Thursday Night Football is here and that means NFL Week 8 DFS starts up tonight with a tremendous matchup for DFS Showdown contests. Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to rebound from a terrible loss to the Carolina Panthers, while Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens look to keep their momentum rolling on the heels of a hard-fought victory over the Cleveland Browns. You are going to have to monitor the NFL injury report closely as we approach game-time, as there are a number of players — both on offense and defense — who are questionable. It looks like the game total of 46 is set to account for all of the injuries and high-scoring possibilities, so now it’s just a matter of getting the right names into your winning DFS lineups. Here is a look at the field.
**Please note that players not listed below are not necessarily a complete fade and any player listed can certainly be used as the MVP/Captain. These are merely suggestions for players to use when setting Showdown lineups.**
MVP/Captain
Mike Evans, WR, TB
The Ravens’ secondary was already allowing an average of nearly 90 yards per game to the opposing #1 wide receiver, and now with both Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey banged up Evans should have no trouble getting separation or coming down with the ball after a contested catch. He still needs to atone for that big touchdown drop to open the last Bucs game, so tonight look for him to get it done.
Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
It’s pretty tough to not get Jackson into your captain seat, as his rushing ability alone raises the floor to a level with which you can be comfortable. Last week he gave up a pair of touchdown carries to a returning Gus Edwards, but knowing that he is up against the GOAT in prime time, Jackson will want to take center stage in this one.
Leonard Fournette, RB, TB
The Ravens may only be allowing 105.1 rushing yards per game, but they’ve given up 8 rushing touchdowns on the season — 4th most in the NFL. Fournette may have the occasional dud game like last week, but usually he is good for 18 to 20 touches between rushing and receiving and will be leaned on fairly often in this one.
Be sure to check out our full Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions
Mid-Tier DFS Plays
Mark Andrews, TE, BAL
If it wasn’t for the questionable tag, Andrews would be in the top spot for us tonight because the Bucs are allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends and rank 15th in DVOA against the position. Opponents are throwing about a half-dozen passes to the tight end when facing Tampa Bay and the Bucs are giving up just over 52 yards per game to that position. We know Andrews is a top target for Jackson, especially inside the red zone, but the knee is a bit concerning. If he plays you can feel good about using him, but you may want to leave him out of the top spot just for the night.
Chris Godwin, WR, TB
This is actually a fantastic spot for Godwin, as he will likely be matched up with slot corner Damarion Williams tonight. We have looked at the data and we have watched how Williams handles himself against the slot receivers he has faced throughout the season. It doesn’t look good — not to mention the physical advantage Godwin has over him, as well. Expect him to see plenty of targets from Brady as the Bucs move the chains and head towards the endzone.
Gus Edwards, RB, BAL
The Gus Bus returned to action last week and the Ravens got him involved immediately, particularly down near the goal line. We are going to see that pretty often as he pushes his way back into the lead role in the backfield, but just understand the type of back he is. You can’t expect 100-yard efforts from him. It just doesn’t happen often, and this matchup — despite watching the Bucs get shredded by the run last week — probably isn’t an exception. But if we can get 50 to 60 yards and a touchdown from him this week then he is worth his price.
Tom Brady, QB, TB
You never count Brady out, no matter how bad he looked last week or how much you think his mental make-up is shook from his personal life. If Brady sees a weakness in this Baltimore defense, he is going to expose it every chance he gets. We still believe he will lean on Fournette, but when you have weapons like Evans and Godwin and you see holes in the secondary, you take full advantage.
Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL
You will have to monitor his status leading up to game-time, as Bateman remains questionable with his foot injury. He did put in a full practice Wednesday, so that is certainly encouraging. If he is on the field, Jackson is definitely going to look his way anytime he is not covered by Jamel Dean. The Bucs have a bunch of injuries in the secondary, so if Bateman is lined up opposite anyone else then he could be long gone for a big touchdown.
Cade Otton, TE, TB
The Ravens rank 24th in DVOA against the tight end and are allowing the 9th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Otton has averaged roughly 5 targets per game over the last 4 and will be the lead pass-catching tight end for Tampa Bay with Cameron Brate out due to a concussion. There is good value to be had, though the upside seems a little limited. If he does get into the endzone for his 1st touchdown of the year then he will — obviously — pay off his salary.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, BAL
The Bucs are dealing with a variety of injuries in the secondary, so whether Bateman plays or not Robinson could be a guy you want in your lineups. Very few people will play him because they will be all over Devin Duverany, so a contrarian Robinson play could be what you need to differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack.
Breshad Perriman, WR, TB
In similar fashion to Robinson, but on the other side, Perriman could be an intriguing way for you to differentiate yourself from the rest of the field. With Julio Jones continuously banged up, Perriman is the guy on the field in 3-receiver sets. He may not see much in the way of targets, but if he gets some separation downfield then Brady will find him.
Devin Duvernay, WR, BAL
Duvernay is always a little chalky because he gets so much love from the fantasy football community, but Tampa Bay actually does well against slot receivers by limiting them to fewer than 30 yards per game. He has lined up as the Z-receiver while Bateman has been out, so if Bateman is sidelined again we are much more bullish on Duvernay. Plan your lineup out early and pivot once the inactives are reported.
**Both kickers, Justin Tucker and Ryan Succop, can be used as salary-savers if you need. Tucker always gets the first nod.**
Get our best Thursday Night Football prop bets
Dart Throw DFS Plays
Isaiah Likely, TE, BAL
If Andrews is out you should lock Likely into your lineups, but even if Andrews is on the field Likely could be an intriguing option. You never know if Andrews’ snaps are going to be limited due to his knee issue.
Rachaad White, RB, TB
We have seen White get more involved and Brady has praised the rookie for his efforts on the field. Should Tampa play from behind, he could be on the field a little more than usual — which could open up some late-game possibilities.
For additional NFL DFS Week 8 coverage, check out our full coverage on Fantasy Alarm
Pickswise is the home of free NFL Picks and NFL Odds. Check out the latest NFL Prop Bets and NFL Parlays as well as expert NFL Underdog Picks and NFL Computer Picks.
