Promising young quarterbacks are set to duel on Monday night. Despite their 2-10 record, the Giants have hope thanks to Jaxson Dart ($10,000). New York’s rookie will face one of his toughest tests yet, a road date with the 10-2 Patriots. New England is led by budding superstar Drake Maye ($11,800), an MVP candidate.
In this primetime showdown, which role players could help out their QB? Here are two Monday night football bargain plays worth consideration in all DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.25M Monday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (NYG @ NE)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots ($5,000)
The backfield has been one of the only question marks for New England this season. Rookie TreVeon Henderson ($8,000) has shined in recent weeks, potentially taking over as the team’s RB1. However, fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson has missed three games over the past month due to a toe injury. During his return last week vs. Cincinnati, the veteran handled just six carries for five yards. With that being said, I’m not so ready to rule out the fifth-year pro. After all, he’s handled a team-leading 89 carries for the Pats.
As impressive as Henderson has looked recently, there’s enough room in this offense for multiple rushers to contribute. That’s especially true against certain opponents that struggle up front. Despite significant offseason investments along the defensive line, New York has been dismal at stopping the run. Opponents are gaining an NFL-high 5.9 yards per rush against the Giants. That level of ineptitude up front is difficult to ignore. To make matters worse, defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) has already been ruled out. A $5,000 price tag doesn’t make for the cheapest bargain pick. However, considering who Stevenson is going up against, he’s capable of a bounce-back performance on Monday.
WR Isaiah Hodgins, New York Giants ($3,600)
Wide receiver has been in a state of flux for New York since Malik Naber’s season-ending ACL injury. Wan’Dale Robinson ($9,000) has done an admirable job as the team’s newest WR1. After that, it’s been a mishmash of uninspiring veterans and unproven youngsters. One of the newest names added to the mix is an old friend, Isaiah Hodgins. The 27-year-old, signed to the active roster in Week 11, spent the previous three seasons with the Giants. Through two games this season, he’s recorded seven catches for 99 yards. That includes a touchdown last Sunday against the Lions.
With respect to backup Jameis Winston, Dart’s return from a concussion gives New York’s offense a boost. It’s worth noting that the rookie hasn’t suited up in a game with Hodgins on the outside. However, the signal caller doesn’t have many reliable options other than Robinson. New England has surrendered 15 touchdowns to wide receivers this season, fourth-most in football. If the Giants find themselves trailing early, they might be forced to throw more passes. Should that occur, Dart is talented enough to keep pace with Maye in a potential shootout. Grabbing any pass catcher for the G-Men, especially Hodgins, makes sense.
