Preseason football is an exciting time. Not only does it mark the first regulation football anyone’s seen since February, it’s quietly some of the best knowledge to take in as fantasy players. Here are DFS Russell Wilson Chad Kelly Joe Williams NFL targets ahead of Week 2.
Of course, we don’t have to wait until the regular season to apply that knowledge anymore. Numerous daily fantasy sites now run preseason contests, which allows us to play and wager on fantasy football the moment games kick-off. Below are a few preseason guidelines and players to monitor in Week 2.
DFS Russell Wilson Chad Kelly Joe Williams NFL targets
The Chiefs’ starting offense was allowed two drives (nine total snaps) in the club’s preseason opener, failing to score on either possession. Coach Andy Reid has since challenged that group and announced they would play the entire first half against the Falcons Friday. This will inevitably lead to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt being the highest-owned players in Friday’s slate. If there’s a stack not to pass on, though, it’s pairing Mahomes with Kelce, who finished top-four among all tight ends in routes run from the slot. For reference, note that Mahomes targeted his slot receiver (Albert Wilson) a game-high 10 times in his lone start last season.
DFS Russell Wilson Chad Kelly Joe Williams NFL targets
Ian Thomas, a 6’4” 259-lb mammoth who averaged 15 yards per catch at Indiana, likely won’t make an impact in the regular season. Without Greg Olsen and Chris Manhertz (foot) available, though, Thomas should continue receiving nearly every preseason rep. He played 35-of-49 (71.4%) offensive snaps in Carolina’s preseason opener, and is expected to see a similar amount again tonight.
DFS Russell Wilson Chad Kelly Joe Williams NFL targets
The Lions traded up in the 2018 draft to take Kerryon Johnson with the No. 43 overall pick. The club wasted no time in showing off its new shiny toy, running Johnson out in the preseason opener for 40 (81.6%) offensive snaps. LeGarrette Blount and Ameer Abdullah worked ahead of the rookie (as they should again tonight), but no matter. With starters only expected to play a maximum of one quarter, Johnson should once again see extended run.
NFL SLEEPERS OF THE WEEK
Each week, we will identify three players worth taking a shot on in both season-long and daily fantasy. Since slates are dispersed evenly this week, we’ll hone in on a few players I like for Saturday’s slate:
1. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks – In Week 2 of the preseason last year, Wilson dropped back 20 times, completing 13-of-18 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll once again garner similar attempts and be high-owned (and justifiably so)
2. Chad Kelly, QB, Broncos – In one fell swoop, Kelly took to the Broncos’ preseason opener, threw for 177 yards and two scores, and won the No. 2 quarterback job outright. Case Keenum isn’t expected to play much Saturday, and the Broncos have seen more than enough to know exactly what Paxton Lynch is. Look for Kelly to take the field with another healthy dose of reps.
3. Joe Williams, RB, 49ers – The 49ers will be without Jerick McKinnon (calf sprain) and Matt Breida (shoulder) Saturday. Although that still leaves four backs on the team’s roster, Williams should primarily be utilized with both the first- and second-team offenses. Alfred Morris was signed off the streets only 48 hours ago and both Jeremy McNichols and Raheem Mostert, while talented, are on the 53-man bubble.
PRESEASON WEEK 2 BEST BET
This total has increased since initially opening at 38.5, as 70% of tickets and 78% of the money have come in on the over. Having said that, it’s certainly worthy of it’s (assumed) shootout status. Josh Allen, Buffalo’s No. 7 overall pick, led all quarterbacks in air yards in Week 1. Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick, completed 11-of-20 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns and is expected to stay playing with Cleveland’s second-string offense (against Buffalo’s second-string defense). You can’t go wrong with either quarterback, but the Bills are currently getting over a field goal’s worth of points (+3.5). Allen will have the entire second half to exploit Gregg Williams’ “Angel” defense, which hemhorrages yards to opposing quarterbacks.
The play: Josh Allen and Brandon Reilly stack, Bills +3.5 (+100)
