Can anyone challenge the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC? The Commanders and Packers certainly think so.
Jayden Daniels ($11,000) and Washington dominated on Sunday, routing the Giants 21-6. It was a similar story for Green Bay, who looked like Super Bowl contenders during a 27-13 dismantling of Detroit. One thing is for certain: whoever wins this one will need a team-wide effort to get it done. Which lesser-known names will step up in primetime? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Commanders-Packers showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $2.25M Thursday Night Millionaire [$1M to 1st] (WAS @ GB)
TE Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders ($5,800)
Admittedly, $5,800 isn’t exactly a massive bargain. However, on a one-game slate I’m willing to make an exception. After all, Ertz is only the eighth-most expensive non-quarterback taking the field on Thursday. The Commanders’ passing game is dominated by the duo of Terry McLaurin ($9,000) and Deebo Samuel ($8,600). The latter of the two racked up 22.6 fantasy points against the Giants on Sunday. With that being said, there may be room for all three to produce in Week 2. It’s also worth mentioning that McLaurin (4.7 FPTS) looked rusty last weekend.
Daniels’ progression as a pocket passer has made multiple Washington pass catchers viable fantasy football options. That includes Ertz, who hauled in three catches for 26 yards and a touchdown vs. New York (11.6 FPTS). Obviously, this new-look Packers defense gave the Lions fits in Week 1. An elite pass rush might force the Commanders to get the ball out quickly to the middle of the field. Last season, Green Bay surrendered the seventh-most receiving yards and tenth-most receptions to tight ends. That bodes well for Ertz and Washington heading into Thursday night’s matchup.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers ($4,000)
We hit Romeo Doubs as one of our Week 1 value picks, so why not run it back? Despite their reputation as one of the NFL’s better offenses, the Packers are a headache for fantasy football managers. Other than Josh Jacobs ($10,600), none of Green Bay’s skill position players are a guarantee to produce. The most popular names at wide receiver are Jayden Reed ($8,200) and Matthew Golden ($6,400). The former of the two scored a touchdown against the Lions last week en route to 13.5 fantasy points. However, he only took the field for 18 snaps and is dealing with a foot injury. As for Golden, a former first round pick, he only caught two passes for 16 yards vs. Detroit. His health is also in question, having missed Monday’s practice with an ankle issue.
Right now, it’s safe to assume both Reed and Golden will suit up on Thursday. Still, even a slight reduction in snaps could help Doubs. The fourth-year pro only caught two balls last week, but gained 68 yards. Through 13 games in 2024, he notched 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns. It’s not as if Washington’s defense is the most intimidating. The Commanders gave up 6.8 yards per pass attempt last season, the tenth-highest mark in football. At just $6,000, Doubs is worth taking a flier on in this potential shootout.
