Preseason Top Plays: August 13

Last Updated: 8/13/26 1:00 PM EST

Preseason DFS is a different beast. Unlike the regular season, our main job is to identify players who will get the most playing time. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Our team spends an unhealthy amount of time researching to produce the Depth Chart Notes and Top Plays (below). For showdown slates, please consult Cody Main’s article. 

QUARTERBACK

TIER 1

Luke Altmyer, Detroit – We know Lions HC Dan Campbell won’t play anyone with a regular-season pulse in the preseason, removing Jared Goff from consideration. We also know that Joshua Dobbs was just signed after Teddy Bridgewater’s surprise retirement and is expected to serve as the team’s regular-season QB2. That should leave ample opportunities for the 2026 UDFA out of Illinois, who Campbell said will “get a heavy load.” Altmyer completed 63.7% of his collegiate passes for 7.6 YPA and a 2.5:1 TD-to-INT ratio. We don’t anticipate much rushing upside, but he does have the best playing-time expectation at the position.

TIER 2

Trey Lance, Los Angeles Chargers – Lance is no stranger to heavy preseason usage, playing extensively for Jim Harbaugh last preseason. He’s expected to get the full first half before turning it over to DJ Uigalelei and should get to operate with the Chargers’ best group of available skill players. He’s also been a willing runner in the preseason, averaging 19.5 rushing yards per game in 14 appearances.

Behren Morton, New England – We know Drake Maye won’t play, leaving the full game to QB2 Tommy DeVito and Morton. We expect the split to be roughly even — a full half for each — but Morton does possess some playing-time upside if the staff decides to pull the hook early on DeVito. Morton completed 62.7% of his collegiate passes at Texas Tech before being drafted in the seventh round this spring, but he offers no rushing upside. 

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis – HC Shane Steichen has said Richardson will play the full first half Thursday before turning it over to Riley Leonard for the second half. This should allow Richardson to play with the Colts’ best skill-position group in Week 1. He’s been a poor preseason producer through a small six-game sample and has only averaged 9.7 rushing yards per outing. But we know the athletic profile exists for him to produce more both through the air and on the ground.