If you’re making NFL DFS picks for Sunday’s Steelers vs. Lions matchup, you’ve come to the right place. Although it’s always challenging to anticipate preseason snap counts, we’ve analyzed each team’s expectations and run through dozens of realistic scripts for today’s contest to provide seven recommended highest-upside targets that you might incorporate into your fantasy football tournament or 50/50 strategy.
Top NFL DFS picks for Steelers vs. Lions
Today we’re playing a DraftKings “Showdown Captain Mode” tournament that includes one player who earns 1.5 times his scoring output, plus five Flex players. All preseason prices are set at $7,600, while the Captain slot costs $11,400, meaning any combination of six players falls comfortably below the salary cap.
Jared Goff, QB, Lions
Unless something changes at the last minute, Detroit is expected to play its starters in the first half of today’s game. Preseason QBs who play that much have been far more consistently “good” than RBs, WRs, and TEs with similar snap counts.
[bet-promo id=”149453″ ]So based on the probabilities, I suggest rolling with Jared Goff as the DFS Captain (or in the MVP slot for similarly designed FanDuel contests). He’s already one of my favorite fantasy bargains this season. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t lead at least two scoring drives.
Mitch Trubisky, QB, Steelers
Mitch Trubisky is running out of time. It reminds me a bit of Tyrod Taylor trying to hold off Baker Mayfield and Justin Herbert. Yes, Taylor’s injuries sped up the timeline. But it was clearly only a matter of weeks — not months — before his younger backups took the reins. Similarly, Trubisky cannot afford to falter today. I think he’ll come through.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers
As for rookie Kenny Pickett, another stellar performance would heighten calls for him to start sooner rather than later. In his first two professional games, he’s completed 19 of 22 pass attempts for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Honestly, has there ever been a better preseason opening to an NFL career? Pickett should get a long enough look today to keep the good times going.
Mason Rudolph, QB, Steelers
We need to include Mason Rudolph in this lineup. He played the entire second half last week, and it’s quite possible he’ll lead Pittsburgh’s QBs in snap count again. While he might not get much going if he’s playing mostly with third-stringers, if he’s facing a weaker Lions defense in the latter stages of the game, he could replicate last week’s solid outing.
George Pickens, WR, Steelers
‘Tis the season for preseason hype, and few rookies have deservedly earned as much hype as George Pickens. He could overtake Chase Claypool as the team’s No. 2 receiver. I’m eyeing at least one 40+ yard completion for him today, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits four receptions and 70 yards with a score.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions
Knowing that the Lions plan to play their starters throughout the first half, we can safely bet on Goff to connect with his favorite 2021 receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown is no longer “the guy” in this offense, as he was late last season when playmakers like D’Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson dealt with injuries. However, St. Brown will enter this season as the team’s No. 1 wideout, so we should anticipate a nice afternoon for the second-year standout.