Jared Contestabile 
Monday brings us an opportunity to see Justin Herbert clinch a playoff spot, and I’m here for it. Not only does he have the best first name available, but he has had a fantastic season. Tua spent Sunday ruining his reputation against the 6-8 Packers, and now it’s Herbert time. The gap between the two is significant in my book, but my book doesn’t matter. The Chargers should take care of business, but there is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. Let’s make some cash.
DraftKings and FanDuel each have a slightly different setup for Showdown slates, with DraftKings using a “Captain” spot. Captain earns you 1.5X points, BUT also costs you 1.5X in salary. FanDuel uses an “MVP”, which is ALSO 1.5X points, but salaries are the same, regardless of position. DraftKings uses 5 FLEX spots, and FanDuel uses 4 “AnyFLEX” spots to fill out your roster.
Captain/MVP Plays
Justin Herbert, Chargers ($15,600 DraftKings, $16,000 FanDuel)
I’m sure you are absolutely stunned to see Herbert as the first write-up here. The guy has been fantastic all season, although he is coming off his worst game of the season. He threw for 313 yards against the Titans, but posted a 0/2 TD/INT. This week, with so much on the line, I’m expecting big things from Justin.
The Colts are 22nd in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing QB, but have been a disaster of late. They got embarrassed by Kirk Cousins and company in the midst of a 33-point comeback in Week 15, and this matchup doesn’t inspire confidence. Herbert and company have a lot to play for in this one.
Herbert has hit the 300+ yards bonus in three straight games on DraftKings, and could do the same on MNF. Fire him up and enjoy him clinching a playoff spot for the first time in his young career.
Austin Ekeler, Chargers ($16,500 DraftKings, $16,500 FanDuel)
Ekeler is yet another Charger in a great spot in this one. The Colts have allowed over 26 fantasy points per game to opposing RB this season. While Ekeler isn’t a traditional back, his success in the passing game is second to none. Last week was not one of his finer performances, turning 14 touches on 15 opportunities into 70 yards and a score.
For all the issues the Titans have, they have been elite against opposing RB in 2022. This is not the same situation. Ekeler could (and should) feast against this very vulnerable defense. I know I wrote up Herbert first here, but Ekeler is my favorite play on the showdown slate. His upside here is 30+, and that may be conservative.
Zack Moss and Deon Jackson, Colts
The Chargers have been very vulnerable against the run this season, but I think you already knew that. They are serving up just under 26 fantasy points per game, and 16 touchdowns on the season to opposing RB. The bulk of the damage has come on the ground (1,795 yards…2nd most in the NFL…and 12 touchdowns), which makes me lean toward Moss.
He was admirable, although not slate-breaking last week in Jonathan Taylor’s stead. He rushed 24 times for 81 yards, and failed to catch his only target. With Nick Foles making his first start of the season, I’m expecting the Colts to go run-heavy.
Jackson is more of a pass-catching target, but also saw 13 carries last week against Minnesota. If game script dictates a big Charger lead, then Jackson is the move with upside. I’m confident that Moss will dominate the goal-line work. I lean that way if choosing one, but playing both makes a LOT of sense in this one.
FLEX/AnyFLEX Plays
Keenan Allen, Chargers ($9,800 DraftKings, $13,500 FanDuel)
No matter what, Keenan Allen just GETS HIS. He has continued to be a target hog, and his floor is arguably the best in this game. Since his return in Week 11, he has seen 8, 7, 14, 14, and 9 targets, amassing at least 86 yards in each contest.
I don’t know that he has the upside I want in a bonus spot here, but he is an absolute lock for me in the FLEX spot. He should see 8-10 targets, and if this game is close…maybe even more.
Michael Pittman, Jr., Colts ($8,200 DraftKings, $13,000 FanDuel)
Love him or hate him, Nick Foles has made a name for himself in the NFL. Last time I checked, Napoleon Dynamite still beat Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. I did mention that the Colts should go run-heavy in this one, but Foles will still need to make plays in the passing game.
Pittman has averaged almost 10 targets per game over his last three, and is the clear top option in this offense. I personally believe that he will do very well with Foles under center.
Other Options
Alec Pierce was dominated last week against the Vikings. The Chargers are a much more vulnerable defense, and I’m back in on him at a very cheap tag, especially on DK.
Gerald Everett has continued to have an important role in this offense with 20 targets over the last three weeks. The Colts are middle of the pack against TE, but you all are aware of my affinity toward Everett.
Once again, “Dicker the Kicker” is in play. He has been fantastic for the Chargers this season in relief, missing just one of 17 FG attempts.
Jelani Woods is still very cheap, and it is hard to say how much Nick Foles will be looking his way. That said, he has still totaled 162 yards in his last three contests.
Joshua Kelley scored a touchdown last time out, and needs to be on your radar here. Austin Ekeler still dominates the backfield touches, but he has seen valuable work of late.
Parris Campbell is always on the radar in the passing game. Give him a shot if you are going the MME route, although I’m not particularly high on him here in SE.
Make sure to join our Discord to jump into our conversations with the team and share your successes (I am “Myrtle Beach Mermen”, if you understand the reference, we will get along right away! We have a TON of great tools for you to check out, make sure you’re taking advantage! You can find projections here and try out the optimizer here.
Good luck on Monday Night! Make sure to follow me on Twitter if you aren’t already, and let’s meet at the top of the leaderboards!
