This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
Throughout preseason, playing time is nearly impossible to predict, as coaches typically don't divulge how many snaps a player will get. However, this week most teams will play their starters the first half, and many will play them a series or two in the third quarter. That allows us to make more educated guesses than we've been able to make the past couple weeks. Regardless, be sure to check the RotoWire player news before submitting your final lineup in case anything is made public at the last minute.
QUARTERBACK
Kirk Cousins, WAS vs. CIN- The safest play on the Sunday slate happens to be the best fantasy QB within the group, and Cousins will have a home matchup against a beatable secondary. A good matchup could become even better should Jordan Reed suit up and play a series or two. Regardless, Cousins should be productive this week.
Brian Hoyer, SF at MIN- In last week's game, Hoyer completed 8-of-11 passes for 89 yards, and despite an interception seemed to be settling in well with his new team, largely based on his familiarity with the offense. Coach Kyle Shanahan likely will give his starting offense at least a full half to continue to build chemistry. He'll be up against a good, but not great, Minnesota secondary and shapes up as a nice contrarian option at QB on a three-game slate.
RUNNING BACK
Dalvin Cook, MIN vs. SF- Cook has had an excellent preseason, and he showed especially well last week when he turned seven carries into 40 yards. The rookie will look to put a stranglehold on his role as the team's featured back, and another strong performance should all but seal that up. Although the 49ers could be improved on defense this year, this is far from a prohibitive matchup, and Cook will also be on his home field in what should be a solid performance.
Joe Mixon, CIN at WAS- Based on preseason playing time, the Bengals could be looking at a committee at running back. However, Mixon should be plenty motivated to show the coaching staff that he deserves to be the starter, and even if he splits carries again, he makes for a strong contrarian play since DFS players might avoid him due to workload concerns. In preseason, it takes just one big play to be a top performer at the position, and Mixon certainly has the ability to do that.
WIDE RECEIVER
A.J. Green, CIN at WAS- Green saw six targets last week, as Andy Dalton continues to lean heavily on his best receiver. However, many DFS players may avoid him due to concerns about his potential matchup with Josh Norman, but many will fail to remember that Green burned Norman repeatedly last year when he finished with nine catches for 121 yards.
Terrelle Pryor, WAS vs. CIN- Pryor has had a quiet preseason with his new team, but it wouldn't be a surprise if coach Jay Gruden dials up a number of plays to help build chemistry between the receiver and quarterback Kirk Cousins, and especially by throwing the ball deep. Many will fade Pryor based on his slow start, but his big-play upside makes him a strong play in a week in which he could be owned by a small percentage of DFS players.
TIGHT END
Delanie Walker, TEN vs. CHI- Rookie WR Corey Davis has yet to play in preseason while Eric Decker missed practice during the week with an ankle injury. Walker should be the Titans' most reliable option in both the middle of the field as well as in the red zone, a role in which he has excelled the last few seasons. He should get enough playing time to be a strong lineup option.
George Kittle, SF at MIN- Kittle's coming off a game in which he was targeted five times and scored a TD, and he's created nothing but positive buzz the entire preseason. In addition, he's still trying to cement a regular role in the offense. He should continue to be targeted, making him a sneaky contrarian play.
DEFENSE
Tennessee Titans (vs. CHI)- Since the Bears have the most questionable QB situation of the teams playing on this slate, it stands to reason the Titans would be best defense on the slate, as they have potential to record sacks and/or interceptions.
Chicago Bears (at TEN)- There really aren't any standout options at defense, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should send some pressure at Marcus Mariota, and there's a good chance the Titans will still be without two of their top WRs.
KICKER
Dustin Hopkins, Was vs. Cin- Hopkins will be at home in what could be a high-scoring game, and if that happens, he could easily be the day's top kicker.
Ryan Succop, TEN vs. CHI- Succop has no competition, so he'll handle all kicking duties, which isn't always a lock in the preseason. In addition, this could be a game the Titans break down in the red zone a time or two against a Chicago defense with an emerging front seven.
