Best value lineup strategy for Panthers vs. Falcons in TNF Showdown

The Carolina Panthers will host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night to open Week 8.

The bulk of tonight’s fantasy points are going to go to the likes of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Todd Gurley, Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Davis/Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore. The question is, who are those one or two players further down the depth charts that will become critical in this game and help you roster more studs in the DraftKings Showdown?

Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers, $5,800

Samuel hasn’t lived up to the hype many fantasy prognosticators believed he would, but he is still a high upside kind of player with the ball in his hands. He scored a rushing touchdown last week and will see manufactured touches in a great matchup.

Russell Gage, WR, Falcons, $4,200

Gage usually needs an injury ahead of him to have any fantasy value, but he did have six receptions for 54 yards last week despite missing some time with an injury. His value will depend on coverages and how much extra attention they give Ridley and Jones, but at his price and strong usage, he can be a staple value play this week.

Younghoe Koo, K, Falcons, $3,800

Kickers don’t have much upside but Koo has shown a good floor as he’s averaged 11.5 DK points. He put up 13 points the last time these two met, has shown the ability to hit long attempts and hasn’t missed a kick yet.

Hayden Hurst, TE, Falcons, $6,400

Hurst has been touchdown dependent for much of the season, but last week he did catch six passes for 68 yards and 12.8 DK points, which is his most points in a non-touchdown game this year. The Panthers have been good against tight ends this season, so this isn’t a smash spot, but he’s cheap enough with a decent floor to fill out a lineup.