Friday gives us a pair of NFL preseason games to take in for our viewing pleasures. The Panthers will take on the Giants at 7 PM EST while the Bengals will face off against the Falcons at 7:30. Check out our DraftKings lineup for Friday, August 18!

QB: Trevor Siemian (CIN)

As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the new season, head coach Zac Taylor is facing some critical decisions on the offensive front. One of the most pressing matters is determining the support for Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon as they kick off their campaign.

With Burrow returning from injury, a strong start is paramount as the team aims for their third consecutive AFC North division title. Following a challenging Week 1 match against the Packers, the spotlight now turns to quarterback Trevor Siemian, who is expected to be more at ease with the Bengals' offensive playmakers in Week 2.

This lineup includes key figures like Tyler Boyd and a group of adept pass-catching running backs. Siemian's improved familiarity with the team's playmakers presents an opportunity for the Bengals to recover from their initial setback and demonstrate better cohesion from the top to bottom of the roster.

RB: Eric Gray (NYG)

Gray only ran the ball five times for nine yards in his preseason opener, but the former Oklahoma back should receive some more touches as New York attempts to find another playmaker behind Saquon and Darren Waller.

With the absence of Richie James, don’t be surprised if EG also takes some punt return and kick return snaps. If he’s looking good in the first quarter I’d expect Daboll to ride with him throughout the ball game.

While Gray fights for the RB3 spot with James Robinson, the Giants' preseason QBs should use him in the passing game quite often as the Carolina starters put pressure on the Offensive Line in the 1st half.

RB: Chase Brown (CIN)

The Bengals’ 5th-round selection is due to win the backup RB spot for the Bengals sooner rather than later. After impressing at the NFL combine and in his final season at Illinois, the workhorse will be given the chance to get 10+ touches on Friday, which will automatically put him in the upper-echelon of backs playing in tomorrow’s games.

An elusive player who can make some great catches in traffic, I’m expecting Brown to capitalize on a huge situation where the RB2 spot is up for grabs in Cincy with Samaje Perine now in Denver.

Utilization and opportunity are key in these games as Brown is likely to seize this opportunity and become a focal point in the backfield.

WR: Mack Hollins (ATL)

Hollins tallied 690 yards and four touchdowns with the Raiders before moving to Atlanta over the offseason. In a wide receiver group that doesn’t have solidified depth past Drake London, I’m expecting Mack to get some runs in Game 2 especially in the first half as starters should get playing time.

With a huge frame and a solid training camp, look for the journeyman wideout to be targeted downfield multiple times from Ridder and company.

WR: Kalil Pimpleton (NYG)

“Hard Knocks” hero for the Detroit Lions, Pimpleton displayed his running and catching abilities in Big Blue’s first matchup after joining the NFC East squad this season.

Without many “swiss-army-knife” type players on the offensive side of the ball, expect Daboll to dial up a few jet sweeps and innovative touches for Kalil in their second ballgame. Don’t be surprised if he leads New York in touches against Carolina.

WR: Laviska Shenault Jr. (CAR)

Speaking of “swiss-army-knives”, Laviska Shenault was the epitome of this in college at Boulder.

While that hasn’t panned out in the league yet, Terrace Marshall is injured and Carolina is lacking playmaking on the outside, so look for Frank Reich and Bryce Young to utilize the RB/WR in multiple formations throughout this game and the next preseason game as they decipher how to utilize him.

TE: Tommy Tremble (CAR)

Carolina’s Tommy Tremble finished his first two seasons with virtually the same numbers, finishing in the TE40-50 range depending on which format you use.

However, during the preseason it’s likely that Young, Coral, or whoever takes the QB snaps will be checking the ball down more often than not, so investing in a Carolina TE isn’t a bad idea, especially Tremble who has red zone value.

FLEX: Bijan Robinson (ATL)

If Bijan Robinson plays, he should start without a doubt. Picked 8th overall, he brings an exciting energy that could lead the Falcons to a quick 75-yard touchdown drive, using his skills all over the field.

This game will be the first time Ridder, Robinson, Pitts, and London all play together, a must-watch event. Keep an eye on Robinson – he could break away for a big play against the Bengals' defense and cause problems when lined up in the slot against linebackers or slower safeties.