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.

Pittsburgh’s 17-14 loss to Tampa Bay was a grindstone for evaluation. Roman Wilson flashed again, hauling in a couple of big catches and showing he could grab a meaningful role as Calvin Austin III battles injuries. Lew Nichols continued to pop as a potential No. 3 back, while Sebastian Castro stood out on defense with active play and six tackles. James Pierre struggled, underscoring how thin the Steelers’ corner depth might be without their assumed starters. Mason Rudolph’s outing tightened the QB conversation with Skylar Thompson, and Cameron Heyward’s absence opened a door for Derrick Harmon to flash in pass rush and run defense, including his first career sack. The safeties’ steadiness and the overall emphasis on evaluation rather than final results painted a clear picture: the Steelers are sorting roles ahead of the season, with a few young players staking claims and others needing to show more consistency.