Thursday Night Football DFS Showdown Advice (CAR @ HOU) for September 23, 2021

Week three we get a prime time look at Christian McCaffrey and the the 2-0 Panthers visit the 0-2 lowly Texans. Houston will be down to their third-string quarterback Davis Mills as starter Tyrod Taylor has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The heavily favored Panthers should be able to win easily tonight as their opponents’ are lacking depth and talent on both sides of the ball. 

McCaffrey will be heavily owned and unable to fade tonight, arguably the most dynamic and talented running back in the NFL. He will be carving up the turf in this match-up, as the Texans gave up 156 yards on the ground to Cleveland last week. Houston will most likely be playing from behind for  a large portion of the game, so they will be throwing it a lot. But now that they are down to Mills at QB, he may be looking to check-down and hand the ball off too. Houston’s diamond in the rough has been wide-out Brandin Cooks so far this season, whose career has been revitalized with 14 grabs, 210 yards, and a touchdown in only two games, but he does get a downgrade this week because of Mills. Cooks did see 8 of 16 targets from Mills in the second half of his last game. 

Here is a look at a Thursday Night Showdown Core for September 23, 2021 (using DraftKings Values)

Sam Darnold has also found new life in his career in Carolina, most players who part ways with the New York Jets do. Darnold picked apart the New Orleans defense for 305 yards and two touchdowns, with only one interception, which held The Packers and Aaron Rodgers to only three points. DJ Moore has emerged as Darnold’s  primary receiver  as he has caught 14 of 19 targets for 159 yards and a touchdown in two games. The two have shown great chemistry, as the former favorite wide-out Robbie Anderson has taken on a lesser role. 

Here is a look at a Thursday Night Showdown Core for September 23, 2021

(using FanDuel Values)

Captain/MVP:

Christian McCaffrey ($20,100 DK/$17,500 FD) has been unstoppable so far this season, and has one of the best match-ups. Houston will struggle to put points on the board, so Carolina will lean on their bread and butter of the run game. McCaffrey has rushed for 168 yards and a touchdown, not to mention, not to mention 14 grabs for 155 yards entering week 3. He is extremely expensive though, consuming over a third of salary cap, but in a 50/50 cash game he is your safest bet, and there are plenty of ways to go as far as completing a lineup. 

Who to Fade:

Davis Mills ($8,400 DK/$12,000 FD) dealing with a short week, first NFL career start, and a proven tough Carolina defense, he’s too risky to roster. 

The Entire Houston Backfield ( Mark Ingram, David Johnson, and Phillip Lindsay) Carloina’s run defense is smothering running backs, and will most likely stack the box against the rookie quarterback David Mills. Last week Saints’ stud running back Alvin Kamara ran for a measly five yards and caught four balls for only 25 yards. 

Other Studs We Like:

Carolina DST ($6,200 DK) Have a rookie quarterback on a short week making his first career start, fire up the defense!

Dan Arnold ($4,800 DK/$7,500 FD) Houston has not been defending the tight end well this seasonso far. The Jags and Browns tight ends feasted off Houston for 18 catches and 177 yards and a touchdown. 

Terrace Marshall Jr. ($4,000 DK/$8,500 FD) the rookie wide receiver has see. Over 50 percent of the snap share, and may see more in the second half if there will be extensive garbage time. Marshall is nicely priced to hit 3X value if he finds the end zone. 

Value at Flex:

Chuba Hubbard ($3,200 DK/$6,500 FD) is second on Carolina’s depth chart for Running back behind McCaffrey. The rookie may get more exposure if the game becomes out of reach for Houston. 

Chris Conley ($1,600 DK/$7,000 FD) With all the injuries at receiver for Houston and Brandin Cooks gathering most of the defense’s attention, the seven year veteran may catch a few passes, which would pay off his low cost. 

Anthony Miller ($1,000 DK/$5,500 FD) is another bargain in the Houston wide receiver core. Danny Amendola and Nico Collins have already been ruled out, so Miller should see snaps out of the slot. 

General Strategy:

This game looks to get ugly for Houston. Keep away from their highly priced players. Because you are forced to play at least one player from the opposing teams in showdowns, play the lesser expensive ones in order to lower your risk of missing them hit value. For instance, Brandin Cookshas been lights out this year for Houston, mostly tied to Tyrod Taylor though, not worth it even though he. An still potentially have a good outing. Play your Panthers tonight, be a little creative too. Everyone may possibly have McCaffrey as their Captain/MVP tonight, which is fine, but mix it up in your flex. 

Now go and win with your lineup and let us know how you did.

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