The Carolina Panthers and the Indianapolis Colts will be the last two teams to complete their first preseason game on Sunday and it's the only game on the NFL preseason schedule that day. That means that NFL daily Fantasy players will have the rare preseason opportunity to focus in on just two depth charts. And with major stars unlikely to see significant playing time, it will be all about figuring out which players will see the field most.
The Colts have to prepare for life without Carson Wentz for at least a little bit, so that means we'll see doses of Jacob Eason, Sam Ehlinger and Brett Hundley on Sunday. But are either of the three worth consideration for your NFL DFS lineups for a single-game slate and what position players will see the most touches? Before locking in any 2021 NFL Preseason DFS picks for Panthers vs. Colts, be sure to check out the NFL DFS advice, player rankings, stacks and top daily Fantasy football picks from SportsLine's Scott Engel.
Engel is a prime source to consult for DFS success. He's an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame and has been a premier analyst and Fantasy personality for 25 years.
He is a four-time FSWA Award Winner and 10-time nominee. In 2020, Engel was a finalist for the FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year Award, which he also won previously. His expertise allows him to find the best DFS values and create optimal lineups that he shares only with members at SportsLine.
In Week 1 of the NFL preseason, Engel had Eagles receiver Quez Watkins as one of his top picks on Thursday. The result: Watkins had a 79-yard touchdown reception, and anybody who had Watkins in their lineups was well on the way to a profitable day.
Now, Engel has turned his attention to the 2021 NFL Preseason and locked in his top daily Fantasy football picks for Sunday. You can only see them by heading to SportsLine.
Top Sunday NFL DFS picks for Colts vs. Panthers
For 2021 NFL Preseason Week 1 on Sunday, Engel is high on Ehlinger. The former Texas quarterback was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was hoping to make the roster as the third quarterback this preseason. However, he's suddenly jumped to No. 2 on the depth chart after Wentz's injury and he should be eager to take advantage of the chance.
Ehlinger was an adequate passer at Texas, completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns. But his daily Fantasy value could be supplemented significantly by his rushing upside. Ehlinger ran for 1,903 yards and 33 touchdowns in his time at Texas.
Part of his optimal NFL DFS strategy also includes rostering Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. After Christian McCaffrey was given more than 400 touches in 2019 and then battled injuries throughout 2020, Carolina is in need of a back or two to help spell the superstar in 2021 and keep him healthier.
That's a big reason why the Panthers spent a fourth-round pick on the former Oklahoma State star. Hubbard led college football with 2,094 rushing yards in 2019 and then finished his career in Stillwater with 3,938 scrimmage yards and 39 touchdowns after ending his final year early. Hubbard and Reggie Bonnafon should both see a lot of work as they battle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
How to set Sunday NFL DFS lineups for Panthers vs. Colts
Engel is also targeting a player who could go off for massive numbers on Sunday because of a dream matchup. This pick could be the difference between winning your tournaments and cash games or going home with nothing. You can only see who it is here.
So who is Fantasy Hall of Famer Scott Engel putting in his optimal NFL DFS lineups for Panthers vs. Colts on Sunday? Visit SportsLine now to see optimal NFL DFS picks, rankings, advice, and stacks, all from an award-winning Fantasy expert, and find out.
