We have reached Week 1 of the 2022 NFL preseason. If you’re competing in a DraftKings DFS tournament or 50/50 fantasy football contest for Thursday Night Football, then you’ve come to the right place. Here is our recommended lineup after running through dozens of potential scripts for the two games on tonight’s schedule.
Top DraftKings NFL DFS picks for Thursday Night Football
Tonight we’re playing a DraftKings “Classic” tournament that includes one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one Flex, and one D/ST.
[bet-promo id=”149453″ ]Since this is the preseason, and because even sites like DraftKings had no idea who would play when they set pricing, they gave every player a $5,500 price tag. Enjoy it while it lasts, folks. Now, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Tyler Huntley, QB, Baltimore Ravens ($5,500)
We witnessed what Tyler Huntley could do last season on a regular-season stage. His rushing prowess certainly compensates for any limitations as a passer. Facing potentially more backups than starters — including rookie defenders seeing their first NFL game action — Huntley is a fantastic boom-bust option with one of the highest upsides of the evening.
Pierre Strong Jr., RB, New England Patriots ($5,500)
On the same day James White retired, all eyes are (or should be) on his possible heir-apparent, rookie Pierre Strong Jr. If Strong improves his ball security, he could become as good or even better than White, particularly if the Patriots decide to trade Damien Harris.
For now, we should assume Strong will see enough run to help New England assess their optimal regular-season backfield rotation.
Tyler Badie, RB, Baltimore Ravens ($5,500)
There’s a perfect storm of opportunity surrounding rookie Tyler Badie. J.K. Dobbins might or might not be a 225-touch back this season. Gus Edwards’ injury recovery is going worse, and his Week 1 availability remains doubtful. And Mike Davis has the ceiling of a hobbit house.
Badie could open the season as a third-down back. He needs a strong preseason showing, and it could begin tonight.
Kyle Philips, WR, Tennessee Titans ($5,500)
A bit of a dart throw, Kyle Philips should earn several snaps tonight as he battles for a No. 5 or even No. 4 WR role. The fact that he’s already been running with the first-team offense shows Tennessee trusts him. The next step is delivering in real game action.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants ($5,500)
On the one hand, it doesn’t matter how many wide receivers the Giants have if their quarterback can’t elevate them. On the other hand, rookie Wan’Dale Robinson can manufacture buckets of yards with the ball in his hands.
Watch tonight to see how creatively the team uses him. Robinson might have the best chance of any running back or receiver tonight to break a 50+ yard touchdown.
Tyquan Thornton, WR, New England Patriots ($5,500)
Are you picking up on a theme? Rookies, rookies, rookies. Tyquan Thornton could end up being the WR3 or 4 for the Patriots. He also could ascend to No. 1. Thornton’s 4.28 40-yard speed speaks for itself. The biggest question is whether his QBs tonight can get him the ball.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens ($5,500)
If Mark Andrews were not on the Ravens, Isaiah Likely could be a top-14 fantasy TE as soon as next season. As it stands, he has as much two-TD potential as any receiver tonight. Of Likely’s college receptions, 20% of them were scores. He’ll be fun to watch.
Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens ($5,500)
Remember Badie above? Justice Hill is arguably just as talented and more proven. He looks healthy after his 2021 ACL tear and is a solid Flex tonight.
Baltimore Ravens, D/ST ($5,500)
As you can tell, we’re all in on the Ravens tonight against Malik Willis and company. Its improved defense should step up against Tennessee’s rookies and backups (except Philips). They’re probably the safest bet of the four teams playing.