Four straight wins have given the Dolphins a puncher’s chance at reaching the postseason. Now, Miami will face one of its toughest tests of the season on Monday night. Following a dramatic victory over the Ravens, Pittsburgh has control of the AFC North. Still, every game is crucial for the Steelers going forward.
In this pivotal AFC showdown, which lesser-known players will step up in primetime? Here are two Monday night football bargain plays worth consideration in all DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.2M Monday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (MIA @ PIT)
TE Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins ($4,400)
Miami’s offense took a major hit when Darren Waller suffered an injury in Week 7. The former Pro Bowler is far removed from his prime, but he’s still a difference maker. Through six games this season, he’s recorded 13 catches for 177 yards and four touchdowns. The tight end is an ideal red zone threat for a Dolphins squad that struggles to find the end zone. Still, since returning two weeks ago, he hasn’t made much of an impact.
Monday presents an opportunity for Waller to get back on track. The Steelers have had issues all season defending the pass. That’s especially true over the middle of the field; Pittsburgh has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Waller only snagged one catch for 13 yards last week vs. the Jets. However, that’s a result of Miami’s dominant 34-10 win; there was no reason to keep him on the field. A road matchup in the Steel City should be a much closer affair. All it’ll take is one touchdown grab for the veteran to return value.
WR Adam Thielen, Pittsburgh Steelers ($3,200)
Speaking of vets, Adam Thielen has been thrust into a prominent role on a contender. The former Vikings wideout was released on December 1st, choosing to sign with Pittsburgh immediately after. Last week, in his team debut, the 35-year-old only hauled in one catch for four yards. Regardless, it’s not as if there’s much internal competition. Other than DK Metcalf ($9,400), the Steelers are lacking in proven pass catchers. In addition, WR2 Calvin Austin () is questionable to play due to a calf injury.
During his Week 14 outing, Thielen was given 48% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps. That was the second-highest total for any of the team’s wideouts, behind only Metcalf. To start out with such a large role bodes well for the two-time Pro Bowler. Under center, Aaron Rodgers ($9,800) values players he can trust. In that regard, these former NFC North foes could form a connection. It helps that the Dolphins are allowing 6.8 yards per pass attempt, tied for the eighth-highest mark in football. At a dirt-cheap $3,200 price tag, Thielen is an enticing dart throw.
