2024 NFL Preseason Week 1 DFS Plays

It’s your buddy Darren Manser, a.k.a. @BooBoojojo, and I’m super excited to dive into this weekend’s 2024 Week 1 Preseason action.

This article is a free version for the public, but for specific slate plays and a main slate livestream, come join us at Fantasy Points. You’ll gain insight in our Discord and have access to my live stream.

I know the NFL preseason can be a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but I’ve got your back. If you’re an NFL Premium or All-In subscriber, join me over in the subscriber Discord’s #nfl-dfs channel a couple of hours before kickoff for some good ol’ fashioned Q&A. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens.

QUARTERBACKS

BO NIX | Broncos vs. Colts | Colts -1 | O/U: 38

In Nix, we have a rookie QB who, in his college career, threw for 113 touchdowns and rushed for an additional 38. The latest depth chart has him listed as #3 for the Broncos, but I’m expecting Sean Payton and the coaches to give their first-round pick a nice long look this week. I love the rushing upside he brings.

DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON | Browns vs. Packers | Browns -3 | O/U: 39.5

DTR was one of my 2023 preseason darlings because, like Nix, he can also run and throw a big deep ball. I’m not sure we’ll see Deshaun Watson suit up, and with Jameis Winston also being a vet, DTR may actually start the game. Either way, I anticipate he’ll see extended run, and reports out of camp have been positive for most of the summer.

TREY LANCE | COWBOYS vs. RAMS | Cowboys -4 | O/U:35

Y’all see a theme here? I’m all over the rushing QBs, and to finish out the QB section, we’ll end with Trey. The 2021 #3 pick in the draft has been reportedly playing well in camp. He’s a dynamic player who isn’t afraid of contact and is a goal-line threat any time his team gets into the red zone. I’m curious if he may get some packages in the regular season. Take a look at McCarthy’s outlook for the preseason, from all the way back in May — it’s music to the ears of preseason DFS junkies (yes, I did bookmark it).

RUNNING BACKS

DEMETRIC FELTON | Bears at Bills | Bears -1 | O/U: 3y.5

We all got screwed last week in the Hall of Fame Game, as Felton was going to play the entire second half, but Mother Nature had other plans. I’m curious if DFS players have a short memory and felt burned by him and may not roster him. That might be a huge mistake since it looks like Roschon Johnson got banged up this week, and as of this writing, we’re unsure of his status. A player like Felton who can run, catch, and see lots of field time brings a smile to my face. We’ll see if any more news drops for the Bears.

JOHN KELLY JR. | Browns vs. Packers | Browns -3 | O/U: 39.5

Kelly is a preseason legend from 2023, as he posted 30 carries for 88 yards, 1 TD, and added 12 targets, 9 catches for 66 yards, and another TD. With D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines possibly out behind the rehabbing Nick Chubb, the RB room is awfully thin, so I’ll take the additional snaps he should see this week.

BUCKY IRVING | BUCS vs. Bengals | Bengals -34 | O/U: 37

The rookie Irving is fighting for the Bucs’ #2 RB gig with Chase Edmonds, who’s currently banged up. With Rachaad White likely sitting out and the RB depth being pretty thin overall, he has my attention. Irving was a college DFS legend for what he did at Oregon last year, so I’m trying to carry some momentum over.

WIDE RECEIVERS

JOHNNY WILSON | Eagles vs. Ravens | Eagles -1.5 | O/U: 34.5

The Eagles are having a wide-open competition for their #3 WR spot behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. At 6’6” and 230, Wilson is a potential mismatch for any defense if he’s able to put it together, and he’s gotten reps both in the slot and outside. Parris Campbell has missed time this summer (doesn’t he always?), which has opened the door for more reps, and John Ross was carted off the field earlier this week in practice, with no update on his status. I’m pretty sure our own Scott Barrett will be pleased that I wrote up his boy this week.

KRISTIAN WILKERSON | Raiders vs. Dolphins | Raiders -3.5 | O/U: 38.5

If there were a Hall of Fame for preseason football, Wilkerson would be in on the first ballot. Last year alone, he drew 28 targets and ran 92 pass routes, which is money for our game. He’s always been right on the bubble every year to make his teams, and once again, he’ll be battling to take steps toward securing a spot on the Raiders roster. He’s been involved in camp making plays, and has been complimentary of new OC Luke Getsy.

RONNIE BELL | 49ers vs. Titans | Titans -4 | O/U: 39.5

The Niners are seriously beat up at the WR position going into the weekend. Tay Martin, Malik Turner, and Jacob Cowing are all battling injuries, so this justifies Bell getting some extra reps. He ended up getting some regular-season reps last year as a rookie and had 3 TDs on just 13 targets. He was a beast for the Wolverines at Michigan, and I like his gritty style of play.

Remember, I’ll be hanging out in the #nfl-dfs Discord chat as @Darren a couple of hours before kickoff, ready to tackle your burning questions and help you finesse those last-minute lineup moves. Wishing you all the luck and excitement in the world as we dive into this preseason spectacle.