Typically, a pair of two-win teams in Week 9 doesn’t move the needle for NFL fans. That won’t be the case on Thursday night. After missing over a month with a hamstring injury, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ($11,800) will make his return. Baltimore, even at 2-5, still has a shot in the wide-open AFC North.
For the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ($10,000) and head coach Mike McDaniel both have something to prove. A successful second half could keep the duo in South Beach. However, a loss with ten days until their next game? Things could get ugly fast in Miami.
One thing is for certain: each team will need lesser-known players to step up. Who should fantasy football managers back in this crucial primetime clash? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Ravens-Dolphins showdown.
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WR Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins ($4,800)
Miami’s offense has been in a state of disarray all year. Tyreek Hill’s season-ending knee injury in Week 4 certainly hasn’t helped. In the wideout’s absence, Jaylen Waddle ($10,400) has taken on a larger role for the Fins. Still, there’s room for multiple pass catchers to contribute. That’s especially true with tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) sidelined. The most likely candidate to emerge in the second half is Malik Washington. He ranks second among Dolphins wide receivers in total snaps.
Granted, playing time hasn’t led to much production so far. This season, Washington has hauled in 25 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. Still, he’s garnered 13 combined targets over his last two appearances. There’s a good chance that continues on Thursday, with Miami hoping to keep pace with a loaded Baltimore offense. On defense, the Ravens have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. In addition, they’ve surrendered the third-most touchdowns to wideouts. Washington is the perfect high-upside bargain to pair with an established star.
TE Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens ($2,000)
Let’s truly go dumpster diving. Jackson is back, which means fantasy managers need to re-evaluate this entire Ravens roster. That includes Isaiah Likely, who has been quiet during his injury-shortened campaign. Through four games, the tight end has snagged five catches for 26 yards. However, the Coastal Carolina alum made his return in Week 4 vs. Kansas City. Coincidentally, that’s the game Jackson was injured in. Therefore, the pair have only shared the field for one half this season. The presence of longtime starter Mark Andrews ($5,000) makes things more complicated.
When playing with Lamar, Likely becomes a different player. Over the pair’s previous seven games together, not counting this season, the TE has scored four touchdowns. In addition, the big man has secured an average of three catches for 36.7 yards. That’s not a gargantuan total, but it’s nothing to sneeze at, either. Miami’s secondary is exploitable, coughing up 7.1 yards per pass attempt. That’s the seventh-worst mark in all of football. Considering Likely’s dirt-cheap price, he’s the perfect dart throw to slot at the bottom of your lineups.
