Welcome to daily fantasy football, Pickswise users. For those who haven’t yet dipped their toes into the DFS pool, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Howard Bender and I have been working in the fantasy sports industry for more than 20 years. I am the head of fantasy sports content for Fantasy Alarm and DFS Alarm as well as a bi-weekly columnist for the New York Post. We’ve enjoyed tremendous success over the years, but this NFL season has been one of our best as our Playbook and Showdown write-ups have already brought in a million-dollar winner on FanDuel as well as several others who have enjoyed six-figure wins. We promote the process and teach you to be a better DFS player and that has certainly been the case this year. Welcome to the #FAmily….
Thursday Night Football kicks off for Week 6 tonight and we have a very interesting matchup as it relates to daily fantasy football (DFS) Showdown slates. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been dominant throughout this season and Tom Brady is leading an offense that averages 33.4 points per game and does it both on the ground and through the air. The Philadelphia Eagles are still struggling with their offensive identity, but they have a strong quarterback in Jalen Hurts at the helm who can put up points both with his arm and his legs. The Bucs’ defense has been struggling with injuries and that just might leave the door open enough for the Eagles to score some points and turn this into a battle.
Captain/MVP
Tom Brady, QB TB
He’ll cost you a pretty penny in salary to use him in the top spot, but it’s difficult to argue against a guy who has had such a dominant career and has a ridiculous group of weapons at his disposal. If you can afford the GOAT, you play the GOAT.
Jalen Hurts, QB PHI
The Bucs secondary continues to struggle with injuries and are vulnerable to a strong passing attack. Hurts should be able to get the ball to his pass-catchers, and when he can’t he can use his legs and accrue those coveted rushing yards. You also have a high probability of getting a rushing touchdown from him once the Eagles are inside the green zone….
Zack Ertz, TE PHI
With no Dallas Goedert, Ertz is in line for a heavy target share against a defense that ranks 20th in DVOA against the tight end, gives up 71.1 receiving yards per game to the position and allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to them. And the money you save using him in the top spot affords you all the other marquee names you need to win.
Other Picks
Antonio Brown, WR TB
Brown is coming off a big two-score game, he’s cheaper than the other Bucs receivers and many speculate an increased target share with the absence of Rob Gronkowski. It’s no secret that he’s a favorite of Brady and his matchup with cornerback Steven Nelson grades out very much in his favor
Mike Evans, WR TB
Evans also jus had a two-score game and will spend much of his time in a matchup against an aging Darius Slay, against whom Evans has a tremendous physical advantage. The Eagles rank 23rd in DVOA against the opposition’s top wideout and are also allowing an average of 82.1 receiving yards to them.
Jalen Reagor, WR PHI
Based on where he lines up most of the time, Reagor is going to see a lot of Richard Sherman. Given Sherman’s age and declining skill-set, Reagor should be able to use his speed to shake coverage and get downfield. It wouldn’t be the strangest thing in the world to see him break a long touchdown in this matchup.
Leonard Fournette, RB TB
The Bucs like to run the ball with Fournette and the Eagles rank 23rd in DVOA against the run, allowing an average of 142 rushing yards per game with four rushing touchdowns allowed on the year. Fournette has also be utilized in the passing attack, another area the Eagles struggle as they allow nearly 40 yards per game to running back pass plays….
DeVonta Smith, WR PHI
The Eagles will try to match him up against Sherman at times but it’s not like Jamel Dean is a shutdown corner, either. In fact, while the Bucs may rank 11th in DVOA against the opposition’s top receiver, they are still allowing an average of 75.7 receiving yards per game to them. He’s just too talented to ignore in a game in which the Eagles could be throwing heavily while in catch-up mode.
Dart Throw
Ronald Jones, RB TB
It’s no secret that running backs tend to struggle on Thursday nights as the recovery time from Sunday is shortened. Maybe that’s why Fournette saw just 2 percent of the snaps last week. However, he saw 82 percent the week before that and has seen a big workload in comparison to what he has been used to in recent seasons. If RoJo can avoid fumbling away his opportunities, he stands a good chance of getting some carries and possibly even a trip to the endzone.
For a more in-depth breakdown and showdown analysis, be sure to check out DFSAlarm.com for all of your daily fantasy sports needs.
