This is a matchup that will be much more interesting because of daily fantasy sports. Without fantasy sports, many people would not end up watching this game. We can assume this was not what the NFL had in mind when scheduling this game on primetime. Instead of a young quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Sam Darnold, it will be a battle between Brett Rypien and the injured Denver Broncos going up against Sam Darnold‘s injured New York Jets. Both teams are looking for their first victory this season as they are both 0-3. Now lets jump right into the top players for tonight’s game.
DraftKings Captain and FanDuel MVP
Melvin Gordon ($16,500 DK Captain | $15,000 FD MVP)
The Broncos are going to come out and establish the run. Gordon is their most proven talent on offense. He is going to get as many carries as he can handle. Especially since Rypien is making his first career start. If the Broncos can get Gordon going, that will force the Jets to stack the box and allow Rypien plenty of space to throw to the wide receivers. The Jets have given up four rushing touchdowns so far this season. They have also allowed an average of 133 yards per game. Look for the Broncos to get Gordon going early and often in this matchup.
Value DraftKings Captain
Chris Herndon ($8,100 DK Captain | $5,400 DK | $7,500 FD)
Herndon is due for a big game. He has seen 16 targets in three games this season. Those targets resulted in only 10 receptions for 63 yards. The Broncos defense has allowed 40 or more yards to three different tight ends this season. They also have allowed two touchdowns both of which came in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. If Darnold and the Jets offense are going to get things going Herndon will play a big part in that. Look for Herndon to grab his first touchdown since 2018 in this game.
Utility Players
Sam Darnold ($10,600 DK | $14,000 FD)
Darnold has struggled to start the season. However, he was very limited on weapons last week and has faced two of the tougher opponents in the NFL in terms of pass defense. The Broncos pass defense is not nearly as strong as the Indianapolis Colts who intercepted Darnold three times last week. The Broncos defense has allowed over 249 passing yards in all three games this season and has only forced one interception. Darnold will also likely have his number one target at his disposal if Jamison Crowder does in fact suit up. Look for Darnold to have his best game of the season thus far.
Tim Patrick ($5,000 DK | $8,000 FD)
Patrick will be the Broncos number two receiver again this week and likely for the rest of the year. Last week when Rypien entered the game Patrick saw three targets. That was on only one drive so it was a good sign to see him look to Patrick right away. Patrick also caught a touchdown when Jeff Driskel was in at quarterback. Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said that Rypien will start but Driskel could still see some snaps. If that’s the case Patrick has proven that both quarterbacks will look his way when they are under center.
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