Laying your money down on preseason can sometimes be a little tricky. We never know what plans the coaches have and how long they want to play certain people. Still, there is money that can be made. Plus, we are all degens and want to have a little action anyway. Let’s take a look at some of today’s best Underdog Fantasy Preseason 2 Pick’Em entries.
When looking at the statistical projections, I like to target guys with a couple of different qualities. First, I look for veterans who are farther down on depth charts and will play against second—or third-stringers. Then, I look for hungry players, whether vets or rookies, players who are looking to prove themselves, whether they feel they are too low on a depth chart or maybe were drafted late. Let’s take a look at today’s top plays.
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Underdog Fantasy Preseason Week 2 Pick’Em Entry
Sione Vaki higher than 23.5 Rush + Rec yards
We’ll start our Underdog Fantasy preseason week 2 pick’em entry with Sione Vaki of the Lions. While the Lions only managed three points last week against the Giants, this game feels different. It is only preseason, and everybody knows that. However, the Lions and Chiefs had a great Week 1 game to open the season last year, and the Lions will be looking to replicate the success.
Vaki only had four carries in last week’s preseason game. However, he turned those four carries into 29 yards. That tied the team for the most carries and was second most yards behind quarterback Hendon Hooker. I expect Vaki to get more involved this week as the team tries to decide if he’ll be their third-stringer or if it will be returning backup Craig Reynolds.
The Lions should be able to effectively run the ball on the Chiefs. While the Chiefs starters are playing in the first half, we don’t know for sure how long they will be playing.
Caleb Williams higher than 67.5 passing yards
Caleb Williams and the company will hit the field again, and he will make his way into our Underdog Fantasy preseason Week 2 pick’em entry. The Bears’ starters only saw the field for two series last week. We don’t know how much time they’ll get this week, but I think it’s going to be more than two series. In fact, we may see the Bears’ starters play at least the whole first quarter, if not close to the first half.
Last week, in two series of work, Caleb Williams passed for 95 yards. He looked the part of the franchise quarterback that Bears fans hope he can grow into. He made a jump pass down the sideline that fit into a tight window and hit Cole Kmet right in the hands. He also had what appeared to be a no-look pass.
Williams is a hungry competitor and despite this being preseason, he’ll want to continue to impress any of the doubters. Look for him to do better than his 95 yards from last year, therefore hitting higher than the 67.5 passing yards.
Khalil Herbert higher than 26.5 rush + rec yards
Khalil Herbert’s name has been thrown out a lot this offseason. Some have claimed he’s fighting for the RB2 spot against last year’s rookie Roschon Johnson. Herbert has been with Chicago for several years now, even drawing multiple starts as the RB1. That spot belongs to DeAndre Swift right now, even though I expect the Bears to use multiple running backs in different packages throughout the season.
Last week, Roschon Johnson was out for the game. This led to Herbert getting nine carries with the starters, turning those into 31 yards. Johnson is expected to play this week, so it will be interesting to see how the carries play out. However, Herbert knows how to compete and how to work hard.
I expect him to work hard to perform well this weekend. Although he likely won’t get any yards in the passing game, look for him to make the most of his carries on the ground.
Malik nabers higher than 24.5 rush + rec yards
Dan Jones will make his preseason debut, which means Malik Nabers will have his starting quarterback throwing to him. Nabers had been dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to be healthy now. His receiving total is set at 24.5, though rushing yards would count towards that number as well. I don’t think he’ll get any carries and will have to do his damage in the air.
The Giants drafted Malik Nabers in the first round with hopes that he can be the WR1 and dominant force they’ve been missing since Odell Beckham Jr. One thing Daniel Jones and the Giants will want to do is get the fans excited with a big play to him. He could end the day with only one or two catches, but I’m feeling a bit of play coming to get everybody excited and confident. Therefore, I like the higher.
Cedric Tillman Higher than 19.5 rush + rec yards
Cedric Tillman didn’t log any stats or playing time last week against the Cowboys. The Browns will want to get all of their players some reps this week against the Vikings. The Vikings’ defensive backfield is young, and the Browns will hope to take advantage. Cedric Tillman didn’t have the best season last year and has higher expectations for himself.
The team also has higher expectations, and we will want to get him some looks to build his confidence and see if he can be a top contributor to the team. Behind Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy, there are question marks around the Browns’ receiving corps. Tillman is working to lock down the WR3 or WR4 spot on the team.
