The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a much needed win over the Indianapolis Colts last week to stay a couple games ahead of the Ravens, while the Chargers kept from losing to the bottom dwelling Tennessee Titans to stay in the AFC West hunt behind the Broncos.
Below we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Sunday night showdown.
Captain’s Picks
DK Metcalf, POS, Steelrs (FLEX $11,400, CPT $17,100)
Metcalf hasn’t been putting up huge numbers this year, but he still has good upside and is the no-doubt top receiver in Pittsburgh. This week he faces a Chargers pass defense that uses a big percentage of zone, which is what Metcalf has thrived in this season. He has a 26.2% target share for 2.75 YPRR against zone coverage, while his target share hits 12.7% in man coverage. If the Steelers win this game, I expect Metcalf will be a big part of that outcome.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers (FLEX $12,200, CPT $18,300)
The Steelers have been the worst against outside receivers this season in adjusted fantasy points allowed, while giving up the most targets to opposing WR1’s this year. Over the last five games of the season, McConkey ranks as fantasy’s WR5 in total points as well. This is a top tier matchup.
Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers (FLEX $13,000, CPT $20,700)
The Chargers will likely have a better shot at putting up points through the air than on the ground, while Herbert’s rushing/scrambling ability could push him into the captain’s spot this week. Herbert has rushed for 24+ yards in all but two games this season, and over his last two he has 119 rushing yards and a touchdown. And if Kimani Vidal can’t get things going against the Steelers run defense, expect Herbert to take his opportunities again this week.
Value flex plays
Oronde Gadsen II, TE, Chargers (FLEX $7,800, CPT $11,700)
Gadsen is still way too cheap for his upside, and this week he faces a Steelers defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Gadsen can also be used in the captain’s slot this week if you need the cash savings, which you might in this matchup.
Calvin Austin, WR, Steelers (FLEX $6,200, CPT $9,300)
Austin has returned from his shoulder injury and he led the Steelers in targets, receptions and yards last week. It wasn’t a huge fantasy day, but it showed how much the team needs that second receiver option after Metcalf. Marquez Valdes-Scantling won’t be elevated for this game, so I don’t expect anyone will really cut into his work. His upside isn’t crazy high this week, but his price could work in getting the best lineup you can fit out there.
Darnell Washington, TE, Steelers (FLEX $3,600, CPT $5,400)
There aren’t a lot of good really cheap options on this slate, but Washington has been seeing a nice chunk of work around the goal line of late. He’s seen six red zone targets since Week 4 to lead the tight end room. We’re just looking for a touchdown here, but he did tie for the team lead in targets last week with six, and was second in receptions and yards.
