Here we have the next DraftKings Thursday Night Football Showdown slate of the 2024 season- this time it’s Tampa Bay @Atlanta. Whether you’re locking in a star like Mike Evans as your captain or searching for value plays like Sterling Shepard, there’s a lot to consider.
This game has the potential to be a gritty, hard-fought battle, with Bijan Robinson and Rachaad White leading the charge on the ground. Expect Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins to lean on their top receivers — Chris Godwin and Drake London should be heavily involved in the passing game. Both teams are dealing with key injuries on defense, setting the stage for an exciting, back-and-forth contest.
DraftKings TNF Showdown 2024 – Tampa Bay @Atlanta Captain Picks
Mike Evans ($15,300 Capt/ $10,200 Flex)
Evans heads into Thursday night’s game without an injury designation after dealing with knee and calf issues, and he’s fresh off a big game where he caught eight of 14 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown. His red-zone dominance and ability to win jump balls make him a prime Captain choice. Evans’ volume and role as Mayfield’s top target give him a high ceiling, particularly if the Buccaneers’ offense needs to keep pace with Atlanta. Expect Evans to be a focal point in Tampa Bay’s attack, especially given his track record of producing in big games. He’s a great pick for those looking to capture touchdown upside.
Chris Godwin ($15,000 Capt/ $10,000 Flex)
Godwin has been a model of consistency in the Buccaneers’ offense, catching no fewer than six passes in any game this season. Coming off a six-catch, 69-yard performance against the Eagles, Godwin remains a key piece in Tampa Bay’s passing attack. While he didn’t find the end zone last week, his heavy involvement ensures a solid fantasy floor. Godwin’s reliable hands and connection with Baker Mayfield make him a strong Captain option, especially if the Bucs need to air it out against the Falcons. With Mike Evans nursing some injuries, Godwin could see an even larger target share in this divisional matchup.
Bijan Robinson ($14,700 Capt/ $9,800 Flex)
Bijan Robinson is fully healthy and ready for action after some minor hamstring concerns earlier in the week. The dynamic rookie running back has been electric through his first four games, amassing 359 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. Robinson’s ability to make defenders miss, both as a rusher and receiver, gives him massive fantasy upside. In a divisional game where the Falcons may rely heavily on the ground game, Robinson’s workload should be secure, making him a fantastic Captain option. If Atlanta can control the tempo, expect Robinson to be a focal point from start to finish.
Drake London ($13,200 Capt/ $8,800 Flex)
Drake London has seen a steady volume of targets, but he has yet to fully break out this season, despite catching six passes in three consecutive games. London is Kirk Cousins’ top receiving option, but the chemistry between the two still seems to be developing. That said, his 12 targets last week suggest the Falcons want to get him more involved. If Cousins can connect with London more efficiently, the wideout could be in for a big game against a Buccaneers secondary dealing with injuries. London’s potential for a breakout performance makes him an intriguing Captain pick, especially if the Falcons shift to a pass-heavy game script.
DraftKings TNF Showdown 2024 – Tampa Bay @Atlanta Flex Picks
Baker Mayfield ($9,600 Flex)
Baker Mayfield is coming off a stellar performance in which he threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. He’s been incredibly efficient in Liam Coen’s offense, connecting with multiple targets and spreading the ball around effectively. Mayfield has already accounted for 10 total touchdowns this season, showing that he’s comfortable leading the Buccaneers’ offense. Against a Falcons defense that can be prone to giving up big plays, Mayfield is a solid flex option with upside.
Kirk Cousins ($8,600 Flex)
Cousins didn’t throw a touchdown last week for the first time in four games, but his veteran presence has helped the Falcons stay competitive. He’s been inconsistent with a 4:4 TD/INT ratio this season, but he may be called upon to do more against a Buccaneers defense missing key players. If the Falcons’ ground game struggles, Cousins will need to air it out, making him a valuable flex play. Look for him to lean on Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson in this divisional battle.
Darnell Mooney ($7,200 Flex)
Mooney has quietly become a reliable target for Kirk Cousins, averaging 15.0 yards per catch over the last three weeks. With 14 receptions on 21 targets during that span, Mooney’s chemistry with Cousins is clearly developing. The Falcons have struggled to get consistent production from their stars, but Mooney has been a steady force. In a game where the Falcons may need to throw more, Mooney could see plenty of opportunities.
Rachaad White ($6,800 Flex)
White had his most efficient game on the ground last week, racking up 49 yards on just 10 carries while adding 35 receiving yards. He’s been splitting work with Bucky Irving, but White’s involvement in the passing game gives him added value. The Bucs might continue to rotate backs, but White’s dual-threat ability keeps him fantasy-relevant. In a matchup where Tampa Bay could lean on short-yardage plays, White is worth consideration.
Bucky Irving ($6,400 Flex)
Irving found the end zone for the first time last week, rushing for 49 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He’s starting to carve out a larger role in the Buccaneers’ backfield, splitting work evenly with Rachaad White. Irving’s efficiency and nose for the end zone make him an intriguing flex play, especially if the Bucs continue to feature him in red-zone situations. Keep an eye on how Tampa Bay balances their backfield, but Irving’s upside at this price is appealing.
Kyle Pitts ($5,600 Flex)
Pitts has struggled mightily this season, managing just five catches over the last three games, and his lack of chemistry with Cousins is evident. Despite his elite athleticism, the Falcons haven’t been able to get Pitts involved in the offense, leaving him a risky fantasy play. If Cousins can finally get going, Pitts could benefit, but it’s hard to trust him given his recent performances. He’s a boom-or-bust option in this showdown slate.
Tyler Allgeier ($4,800 Flex)
Allgeier outperformed Bijan Robinson last week, leading the Falcons with 60 rushing yards on eight carries. He still isn’t seeing heavy volume, but Allgeier’s efficiency keeps him in the mix, especially in games where the Falcons want to control the clock. He’s unlikely to overtake Robinson as the lead back, but in a matchup against a Buccaneers defense that’s been vulnerable against the run, Allgeier offers sneaky upside. He’s a solid flex play for DFS players looking for value.
Cade Otton ($4,000 Flex)
Otton has come alive over the past two games, catching 13 passes for 99 yards on 17 targets, becoming a key option for Mayfield in the passing game. He tied Chris Godwin for second in targets last week and has shown he can be a reliable possession receiver. While his role might fluctuate, Otton’s recent involvement makes him a solid value play in this matchup. With Tampa Bay’s passing attack looking sharp, Otton could continue to see steady targets.
Dart Throw Plays (Various)
Here are a few dart plays to round out your lineup. These are high-risk, high-reward picks best suited for GPPs—not for cash games:
- Ray-Ray McCloud III (WR, ATL) $3,400 Flex – McCloud has been heavily involved in the Falcons’ offense, playing nearly every snap and commanding 19% of the team’s targets. With Atlanta relying on three-wide sets, McCloud is primed for more opportunities in a divisional matchup where he could surprise as a cheap flex option.
- Sterling Shepard (WR, TB) $1,600 Flex – Shepard was recently promoted to the Bucs’ active roster and played 47 offensive snaps last week, hauling in three catches for 51 yards. With Tampa Bay dealing with several injuries at receiver, Shepard could see an expanded role again, making him a solid contrarian play at his price.
- Avery Williams (RB, ATL) $1,000 Flex – Williams primarily contributed on special teams, but he could see action on offense if Bijan Robinson or Tyler Allgeier go down. His versatility and special teams involvement make him a deep risky play, especially if the game flow shifts in his favor.
- Kameron Johnson (WR, TB) $200 Flex – Johnson has shaken off his ankle injury and is expected to suit up for Thursday’s game. While he’s buried on the depth chart, he could see a few targets and also contribute on special teams, making him a potential punt play.
- KhaDarel Hodge (WR, ATL) $200 Flex – Hodge’s highlight last game was recovering a muffed punt and turning it into a touchdown. He’s unlikely to be heavily involved in the offense but could deliver another special teams play, making him a true long shot in large tournaments.
DraftKings TNF Showdown 2024 – Tampa Bay @Atlanta Kickers and DSTs
Younghoe Koo ($5,400) continues to show why he’s one of the most reliable kickers in the league. He hit all four of his field goals against the Saints, including a massive 58-yarder to win the game as time expired. Koo hasn’t missed a kick this season, and with the Falcons struggling to finish drives in the red zone, he’s getting plenty of opportunities to pile up fantasy points. If this game turns into a defensive battle, Koo’s leg will be crucial, especially since Atlanta’s offense can move the ball but tends to stall near the goal line. He’s a rock-solid play with upside thanks to his range and reliability. Chase McLaughlin ($5,000) has been money this season, and last week was no different as he hit from 21 and 52 yards, though he did miss his first extra point in over two years. Still, his consistency from long range makes him an appealing option, especially if Tampa Bay’s offense has trouble converting in the red zone. McLaughlin’s already put up 31 fantasy points over four games, and this divisional showdown could offer more of the same. If the Bucs can’t punch it in for touchdowns, expect McLaughlin to cash in with multiple field goals. At this price, he’s a great play for a potentially low-scoring contest.
Falcons DST ($4,400) had its struggles against the Saints, giving up chunks of yardage early, but Troy Andersen‘s pick-six turned the momentum around. Atlanta’s defense has a knack for making big plays when needed, and they’ll need that again against the Bucs. Their ability to force turnovers and limit red-zone success gives them some sneaky upside, especially if Tampa Bay can’t protect the ball. The Falcons also have potential for points from special teams, so they’re worth a look if you think they can continue their opportunistic ways. With a defense that thrives on chaos, they could easily outperform expectations. Buccaneers DST ($3,600) will be without some key players, including Antoine Winfield, but they’ve still been stout this season, ranking 9th in points allowed. They’ve only given up one passing touchdown all year, and Matt Judon should be able to pressure Desmond Ridder into mistakes. While they’ll miss Winfield’s presence in the secondary, Justin Simmons will do his best to keep the Falcons’ offense in check. The Bucs are a solid value play, especially if they can force Ridder into turnovers and keep Atlanta’s big plays to a minimum. If you think Tampa can control the game and limit scoring, this defense is worth considering.
So there you have it — our DraftKings picks for the 2024 Tampa Bay@Atlanta! Whether you’re locking in lineups or just looking for that edge, we’ve got you covered. If you have any DFS questions shoot me a DM on twitter at @numeric_dfs. Also checkout our other KFS DFS articles here, and interact with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We’re always ready to talk shop and help you build those winning rosters!
