Preseason Top Plays: August 21

Last Updated: 8/21/26 11:00 AM 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 compile the Depth Chart Notes and Top Plays (below). For showdown slates, please consult Cody Main’s article. 

QUARTERBACK

TIER 1

Drew Allar, Pittsburgh – As was the case on last night’s two-game slate, there isn’t a clear answer at the QB position from a playing-time or per-snap efficiency perspective, but we do think Allar offers the best combination of both. We know that Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph won’t play and that Will Howard will get the first half, leaving the entirety of the second to Allar. The third-round rookie looked comfortable in his debut, completing 76.9% of his passes for 11.8 YPA and a 2:0 TD-to-INT ratio. Based on his college days, we should expect his legs to at least be an option as well.

Will Howard, Pittsburgh – You could easily make the case to flip Howard and Allar based solely on the notion that Howard should play with the better group of skill-position players in Friday night’s first half. He, too, had a successful preseason debut last week, completing 77.8% of his passes for 9.6 YPA.

TIER 2

Kenny Pickett, Carolina – Carolina will play its starters again in Week 2, but we aren’t sure for how long. HC Dave Canales was disappointed by their three consecutive three-and-outs against Buffalo, so we anticipate him wanting to see at least one successful drive before they give way to Pickett and the 2s. We also have to keep in mind that Kyle Trask is available to take back-end snaps. That should leave Pickett with a healthy chunk of reps in the middle of the game, and he’s been a solid per-snap producer throughout his preseason career. 

TIER 3