After last week’s stinkbomb between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, this is a much more appetizing Thursday night matchup with a lot of DFS goodness. Ignore the fact that the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers both have losing records, there’s a lot to look forward to with some really fun lineup decisions that we can make.
Spread: Carolina -2.5
O/U: 49
ML: Atlanta +130, Carolina -150
All four main wide receivers are in play
Julio Jones was limited earlier this week with a hip issue, and even though it appears to be a new issue, it doesn’t look serious. He’s going to be an elite WR1 for Thursday’s divisional matchup. As a matter of fact, since returning from injury, he has 16 receptions for 234 yards and two TDs over the past two weeks.
In Carolina, I think Robby Anderson has proved that he’s no fluke, and he’s cheaper than D.J. Moore with just as much upside. He went off for eight catches and 112 yards in their first meeting. I’m not all that worried about him having only one touchdown this season, because he’s proved to be a high volume play. Moore has been a disappointment so far, he is coming off a two touchdown game last week vs. New Orleans, but both players have big-play ability with at least touchdown reception of at least 70 yards.
No Run CMC
I know some will jump on Christian McCaffrey if he’s active, but I’m going the other way. As of Wednesday, even though Panthers coach Matt Rhule is “hopeful” McCaffrey (ankle) will be ready for Thursday’s game against the Falcons, it’s just too risky for my liking. Rhule said “We’ll be smart” so that tells me they won’t rush him back. The good thing is, it doesn’t sound like it will be a game-time decision.
If McCaffrey can’t go, fire up Mike Davis. Pay attention to the back to back rough outings against the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. This matchup is much juicier because Atlanta struggles against running backs catching the ball. They’ve allowed four receiving TDs to RBs and have given up the sixth-most receiving yards to the position.
Who’s your MVP?
Big risk, big reward, right? Maybe, but there’s also something to be said about playing it safe with a QB that has both a high ceiling and floor, which is where Teddy Bridgewater comes into play. He’s $600 less than Matt Ryan on $1K on FanDuel. He has at least two scores in three of his last four games, and the Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs.
As for the Wild Card, look no further than Curtis Samuel. He’s a key part of the Carolina offense — he’s used as both a runner and receiver — and averages seven touches and just under 55 yards/game. If he scores again like he did last week against New Orleans, that could be enough to go against the grain and save some money, Why not?
At the end of the day this *should be* the perfect game to cleanse our pallet from last week. Good luck, and let’s make some money!
