Thursday Night Football DraftKings Showdown Strategy – Chiefs vs. Broncos

Every Thursday we’ll break down the Thursday Night Football DraftKings Showdown slate in this survey format between Steve and myself. Check out our favorite captains, cheap/contrarian captains, must plays, fades, builds, and more!

TOP 3 CAPTAINS (ANY PRICE):

STEVE:

WHICH 3 PLAYERS WILL BE IN YOUR LINEUPS MOST OFTEN? (Captain or Flex):

STEVE:

FAVORITE CONTRARIAN PLAY:

STEVE:

FAVORITE CHEAP/PUNT PLAY: (Under $4K):

STEVE:

FAVORITE LINEUP BUILD? (4-2, 5-1, etc with teams listed):

STEVE:

LINEUP STRATEGY:

STEVE:

This slate is a bit of a mess as we have a number of players coming back from injuries, both teams use committee approaches when it comes to backs and receivers, and we could have some severe weather impacting the game. Rain is in the forecast, but the bigger concern is the wind gusts that could be up to 20mph with gusts even higher. This really takes kickers out of strong consideration and does take a knock to the deeper passing game.

In terms of injuries, it looks like everyone is going to play, but it’s unclear if anyone is maybe on a snap count or anything like that. That makes guessing tough and even impacts my interest in the best star-skill player Travis Kelce. With the committee approach to both teams, I think this is absolutely a 2 QB week as you need the raw points they provide.

On the Broncos side, this team is reeling overall. Wilson is playing decent, but they can’t win football games outside of a comeback win vs the Bears. Jerry Jeudy has taken over the larger role in the offense, but so far it hasn’t amounted to much fantasy-wise. I think both Jeudy and Sutton can be viable fantasy plays, but neither are great options with how the ball has been spread around.

Marvin Mims is only playing a handful of snaps right now. He’s proven to be a playmaker, but the role just isn’t there. On a short week, in bad weather for deep passing it’s tough to get too excited about this play. If we get news that Greg Dulcich isn’t going to be activated then maybe you can play Adam Trautman, but otherwise, it’s probably a split role for now.

Same at running back where three backs are likely competing for the snaps. Given the game script and the Chiefs’ tough run defense, I think they are all a fade for me.

For the Chiefs it’s tough to say but their passing offense is a mess. Obviously, Mahomes is still a stud QB, but with Travis Kelce dealing with a couple of injuries, and no one else stepping up, this offense hasn’t produced like it has in the past. MVS and Skyy Moore run the most routes, but Rice and Toney lead in targets, and Justin Watson leads in yards. Don’t forget about Justyn Ross in the mix as well.

On any given week any of these 6 receivers could be their top WR option, and it’s tough to really eliminate any from your player pool. Watson to me is the most intriguing tonight as I think he will not only see his ownership naturally be behind guys like Rice/Toney/and Moore, but with the wind concerns he might even see his ownership dip further given that he’s been the Chiefs best deep ball target this season. I think given his price and upside, combined with his role and low ownership, he could be the key to unlocking the slate. If he does get a 50-yard TD catch, he allows you the salary savings to get at least 3 other highly expensive players.

When it comes to the Chiefs backfield I’m definitely all-in on Pacheco, this is a fantastic match-up vs a terrible Broncos run defense. What is intriguing though is playing CEH either with Pacheco or as a hedge off of him, in say a Mahomes/Kelce build. When the Chiefs were blowing out the Bears a few weeks back CEH got 15 carries for 55 yards and a TD. If the same thing happens tonight you want some shots on him.