Wild Card Weekend comes to a close on Monday night, with an AFC battle between the Texans and Steelers. Houston (12-5) is in the postseason for the third-straight year, looking to make its first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Pittsburgh (10-7) needed a Tyler Loop field goal miss last Sunday just to reach the playoffs. This winter showdown in Western Pennsylvania has all the makings of an intense, hard-hitting classic.
In this must-win matchup, which players are poised for a big-time performance?Here are two Monday Night Football bargain plays worth consideration in all DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.5M Monday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (HOU @ PIT)
TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers ($5,000)
Last Sunday saw Aaron Rodgers ($9,800) turn back the clock, leading Pittsburgh on two fourth quarter touchdown drives. Pat Freiermuth was a major beneficiary, hauling in three catches (five targets) for 51 yards. This season, the veteran has recorded 41 catches for 486 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t the most impressive, but the 27-year-old remains an important piece of this Steelers offense. Over the past two weeks, he’s out-paced fellow TE Jonnu Smith ($4,000) with a 70% snap share.
Any value pick for the Steelers comes with the caveat that Houston’s defense is elite. It’s also worth noting that other than DK Metcalf ($9,400), Pittsburgh doesn’t have many go-to pass catchers. Against a formidable pass rush, Rodgers will need to get the ball out quickly. Freiermuth has commanded 19 targets over his previous four outings. In addition, the Texans have surrendered the ninth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends. For those looking to spend more at other positions, ‘Muth’ is someone to target.
RB Nick Chubb, Houston Texans ($3,000)
The Texans have a well-established offensive hierarchy, led by Nico Collins ($10,600) and Woody Marks ($8,200). Outside of those two, the weapons at CJ Stroud’s ($10,200) disposal vary from inexperienced to uninspiring. Entering the season, Nick Chubb was expected to play a major role at running back. However, the veteran has seen his workload dwindle due to the emergence of Marks. Over his previous three games, Chubb has handled just eight total carries.
Monday presents an opportunity for the four-time Pro Bowler to make an impact. Houston’s backfield is short-handed, with backup Jawhar Jordan (ankle) unlikely to suit up. Pittsburgh is a middle of the road run defense, allowing the 15th-most yards per carry (4.3). Keep in mind, Chubb is no stranger to this kind of matchup. The former Cleveland superstar has had his fair share of cold weather battles with the Steelers. At a meager price of just $3,000, this is in many ways a lottery ticket. Still, there’s red zone upside to the power back on Monday. Chubb offers a way for managers to pick multiple superstars rather than spread out their budgets.
