AFC West rivals are set to kick off Week 10.
For the 7-2 Broncos, every win is crucial as they attempt to fend off the Chiefs and Chargers. Still, Denver can’t afford to look ahead on its schedule. The Raiders, despite their 2-6 record, will be eager to play spoiler. Can the Silver and Black earn an upset victory?
One thing is for certain: both teams will need lesser-known players to step up. Who should fantasy football managers back in this primetime clash?
Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Raiders-Broncos showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (LV @ DEN)
RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos ($5,600)
Typically, we try to look for slightly cheaper Thursday Night Football values. However, this is too good of a matchup to pass up. RJ Harvey entered this season with high expectations as a second-round pick. However, it’s taken the rookie some time adjusting to life in the NFL. Over nine games, he’s picked up 205 rushing yards on 46 carries (4.5 YPC). However, the 24-year-old has already carved out a role for himself as Denver’s top pass-catching back. Harvey has gained 166 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air. On the ground, J.K. Dobbins ($8,600) has established himself as RB1 for the Broncos.
During his last three games, the Virginia alum has reached the end zone five different times. That’s despite handling just 20 combined touches. For some players, regression would be imminent. That might not apply to Harvey, who has seen his snap share gradually increase since Week 5. We’ve seen Broncos head coach Sean Payton utilize multiple running backs before. Against a mediocre Raiders run defense, both backs should get plenty of work. Denver, a team with playoff aspirations, might choose to play it safe with Dobbins on a short week. That would give Harvey even more opportunity to produce on Thursday.
WR Tyler Lockett, Las Vegas Raiders ($3,000)
Las Vegas’ offense has been disappointing for most of the season. It may get even worse following Tuesday’s Jakobi Meyers-Jaguars trade. Without their former WR1, the Raiders will need to get creative on the outside. Tre Tucker ($7,000) has impressed, but he’s not equipped to handle 10+ targets every week. Denver’s defense is good enough to slow down superstar tight end Brock Bowers ($9,800) as well. Outside of that, the Silver and Black are rostering a group of unproven pass-catchers.
That is, with one exception in Tyler Lockett. The longtime Seahawks star was recently let go by the tanking Titans. In fairness, the 33-year-old has looked like a shell of his former self. Through eight games, he’s only recorded ten receptions for 70 yards. Last week, during his Raiders debut, the former Pro Bowler didn’t record a single catch. However, he was the only receiver other than Meyers and Tucker to even see the field. That 30% snap share is almost guaranteed to go up. Quarterback Geno Smith ($9,000), Lockett’s former teammate in Seattle, trusts the veteran. If Denver manages to lock down Las Vegas’ top weapons, there could be ample short/intermediate passing opportunities. At just $3,000, there’s little risk in making this selection.
