4 good choices but I think the smart bet is Stafford. The Lions literally can’t run the ball, like legit 32nd in the league, and the Saints secondary is HISTORICALLY bad. Stafford also offers the most weapons on offense, and 3 guys I could make a case to roster on their own, Megatron Tate and Ebron. By rostering Stafford I get some exposure to all of them and can survive even if I don’t pick the best performer.
After an emotional win on for the last time in San Diego….the Chargers will run out of gas. The only true workhorse in the slate, Latavious should carry the Rock 20+ times and this time with a lead. He also gets a soft rushing D in SD who has allowed an average of 23 DK points per game to RB’s on the season.
Even in the midst of offensive coordinator changes Riddick’s role continues to grow. After leading the Lions in targets in Week 14 he now faces a New Orleans defense who ranks 30th covering backs out of the backfield by footballoutsiders.com. Even with minimal opportunities, Riddick’s pass catching presents a high floor for me and has the potential to gash the Saints unathletic LB’s.
Rostering or fading Johnson will likely be the tilting decision in the slate. With some fretting that Megatron has run out of gas on the 2016 season, I’m betting he has one last monster game in him. Delvin Breaux (6’1”) has earned my respect this season but will struggle vs. the 6’5 Calvin especially in the redzone. After a disappointing 1 for 16 statline in week 14 that led the Lions to a loss, I believe Lions ne offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter makes an effort to get Megatron going on national TV.
While Megatron will dominate the red zone and convert the TD’s, Tate will go over 10 targets for the third straight week and eat up catches and yards on his way to 15+ point DK game.
Brandin Cooks has been heating up, but I expect Darius Slay to force throws to Snead in this contest. Snead is a precise route runner who has been extremely effective when healthy. The Saints will be forced to throw as they trail in this one and Snead will suck up catches and yards to lead the Saints in fantasy production. A TD would be a cherry on top, but I think Snead is a safe high floor WR.
Only Delanie Walker has more targets than Watson’s 28 over the last 2 weeks. The Lions D features unathletic linebackers who struggle to cover underneath…it’s why they have allowed an average of 16.85 DraftKing points per game to TE over the last 3 weeks. Watson could be in for a huge day.
Being way under budget, I have the flexibility to play anyone in the TNF game here….but for now I believe Crabtree could get reborn. His best games have come when the opposition has an elite corner that can shadow Cooper.
Again, I expect Chargers to be completely out of gas on Thursday Night. Khalil Mack is the most dangerous pass rushers in the game and will wreak absolute havoc on the swiss cheese OL of Chargers. I expect this pass rush to force some turnovers and sacks to lead all DST’s in this slate.
