It’s Week 16, and the stakes are ramping up across the NFL. Nowhere is that more apparent than the NFC West, where a division title hangs in the balance. The Rams currently pace the division, and the entire conference, at 11-3. However, the Seahawks share the same record, in second place due to a tiebreaker. Now, these rivals are set to meet on Thursday in Seattle.
To win this marquee matchup, it’ll take more than just superstars. Which unheralded players will make a difference in this divisional showdown? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS lineups ahead of Thursday’s Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (LAR @ SEA)
RB Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams ($4,800)
Over their previous three games, the Rams have combined for 114 total points. That offensive outburst has led to plenty of opportunities for some other players on the roster, especially Blake Corum. During that stretch, he’s churned out 280 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries (9.3 YPC). A similar performance on Thursday might be wishful thinking. After all, the Seahawks are holding opponents to 3.8 yards per rush attempt, the second-lowest mark in football. Factor in LA’s RB1, Kyren Williams ($9,800), and there may not be a ton of available touches.
Still, all it’ll take is a few big player for Corum to return value for managers. After all, the Michigan alum costs less than half what Williams does. That’s despite logging a season-high 46% of Los Angeles’ offensive snaps on Sunday vs. Detroit. When these teams last met in November, the Rams gained 5.4 yards per carry. However, Corum was held to just ten total yards on eight rush attempts. That level of inefficiency is likely to change, especially with elite blocking up front. For those looking to spend more elsewhere, the second-year pro is an intriguing upside play.
TE AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks ($4,400)
Seattle’s offensive hierarchy is uncertain behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($11,600). Quarterback Sam Darnold ($9,400) loves spreading the ball around, making it difficult to predict who will go off on any given day. Still, the gunslinger has found some chemistry with starting tight end AJ Barner. The second-year pro was underutilized as a rookie in 2024. That hasn’t been the case this season; through 14 games, Barner has notched 43 catches for 413 yards and five total touchdowns. In addition, he ranks second on the team in receptions and third in targets (56).
Barner has proven he can produce in this spot. When these clubs last met, the tight end snagged a career-high ten catches for 70 yards. The former fourth-rounder could make an impact with half the receptions this time around. Los Angeles’ defense, while formidable, can be beat over the middle of the field. The Rams have allowed the 13th-most targets this season to opposing TEs. Against a ferocious pass rush, Darnold may need to find his safety blanket early and often. That’s a recipe for fantasy production this week from Barner.
