NFL Preseason Week 1 DFS Cheat Sheet: Three recommended plays for Thursday

• WR Demario Douglas, New England Patriots (85.0 PFF receiving grade): He is primed to tear up the Houston Texans’ slot coverage.

• WR John Metchie III, Houston Texans (79.5 PFF receiving grade): He makes his NFL debut on Thursday night.

• RB DeWayne McBride, Minnesota Vikings (94.1 PFF offense grade): He should lead the team in rushing attempts against a lackluster Seattle Seahawks defensive front.

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NFL preseason Week 1 kicks off with a Thursday night slate featuring the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings at the Seattle Seahawks. Below are the top three recommended players for DraftKings’ daily fantasy football Thursday competitions.

WR DEMARIO DOUGLAS, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Sixth-round rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas (85.0 PFF receiving grade) gets his first official chance to earn the vacant No. 3/slot receiver spot against Houston on Thursday night, carrying a $5,500 DraftKings salary.

Douglas (5-foot-8, 179 pounds) lit up the Group of Five as both a slot receiver and an All-American returner before flashing exceptional hops and speed to spare at the NFL Combine last spring. The eye-popping athleticism has translated to highlight-reel route running results in practice.