Two-game NFL preseason Week 3 slate on Friday, August 21, 2025 features Giants vs Patriots and Steelers vs Panthers, with a sharp focus on value sleepers and ceiling plays for DFS on DraftKings and FanDuel. Jaxson Dart’s eye-popping Giants performances loom large, prompting consideration of a Dart-stack with Giants pass-catchers in tournaments. Skylar Thompson is slated for heavy action for Pittsburgh as the Panthers rest starters, boosting the upside of Steelers pass-game and backfield plays on a short slate. Dante Miller and Lew Nichols headline late-round RB options for NYG and PIT, while Brycen Tremayne and Beaux Collins push for final roster spots for CAR and NYG, offering cheap-flash potential. Javon Baker, Javonne Baker? (traveling with NE) and Beaux Collins are intriguing tournament darts, while Darnell Washington provides red-zone upside for Pittsburgh in this tiny window. The guide emphasizes volume and roster leverage on a two-game slate, with price-conscious darts and stacking opportunities across both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Expect Dart to be the centerpiece of Giants lineups, especially when paired with NYG’s pass-catchers on a tight slate. Thompson’s workload for Pittsburgh could yield four quarters of action, making him a pivot away from the typical starter risk. Miller’s Turbo profile and Nichols’ big-play ability give rosters an edge in late-game opportunities, particularly if New York wins time-of-possession or Pittsburgh leans into high-leverage plays. Carolina’s Tremayne and Collins bring roster-churn appeal, while Baker’s travel to the game keeps a live upside needle in play. Darnell Washington’s red-zone ceiling remains a key narrative in a tight Steelers- Panthers environment. Overall, the strategy is to bank on volume, leverage cheap stacks, and target high-upside players in the two-game Friday slate.

Dalton Risner, a 30-year-old lineman with 81 career starts, is weighing free-agent visits and has the Steelers, Bengals, and Seahawks on his radar. Pittsburgh is pursuing a veteran addition to its rebuilt offensive line, but the Bengals and Seahawks each offer a clearer path to a starting role. Risner’s decision will hinge on whether a starting job is available, and Pittsburgh’s interest highlights the team’s priority of stabilizing interior protection and run blocking as it reshapes its front five.

For fantasy and betting angles, Risner landing in Pittsburgh would boost the Steelers’ run game and pass protection, especially if he earns a starting gig. Even as depth, his presence could steady protection schemes and improve overall offensive efficiency. If he signs with Cincinnati or Seattle for a guaranteed starting spot, those teams could see immediate upgrades in interior line play and short-yardage efficiency, influencing related fantasy outputs.

Overall, Risner’s visits mark a meaningful pivot for teams evaluating interior line talent. Pittsburgh’s pursuit signals a willingness to commit veteran depth to a revamped front that already leans on youth. The decision will shape how fantasy assets—especially at running back and quarterback—are valued in the early weeks of the season.

Micah Parsons is expected to be on the field for the Cowboys in Week 1 against the Eagles, per coach Brian Schottenheimer, despite ongoing contract stalemate and Parsons’ hold-in. Dallas hopes to line up against Philadelphia with its game-changing edge rusher ready to go in about two weeks, a critical factor for fantasy managers eyeing Dallas’ defense and Parsons’ IDP upside. The business side will sort itself out, Schottenheimer said with a smile. Parsons remains under a $24 million fifth-year option, and his next contract is shaping up to be the league’s top payday for a non-quarterback, surpassing even TJ Watt’s $123 million deal over three years. Clarifying the outlook, the report notes Parsons has not practiced in training camp as the sides stay at an impasse.

The pricetag and trade request headline the situation, but Parsons’ resolute presence could drastically shift Week 1 projections. If he suits up, Dallas’ defense immediately gains ceiling in sacks and tackles for loss, while the offense must account for Philadelphia’s ferocious front. Fantasy players should monitor his health status, potential ramp-up time, and how the Cowboys rotate him in early downs versus the high-octane Eagles offense. The broader implication: Parsons’ availability could swing defensive streamer decisions and adjust dynasty-league valuations as we approach the opening weekend.