NFC East rivals are set to meet in the Meadowlands on Thursday. The Eagles suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, a late game collapse vs. Denver. They’ll have a chance to turn things around vs. the 1-4 Giants. Can New York put up a fight against the defending Super Bowl champs?
In this primetime battle, expect a physical, intense affair. That means there could be ample opportunities for role players to step up. Which lesser-known names should fantasy football managers be targeting to kick off Week 6?
Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Giants-Eagles showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (PHI @ NYG)
RB AJ Dillon, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,000)
Entering this matchup, there is some concern Saquon Barkley ($11,600) will sit out with a knee injury. Fortunately for the Eagles, it appears their star running back is trending towards playing. Regardless, it’s likely that the coaching staff reduces the Pro Bowler’s normal workload on a short week. As heavy favorites, there’s a real chance Philadelphia finds itself in control late in this game. If that occurs, someone other than Barkley should get a chance to drain some clock.
It doesn’t help fantasy managers that this backfield is crowded. Will Shipley ($4,400) is a viable backup, and the front office acquired Tank Bigsby ($2,400) midseason. Still, the most likely rusher to receive work, other than Barkley, is AJ Dillon. The former Packers running back saw 17% of Philly’s snaps last week, ahead of both Shipley and Bigsby. In addition, the 27-year-old is a true bruiser. In third-and-short or goal line situations, he could get some burn. New York has surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Don’t be shocked if Philly gives their RB2 more work than usual.
TE Daniel Bellinger, New York Giants ($2,800)
Less than one-third into the season, and New York’s offense is already in disarray. Superstar Malik Nabers (knee) is out for the year, while veteran wideout Darius Slayton (hamstring) is unlikely to play vs. Philadelphia. Outside of Wan’Dale Robinson ($7,200), the Giants are in dire need of reliable pass-catchers. Fortunately for Big Blue, the team has seen encouraging signs from quarterback Jaxson Dart ($10,200). Unlike his predecessor, Russell Wilson, the rookie has made a habit of targeting his tight ends. That’s led to three touchdowns in two weeks for starter Theo Johnson ($5,800).
However, the Penn State alum isn’t the only New York TE worth mentioning. Last week against New Orleans, backup Daniel Bellinger led the Giants with 52 receiving yards. Granted, the fourth-year pro has never been a reliable option on offense. However, with so few trusted options, Dart might look his way often. It helps that Bellinger took the field for over half of New York’s snaps in Week 5. If he garners similar usage on Thursday, the 25-year-old could enjoy another stellar outing. At just $2,800, there are far worse players to take a flier on.
