We are here to cover the 2022 DraftKings showdown slate for Monday Night Football Week 5, Denver @Los Angeles. The Chargers are picked to win by 4.5 points with a projected total of 45.5. The start of the season has been rocky for the Chargers- they barely left Cleveland with a win; lost to the Chiefs and Jaguars; and are without star wide receiver, Keenan Allen. In September, the Broncos had Super Bowl dreams for their newly acquired QB Russel Wilson. However, those dreams have long faded and the focus has been on their lack of scoring. The Denver defense has been good and is allowing the fewest yards per game. Look for the Broncos’ defense to slow down Herbert & Co as Russell Wilson and head coach Nathaniel Hackett try to figure out to put points on the board.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2022 – Denver @Los Angeles Captain Picks
Austin Ekeler ($17,100 Capt/ $11,400 Flex)
Denver’s defense will put up a good fight against the Chargers but will have trouble stopping them. Ekeler will have a tough time rushing on this team as the defensive line is better than Ekeler’s offensive line. I see the Chargers facing a lot of 3rd and long situations and good thing Ekeler is an every-down back. He will be utilized in the short-yardage pass plays and designed screens. The Chargers are expected to have a lead in this game and I see them handing it off to Ekeler to drain time off the clock. Ekeler deserves to be in the captain spot due to his expected usage and favorable game script.
Russell Wilson ($15,000 Capt/ $10,000 Flex)
Wilson is about 2k cheaper than Ekeler and is playing in an up-pace game. Wilson hasn’t been cooking as late and is dealing with an injured throwing shoulder. He injured his shoulder two weeks ago against the Raiders when he posted his highest PFF grade of the season (80.3). He will need to bounce back this week and try to put points on the board if he hopes to beat the Chargers (the team has been working to improve their red zone efficiency) I think Wilson bounces back and helps his team compete and breaks their red zone curse. With the field favoring the Chargers to win, I like Wilson as a contrarian GPP pick.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2022 – Denver @Los Angeles Flex Picks
Mike Williams ($10,600 Flex)
He has an average matchup against the Denver secondary and will be the primary target for Herbert. This doesn’t bode well for Williams as the Broncos probably used this week to create a game plan to limit him. He holds the record for the most contested catches (9) but I doubt he will hit value due to his high price tag. I think Williams is a good pick to pair with Herbert for the correlation, but I would be cautious due to it being a slow-paced game.
Courtland Sutton ($8,400 Flex)
Sutton has been a reliable receiver for the Broncos and has been targeted seven or more times in each game this season. He has received over 10 yards per catch and will need to continue his success to keep the chains moving against the Chargers. He will face a decent secondary but should hit his projection just due to pure volume alone.
Melvin Gordon ($8,200 Flex)
Javonte Williams’s injury has paved the way for Gordon to be the starter. Denver has a positive matchup against the Chargers defensive line and should be able to open up running holes for Gordon. The Broncos protection will hold up for the run and passing downs making it easier for Gordon to get involved in passing plays as a receiver instead of a blocker. I would put Gordon in the captain spot but the Broncos will need to rely on Wilson’s arm to keep up with the high-scoring Chargers.
Jerry Jeudy ($7,000 Flex)
In his last three outings, Jerry has seen 6, 5, and 8 targets. If the Broncos fall behind early in this one they will be forced to throw. Jeudy fits well in your lineup if you have Wilson in the captain spot. The correlation of Jeudy’s success to Russell Wilson will help differentiate from the field. Also Jeudy will be low-owned and makes for a great pivot off the chalky Courtland Sutton.
Josh Palmer ($5,800 Flex)
The Denver defense will apply pressure all night and look to shut down Williams – as a result, Palmer will have opportunities to help move the ball down the field and even score a touchdown. Palmer left the last game against the Browns after the first series with an unspecified injury. Then finished the day with 3 catches and 24 yards. He was involved and will continue to be a part of the game plan while Keenan Allen is out.
Gerald Everett ($5,600 Flex)
Everett is one of the target leaders on this offense. Didn’t get alot of work last week as the team instead opted to move the ball on the ground. Has upside in the offense with Keenan Allen likely to miss this game. TE is also a position that the Broncos have struggled to defend at times.
Mike Boone ($4,800 Flex)
With Williams out and Murray still learning the offense, I see Boone getting a couple of carries. He makes out for an interesting pick as he will be low owned and if Melvin Gordon needs a break, he could be the featured back around the red zone. In his last game against the Colts, he had 7 rushing attempts and 3 targets.
Greg Dulcich ($200 Flex)
Originally I had written down Eric Saubert in this spot but that quickly changed when I learned that Greg Dulcich came off the IR this week. He has been highly touted by Nathaniel Hackett and was at practice last Tuesday. He may not get much playing time but will be the fresh breath of air that this Denver offense needs.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2022 – Denver @Los Angeles Kickers and DSTs
The Broncos DST ($4,200) could be worth rostering as they will be the main reason the Broncos stay in this game. I see them harassing Herbert off the line and getting a couple of sacks. Also they have a high chance of forcing turnovers as they will put the Chargers in many difficult long downs. The Chargers DST ($3,200) is an excellent contrarian play. Not many people will roster them and there is a high probability the Broncos struggle to score.
This game will most likely have little to no touchdowns and the scoring will come from the kickers. Brandon McManus ($3,800) nailed two fifty yard field goals and drained a forty yarder. If Wilson can’t figure out his team red zone woes, McManus number will be called on a lot. Dustin Hopkins ($4,000) is back from a groin injury that caused him to miss the game against the Browns. If Denver can stop the Chargers on 3rd and long Hopkins could look to build off his success against Houston where he drained two field goals and four extra points
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2022 Showdown of Denver @Los Angeles! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
