The Steelers are looking to pad their lead atop the AFC North in a showdown with the Browns on Thursday Night Football.
DraftKings is offering a primetime DFS contest for the chance to win $300,000. I’ve gone through the contest and identified a pair of under-the-radar options that can help give you a crucial edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (PIT @ CLE)
DraftKings Showdown Value Picks
Jerome Ford ($4,400)
Even without Deshaun Watson under center, the Cleveland offense cannot get out of the blocks. The unit ranks 30th in EPA per play, with the worst success percentage in the league. The offensive line is a mess, the quarterback play is subpar, and nothing seems to be going right for the historically cursed franchise. Superstar running back Nick Chubb has struggled to get going as he tries to work himself back from a nasty MCL and ACL injury, and the club is desperate for a spark.
Jerome Ford showed some ability on the ground last year as the starter, netting over 1,100 yards from scrimmage. This was supposed to be his proper breakout campaign, but despite 4.9 yards per carry and impressive capability as a receiver, his workload is down dramatically. Playcaller Ken Dorsey is desperate for a change, and giving Ford the rock could be a start. The matchup is less than favorable, but the 25-year-old crossed the century mark in a game against Pittsburgh last season. Ford is capable of putting together a solid outing if given the opportunity.
Mike Williams ($3,200)
Mike Williams escaped the free-falling Jets and joined the scorching Steelers. The veteran wideout is not the same Pro Bowl-level threat on the perimeter, but he can still use his massive frame to corral jump-balls and dominate in the red zone. He’s still adjusting to his new team and has seen his snap count cut in half with the move.
There’s reason for optimism: despite a goose egg on Sunday, he was on the field slightly more often. The fact that the organization went out and added Williams signals that they want him to be a part of their aerial attack. In a short week, I like Williams to step up and see more looks near the goal line.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (PIT @ CLE)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
