- Colts running back Jonathan Taylor headlines the showdown slate on DraftKings at $17,400
- Opposing backfields are averaging a league-high 36.0 carriers per game against the New York Jets
INDIANAPOLIS – The New York Jets head into Indianapolis Thursday night for a prime time matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
Oddsmakers have set the game total at a meager 46.5 points, and have instilled the Colts as 10.5-point favorites. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor headlines the showdown slate on DraftKings at $17,400 and is the top choice for the captain slot.
Coming off a huge upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend led by backup QB Mike White, the New York Jets are primed for a letdown spot against the Indianapolis Colts.
DFS players can expect the Colts to control the game on the ground with running back Jonathan Taylor in a projected 10-point spread and favorable game script. Taylor makes for an exceptional captain play on online gambling sites like the Showdown Slate at $17,400.
Jonathan Taylor is coming off a 16-70-1 game against the Tennessee Titans this past weekend, but what was most encouraging for DFS players was Taylor’s 3-53 receiving stat line. Taylor seems to be becoming a true “bell cow” running back, after being on the field for 74% of the offensive snaps this past week.
Backup running back Nyheim Hines only played on 31% of the snaps, strengthening the RB1 floor of Jonathan Taylor.
DFS Implications
The New York Jets defense has been very fantasy-friendly for opposing running backs. Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon put up 25 DraftKings points vs the Jets this past weekend. Opposing backfields are averaging a league-high 36.0 carriers per game against the New York Jets.
Jonathan Taylor should have plenty of opportunities to pad his stats against this defense, and rack up DraftKings points.
While DFS players may be inclined to chase Michael Pittman’s ($15,300) huge performance from last week, the NFL spread of 10 points favors the running game over the passing attack.
In a projected low-scoring game, prioritizing “raw” fantasy points will be essential for DFS players. The odds of Jonathan Taylor being the highest scoring fantasy play in this game is quite high, making him the overall best captain on the Thursday Night Football DraftKings showdown slate.