Fantasy football is more than just the weekly head-to-head games we all love. On Underdog, fantasy managers can put their player-projection skills to the test by predicting player stat lines.
Here are my top Underdog plays for the Thursday Night Football Pick ’em contest between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.
Top Underdog Pick’ems for Thursday Night Football
Underdog Pick’ems allows fantasy managers to predict stat lines and fantasy-point totals for almost all fantasy-relevant players. You can make two picks that pay out 3x even money or add more selections to your entry for higher payouts.
The levels are 3x, 6x, 10x, and 20x, progressing with each additional pick ’em you add to your entry. Let’s take a look at this week’s Thursday night Underdog Pick’ems.
Austin Ekeler Higher Than 13.5 Rush Attempts
If you look through Austin Ekeler’s game log, you will see a clear pattern in his rush attempts. When the Chargers play a competitive game or win, he gets to at least 14. When they face negative game script and lose, he tops out at 10 carries.
The Chargers are probably going to lose this game, but will they get blown out? I doubt it.
The Raiders are a run-funnel defense, allowing 106 rushing yards per game. With the Chargers starting Easton Stick, it’s reasonable to expect Los Angeles to lean on their running game.
Joshua Kelley will mix in for plenty of carries, but there should be enough for Ekeler to get to 15+ in this one.
Joshua Palmer Higher Than 3.0 Receptions
It’s definitely not ideal that Joshua Palmer’s quarterback is a literal Stick tonight. But with no Keenan Allen, Palmer is the team’s clear top receiver.
Even in his first game back from IR and the Chargers likely emphasizing runs and screens, it’s hard to imagine Palmer can’t manage at least three receptions.
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Palmer doesn’t have to be efficient or effective. We’re just asking the No. 1 wide receiver on an NFL team to catch three balls. I believe he can do it.
Daniel Carlson Higher Than 1.5 Field Goals Made
The Raiders scored zero points last week, but I’m quite confident they will score more than zero tonight. Hot take, I know.
Prior to last week, Daniel Carlson had attempted at least two field goals in four straight games and has attempted multiple field goals in seven of his last nine.
With the Chargers starting Stick and playing without Keenan Allen, the Raiders will likely be content to settle for field goals on just about any fourth down in scoring range.
Tonight’s game should be low scoring, but it won’t be “no scoring.” With no Josh Jacobs for the Raiders, Las Vegas should also have trouble finishing drives, leading to what I think could be 3-4 field-goal attempts for Carlson.
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