complement of snaps in this game, and he only needs one big play to make a Bridgewater-Sutton stack a winner.

Matt Barkley, Titans: Barkley is expected to play half the game in pursuit of a roster spot but will do so by alternating possessions, so he should see significant time against the Bears’ backups. The former USC product has looked good thus far this preseason, and with the opportunity to play deep into the game, there is the appeal here.

Running Back

Mekhi Sargent, Titans: Sargent was spectacular in Week 2 with 78 yards rushing on 16 carries and a touchdown reception. The Titans’ backfield is a bit thin entering this game because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols, so Sargent should see significant touches once again.

Scottie Phillips, Texans: Coming off a 66-yard effort against the Packers, Phillips has one final shot to make the team the No. 4 running back, and he should get the reps in this game to make his case. Hopefully, Phillips primarily plays in the second half. If the word on Twitter during the day Saturday indicates as such, and Phillips gets to face the Bucs’ backups, he’s a solid play on this slate.

Melvin Gordon, Broncos: Of the two teams expected to play the starters for a half, Gordon is a much better option than any of the Tampa Bay backs. Touchdowns are gold in the preseason and Gordon could be money if the Broncos can get the ball deep into the red zone.

Wide Receiver

Chris Godwin, Buccaneers: See: Brady, Tom. Assuming he’s out there with the first-team starters, Godwin is arguably the top option to make a big play and get a touchdown. But, really, any of the Bucs’ wideouts are good plays as long as they suit up.

Rodney Adams, Bears: Adams has already been a star for the Bears this preseason with 146 yards and a touchdown in the first two games. Another factor that makes the Bears’ passing game appealing here is the return of left tackle Jason Peters. Giving Fields extra time to find an open Adams is a DFS preseason dream.

Jordan Veasy, Texans: The Texans are down to eight healthy wide receivers going into this game, and Veasy, who had two catches for 30 yards against the Cowboys and has also excelled on special teams, should get a decent run in his final opportunity to earn a roster spot.

Trishton Jackson, Rams: After scoring a touchdown in Week 1, Jackson missed last week with an injury, so he really needs to make an impression here. The Rams are a little thin at wide receiver, which only helps Jackson’s chances to make a big play or two.

Tight End

Eric Saubert, Broncos: Tight end is a barren wasteland in the preseason, but Saubert is probably the best play on the board, especially with Bridgewater under center.