As the Week 6 NFL schedule comes to a close, football fans are gearing up for a doubleheader on Monday Night Football (MNF). The matchups, featuring the Atlanta Falcons against the Buffalo Bills at 7:15 p.m. ET and the Washington Commanders facing the Chicago Bears at 8:15 p.m. ET, promise to be action-packed. With an over/under hovering around 50 points for both games, scoring opportunities will likely be plentiful, making it an enticing night for daily fantasy sports (DFS) participants.
Understanding the Matchups
Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, are currently 4.5-point favorites against the Falcons. Allen has been a dynamic force this season, continuing his high level of play from the previous year. He excels at both passing and rushing, making him a prime target for fantasy lineups. With over 1,200 passing yards and nine touchdowns in just five games, Allen is likely to be heavily rostered.
Washington Commanders vs. Chicago Bears
Likewise, the Washington Commanders are 4.5-point favorites in their matchup against the Chicago Bears. This game also features fantasy-relevant players, including standout running back Bijan Robinson of the Falcons. Robinson’s dual-threat ability makes him a significant asset, as he is not only effective on the ground but also as a pass-catcher.
Key DFS Picks for Monday Night Football
1. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Allen is a clear top-tier DFS pick for MNF. His dual-threat capability allows him to rack up fantasy points both through the air and on the ground. With a favorable matchup against Atlanta’s defense, expect Allen to have a big night. Given his past performances, he could easily eclipse 25+ fantasy points.
2. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Robinson has established himself as one of the most complete backs in the league. With 314 rushing yards and 18 receptions in his four games this season, he remains a focal point of Atlanta’s offensive strategy. His ability to be productive in both the running and passing game significantly raises his DFS value.
3. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
Cook has emerged as a reliable option in the Bills’ backfield. Coming off a strong performance, he has the potential for decent yardage and could find the end zone against a vulnerable Falcons defense. His price point makes him an appealing option for those looking to differentiate their lineups.
4. Wide Receiver Options
For wide receivers, Stefon Diggs stands out as a primary target in Buffalo’s offense. He is consistently among the league leaders in receptions and yards, and Allen’s reliance on him makes Diggs a must-have for anyone constructing a lineup for this slate. As for Washington, Terry McLaurin remains a solid choice due to his high target share.
Strategies for DFS Lineups
Stacking
Stacking is a popular strategy in DFS, especially for these high-scoring matchups. A natural stack would include pairing Josh Allen with one or both of his main targets: Stefon Diggs and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid. By stacking Allen with his receiving options, you capitalize on the potential for combined scoring.
Fading High Ownership
While Josh Allen and Bijan Robinson are expected to be among the highest-owned players, it’s worth considering "fading" some of these picks in certain lineups to create differentiation. Looking for lesser-known players or sleepers who could land in favorable matchups could pay off big time, especially in tournaments.
Paying Attention to Injury Updates
Always monitor injury reports leading up to game time. Players who are limited during the week could drop in their expected performance, affecting their DFS value. Late-breaking news on injuries can also create opportunities for backup players to see increased snaps and touches, making them ideal cost-saving options.
Targeting Sleepers
1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC (Hypothetically)
Though a collegiate player, if he’s in a discussion for a potential NFL team, his potential could make him an interesting future DFS target. His dual-threat ability would translate well into the DFS format.
2. Tight Ends
Look for lower-owned tight ends such as Cole Kmet from the Bears. If he can exploit a favorable matchup against Washington’s defense, he could serve as a cost-efficient option that allows you to allocate more budget to high-end players.
DFS Advice Summary
As the games unfold, keeping an eye on game flow is crucial. If one team jumps to an early lead, expect the trailing team to pass more, potentially opening up opportunities for wide receivers to rack up points. In contrast, if the game remains close, expect to see more balanced offenses, impacting running backs’ value.
Utilizing player stacks, keeping abreast of injury reports, and targeting undervalued players can substantially influence the success of your lineup. Remember, NFL DFS is as much about strategy as it is about knowing the players.
Conclusion
With both matchups poised to be closely contested and high-scoring, the stakes for DFS participants are high. Focus on key players like Josh Allen, Bijan Robinson, and others while identifying potential value plays to maximize your chances of winning. This Monday Night Football’s exciting lineups offer plenty of opportunities for both casual players and seasoned pros alike. Happy drafting!
