When it comes to building your Showdown DFS lineups a big part of the puzzle is getting the MVP player correct. With FanDuel the MVP slot earns 1.5x the points as the general flex positions, meaning their scoring is worth more. Check out my top MVP plays for Thursday’s Showdown slate between the Ravens and the Buccaneers.

Check out the complete NFL DFS Thursday Night Showdown Playbook for your top plays, values, dart throws, and fades from Howard Bender!

 

MVP (1.5X Points)

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens ($17,500)

It’s been a couple of rough weeks for Lamar Jackson, but nobody on this slate has as much upside as Lamar Jackson has. We’ve seen him put up 40+ FDP twice this year, but we haven’t seen the upside since Week 3. Tampa Bay’s run defense had been dominant until last week when they allowed the Carolina Panthers of all teams to rush for 173 yards against them. It’s worth noting Baltimore looks like they’re getting Rashod Bateman back, Mark Andrews is going to play, and Gus Edwards may not, so another potential hit to the Ravens' backfield.

Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($13,000)

What do we know about the Baltimore Ravens defense? They have yet to be able to keep rushers out of the end zone. We’ve seen five rushing touchdowns from running backs and three from quarterbacks this year, but we’re not exactly worried about Tom Brady at 45 years old sneaking in any touchdowns. Fournette has scored four times this year and had 10 touchdowns last year, which is what we can hang our hat on here. Fournette, despite all the hype with Rachaad White, Fournette continues to play 60% or more of the snaps and has double-digit touches in every game this year. He’s excellent in the passing game and if they’re out to an early lead, he can rush 20-plus times in a game.

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($14,00)

Do you think Mike Evans is going to want one back after dropping that 75-yard touchdown last week? I sure do, and even with that drop last week, Evans caught nine-of-15 targets for 96 yards. Evans hasn’t scored in three straight games and given his track record, we know touchdowns are coming in bunches and they’re coming soon. Baltimore has allowed the third most receiving yards to opposing receivers this year along with the eighth-most fantasy points to the position as well.

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens ($11,000)

At the time I’m writing this, we’re not entirely sure that Rashod Bateman will play, but he logged a full practice on Wednesday and is trending toward playing. Bateman has been Mr. Big Play this year as he’s averaged 19.0 yards per reception this year and caught two big-time touchdowns in the first two games. With the Bucs missing three starting members of the secondary, Bateman could be in line for a big day as long as he can avoid Jamel Dean.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens ($13,500)

Even though Mark Andrews didn’t look great in Week 7, it looks like he’s going to suit up in Week 8 and it’s a pretty good spot for him. He only had two targets last week but it didn’t take away from his 88% snap share, which is good to see. He didn’t practice last week and played and didn’t practice this week. Tampa Bay has allowed the seventh most fantasy points to the tight end position. If he wasn’t dealing with the injury, he easily slots into an MVP slot. With the injury, it’s boom or bust.

Other notable play(s): Tom Brady, Gus Edwards (questionable), Justice Hill & Kenyan Drake (especially if Edwards sits), Cade Otton, Breshad Perriman

 

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