This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.
We move into Week 3 of the NFL preseason, a week where we historically see the starters play a full half and on some occasions into the third quarter. This article will focus on Friday's five-game slate.
QUARTERBACK
Cam Newton (CAR): In just four drives last week, Newton passed for 162 yards and a touchdown. It's uncertain if the Panthers will let Newton play a full half against the Patriots, but he is easily the highest upside quarterback on this short slate. With Newton unlikely to see the field in the Panthers' preseason finale, look for him to get enough reps to finish as one of the week's best quarterbacks.
Jimmy Garoppolo (NE): Last week against Chicago, Garoppolo saw his playing time extend into the third quarter, completing 16 of 21 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots are working out Garoppolo to start the first four games of the season for the suspended Tom Brady, so there is no reason to think he won't get a majority of the playing time Friday.
Kirk Cousins (WAS): According to the Washington Post, Cousins will play the entire first half against the Bills and possibly into the third quarter. In the third preseason game it is assumed that starters will get extended time, but it is always nice to have that reassured from a source instead of assuming. Cousins has only played one drive this preseason, so the tune up will be needed.
Robert Griffin III (CLE): Working without his top three wide receivers, Griffin still managed to complete 6 of 8 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 against the Falcons. Already named the starter for the Browns, Griffin is in line for a large workload, and his stock only rises if Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman or Andrew Hawkins play.
Other options: Jameis Winston (TB), Tyrod Taylor (BUF), Drew Brees (NO)
RUNNING BACK
Eddie Lacy (GB): The Packers started both of their first two preseason games by feeding Lacy as much as they could. Lacy carried nine times last week for 45 yards and a touchdown. If Rodgers and the first-team offense plays even into the second quarter, Lacy could see double-digit carries and have strong touchdown upside.
Rob Kelley (WAS): After news came out that starting running back Matt Jones suffered a sprained AC joint, coach Jay Gruden suggested that Kelley, not Keith Marshall, would get more first-team work in the team's final two preseason games. That news is a bit surprising, seeing how Marshall out-carried Kelley, 10 to 3, in Week 2 against the Jets, but with the No. 3 running back spot up for grabs expect both backs to see heavy workloads against the Bills.
Jonathan Williams (BUF): The Bills cut running back Karlos Williams on Saturday after he arrived to camp out of shape and then was suspended four games for violating the substance abuse policy. With Karlos Williams no longer in the picture, Jonathan Williams has the opportunity to climb the depth chart with LeSean McCoy, Reggie Bush and Mike Gillislee currently ahead of him. There is no guarantee to Williams' playing time, but he should see a lot of second-half and goal-line work. Working in Williams' favor is the fact that he is viewed as long-term depth and not a short-term player like Bush.
James White (NE): With Dion Lewis out indefinitely, White becomes the top-pass catching running back in New England. It remains to be seen how the Patriots let their early down running game shake out, but with DraftKings giving a point per reception White has tremendous upside if given the playing time. White didn't get any carries in Week 2, but caught two passes for 17 yards.
Other options: Mark Ingram (NO), Carlos Hyde (SF)
WIDE RECEIVER
Eli Rogers (PIT): With his strong preseason play, Rogers could be in line for a full game in Week 3. Rogers has worked primarily with the first team and started out of the slot in Week 2, catching four passes for 39 yards against the Eagles. Rogers is in a battle with Darrius Heyward-Bey and Sammie Coates for the WR3 job but might have the leg up due to poor play from Coates. Rogers is in a unique situation where he will likely play with the starters during their reps, but also stay on the field with the backups since he could fall anywhere between the third and fifth wideout on the depth chart.
Terrelle Pryor (CLE): New Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III has seemed quite comfortable with Pryor, connecting with him on completions of at least 45 yards in both of the team's preseason games. Pryor has seen more playing time due to the absences of Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins, so keep an eye on the injury report this week. Regardless if any of those three suit up, Pryor should see plenty of work with RG3 playing a full half.
Brandin Cooks (NO): Neither Cooks nor fellow receiver Willie Snead suited up for the Saints' Week 2 game against the Texans, giving way to younger receivers who were in need of first-team reps with quarterback Drew Brees. Brees played into the start of the second quarter in Week 2 and should play up to halftime this week. With Brees unlikely to suit up in Week 4, look for this to be the true final tune-up for the offense.
Davante Adams (GB): Aaron Rodgers is slated to make his preseason debut Friday against the 49ers. With Jordy Nelson still sidelined, Adams and Randall Cobb will start on the outside for the Packers. Cobb has been nursing a calf injury and has yet to record a catch this preseason, so Adams might be the most reliable target for Rodgers this week.
Other options: Rashad Ross (WAS), Michael Thomas (NO)
TIGHT END
Jordan Reed (WAS): Reed said Monday that he was ready to take the field and "go against somebody other than our own team." All signs point to Reed making his preseason debut Friday against the Bills. Reed is a top-two projected tight end this season, and though his playing time is uncertain, he is one of the most talented tight ends on this slate.
Coby Fleener (NO): According to a Saints report Monday, Coby Fleener is still a "work in progress" and that he is still "learning the Saints offense." Fleener played into the second quarter in Week 2 and could play deep into the game if he truly is still "learning the Saints offense." He will get the luxury of playing with Drew Brees for the minimum of a quarter.
Other options: Jesse James (PIT), Vance McDonald (SF)
