Bragging rights and possession of first in the NFC South are on the line this Thursday. The Buccaneers, despite an inconsistent season, are leading the pack at 7-6. That makes earning a division win crucial for Tampa Bay. Atlanta, despite its 4-9 record, possesses talent on both ends of the ball. Can the Falcons put it together and earn an upset over their rivals?
In this primetime battle, which lesser known names will step up? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS lineups ahead of Thursday’s Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (ATL @ TB)
RB Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons ($4,000)
The centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense is Bijan Robinson ($11,200), and for good reason. Still, the Falcons are fortunate to have another quality option out of the backfield. Running back Tyler Allgeier might be the most over-qualified RB2 in all of football. This season, the BYU alum has churned out 378 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 108 carries. 3.5 yards per carry isn’t an eye-popping mark, but the bruising back is someone the team uses often in short-yardage and goal line situations.
Wide receiver Drake London (knee) is sitting out once again on Thursday. That seriously limits an already mediocre Atlanta passing game. In addition, it may force head coach Raheem Morris to lean on the run more than usual. This season, inside the 20-yard line, Allgeier is tied with Robinson in carries (71) and paces the team with seven touchdowns. In fact, the 25-year-old has notched four TDs over his last five games. Tampa Bay has surrendered the 12th-most fantasy points this season to opposing running backs. Keeping that in mind, Allgeier is an intriguing end of lineup selection for cost-conscious fantasy managers.
TE Payne Durham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($600)
Cade Otton (knee) is doubtful to play as of Wednesday afternoon. If the tight end is out, Tampa Bay will be without one of its best pass catchers. To fill the void, expect the Buccaneers to rely on a number of different options at the position. Some combination of Devin Culp ($200) and Payne Durham will take the field on Thursday. If anyone out of that duo can make a dent, it’s the latter. Two weeks ago, Durham caught an 11-yard pass vs. the Cardinals. That makes him the only tight end, other than Otton, to earn a reception this season in Tampa.
However, it’s worth noting that Durham has had some level of success in the past. Last season, the Purdue alum garnered 11 catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. In three of his six outings as a starter, the 25-year-old recorded at least 8.0 fantasy points. Atlanta’s defense is no pushover, especially at linebacker. Regardless, this opportunity is too good to pass up. Right now, the cost is a dirt-cheap $600. If Otton is officially ruled out, expect that price tag to rise. Still, the veteran’s cost is unlikely to rise very high given his limited output so far. For those that want to spend on stars, Durham is a high-upside option worth pursuing.
