NFL Preseason Highlights for 2025
The 2025 NFL preseason has kicked off, and there’s plenty to look forward to. On Friday, we’ll see the Detroit Lions take on the Atlanta Falcons, while the Cleveland Browns are set to face the Carolina Panthers, and the New England Patriots will play against Washington.
In case you’re wondering, during preseason games, every player has the same cost to include in your lineup. This makes it a bit trickier for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) players, as it’s crucial to consider who will actually be playing for each team. These games are particularly important for coaching staff to assess backup players and those on the fringes of the roster, so don’t expect stars like Bijan Robinson or Jaden Daniels to be making an appearance.
Speaking of lineups, there are some players worth considering this Friday.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been a topic of discussion all offseason. There’s a chance they might carry four quarterbacks on their final 53-man roster. Veteran Joe Flacco has been labeled a “strong favorite” by some insiders. That said, there’s still time for others like Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders to make their case.
With both Pickett and Gabriel dealing with hamstring injuries, it seems Sanders is expected to start and might play a significant part of the first half. The Browns also recently signed former Ravens backup Tyler Huntley, who is likely to take over later in the game due to injuries. I think Sanders will want to impress the coaching staff, and he could be a viable option for DFS lineups this week.
Over at the Falcons, coach Raheem Morris confirmed that both Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins are in the mix for Friday’s game, leaving room for third-stringer Easton Stick to get some playtime.
Stick signed with Atlanta after spending six seasons with the Chargers and should see some meaningful action in the first half before handing off to rookie backup Emory Jones.
Trevion Henderson, Patriots
Henderson is turning heads as a fantasy football sleeper, and it makes sense. The rookie from Ohio has demonstrated his skills as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. While veteran Rhamondre Stevenson has issued a word of caution about sharing the field with him, it’s possible New England will limit his usage in this preseason game. Nevertheless, his potential impact could earn him a DFS spot.
Meanwhile, Jones joined the Saints this offseason after spending most of the previous year on the practice squad following a release from the Bears. He moved to running back before being cut and is hoping to showcase his speed in Kellen Moore’s offense during Friday’s game.
As for the Lions, they’re coming off their Hall of Fame game against the Chargers and will get another chance to shine. Arkansas rookie Tesla, standing at 6’4″, impressed many with his debut performance and even made significant contributions on special teams.
Coach Dan Campbell is likely brainstorming creative ways to utilize Tesla, so it’ll be interesting to see how much he plays against the Falcons.
Luke McCaffrey, Commanders
Things aren’t entirely smooth at Commanders Camp. All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin has reportedly requested a trade, which complicates matters for Washington’s receiver depth. Luke McCaffrey, a second-year wideout, has a chance to step up and prove his worth.
Offensive coordinator Cliff Kingsbury has praised McCaffrey’s offseason work. With connections to his All-Pro brother Christian McCaffrey, he could be poised for a breakout year. It would be great to see him make an impact against New England this weekend.
Rookie first-rounder Teyvion McMillan has generated excitement for the Panthers’ offense, but it’s been the sixth-round pick who’s really stood out in training camp. He could make a compelling case for a 53-man roster spot with a strong showing against Cleveland on Friday, potentially giving him a place in DFS lineups.
Ja’tavion Sanders, Panthers
Another exciting name in Panthers camp is Ja’tavion Sanders, who some are suggesting could be a camp MVP. After an impressive rookie season, he’s on track for significant targets and could play a vital role with Tomi Tuiasosopo on the PUP list. His performance against the Browns could be a big factor in DFS consideration, especially if he manages to make some notable plays.
Finally, choosing a DFS defense during preseason can be a tricky affair, given the frequent rotations in lineups. As the Lions continue to switch players, it could open opportunities for the Falcons’ defense to make a strong showing on Friday.
