SportsLine Expert R.J. White Targets Rookies in 2026 NFL Preseason DFS Slate
With the 2026 NFL preseason kicking off on Thursday, SportsLine’s R.J. White identifies undrafted rookies and injury beneficiaries as key assets for DraftKings and FanDuel lineups.
SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has released his daily fantasy football recommendations for the opening Week 1 slate of the 2026 preseason, targeting undrafted rookies and players with increased opportunity due to roster changes. The Thursday games, commencing at 6 p.m. ET, mark the first DFS action in nearly six months, presenting a landscape where teams are expected to utilise different strategies regarding star player participation.
White identifies Detroit Lions quarterback Luke Altmyer as a primary target for the slate. Following the abrupt retirement of Teddy Bridgewater and starter Jared Goff sitting out the contest, Altmyer is projected to lead the day in snaps. The undrafted rookie out of Illinois is viewed as a high-upside option given the likely workload, despite White noting concerns about roster percentage saturation compared to other depth chart options.
The strategy also centres on Houston Texans running back Noah Whittington. Despite his 5’8” frame leading to his undrafted status, Whittington led the Big Ten in yards per carry last season. White points to injuries within the Texans’ backfield and the likelihood that starters will not play as factors that could open significant carry opportunities for Whittington and potentially running back Woody Marks.
Offensive totals on the Thursday slate are projected to be relatively high, with every game featuring an over/under of at least 37.5 points. The matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals carries the highest total at 40.5 points. This game features No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza making his professional debut for the Raiders.
The anticipated rookie quarterback duel in the Raiders-Cardinals game was altered when Arizona’s third-round pick, Carson Beck, was ruled out with a precautionary rib injury sustained during the Hall of Fame Game. Beck had completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards in his previous appearance. Consequently, the focus shifts to Cardinals quarterback Jacob Brissett facing Raiders starter Kirk Cousins.
DFS pricing for the slate is set at $5,500 on DraftKings and $6,000 on FanDuel for all players. White, who has placed twice in the Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest and serves as CBS’s Fantasy expert, advises players to scrutinise these value picks carefully as they construct their optimal lineups for the opening week.
