NFL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel: Preseason Week 3 Fantasy Football (8/22/2024)

It feels like the preseason kicked off just yesterday, but today marks the first slate of the last weekend of the 2024 preseason. This weekend should feature mostly backups, with the occasional starting unit getting a quarter or so of run here and there. One of those teams is on this slate, as the Colts have said they will let their starters play into the second quarter.

The Chiefs, Bengals, and Bears have stated they will not play any of their starters, so it will be benchwarmers roster bubble players making up their lineups tonight. In the case of the Bears and Chiefs, their second-string players may also get limited playing time. That does not mean this is a slate to overlook, as the players who see the field have so much to play for.

Here you will be provided daily fantasy football picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Thursday evening two-game slate of Week 3 of the NFL preseason on 8/22/24. These NFL DFS lineup picks can vary from high-end players and elite options to backup and contrarian players on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!

Preseason NFL DFS Picks – Quarterbacks

Anthony Richardson, IND at CIN

It’s going to be hard to look at any quarterback other than Anthony Richardson on the slate. There is only one team out of the four that will be playing their starters tonight, and it’s the Colts. The coaching staff says that the starters will get a quarter and a half, but coaches are liars so it’s quite possible that we only get two series like we got out of the Chiefs last weekend. Still, the talent level between Richardson, and every other quarterback on the slate is cavernous. 

It’s unlikely that Richardson will run much, but his passing opportunities should be enough to make him a strong option on the slate. The Bengals will be playing backups on defense, which means Richardson will face second-stringers for his entire run tonight. That makes him an even more appealing option. he is my cash quarterback and is a prime stacking option for tournaments.

Anthony Richardson FLICKS his wrist for a 50+ yard throw 😳

The Colts may have the most talented QB in the AFC South. pic.twitter.com/mTRJn5rrC8

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 20, 2024

Austin Reed, CHI at KC

The choices at quarterback on the slate are slim, so it’s worthwhile looking at a contrarian option. If there’s one to be found it is probably Austin Reed of the Chicago Bears. He was supposed to get a significant look in the Hall of Fame game, but with the early ending his opportunity was cut short. 

He didn’t throw any passes last weekend, so if the Bears want to see what they have in him, this is their last shot. Tyson Bagent will get the start, but he is too important to play too many snaps, and the team already knows what it has in Brett Rypien. It would not be a shock if Reed played an entire half and added some yards on the ground to go along with 15 to 20 passing attempts.

ALSO CONSIDER: Rocky Lombardi (CIN), Chris Oladokun (KC), Brett Rypien (CHI)

Preseason NFL DFS Picks – Running Backs

Evan Hull/Tyler Goodson, IND at CIN

Both Tyler Goodson and Evan Hall are viable on this short slate as they are fighting for the third running back spot on the Colts. If the injury to Trey Sermon is more significant than initially thought, then both players could make the team. They have both played well in preseason, combining for 92 yards, four targets, and three touchdowns. 

It is not far-fetched to think that one, or both, will get some time with the starters in this game and that they will combine to play about a half a football. That puts them in contention for cash tournament lineups.

Elijah Collins, CIN vs IND

The Bengals are not playing their starters in this game, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Trayveon Williams only saw a limited amount of work given his expected role as the third running back on the team. Elijah Collins played well last weekend, with 10 total opportunities, including two catches. In the first week of the preseason, he caught two passes. 

His work in the passing game helps raise his ceiling. He should be on the field quite a bit in the second half of this game, and if he can match what he did last weekend, then he is a useful play on this slate. 

ALSO CONSIDER: Ian Wheeler (CHI), Carson Steele (KC - FD only), Deneric Prince (KC)

 
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Preseason NFL DFS Picks – Wide Receivers

Michael Pittman Jr./Adonai Mitchell, IND at CIN

If we are going to roll with Anthony Richardson as our tournament quarterback, then we should have his top two weapons as part of a stack. Michael Pittman Jr. should get the volume, while Adonai Mitchell is the big play threat. While it’s unreasonable to expect the same outcome, the upside for Mitchell is what we saw from Xavier Worthy last weekend for the Chiefs. Pittman is your cash game option, while Mitchell is the one-off you want in tournaments.

Justyn Ross/Nikko Remigio, KC vs CHI

The top four receivers for the Chiefs are set in stone, while the last couple of spots are up for grabs. The team already knows what it has in Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman, but Justyn Ross and Nico Remigio are still a pair of unknowns. Ross has a great pedigree from college, and he’s finally healthy and looked strong in last week's game. 

The team took multiple shots downfield with him, and he is also a tall receiver, making him a red zone threat. Meanwhile, Remigio has impressed during training camp and has been on the field a lot in the second half of both the Chiefs' preseason games. He should get every opportunity to earn a position on this team.

Velus Jones Jr., CHI at KC

I must be a glutton for punishment because I am going back to Velus Jones Jr. again this week. The team drafted him with high hopes just two years ago, but thus far he has been a gigantic bust. The Bears are not known for giving up on their draft picks, and they are trying to find different ways to get Jones more involved in the offense. 

He only saw a couple of carries last weekend, but the team will continue to work him all over the field to see if he is worth keeping on the roster. Dante Pettis got injured in camp this week, so more opportunities are available at wide receiver. He is far from the safest play, but Jones is shifty in the open field and makes for a high-upside, low-owned tournament option.

Velus Jones out of the backfield is surprisingly dangerous. He’ll thrive in this role 🔥 https://t.co/8nvYNJeSjx pic.twitter.com/7s4sGWzb7q

— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) August 6, 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Cornell Powell (KC), DeAndre Carter (CHI), Kwamie Lassiter II (CIN), Juwann Winfree (IND)

Preseason NFL DFS Picks – Tight End

Tanner McLachlan, CIN vs IND

As has been the case for most of the slates this preseason, tight end is the weakest position on the slate. The Colts have two starting tight ends, but it is a tossup as to which one will get the look in the red zone. Meanwhile, the Bengals are trying to figure out if Tanner McLaughlin is worth keeping over Tanner Hudson. McLaughlin was a draft pick this year, so the team has more incentive to keep him on the roster. That should mean he gets significant playing time this weekend to earn that spot.

ALSO CONSIDER: Kylen Granson (IND), Tommy Sweeney (CHI)

Thanks for checking this out, and good luck!

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