This article will cover the Friday preseason DFS slate, and our main goal is to identify players who will a) see quite a bit of playing time and b) who have a chance to excel. There are two important things to remember before finalizing your lineup:
1. Players are frequently deactivated, and often for no reason, 90 minutes before kickoff. This article will be written many hours before the inactive list comes out. It is recommended that you check the latest news page on RotoWire an hour before kickoff to make sure you players are active.
2. All salaries are the same for players during preseason.
My philosophy when handicapping players in the second week of preseason is that there are two types of players who tend to see significant action — second-string players battling for a job and rookies who need to be evaluated. Unlike next week's games, when starters usually play more than a half, we're still at the point where most backups will see the most playing time.
QUARTERBACK
Ryan Griffin (Buccaneers vs. Dolphins) - Those who read this column last week remember that we endorsed Griffin, who had an amazing 2018 preseason and was projected to pass often in the 2019 preseason opener. Well, 43 pass attempts and 330 yards later, there's no reason to jump off that train now — he should be plenty busy — and productive again this week.
Honorable mention: Josh Rosen (Dolphins vs. Buccaneers)
RUNNING BACK
Devin Singletary (Bills vs. Panthers) - Sure, Singletary had an impressive preseason opener, but what we like more is that he had nine carries and three targets. Not many RBs get that much work in preseason. The Bills will certainly want to see if the rookie can be a big contributor this year. Look for another strong workload, making him a great volume-based play.
Myles Gaskin (Dolphins vs. Buccaneers) - Although Gaskin isn't a metrics marvel, he does have above average explosiveness, which could help him against backup defenders. In terms of workload, not only did he find the end zone last week, but he added three targets to his six carries. After Kenyan Drake (if healthy) and Kalen Ballage are done splitting early work, Gaskin should see significant work against the deep reserves.
Honorable mention: Dare Ogunbowale (Buccaneers vs. Dolphins)
WIDE RECEIVER
Justin Watson (Buccaneers vs. Dolphins) - Despite a somewhat unimpressive preseason opener, Watson was among the league leaders with seven targets last week. As he continues to battle for a higher spot on the depth chart, he'll put his 87th percentile speed and 88th percentile explosiveness on display. And with Ryan Griffin throwing the passes, Watson could have a breakout performance.
Reggie White Jr. (Giants vs. Bears) - It was encouraging to see the Giants throw out of obvious run formations last week, which certainly helped the wide receivers get open. Look for White, who possesses above average speed and explosiveness to go with 87th percentile agility, to build on a performance last week in which he caught all four of his targets for 60 yards. In addition, he'll likely do most of his damage when the Bears have their backups on the field.
Andre Levrone (Panthers vs. Bills) - Well, this is far from a household name, but a player who gets seven targets in a preseason game deserves to be on our radar for DFS. It also helps that he posted a respectable 51 yards. There's no guarantee he makes the regular-season roster, but his performance last week should ensure that he gets another extended look this week.
Honorable mention: Javon Wims (Bears vs. Giants)
TIGHT END
Ian Bunting (Bears vs. Giants) - Here's another player who'll be battling for a roster spot, but as a TE, his 77th percentile explosiveness and respectable 35th percentile agility help to explain how he turned four targets into 77 yards last week. It's tough to find a TE getting targets in the preseason, so this is a great dart.
Honorable mention: Ian Thomas (Panthers vs. Bills)
DEFENSE
Bears (vs. Giants) - Always target the worst offense on the schedule.
Honorable mention: Panthers (vs. Bills)
