12/13/2018 - NFL Week 15 - Thursday Night Showdown

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers

UPDATE: Ekeler has been ruled out, and Ware is highly doubtful so I expect him to be out as well.

The Chargers signed a running back from the practice squad and Adam Schefter is reporting that Gordon is on the wrong side of questionable. I have a feeling he won't play or he will be limited. Tyreek Hill looks like he will play hurt. So what does this mean?

Damien Williams and Justin Jackson would lead each backfield. They will also be very popular in the showdown slate. It might be worth taking a shot on the backups (Darrel Williams, Chacandrick West and Detrez Newsome hoping they get more carries). I won't be playing Hill or Gordon even if they do play. I also wouldn't mind doubling up on the backfield and taking a starter with the back-up. Keep an eye out on Twitter @DFSToday for updates on statuses leading up to game time.
         - update posted 12/13/2018 @ 12:05PM

   Let's start this off with an injury report. On a short week both teams are dealing with injuries to key players that will have a giant impact on our lineup build.
For the Chiefs, Tyreek Hill and Spencer Ware are questionable. Hill practiced and looks like he'll try to play banged up. Ware looks to be closer to out than in. For the Chargers, Melvin Gordon practiced and could play but is considering himself a game time decision. Austin Ekeler looks like he will be out. 

   So what does this all mean? I will be fading Hill completely even though he torched the Ravens on basically one foot. I think you lock in Kelce and give serious thought to Chris Conley, especially if Hill is out. I don't quite trust Damian Williams and if Ware is out I'd rather load up on the Chiefs passing game. 

   The Chargers backfield is where the value will come from especially if Gordon is out or limited. I love Justin Jackson especially if Gordon is in because he will be lower owned. Regardless of the backfield situation, the passing game gets a bump up (especially if Gordon and Ekeler are both out). Of course Rivers and Allen should be on your radar against a weak KC pass defense. 

Value Plays:

Mike Williams $5600 DK / $9000 FD: Williams has been a red zone monster and from WR3 in Showdown slates we want TDs. He has 7 on the season while only seeing 4-5 targets a game. 

Detrez Newsome $1800 DK / $4000 FD and Darrell Williams $1600 DK / $4000 FD: Both of these plays depend on injury news. If Gordon and Ekeler are out I wouldn't mind saving some with Newsome. Likewise, if Spencer Ware sits the masses will flock to Damian and while I will have some shares, I'll look to take a flyer on the other Williams.

   Keep an eye on the injury news but right now I'll try to plug in Kelce, Mahomes and Allen. On DK that leaves you with around $3000 depending on your captain. Incorporate a kicker/defense, cheap RB, and Mike Williams and that's what my build will look like. Let's hope for some early injury news and actual offense unlike the last two slates.