This is a must-win for both the Chargers and Bucs, as Tampa has to stay a game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. The Chargers are competing with the Denver Broncos in terms of AFC playoff seeding and the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams can trade blow for blow and keep up in high scoring affairs. With no weather impacting this game and respective high powered offenses, this could be the game to have for fantasy football and DFS for week 15.
Bucs vs. Chargers DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Mike Evans ($7.1K DraftKings, $8.3K Fanduel)
Now two weeks removed from injury, Mike Evans may be the forgotten name but he is still the most explosive part of the Bucs offense. I wouldn’t surprised by a vintage Evans game even with his matchup on paper. The veteran still has a solid floor, seeing 5 targets last week and 12 the week before that. If the Chargers stop their rushing attack, then the Bucs could attack their weak secondary early and often with the likes of Evans.
Justin Herbert ($5.9K DraftKings, $7.5K Fanduel)
Justin Herbert and Baker Mayfield could tee off in a potential shootout indoors, with both quarterbacks playing well this year and leading playoff teams. With Herbert cheaper on this slate, he is a better play in comparison and has more potential volume opportunities through the air.
Bucs vs. Chargers DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Bucky Irving ($6.3K DraftKings, $7.4K Fanduel)
Irving didn’t practice all week, dealing with a back/hip injury that he has been managing recently. He is listed as questionable and even though he has a shot to play, the Bucs could rely on Rachaad White and Sean Tucker instead. The Chargers run defense is relatively stout and could force things through the air for Mayfield. At Irving’s price tag in comparison, White or Tucker are better starts and have a better chance to be more involved this week.
Sterling Shepard ($4K DraftKings, $5.8K Fanduel)
Shepard is questionable with a foot injury but we saw the emergence of rookie Jalen McMillan in his wake. Although Evans is the top target, we could see targets go to other starting players if Shepard is out like Cade Otton or Rakim Jarrett. Their running backs also get a decent bulk of the receiving work, but it’s not an easy matchup against a bend but don’t break secondary in the Chargers.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Stone Smartt ($2.6K DraftKings, $4.5K Fanduel)
Due to his salary, Stone Smarrt will be a chalk play this weekend that you shouldn’t get away from. When Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst were out, as the starting tight end, Smartt saw and caught all 3 targets for 54 yards. He was pretty involved against the Chiefs and his price tag is worth the gamble, allowing almost any play at other positions you want. The Chargers may have to throw more in this game with the lack of ability to run the ball, meaning more short targets for Smartt potentially.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Gus Edwards ($5.3K DraftKings, $6K Fanduel)
With Edwards not being efficient on his carries, the Chargers haven’t had success running the ball without J.K. Dobbins, who is on injured reserve. Edwards also splits carries with rookie Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins, limiting the amount of volume for the running backs as a collective. The Bucs have a better run defense than pass defense, so the Chargers may throw the ball more often.
Conclusion
Both quarterbacks are viable in this spot, as the Bucs offense will have a tougher matchup going against a Chargers defense that can limit points. The Chargers offense does have an advantageous matchup on paper against the blitz-happy Bucs who are weaker in the secondary. However, Herbert is coming off ankle injury so it will be interesting to see if he is still banged up and how much he runs. At this point, Ladd McConkey would be a potential top play in this one but he is still questionable. While he is more likely to play than not, the rookie might be chalk regardless if he is active.
