A matchup with major playoff implications is on tap this Thursday. The Bills, at 7-3, need every win they can get to keep pace with the first-place Patriots. Fortunately for Buffalo, Josh Allen ($12,400) remains one of the best quarterbacks on Earth. He’ll look to earn a win over the 5-5 Texans, fighting to stay alive in a wide-open AFC South. Houston faces an uphill battle with QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) already ruled out.
Which lesser-known players will step up in primetime this week? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS lineups ahead of Thursday’s Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans contest.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (BUF @ HOU)
RB Nick Chubb, Houston Texans ($3,200)
Over the course of the season, Nick Chubb has gradually ceded his role as Houston’s RB1 to Woody Marks ($9,200). That was quite evident on Sunday, in which the veteran only logged 26% of the team’s offensive snaps. Still, on a short week, the Texans can’t rely on their rookie running back alone. Chubb, for all his struggles, has commanded ten or more carries in over half of his appearances. A similar amount of usage could lead to success for the 29-year-old, especially if those touches come near the goal line.
You’d be forgiven for dismissing an aging running back currently serving as Houston’s backup. However, if the Pro-Bowler is going to deliver one last quality performance, it would be on Thursday. Buffalo’s defense has struggled mightily up front, allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. That includes giving up big plays to multiple rushers in the same game. Last Sunday, the Buccaneers got a combined 157 rushing yards from Sean Tucker and Rachaad White. Could Marks and Chubb deliver a similar output in Week 12? At $3,200, I’m willing to find out.
WR Tyrell Shavers, Buffalo Bills ($2,400)
We’ll go even further into the bargain bin for this next selection, Tyrell Shavers. Even hardcore football fans might be unfamiliar with the undrafted San Diego State alum. Regardless, he made quite the impression vs. Tampa Bay, snagging four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Granted, Shavers’ production was due in part to the team-enforced benching of Keon Coleman ($5,400). There’s a good chance the second-year pro makes his return on Thursday night. Still, Buffalo is facing uncertainty when it comes to pass catchers. Curtis Samuel (elbow/neck) and Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) have both been ruled out.
Even if Coleman suits up, it remains uncertain how much he’ll play, especially on a short week. On Sunday, Shavers was tied with Khalil Shakir ($8,000) for the team lead in snap share (54%). It’s worth mentioning that the Texans wield one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses. Still, most of the attention from Houston’s secondary will likely go to Buffalo’s more proven weapons. If that occurs, Shavers should have some room to operate. It won’t take much for the youngster to deliver value at a dirt-cheap price of $2,400. For fantasy managers looking to roster several stars, Shavers makes sense as an end of lineup selection.
