NFL Preseason 8/20/26 DraftKings Breakdown

Thursday is here, and we are breaking down the two-game slate!

The games are as follows!

• Raiders at Texans

• 49ers at Chargers

We will go position by position, highlighting my favorite plays below

Quarter back

On the Raiders, Fernando Mendoza looked great in his debut. He was poised and looked great in the pocket. The Texans are interesting now with the injury to Graham Mertz and him tearing his ACL. Brett Rypien was signed and could see an extended run. On the 49ers, Adrian Martinez and Kurtis Rourke balled out against the Titans. They both put up great numbers. On the Chargers, DJ Uiagalelei looked more efficient last game over Trey Lance.

Running back

On the Raiders, the carries were spread out. Mike Washington had the strongest performance. On the Texans, I do like Noah Whittington once again to see the most carries. Joshua Pitsenberger is on the IR, and Owen Wright was just signed to a contract. The Texans are battling injuries. British Brooks had surgery, and Jawhar Jordan is still missing time. On the 49ers, Sincere McCormick was the lead back last game. Khalil Herbet saw some carries but didn't look great. Among the Chargers, Greg Desrosiers saw the most carries despite yards per carry not being fantastic. I still think he has room to grow and can look okay in this upcoming game.

Wide Receiver

On the Raiders, Malik Benson saw two catches, and he was a name being hyped up in camp. On the Texans, Josh Kelly is interesting. The two names you need to know on the 49ers are De'Zhaun Stribiling and Jordan Watkins. The two rookies had stellar games, and I am loving both of them coming into this game. On the Chargers, KeAndre Lambert Smith looked good, and the second-year player continues to make improvements. The other catches were spread around.

Tight End

On the Raiders, nothing stands out. For the Texans, I am going right back to Marlin Klein, who saw a long catch. On the 49ers, Josiah Deguara saw a couple of catches last game, but I don't expect that again. On the Chargers, Johnny Pascuzzi looked great last game.