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TNF NFL DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Broncos vs Browns Showdown

John's top NFL DFS lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings and Thursday Night Football - the Broncos vs Browns showdown slate. His Week 7 TNF daily fantasy football advice.

Happy Thursday, RotoBallers! Week Seven is here! We have a bit of a tainted matchup tonight, as the Broncos head to Cleveland to take on the Browns, who will be without Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt. These absences have led bookmakers from making Cleveland a six-point favorite to just a two-point favorite as I'm writing this. The total has moved 3.5 points as well, going from 44.5 to just 41. 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. 

In this article I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks on FanDuel and DraftKings for the Thursday Night Football slate on October 21st. These lineups 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 any time you'd like. Let's make some coin this season gang, and let's get right to it!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

DFS Captains/MVPs

Teddy Bridgewater ($16,500 DK, $14,500 FD)

With the injuries piling up on the Cleveland side, it would be pretty foolish to not consider Teddy as your captain/MVP tonight. Teddy isn't the type of guy who will light the world on fire, but has the upside to be a profitable option. In six games this season, he's tallied 1,514 passing yards, 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Despite having Jerry Jeudy on the IR, top wide receivers Cortland Sutton and Tim Patrick are viable offenses to move the ball down the field against the porous Cleveland secondary. The Broncos have a passing funnel here, as the Browns have a DVOA of 17.3% (20th) against the pass and a DVOA of -30.9% (3rd) against the run. I'll spread my captainship across different members of the Denver passing game, but it's likely that Bridgewater will be my highest owned captain/MVP. 

O'Dell Beckham Jr. ($10,200 DK, $10,000 FD)

On the other side of the ball, we have OBJ. It's really unfortunate that OBJ isn't the fantasy receiver he once was, but injuries have derailed his last few seasons, and quarterback play hasn't helped. After missing weeks one and two, Beckham has caught just 14 of 27 targets for 203 yards and hasn't found the end zone yet. I think he should see more targets tonight as Case Keenum will need to use him as a safety blanket without Chubb or Hunt in the backfield. He gets a solid matchup against Denver as well who has a 43.3% DVOA against 'WR1s' this season. If the Broncos are able to put up points early, there's no reason that OBJ isn't the best "run-back" option on the Cleveland side of the ball.

Other Captain/MVP Plays: Cortland Sutton, Broncos D/ST (GPP Only)

 

DFS Flex Plays

Case Keenum ($9,400 DK, $5,000 FD)

If I'm being quite honest, I forgot that Case Keenum was in the league. Whenever I hear his name I smile though, as it brings me back memories of the Eagles' 38-7 victory in the 2017 NFC Championship (sorry, Vikings fans). After that magical season in Minny, Keenum has been nothing but average, throwing 5,643 yards with 29 touchdowns to 20 interceptions since 2018. He is reunited with former QB coach Kevin Stefanski, though, and could invigorate some of that magic tonight. I don't expect much, but between the game script pointing to the Browns throwing the ball combined with the Broncos having a DVOA of 18% (21st) against the pass, he's a viable flex option considering there aren't many viable flex options on the board tonight. Oh, and there is a revenge narrative here as well, as Case Keenum quarterbacked the Broncos in 2018.

Tim Patrick ($7,600 DK, $11,000 FD)

A fantasy surprise this season, Tim Patrick has taken a nice step forward, catching 25 of 34 targets for 344 yards and three touchdowns this season. With Jeudy on the IR and Noah Fant in a tough matchup, I think both Patrick and Sutton are excellent options for both captain/MVP and flex. Cleveland has a DVOA of 15.1% (20th) against 'WR2s', and I think both Denver wide receivers are primed to have a good night. 

Other Flex Plays: Melvin Gordon, Donovan Peoples-Jones

 

DFS Value Plays

D'Ernest Johnson ($4,600 DK, $10,000 FD)

It's expected that Johnson will be pretty chalky tonight, considering he'll likely be given the lead rushing role for Cleveland. He's only rushed the ball three times this season for 11 yards. He's also caught one pass on one target for seven yards. There's a lot of unknown about Johnson. While he's not Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, Browns folks are bullish on Johnson being able to run behind Cleveland's offensive line that is 7th in the league in power run blocking and lead the league in 2nd level blocking and open field yards. This is sure to regress with Johnson, but creates optimism that he'll hit value in this one.

Broncos D/ST ($3,400 DK)

This is a play just based on the game total for this one and of course the fact that Cleveland is missing four of their top five offensive playmakers. While Denver's defense hasn't been great, coming into this one with a 6.8% DVOA (24th), they've been able to get to the quarterback. With a 6.7% adjusted sack rate, expect them to put pressure on Case Keenum and force a few turnovers while keeping the Cleveland offense at bay. 

Other Value Plays: Rashard Higgins, Austin Hooper

 

Overall Slate Note

This slate is pretty gross if I'm being honest. I myself will definitely be going lighter than typical showdown/single-game slates and mixing up ownership across all of the guys in my player pool. I normally wouldn't recommend putting both Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams in the same lineup, but I will use that building strategy as a hedge in the event that Denver goes up early and doesn't look back. I'll mostly be on Denver's passing game though and minimizing my Cleveland ownership to 2-3 Browns in my lineups, depending on site. Let's hope this game is better than I expect it to be.

Have a good Thursday everyone, see you soon!



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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

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