DFS Thursday Night Football: DraftKings Showdown for Week 8 (Fantasy Football)
Before we get into the specifics of this matchup and how to approach it for the DraftKings showdown slate, I want to point people back to a few pieces of evergreen content that I think are extremely valuable if you’re serious about winning showdown all season. I’d recommend reading/listening to this content before proceeding, especially if you’re new to showdown.
1. How to Win Showdown Contests: A detailed article looking at the data and strategy behind winning showdown lineups.
2. DFS Showdown Strategy Podcast: A thorough discussion on how to beat showdown, looking at the game theory and how to leverage the field.
DraftKings Sportsbook Lines
Spread: BAL -1.5
Total: 45.5
Team Totals: Ravens (23.5), Bucs (22.0)
Game Outlook
The Ravens travel to Florida for a Thursday night showdown against a Bucs team that was just pantsed by P.J. Walker and the CMC-less Carolina Panthers. To say this game is a must win for the 3-4 Bucs is an understatement. Their offense has been stuck in the mud this year, averaging just 17.7 points per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL. The reason for their scoring being down is largely due to their inability to convert in the red zone. They rank 27th in red zone TDs per drive, and because of this, they’ve only hit their team implied total once all year and every Bucs game except for one has hit the under. Now they catch a Ravens defense that has turned it around over the last few weeks. Since Week 5, Baltimore is allowing just 4.9 yards per play, which ranks 4th in the NFL. On paper, this doesn’t necessarily profile as a “get right” spot for the Bucs. Sports bettors agree – this line opened as Bucs -3.5, and now the Ravens are favored by 1.5 on the road.
Want to read the rest of this article?
Get the Ultimate DFS Pass from The Fantasy Footballers for instant access. Expert advice, weekly picks, premium reports, trusted & award-winning weekly resources.
Get the Ultimate DFS PassAlready have the DFS Pass? Login to access