It’s your buddy Darren Manser, a.k.a. @BooBoojojo, and I’m super excited to dive into this weekend’s 2024 Week 2 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
Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs vs. Lions | Chiefs -7 | O/U: 39.5
Come on, do I really need to tell you that Patrick Mahomes is a top pick? Coach Andy Reid has already confirmed that the starters will be playing the first half, so it's a no-brainer to lock him in. Even if he's 90% owned, there's no denying he's a must-play.
Andy Reid announced today that the starters, including Patrick Mahomes, will play the entire first half of Saturday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
— Covers (@Covers) August 15, 2024
Are you laying KC and the points? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jpa69PSDXq
BO NIX | Broncos vs. Packers | Broncos -7 | O/U: 39
Nix is back on the field, and the Broncos are giving him a good long look this preseason, with the rookie fighting for the starting job in Denver. With an impressive college career under his belt, including 113 passing touchdowns and 38 rushing touchdowns, we figured he’d have serious fantasy potential. Last week, he showed some of that dual-threat ability — he threw for 131 yards and a touchdown, plus added 17 rushing yards.
Hendon Hooker | Lions vs Chiefs | Chiefs -7 | O/U: 39.5
It’s been a tough road for Hooker, missing the 2023 season due to injury and then getting a concussion last week. He’s a dynamic player who was a blast to watch in Tennessee, but for this game, I’m keeping an eye on whether he’s playing in the second half. I wouldn’t want to risk him against Kansas City's starters, so I’m hoping he gets some second-half action when the Lions might be down and willing to let him loose.
RUNNING BACKS
Eric Gray | Giants vs. Texans -2.5 | O/U: 39.5
So, there was some buzz that Gray might miss last week’s game due to a concussion, and I was scrambling to find any info until just before kickoff. But he ended up playing and absolutely crushed it with 52 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 catches for 46 yards. Now, with Tyrone Tracy likely out with a scary ankle injury (it looked worse than it is) and Dante Miller missing practice with a hamstring issue, the Giants had to sign John Kelly for extra help this week. Gray is looking like one of the best plays this weekend!
Isiah Pacheco | Chiefs vs. Lions | Chiefs -7 | O/U: 39.5
Pretty straightforward here, folks — everything I said about Mahomes applies to Pacheco too. He’s a solid pick.
Emanuel Wilson | Packers vs. Broncos | Broncos -7 | O/U: 39
Wilson led the league in rushing yards last preseason, and he’s looking to do it again. Last week, he ran for 67 yards and a touchdown. With MarShawn Lloyd out due to injury, the Packers' backfield is pretty thin, giving Wilson extra opportunities to shine.
Packers RB Emanuel Wilson was signed by #Broncos as an undrafted free agent in May 2023 and cut after rookie minicamp. He returns this week "The Broncos cut me so I’m going in there with a different mindset, prove a point to them,'' said Wilson, who could be the Pack's No. 2 back
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 14, 2024
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jordan Whittington | Rams vs. Chargers | Chargers -2.5 | O/U: 33,5
Whittington has been the talk of Rams camp all summer, and he delivered last week with 9 targets and 74 yards. Just imagine what he could do with a better QB, because Stetson Bennett wasn’t exactly on fire. But be cautious — Sean McVay is known for protecting his key players for the regular season. Could Whittington be a guy the Rams are projecting to have a role?
Casey Washington | Falcons vs. Ravens | Ravens -1.5 | O/U: 35.5
Washington was all over the field last week with 9 targets, but managed to catch only 3 for 27 yards. He showed great speed and had plenty of opportunities, so I’m expecting him to get another shot this week. I’m sticking with him again.
Trishton Jackson | Vikings vs Browns | Browns -3 | O/U: 36
How about 4 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown? That’s what Jackson put up last week, and with both Jordan Addison and Thayer Thomas out due to injury, he’s likely to get even more playing time this week. He’s a great pick with a tighter WR corps.
Xavier Worthy/Rashee Rice | Chiefs vs. Lions | Chiefs -7 | O/U: 39.5
Ditto to everything I said about the other Chiefs.
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.
