While the Kansas City Chiefs have the AFC West in hand, second place is still very much in play. Tonight’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers should go a long way in determining that. The Broncos are taking a four game winning streak into the first game of Week 16 while the Chargers are looking to bounce back from a two game losing streak. In what’s expected to be a close game, the home Chargers are the customary three point favorites. Offense is also expected to be at a premium with an over/under of 41. This puts both team defenses firmly in play; especially Denver’s. Let’s jump into some Thursday Night Football DFS picks with preferences ranked within each category.
Thursday Night Football DFS Picks – Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Captain
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
Bo Nix only threw for 130 yards last while being intercepted three times, but with three touchdown passes, it was still a solid fantasy performance. The rookie is now up to 20 touchdowns on the season in what has turned out to be a strong debut. Over the past five weeks, Nix has 12 touchdowns. That number should grow tonight as Nix continues to lead the Broncos toward the postseason.
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
In a game with two solid defenses and not much offense expected, let’s begin by picking our quarterback. Justin Herbert and the Chargers are playing for their postseason lives tonight, and the good news is that he’s healthy. Last week, Herbert had modest success completing 21 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Efficiency has been the case this year with 16 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. At the least, Herbert’s floor is more secure than most.
Flex
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
As the season progresses, Nix’s chemistry with Courtland Sutton has only progressed. The rookie continues to look Sutton’s way multiple times each game with an average of nine per game over the past five weeks. Not only does Sutton have 66 catches for 878 yards on the season, but he also has seven touchdowns. The ability to find the end zone is what makes the difference in his value.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Entering tonight, we are operating under the assumption that Ladd McConkey will be dealing with Patrick Surtain. That should open things up across the field, and that’s a situation for Quentin Johnston to take advantage of.
As Herbert has been more apt to throw the ball downfield, Johnston has been in a position to capitalize. While he only has 34 catches on the season, Johnston has eight touchdowns which is quite efficient. For the second straight game, he caught five passes last week along with another touchdown. Johnston’s capable of a big play as he has that downfield ability.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
On a night like tonight, we are going to have to go out of our comfort level. It has been a less-than-ideal season for Javonte Williams, but he’s back to a leading role for Denver. With Jaleel McLaughlin now sidelined, the Broncos are back to relying on Williams. He only has 461 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season, but it only takes one game to turn things around.
Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Take what I said above about Williams and apply it to Gus Edwards. This is now the fourth game in which Edwards will take on a leading role after the injury to JK Dobbins. In those three games, Edwards has just 24 carries while only catching one pass. Part of the problem has been game flow, but in a close game tonight, more carries for Edwards could be supported. With only 101 rushing yards in that stretch, the only place for Edwards to go is up. While he has just two touchdowns on the season, Edwards has previously shown a nose for the end zone.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
After missing Week 14 due to injury, Ladd McConkey returned with ease last week. The rookie picked up where he left off catching five of his seven targets 58 yards. Perhaps more importantly, the rookie caught a touchdown pass for the first time since Week 8.
McConkey has developed into the number one target for Justin Herbert. He’s up to 63 catches for 873 yards on the season with five touchdowns, but it’s the last four games where he’s really picked up the pace. Over that stretch, McConkey has 26 catches for 381 yards. The issue tonight though, is will Patrick Surtain focus his attention on the rookie. While I’m not sure he can truly be ignored, it’s giving me some pause.
Value
Stone Smartt, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
With Will Dissly sidelined, Stone Smartt steps into the starting role for the Chargers. Last week, Smartt came through with his best game of the season. Smartt caught five of his six targets for 50 yards as we look for something similar tonight.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!