Preseason DFS DraftKings and FanDuel Tiered Top Plays: Aug. 25

Last Updated: 8/25/23 3:00 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 come up with the Depth Chart Notes and Top Plays (below).

Quarterback

TIER 1

Malik Willis, Tennessee – There isn’t overwhelming playing-time clarity for many of the QBs on this slate, but we do know that Tennessee is going to give Willis a healthy amount of snaps after featuring him on 59 of 61 offensive snaps in Week 2. This week, Ryan Tannehill is expected to make his preseason debut, taking exhibition snaps for the first time since 2019. We expect 1-2 series for the QB1 before he gives way to Willis to handle what’s left with Will Levis (thigh) still nursing an injury. Willis’ dual-threat upside has been on full display this preseason, adding 14/113/1 with his legs.

TIER 2

TIER 3

Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers – There is plenty of uncertainty in L.A.’s QB room, particularly after the team gave Stick 100% of the Week 2 snaps against New Orleans. HC Brandon Staley may overcorrect in the preseason finale and give Max Duggan an extended opportunity to showcase his skills, but we think it’s most likely this will revert back to a 50-50 split with Stick playing the first half again.

Max Duggan, Los Angeles Chargers – In anticipation of the Chargers going back to a 50-50 split, we’re expecting Duggan to get the second half of Friday night’s game. But we wouldn’t be surprised to see that range be slightly more, or slightly less, than half.

Bailey Zappe, New England – Given the state of their OL and the hard hits Mac Jones sustained in their Week 2 preseason game, the Patriots’ coaching staff is ‘strongly considering’ resting Jones in Friday night’s finale. That opens the door for a full half of Zappe, which could ultimately be more with New England giving QB/WR Malik Cunningham more opportunities as a receiver.

TIER 4

Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit – We know Jared Goff won’t play and Adrian Martinez (coaches’ decision) was a DNP in Week 2 as well. That likely means we’ll see Bridgewater and Nate Sudfeld each play roughly one half. Bridgewater is a capable NFL passer.

Matt Corral, Carolina – We’ll see the Carolina starters likely go for the duration of the first quarter Friday night and maybe a little longer before they give way to Corral and the second unit. Corral still has to contend with Jake Luton to close the game, but we’re anticipating roughly two quarters of action.

Malik Cunningham, New England – After seeing ample QB opportunities in Week 1, Cunningham operated as a WR primarily in Week 2 and has seen increasingly more responsibilities in that role during practice. While DraftKings still has him listed at QB, we’re expecting him to play mostly WR tonight in a very thin Patriots WR room. He qualifies as a large-field GPP dart throw.

Running Back