Top daily fantasy football plays for Saturday’s Week 1 preseason games

SB Nation will be bringing you the top options on virtually all preseason slates through the end of August. There are only three games on the Saturday slate, so the options are a bit more limited for DraftKings and FanDuel slates. As is always the case, keep an eye on Twitter throughout the day on gamedays, as injury and lineup news is always coming in prior to kickoff, turning popular plays into fades and lifting obscure plays into tournament-winning position.

Blaine Gabbert, Arizona Cardinals vs. Oakland Raiders

Gabbert is already locked into playing the entire second half, coming off a solid performance in the Hall of Fame game. Both of those pieces of data are going to make Gabbert super chalky, but he is certainly the safe play in cash games. I’d say eat the chalk in tournaments, as well.

Alex Tanney, Tennesee Titans at New York Jets

Chalk-averse? Tanney might be your man. The J-E-T-S are going to be L-O-U-S-Y, and Marcus Mariota isn’t likely to play more than a series or two. Tanney is trying to make the case for Tennessee keeping three quarterbacks, so this is his big chance. He should get enough playing time to give Gabbert a run at far lower ownership.

Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams

Moore was the quarterback who had the more productive game against Arizona last week, so he gets the nod on this list over Cooper Rush, although it’s a close call. It’s also possible the two backups cancel each other out by splitting what playing time is left after Dak Prescott departs, but Moore is the pick here if you’re going with a Dallas QB.

Sean Mannion, Rams vs. Cowboys

Mannion is off to a solid start in Rams camp, solid enough to start a bit of a debate over who should start for the Rams in September. So while Jared Goff gets the start, Mannion is the man to watch in this one. The Rams might give him a long leash to make his case.

Rod Smith, Cowboys at Rams

Smith dominated the Hall of Fame Game with 18 carries and four targets. And with the stunning news of Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension, guys like Smith take on all sorts of new-found significance in Cowboys camp. Expect Smith to carry another huge load in this one.

David Fluellen and Khalfani Muhammad, Titans at Jets

With DeMarco Murray not playing and Derrick Henry likely getting the “starter” treatment and only playing sparingly, the roster battle between Fluellen and Muhammad should be the focus of this game. Fluellen will likely get the first crack at the Jets, but both players are in prime position to put up decent numbers against the lowly Jets. This is one of those spots where you can entertain playing both of them.

Elijah Hood, Raiders at Cardinals

The seventh-round pick from North Carolina is in the mix for the No. 4 running back position and he should get a good look from the coaching staff against a defense that allowed Rod Smith to dominate last week. The Raiders like Hood’s physicality, which reminds them of their starter, Marshawn Lynch.

Malcolm Brown, Rams vs. Cowboys

Todd Gurley will look to put a disappointing 2016 behind him, but it’s not going to all happen in this game. Instead, it’s guys like Brown who are going to get their chance to make a fresh impression on the coaching staff.

Mekale McKay, Titans at Jets

There is a tremendous roster battle at wide receiver in Titans camp and McKay, a 6’5 undrafted free agent, has been a standout in practice and should get an opportunity to show off his size against the Jets. Taywan Taylor is a third-round pick who should also get some targets.

Andy Jones, Brian Brown, Cowboys at Rams

Brice Butler is not expected to play with a foot injury, which clears the deck a bit for Jones and Brown, who excelled against the Cardinals last week.

Krishawn Hogan, Cardinals vs. Raiders

Hogan was a bit of a disappointment against the Cowboys, committing a bad penalty early in the game that may have limited his playing time and ultimately caused him to be playing for the most part with the Cards’ fourth string QB. He will have much better throwers to work with this time, and if he limits mistakes, he should make an impact with very low ownership.

K.J. Brent, Raiders at Cardinals

Brent has been a standout in practice, with reports suggesting he’s been the fourth best receiver on the roster behind the likes of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, who will sparingly, if at all. That gives Brent and Seth Roberts a chance to solidify themselves as roster-worthy.

Jonnu Smith, Titans at Jets

Smith, a third-round pick, is drawing rave reviews in camp and should play a great deal against the Jets. Obviously, the Titans know what they have in Delanie Walker, so this is Smith’s chance to break out. Don’t be surprised if he does.

Rico Gathers, Cowboys at Rams

Gathers was solid last week against the Cardinals, including a touchdown. He might play less in this one, but probably enough to make an impact at a weak position on a shortened slate.