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DraftKings NFL picks, Thursday Night Showdown Week 15: DFS lineup for Chargers vs. Raiders

By Cody Williams

Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates next to tight end Darren Waller (83) after rushing for a first down against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates next to tight end Darren Waller (83) after rushing for a first down against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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DraftKings NFL DFS picks for the Chargers-Raiders Thursday Night Showdown contest in Week 15.

There are only three weeks of the 2020 NFL season remaining before the playoffs and Week 15 starts with Thursday Night Football and an AFC West matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders. As such, it’s time to dive into the DraftKings NFL DFS Thursday Night Showdown contest for this game and make some picks.

While this matchup is fun regardless, there are plenty of things to take note of for those looking to win a Thursday Night Showdown contest in DraftKings fantasy football. For instance, while the Raiders defense is exceptionally short-handed in Week 15, so too is the Chargers group of weapons with Mike Williams out and both Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler questionable.

So how do we attack this matchup from a DFS perspective? Let’s dive into the pricing and breakdown of the options for the DraftKings NFL Thursday Night Showdown contest for the Chargers vs. Raiders game before we build a winning tournament lineup.

Best DraftKings NFL picks for Week 15 Thursday Night Showdown

Justin Herbert ($11,800/$17,700) – Herbert is rightfully the most expensive player for this contest as he’s not only putting up big numbers but has a tasty matchup. The only concern is who he might be throwing to.

Keenan Allen ($11,000/$16,500) – Listed as questionable for this game, there is a question of if Allen will even play (Mike Williams has been ruled out already according to reports). If he does, he’ll be limited, which makes his price too rich for my blood.

Austin Ekeler ($10,400/$15,600) – Another injured Charger, Ekeler should play but he’s also not at 100 percent. That makes me wonder how much upside he has, especially with a price north of $10,000.

Derek Carr ($10,000/$15,000) – While you can run on the Chargers, this game likely will be a passing affair. As such, Carr being the fourth-highest price here represents great value for a player who has been over 28 DraftKings points in each of his past two outings.

Darren Waller ($9,400/$14,100) – All you need to know is that Waller has 27 targets and 20 receptions over the past two weeks. With Henry Ruggs out, this is a smash spot for the tight end.

Josh Jacobs ($8,800/$13,200) – On a baseline level, Jacobs has a tasty matchup here. The issue is that he’s been so touchdown dependent and is just recently coming off some injuries. I may have to fade him here despite the matchup.

Nelson Agholor ($7,400/$11,100) – The production may not be wholly consistent but Agholor always has the chance to pop and has 35 targets over his last four games. That’s a big role that could be bigger with Ruggs out of the lineup.

Hunter Henry ($5,800/$8,700) – Henry has been sneaky good of late with double-digit points in four of his last five games. However, the upside is also a bit limited so he’s a consideration but not the strongest one.

Tyron Johnson ($5,000/$7,500) – With Williams missing time last week, Johnson came in and had six catches on seven targets for 55 yards and a score. At this price with Williams out and Allen’s status in question, he’s a must-have in your DraftKings lineup.

Hunter Renfrow ($4,800/$7,200) – Renfrow has 16 receptions over his last three games but his yardage totals are often modest. He’s touchdown-dependent and, though he’s cheap-ish, he’s a little too pricey given his role in the offense.

Jalen Guyton ($2,800/$4,200) – In DFS and real-life, Guyton is a home-run play that could be a contest-winner or a complete dud. He’s a gamble with the potential for a big touchdown but that’s always risky to bet on.

Kalen Ballage ($2,400/$3,600) – Ballage has a modest role even with Ekeler back but, with the starter banged-up for this game, maybe he gets a bit of goal-line work, which would make him valuable.

Devontae Booker ($1,800/$2,700) – Even with Jacobs back, Booker has been involved a bit in the passing game. He may not have elite upside but there are some touches to be had.

Zay Jones ($800/$1,200) – For $1,000 cheaper than Booker, though, Jones is terrific value. When Ruggs missed Week 4, Jones got seven targets and had four catches for 32 yards. That pays off his price easily if it happens again on Thursday.

Bryan Edwards ($400/$600) – The only downside to Jones would be if the rookie Edwards has a bigger role later in the year. We’ve seen him sparingly, though, so I’m willing to bet on Jones getting the share of the offense left vacant by Ruggs.

DraftKings NFL DFS lineup for LAC vs. LVR Thursday Night Showdown

  • Captain (1.5x): Derek Carr, $15,000
  • Flex: Justin Herbert, $11,800
  • Flex: Darren Waller, $9,400
  • Flex: Nelson Agholor, $7,400
  • Flex: Tyron Johnson, $5,000
  • Flex: Zay Jones, $800

Next. NFL picks, score predictions for Week 15. dark

With Williams out and Allen either out or limited, I like the contrarian play of having Carr as the captain for this lineup on DraftKings. Moreover, Jones is great value that allows the top two Raiders targets to get into the lineup while Johnson could be extremely valuable at his price if Williams and Allen are missing this game.

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