Thursday Night DraftKings Showdown for Week 15

The Week 15 showdown slate on DraftKings features an intriguing matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Las Angeles Chargers. This matchup features the highest total on the Week 15 slate with the total coming in at 53 points, indicating we could see some fireworks on Thursday night. The Raiders are favored by 3.5 points at home and are in the hunt for a wildcard playoff spot while the Chargers are looking to avenge a 31-26 loss to Las Vegas in Week 9. With the Raiders struggling to stop opposing offenses, they fired their defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, but on a short week, it’s unlikely that we see this team be able to make the necessary corrections to stop a Chargers offensive averaging 72.4 total plays per game, most in the NFL. Given their shortcomings on defense, it’s not surprising that Raider games have hit the over 10 of 13 times this season. Before breaking down the injury situation, let’s dive into some advanced pace and efficiency metrics for both teams.

Team Pace and Efficiency Metrics

Pace of Play: LAC: 3rd, LV: 23rd
Plays per Game: LAC: 1st, LV: 16th

Pass Play Percentage: LAC: 16th, LV: 24th
Run Play Percentage: LAC: 17th , LV: 9th

Pass Defense DVOA: LAC: 17th, LV: 21st
Run Defense DVOA: LAC: 31st, LV: 32nd

Injury Report

Chargers

• OUT: OT Bryan Bulaga (Concussion)
• Questionable: WR Mike Williams (Back), Keenan Allen (Hamstring, Back), Hunter Henry (Hip, but fully expected to play), Slot CB Chris Harris Jr. (Foot)

Raiders

• OUT: WR Henry Ruggs (Covid-IR), S Jonathan Abram (Concussion), CB Damon Arnette (Concussion), EDGE Clelin Ferrell (Shoulder), LB Nicholas Morrow (Concussion)
• Questionable: WR Bryan Edwards (Not Injury Related), RB Josh Jacobs (Ankle, but fully expected to play)

Captain Selections

Justin Herbert $17,700
Herbert is the most expensive captain selection on this slate, but it’s for good reason. While the splits without and without Austin Ekeler in the lineup are obvious and difficult to ignore, there are just too many injuries on the Raiders defense to pass up on an opportunity to play Herbert. The Raiders are projected to be without their two starting safeties, their top pass rusher, and one of their starting corners. Meanwhile, they’re already a bad defense that’s reeling after the recent firing of their defensive coordinator. Vegas has totaled 15 sacks on the season and ranks bottom 8 in QB hits, suggesting Herbert will have plenty of time to carve up a Raiders defense that’s allowing the 10th most fantasy points to the position.

Stack Idea: Capt Justin Herbert + 2 Pass Catchers, Bring back with Josh Jacobs

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