NFL Preseason Daily Fantasy Helper: Thursday 9/1/16

Regular season football games are still weeks away, yet you're here reading a preseason daily fantasy football article. So I'll assume that you're a huge football fan? Oh, perhaps you're just a person who likes easy money. If that is the case, then preseason daily fantasy football is for you.

If you're new to preseason DFS, let me introduce you to the beautiful opportunity it presents.

With every player listed at the same price tag, it really comes down to being able to identify which players will see the most playing time. If you are willing to dig deep and find those players, you have a huge advantage.

The purpose of this article is to help you identify which players possess the right combination of talent and opportunity on each slate and give you an edge over your opponents.

Quarterbacks to Target

Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots -- In 2013, New England's third-string quarterback started and threw 42 passes in their Week 4 preseason contest. In 2014, their third-string quarterback started and threw 45 passes. This season, Jacoby Brissett appears likely for a similar workload. Brissett has posted an impressive 71.4 percent completion rate this preseason, while compiling 235 passing yards and a touchdown. He's also rushed 6 times for 30 yards. If we get word he is starting, Brissett is the top quarterback play on the slate.

Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos -- Paxton Lynch should play the entire game for Denver with Trevor Siemian penciled in as the starter and Mark Sanchez on the way out. Lynch has looked decent this preseason, completing 27 of 46 passes for 244 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He's worth a look based on volume alone.

Jameill Showers, Dallas Cowboys -- Tony Romo and Kellen Moore are hurt, and Dallas has seen all they need to from Dak Prescott, meaning Jameill Showers will get his chance to shine tonight. Showers has totaled 227 passing yards and a score in limited playing time this preseason and is an intriguing play from a volume perspective tonight.

Running Backs to Target

Terron Ward, Atlanta Falcons-- Terron Ward came into the preseason as the clear favorite for the third running back spot, but he has missed the entire preseason with an injury. He is expected to see his first action of the preseason tonight. With Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman unlikely to see much -- if any -- playing time tonight, and Brandon Wilds and Cyrus Gray both set to miss the game with injuries, Ward is the last healthy running back the Atlanta Falcons have. In last year's Week 4 preseason game, Ward put up 8.9 DraftKings points, without scoring a touchdown, on 20 touches. He could certainly be in line for similar production tonight, and if he does find the end zone, Ward could end up being a tournament winner.

C.J. Prosise, Seattle Seahawks -- The offseason hype-train has slowed on talented rookie C.J. Prosise, but he has a chance to get people excited again tonight. He is expected to see expanded playing time after missing most of preseason and training camp. Fellow rookie Alex Collins is also expected to receive a heavy workload in this game, and while both are viable picks, Prosise is the more appealing due to his pass-catching ability.

Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans -- Following the news that David Cobb was released from the Tennessee Titans, Bishop Sankey should be in line for a lot of work tonight. Sankey has only been given 5 carries this preseason, but he has turned them into 54 yards and a score. With DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry unlikely to see much work at all, the former second-round pick could end up stealing the show tonight.

Kenneth Farrow, San Diego Chargers -- A week ago, Kenneth Farrow was in a tight battle with Branden Oliver and Dreamius Smith for San Diego's third-string running back spot. Well, they are now both on the injured reserve, meaning a good showing tonight should solidify Farrow as the third back. Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead both have established roles and shouldn't see much playing time tonight, so Farrow could see a healthy share of snaps. He is also a talented pass catcher, which is an added bonus on DraftKings' PPR format.

Wide Receivers to Target

Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers -- Tyrell Williams has played well after being hyped up in training camp, collecting 83 yards on 7 catches in Weeks 2 and 3. With James Jones released, a big game from Williams tonight could go a long way towards vaulting him over Dontrelle Inman for San Diego's third-string receiver role.

Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns -- Wasn't it nice to see Josh Gordon back on the field? Well, tonight will be everyone's last chance to do so for a month -- including Cleveland's coaching staff because Gordon won't be able to practice with the team during his suspension. He could end up seeing a decent workload tonight, especially because he has four weeks off, so injury concern isn't as prevalent as it would be with other regulars. If news comes out that he will see extensive playing time, Gordon becomes a near must-play as the most talented receiver to see heavy usage on this slate.

Tavarres King, New York Giants -- Training camp hero Tavarres King is coming off of a two-touchdown game and should see a healthy snap count again tonight as he battles for a roster spot and a potential role in the New York Giants' offense.

Robby Anderson, New York Jets -- Anderson, another training camp standout, has really helped his case this preseason, catching 11 passes for 203 yards and 2 scores. With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker unlikely to play and Kenbrell Thompkins and Quincy Enunwa dealing with injuries, Anderson will likely draw the start and see a fair share of snaps as the lead man in a five-man rotation at receiver for the New York Jets.

Dorial Green-Beckham, Philadelphia Eagles -- Recently acquired Dorial Green-Beckham caught 2 passes for 15 yards and a touchdown last week and has a chance to build on it tonight. There have been conflicting reports about Green-Beckham's playing time tonight, but it would make sense for Philadelphia Eagles to take this opportunity to continue to get him acclimated after he missed valuable reps with the team in training camp and early preseason. With Jordan Matthews sitting again, Green-Beckham should be heavily targeted while he's in the game and is one of the most talented receivers who will see significant playing time on the slate.

Tight Ends to Target

Cole Wick, Detroit Lions -- Detroit is dealing with a litany of injuries at the tight end position, and they just cut Matthew Mulligan, meaning Cole Wick and Adam Fuehne should see all the work at tight end this week. Wick is the much more talented receiving tight end and thus the better fantasy option.

Darren Waller, Baltimore Ravens -- Maxx Williams will miss tonight's game, as will Dennis Pitta. Following Benjamin Watson's season-ending injury last week, it seems unlikely that incumbent starter Crockett Gillmore sees much time tonight, meaning the suspended Waller should see all the playing time he can handle in his last opportunity for game action for a month.

Defenses to Target

Philadelphia Eagles -- Philadelphia has flashed big-play ability over the past two preseasons on defense and special teams, and they will take on a Jets team that will throw a lot of Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg at them. Sign me up!