FREE 10/23 NFL Cheat Sheet: Top TNF DFS Plays

Thursday night brings us an interesting Week 8 showdown between the Chargers and Vikings, with a 44.5 total. This game features two teams with playoff aspirations, and for DFS, it’s a prime opportunity to capitalize on some high-usage players. The Vikings, despite their 3-3 record and QB uncertainty, still have plenty of offensive firepower and a solid defense. This will be a real test for Justin Herbert and the Chargers, who have stumbled recently, dropping three of their last four.

This slate offers some clear paths to stack and differentiate. We’ve got a high-priced stud in Herbert who will likely be popular, but the Vikings’ offensive weapons present intriguing leverage spots. The Chargers’ recent struggles could mean more passing volume for Herbert, which is always good for fantasy. Consider how the Vikings’ defense, despite being stingy, might be exploited by a top-tier QB. The key here will be identifying who benefits most from potentially elevated target shares or red-zone opportunities.

Let’s dive into the top Captain and Flex plays for thursday’s showdown slate!

Top Captain Plays

Justin Herbert ($15,600)

Justin Herbert faces a Minnesota defense that just got torched, and he is coming off a 420-yard, three-touchdown performance, showing he is trending up with 25.9 DK points per game in his last two outings. His 1.5x captain multiplier maximizes his ceiling potential in a game where his team is expected to score, and his 30.65 DK point projection with a 1.96x value and 24.1% optimal lineup percentage makes him an elite captain choice.

Honorable Mention

• Kimani Vidal ($10,500)

Top UTIL Plays

1. Carson Wentz ($9,000)

Carson Wentz continues to operate as the Vikings’ starting quarterback, making his fifth consecutive start Thursday against the Chargers. He maintains a consistent baseline, averaging 17.4 DK points per game this season, and despite a lingering shoulder injury, he was a full participant in practice, indicating no risk to his availability or performance. His $9,000 salary provides excellent value, with a 1.86x projection and a 50.1% optimal lineup percentage, making him a cornerstone for DFS builds.

Wentz’s matchup against the Chargers presents a favorable environment for a strong fantasy outing. Although his touchdown odds are 1200, his projected pass yards of 233.5 and rush yards of 12.5 suggest multiple avenues for accumulating fantasy points. He has completed 66.9% of his passes over his last four starts, demonstrating efficiency that can translate into a high-scoring fantasy performance.

2. Ladd McConkey ($7,600)

Ladd McConkey has seen a significant surge in production recently, averaging 20.9 DK points per game over his last two contests, a marked improvement from his 14.7 average over the last four. His target volume reached a season-high nine receptions on 15 targets in the most recent game, showcasing his integral role in the Chargers’ passing attack. This upward trend positions him as a high-upside play at his $7,600 salary.

McConkey faces a Vikings secondary that recently allowed a combined 13 receptions for 304 yards and three touchdowns to two opposing receivers. This favorable matchup, coupled with his recent 21-206-2 line on 31 targets over the last three games, creates an ideal scenario for him to exceed his 14.6 projected points. His 1.92x value and 50.4% optimal lineup percentage further solidify his appeal.

Honorable Mentions

• Keenan Allen ($7,800)

Bargain Bin

Vikings ($4,000)

The Vikings DST faces a Chargers offense that has struggled with turnovers, and their ability to generate pressure creates numerous opportunities for sacks and forced fumbles. This unit has been a consistent fantasy producer, and their $4000 salary makes them an excellent play against a team that can be prone to mistakes, especially against a strong defensive front.

Tonight’s game total suggests a competitive environment, and the Chargers’ offensive line has shown vulnerabilities allowing the Vikings to capitalize with multiple defensive scores or turnovers. Their projected 5.83 DK points at this salary offers a solid floor, and their 12.98% optimal lineup percentage highlights their potential to outperform expectations in this matchup.

Honorable Mention

• Nyheim Miller-Hines ($200)

Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!