If you’re making NFL DFS picks for Thursday Night Football, then you’ve come to the right place. Although it’s always challenging to anticipate preseason Week 1 snap counts, we’ve analyzed each team’s expectations and run through dozens of realistic scripts for tonight’s game featuring the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears in order to provide our recommended fantasy football lineup.
Top DraftKings NFL DFS picks for Seahawks vs. Bears
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. As always, we’re looking for that DFS sweet spot — the intersection of talent and preseason usage.
Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks ($11,400)
With Drew Lock on the shelf for this game, Geno Smith has an opening to seize the No. 1 QB job. It would be a wasted opportunity if Seattle limits him to only a drive or two. Head coach Pete Carroll has too much at stake to make the right decision. If Smith shines, he’ll likely start Week 1. If he falters, advantage Lock. I’m betting that he’ll be good enough to warrant being in our Captain slot.
Jacob Eason, QB, Seahawks ($7,600)
In this past Sunday’s DFS lineup, I recommended starting four QBs because the Raiders and Vikings were likely to play each of their backup quarterbacks for a full half. In preseason DFS contests, that’s like striking gold, and the lineup ended up finishing in the top 5%.
Similarly, I expect Jacob Eason to get plenty of run as Seattle’s likely QB3. The 24-year-old has barely seen the field since getting drafted two years ago, but he’s primed for the quintessential “close look” afforded to players who might actually see a spot start or two later this season.
Trevor Siemian, QB, Bears ($7,600)
Why not Justin Fields? Because according to recent reports, we’re not anticipating many snaps for Chicago’s starters. Trevor Siemian is one of the better QB backups in the NFL — an experienced 30-year-old who can enter mid-game and lead his team to an upset (see: last season vs. Bucs). Whether Siemian plays one quarter or two, he has a good shot at leading at least one scoring drive, making him an intriguing DFS lineup addition.
Nathan Peterman, QB, Bears ($7,600)
On the one hand, it’s hard to trust Nathan Peterman as a high-upside preseason DFS QB. On the other hand, he’s a good hedge if Siemian plays only one quarter.
A three-quarter Peterman should pull off 10+ DFS points. Our lineups should be based not only on ceilings, but also context. Collectively, if we believe the Bears will score at least three touchdowns tonight, there’s a high probability the Siemian-Peterman combo will account for at least two.
Bo Melton, WR, Seahawks ($7,600)
Bo Melton looked good in his first game action last week. The rookie is fighting for the No. 4 or 5 WR job out of camp. Another strong showing tonight could assure him a Week 1 role — albeit, a minor one to start the season. Among all WR backups tonight, Melton might have the most to gain if he breaks out.
Dazz Newsome, WR, Bears ($7,600)
I thought about starting Equanimeous St. Brown instead, but I’m going with Dazz Newsome, believing that tonight he has more upside. Brown will be 26 in September and is playing on a cheap one-year contract. Newsome is playing on an even cheaper contract, though at 23 years old, there’s a little more mystery about how good he could be. I believe Chicago will continue to give him a serious look, thanks in part to possessing one of the league’s weakest receiving corps.