Jared Contestabile 
This week on Thursday Night Football we have an ugly one. There is no love lost between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. Neither has a particularly good offense, but both have players who are more than capable of finding their ceiling. With both teams tied at 1-1 early in the season, this battle could have playoff implications down the line. Let’s get rolling!
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.
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Captain/MVP Plays
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
There is one obvious play on this slate across all formats, and it is Mr. Chubb. He had 23 and 20 touches over the first two weeks, and his role is as locked-in as anyone in the NFL. He isn’t a huge target in the passing game (four total targets in two games). However, his volume and upside make him a borderline must-play for Showdown.
The Steelers allowed more rushing yards per game than any NFL team in 2021 (143.8). Chubb wasn’t particularly effective in two matchups last season (12/58, 16/61), but I’m banking on that changing Thursday in Cleveland. The Browns ran the ball on 46% of plays in 2021, but that number has already climbed to nearly 55% with Jacoby Brissett under center. It’s Chubb time.
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense hasn’t done much at all in 2022, but on a Showdown slate, we need options with upside. Enter Harris. Najee was the most targeted RB in the NFL in 2021 (tied with Austin Ekeler at 94). Granted, the lack of mobility by the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger played a role in that, but the upside is still there.
Harris dominated the Browns last season, posting over 300 scrimmage yards and two scores across both matchups. The rushing attack should be on full display for both squads this week. Najee will undoubtedly have his fingerprints all over this one. He is a solid play across the board.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson has been a target machine this far in 2022 for Mitch Trubisky, leading the team with 22 in the first two games. He has only managed to total 112 yards on 13 catches, but volume alone puts him in play on this slate. Diontae hasn’t found the end zone yet in 2022, but the Steelers may need him to step up in this one. He has the upside to be a solid pivot off of the top backs at the bonus spot.
FLEX/AnyFLEX Options
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
While Hunt may be a terrible person, he is a viable option in fantasy due to the Browns’ propensity to run. Only San Fransisco and Chicago have run the ball at a higher rate than Cleveland, and much of that is due to the weather in their Week 1 matchup. I fully expect the Browns to lead the NFL in rushing rate, at least until their “hero” Deshaun Watson returns.
Hunt had 15 touches in each of the Browns’ first two games, and found the end zone twice in Week 1. He is always a threat to steal goal-line points from Chubb. It isn’t a crazy thought to slot him in at the bonus spot if you’re making multiple lineups.
Defense, Defense, Defense
More than you will find on most slates, both defenses are in play for this showdown slate. The upside may be capped due to a lower volume in the passing game, but you will want some exposure here. I prefer the Steelers defense here, but neither team is scripting a game plan to feature either QB taking unneccesary risks down the field.
That said, it may sound crazy, but I will have little to no exposure to the QBs in this one. As I always say, you have to take a stand somewhere, and I’m planting my flag firmly in the zero-QB soil.
Others to consider
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Freiermuth is always a touchdown threat, and has totaled 9/97/1 on 17 targets across two games.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
While I’m off these two arms, that doesn’t mean that I don’t want exposure to elite weapons on the outside. After a forgettable debut (3/17 on six targets), Cooper exploded for 9/101/1 on 10 targets against the Jets. The Steelers defense in significantly better than the Jets, but Cooper needs to be on your radar here as the only real upside option in the Browns’ passing attack
David Bell, Cleveland Browns
This is primarily a DK punt play, as Bell is just $1,400. He saw 20 snaps in Week 2, and had a lone target. The floor is literally zero here, but if you saw Bell in college, you have seen his game-breaking upside.
Kickers
Both kickers are in play here, but I much prefer Chris Boswell, who is one of the best kickers in the NFL. Cade York was the hero in Week 1, but things turned quickly after a missed PAT late in a one-point loss to Joe Flacco and the Jets.
Good luck on Thursday Night! Make sure to follow me on Twitter if you aren’t already, and let’s meet at the top of the leaderboards!
