X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NFL DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Broncos vs Chargers MNF Showdown

Austin Ekeler - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

John's top NFL DFS lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Broncos vs Chargers showdown slate on 10/17. His Monday Night Football daily fantasy football advice.

Happy Monday, RotoBallers! I hope your Week 6 has been successful so far. I had a decent day yesterday, with a better showing on the betting side of things than the DFS side of things. However, I had myself a very nice slate on Sunday Night Football, which was capped off with an Eagles victory! While that one got more exciting than it needed to be, I'll be interested to see how this game tonight plays out, as the Denver Broncos (2-3) head into LA to take on the Chargers (3-2). While on paper it looks like the Chargers are clearly the superior team here, let's take a deeper look to see how each team breaks down.

We were pretty successful so far with these showdown slates and hopefully, that trend continues from last year into this year. Most of us started our fantasy journeys with football, so it's always nice when it comes around and it's always a shame for it to come to an end. Thanks to the advanced analytics of today, I'll do my best to provide you with as much in-depth analysis as possible regarding positional matchups and the like to help put some lunch money in your pocket. Let's make some coin this season gang, and let's get right to it. 

I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Broncos vs Chargers NFL DFS showdown slate on October 17th. These NFL DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel. If you have any questions, you can follow me on Twitter @LucidMediaDFS and fire away, or sign up for a premium RotoBaller NFL package and chat with me and other NFL DFS analysts at any time you'd like!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

MVP/Captain Plays

Justin Herbert - QB, $16,500 (DK), $17,500 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: 1,478 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, two interceptions.
  • 2022 Offensive Pass DVOA: 32.9% (6th), per Football Outsiders.
  • 2022 Opposing Defense Pass DVOA: -27.5% (2nd), per Football Outsiders.

I'll start off the slate with Justin Herbert. I'll be rather heavy on the Chargers' offense in the 1.5x spots tonight. The Broncos' defense has been very good, don't get me wrong, but I think Herbert and the boys just have too much upside relative to the Broncos. Herbert played in just two games against Denver in the last two seasons, but put up respectable numbers, tossing 540 passing yards and four touchdowns with just two interceptions. My model does show a slight passing lean towards the Chargers' passing game here, so I'll ever so slightly rank him higher than Austin Ekeler tonight.

Austin Ekeler - RB, $17,100 (DK), $14,500 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: 61 carries, 313 rushing yards, 33 targets, 31 receptions, 214 receiving yards, five touchdowns.
  • 2022 Offensive Rush DVOA: -15.1% (24th), per Football Outsiders.
  • 2022 Opposing Defense Rush DVOA: -7.5% (15th), per Football Outsiders.

Despite the model leaning towards a passing funnel for LA tonight, the matchup here plays to Ekeler's strength. While the 45% power success and 24% stuffed rate the Chargers have coming into this one isn't ideal for any running back, it almost plays into Ekeler's strong suits. I have the Chargers projected for 1.34 second-level yards and 1.4 open-field yards tonight, both among the highest numbers on the slate. Partnered with a 10.56% projected DVOA against running backs in the passing game, I find it very likely that Ekeler will still "get his" tonight.

Other Captains/MVPs: Cortland Sutton, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer

 

Want more NFL DFS tools and content? Our NFL Premium package includes our DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Lineup Optimizer, access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our NFL analysts, and so much more. Check out this big win from RotoBaller's RealTalkRaph using our Premium tools - join in on the winning!

 

DFS Flex Plays

Russell Wilson - QB, $10,000 (DK), $15,000 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: 1,254 passing yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions.
  • 2022 Offensive Pass DVOA: 0.6% (21st), per Football Outsiders.
  • 2022 Opposing Defense Pass DVOA: 2.7% (12th), per Football Outsiders.

So I'm pretty much split down the middle in terms of which parts of the offense I want to attack from both sides of the field tonight. While I will have more Chargers than Broncos, my model isn't giving me a strong lean one way or the other when it comes to the Broncos' offense. I do like Wilson due to the fact that the Broncos will have to play from behind at some point in this matchup. I'll say this: I'm very much sick and tired of writing up this dang offense for a primetime game every week.

Melvin Gordon II - RB, $8,w00 (DK), $13,500 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: 52 carries, 193 rushing yards, 13 targets, 11 receptions, 98 receiving yards, one touchdown.
  • 2022 Offensive Rush DVOA: -14.5% (23rd), per Football Outsiders.
  • 2022 Opposing Defense Rush DVOA: -1% (22nd), per Football Outsiders.

Melvin Gordon had himself a nice game as the "lead back" during that abysmal Thursday night matchup a week and a half ago, racking up 54 yards on the ground and another 49 yards on three receptions. While I do think that the Broncos will be playing from behind at some point in this game, I think Nathaniel Hackett will also be looking to keep the ball on the ground and in the short passing game to keep his defense fresh and the game within reach. The Chargers will also be looking to get to Wilson, so I do think the screen game to Gordon and Mike Boone will play a big factor tonight.

Other Flex Options: Mike Williams, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy

 

DFS Value Plays

Los Angeles Chargers - D/ST, $4,400 (DK), $7,500 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: 26 points per game allowed, 11 sacks, six interceptions.

While I won't be mixing and matchup both offenses in the same lineups I'll have the Chargers defense in, I will be playing them quite a bit tonight. The Broncos have eclipsed 20 points scored in just one of their five games this season, and Russell Wilson has been prone to taking a lot of sacks as well as giving up stupid turnovers. In a Chargers-heavy lineup, I think their defense is a must-play.

Greg Dulcich - TE, $300 (DK), $5,000 (FD)

Key Stats

  • 2022 Stats: N/A
  • Individual Matchup: N/A

We're kind of shooting in the dark here, as there isn't 100% confirmation that Dulcich will in fact suit up for tonight's game. If he does, though, he's an excellent punt on tonight's slate. I was really hoping that Albert Okwuegbunam would take the reigns and establish himself as the TE1 before Dulcich returned to the lineup, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. While I can't say for sure the third-round rookie will have an immediate impact, he's worth a shot at a minimum price on both sites.

Other Value Plays: Joshua Palmer, Latavius Murray, Brandon McManus, DeAndre Carter

Enjoy your week and good luck everyone!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly DFS Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Chase Elliott

an Easy DFS Pick at Chicago Street Course
Chris Buescher

Should Be Strong at Chicago Street Course
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Solid DFS Target After Qualifying 37th at Chicago
Michael McDowell

Has Solid Saturday at Chicago Street Course
Will Brown

an Interesting Fantasy Option at Chicago Street Course
Justin Haley

Has Strong Record at Chicago Street Course
Todd Gilliland

Could Surprise at Chicago Street Course
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Seeking Another Top 10 at Chicago Street Course
Josh Berry

Is Awful At Road Courses
Josh Bilicki

Shows Unexpected Speed at Chicago Street Course
Katherine Legge

Qualifies for Chicago Street Course on Speed
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta