Divisional rivals in very different places are set to meet in Orchard Park.
Following a dominant victory over the Jets, Buffalo stands alone atop the AFC East. The Bills will hope to become the NFL’s first 3-0 squad tonight against an old foe. It’s been a far worse start for the Dolphins, who have looked awful on both sides of the ball. Now at 0-2, Miami might need a win to save head coach Mike McDaniel’s job. In this primetime showdown, which lesser-known names will step up? Here are two value plays to consider in all DFS contests ahead of Thursday’s Dolphins-Bills showdown.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (MIA @ BUF)
WR Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins ($3,200)
Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) has been ruled out once again. That leaves Miami with a top-heavy passing attack for the third week in a row. Tyreek Hill ($9,800) and Jaylen Waddle ($8,800) should command most of tonight’s targets. If there’s anyone that could emerge as a supporting pass catcher, it’s Malik Washington. The second-year pro hasn’t put up massive numbers during his brief NFL tenure. In 2024, he only caught 26 passes for 223 yards. This season, the Maryland alum has hauled in three catches for 22 yards.
Those numbers, while unimpressive, don’t tell the whole story. Washington has taken the field for 60% of Miami’s total snaps this season. That’s good enough for third on the wide receiver depth chart behind Hill and Waddle. In addition, this could be the perfect game script for the youngster. Assuming the Bills jump out to a lead, the visitors will be forced to throw the ball. If Buffalo plays a prevent defense to avoid a quick score, the middle of the field should be wide open. Washington, a slot specialist, should be a frequent second half target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ($9,400).
RB Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills ($2,600)
Speaking of the Bills, there’s no reason not to assume they won’t dominate in this matchup. If that’s the case, then the team’s starters might get some second half rest during a short week. That would also mean Buffalo is content to simply drain clock by running the ball. James Cook ($10,600) is well-established as an RB1. The next man up in the backfield would be Ray Davis. The 25-year-old impressed last season as a rookie. Over 130 touches, he gained 631 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
That level of production is fairly impressive for a backup, even on a high-octane offense. Should the Bills find themselves with a significant lead, Davis is the clear choice to garner touches. It helps that the Dolphins have surrendered the NFL’s eighth-most rushing yards per game to opponents (139.0). In addition, Miami has allowed the third-most receiving yards to running backs so far (146). At just $2,600, Buffalo’s backup RB doesn’t have to do much in order to deliver value for fantasy managers.
