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Here we go with the Single Game NFL DFS slate for Thursday Night Football of Week 15. Today’s matchup is between the Chiefs and Chargers with Kansas City checking in as a three-point road favorite. The over/under currently rests at 49.5 total points. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 ET.
We’ll highlight the top picks and best bargains to assemble a cash-inducing lineup. On top of that, the “additional notes” section will feature several tournament selections while adding context to the rest of this slate.
We will be producing these articles for Thursday, Sunday, and Monday Night Football matchups, so be sure to bookmark the NBC Sports EDGE DFS Page for those occasions - not to mention all the other fantastic daily fantasy content.
TOP PICKS
Tom Brady - QB - Tampa Bay (DK: $12,200 / FD: $17,000 / Yahoo: $40)
Brady has been on an absolute heater lately with 30 fantasy points in back-to-back games. This Tampa Bay offense runs through him, as the veteran has attempted 46+ passes in three of his last four games. That should continue to be the case, especially with RB Leonard Fournette less than 100% healthy. The Saints are beatable through the air and tougher against the run, as New Orleans has allowed the least fantasy points to running backs this season. Expect Brady to keep cruising on Sunday night.
Alvin Kamara - RB - New Orleans (DK: $11,400 / FD: $14,000 / Yahoo: $32)
I understand that Tampa Bay represents one of the best run defenses in the league. However, there’s a good chance Kamara comes through with five or more receptions in this one, which will push his production in PPR formats. Similar to the rationale with Brady, the Saints’ offense runs through Kamara. He’s their leading candidate to cross the goal-line while seeing 20-30 touches. New Orleans has no problem feeding Kamara as much as he can handle, as displayed with a 31 touch performance (145 total yards) against the Jets last week.
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BEST BARGAINS
Tyler Johnson - WR - Tampa Bay (DK: $1,600 / FD: $6,500 / Yahoo: $10)
Johnson is the third receiver for Tampa Bay, as he logged 49 snaps last week. Now fellow WR Breshad Perriman has been ruled out, so that helps secure Johnson’s role. He’s not priced like a WR3 who will see at least a handful of targets from the efficient-likes of Brady. That’s why I like Johnson as a value stacking extension of the veteran signal-caller. It helps that New Orleans has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers this season.
Ronald Jones II - RB - Tampa Bay (DK: $5,600 / FD: $7,500 / Yahoo: $10)
Jones is probably more of a tournament play than a cash game bargain. I mentioned earlier how New Orleans has allowed the least fantasy points to running backs this season. However, there’s a chance Jones sees more work with Fournette less than 100% healthy. How will the carries be split up? We really don’t know. If Fournette’s ankle injury persists, then Jones could step in with a golden opportunity as well as goal-line looks for this efficient offense.
TOURNAMENT LOOKS
Nick Vannett - TE - New Orleans (DK: $3,400 / FD: $7,000 / Yahoo: $10)
You are essentially hoping Vannett can come through with a touchdown here. That will probably take a play-action attempt inside the red-zone where the big tight end breaks free to the corner of the end zone. That’s pretty much the entire fantasy appeal for Vannett. It’s a touchdown or next to nothing. It’s worth noting that Vannett came through with six receptions on 10 targets over the past two weeks, so he’s getting looks from QB Taysom Hill.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Taysom Hill (QB - NO) might be forced to pass more than he wants tonight. Yes, that’s a scary thought, but Hill is still very much in the cash game discussion due to his rushing upside and ability to punch in a touchdown on the ground.
Chris Godwin (WR - TB) is my favorite Bucs’ receiver to stack with Brady. Rob Gronkowski (TE - TB) isn’t far behind, and he’s slightly cheaper than the other Tampa options. Mike Evans (WR - TB) is more of a tournament choice at his price points, and that’s how I’m treating him.
Leonard Fournette (RB - TB) is a tournament play. We don’t know how many carries he’ll get while dealing with a bum ankle. Of course, there’s a chance Fournette plays like there’s no ailment, but that’s a risky proposition.
What can we make of the Saints’ receivers? Spin the wheel between Marquez Callaway (WR - NO), Tre’Quan Smith (WR - NO), and Adam Trautman (TE - NO) while trying to find one that connects on a big play or touchdown.
Ryan Succop (K - TB) represents a fine bargain option especially on DraftKings where kickers seem underpriced on a regular basis.
