This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
FanDuel features a two-game NFL preseason slate Sunday. As always, the biggest concern with the preseason is how much playing time players will get. This week, most starters will get more run than they did in Week 1 of preseason, but they'll be pulled anywhere from the mid-first to the mid-second quarter. I will list a mix of choices between veterans and players trying to establish themselves.
Before setting final lineups, be sure to check the RotoWire news to see if there's any last-minute updates regarding playing time/roles. Finally, all players have the same salary during preseason, so you may start any combination of players you wish in any of the site's contests.
QUARTERBACK
Chase Daniel, NO at SD - Surprisingly, Daniel didn't get much playing time last week, but he did complete four of six passes. From all of his years as Drew Brees' backup before leaving for a few years in free agency, he knows the offense extremely well, and he's also one of the better backups in the league. It would be surprising if the team played its starters for an extended time, so Daniel's a sneaky lineup option.
Philip Rivers, LAC vs. NO - Rivers could easily see an entire half of action, and he'll have the majority of his weapons completely healthy, which should allow him to move the ball easily. In addition, the Saints' defense, though improving, shouldn't give the veteran QB much resistance.
RUNNING BACK
Knile Davis, PIT vs. ATL - The Steelers will use their backup RBs liberally, as Le'Veon Bell has yet to report to the team, and James Conner is working his way back from a shoulder injury. Davis ran extremely well last week when he posted 34 yards on eight carries against the Giants. He should see a number of carries against the Falcons reserves, and he's a good bet to be productive with his opportunities.
Melvin Gordon, LAC vs. NO - Even though Brandon Oliver was mixed in with a starting offense in the team's first preseason game, Gordon was still given the ball when the team got deep in the red zone. It's likely that the Chargers will play their starters for most, if not all, of the first half, and he has a good matchup against the Saints' front seven.
WIDE RECEIVER
Cobi Hamilton, PIT vs. ATL - The Steelers don't typically use their skill position players for heavy snaps during the preseason, which makes Hamilton a good player to target this week. His ability to make a big play makes him an enticing choice when building a DFS lineup, and he showed that ability last week when he caught both of his targets for 71 yards and a TD.
Travis Benjamin, LAC vs. NO - Last year, Benjamin was learning a new offense, and he also struggled with a knee injury that he played through most of the season. In the preseason opener, he showed his explosive ability when he caught a 74-yard TD. It wouldn't be surprising to see Philip Rivers take a deep shot or two to the only legitimate deep threat he has running with the regulars. In addition, the Saints defense is very beatable, making Benjamin an upside play this week.
TIGHT END
Austin Hooper, ATL at PIT - Hooper was only targeted once last week in limited playing time, but the Falcons likely will play their starters a significant number of snaps. In its brief time on the field last week, the offense appeared to be in midseason form, so Hooper could easily have a productive game against a vulnerable Steelers defense.
Hunter Henry, LAC vs. NO - The Chargers have plenty of weapons in the passing game, and assuming they leave their starters in for most of the first half, they move the ball well against the Falcons. Atlanta should have its share of struggles against this group of receivers, and Henry should find room down the seam to make a big play or two.
DEFENSE
Atlanta Falcons (at PIT) - The Falcons likely will face an offense that tends to use its starting offense sparingly during preseason. In addition, this defense is looking to improve, so it should have its starters on the field for much of the first half. Any time a defense faces an opponent's reserves for an extended period, that makes it a strong lineup option.
Los Angeles Chargers (at NO) - The Saints don't typically play Drew Brees heavily in the preseason, and this is a strong spot for an emerging Chargers defense to take advantage of a unit that plays its reserves more than most teams. In addition, San Diego has a very strong pass rush and should pressure the QB throughout most of the first half.
