The NFL week kicks off with a thrilling Thursday night matchup, and for fantasy football managers, it’s a crucial opportunity to set the tone for the week. With the Commanders taking on the Eagles in an AFC East showdown in Philadelphia (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video), the stakes are high. The key to a successful fantasy week often lies in the decisions made for this pivotal game. So, who should you start, and who should you avoid? Let’s break it down with some essential start ’em and sit ’em insights, along with DFS recommendations for both DraftKings and FanDuel.
Start ‘Em: Commanders vs. Eagles regular plays
Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin
Daniels has had a rollercoaster season, currently sitting at QB8 on average. Despite some off games in Weeks 7 and 10, he has the potential to shine in this high-scoring affair. The Eagles have been tough on quarterbacks, but they’ve primarily faced less experienced passers. Expect Daniels to bounce back and contribute at least two combined scores in this matchup.
McLaurin has emerged as WR14 in what has been his best fantasy season yet. After a slow start in Weeks 1 and 2, he has been on fire, showcasing a history of success against the Eagles. With the Eagles’ outside corners vulnerable, McLaurin is primed for a big game, which bodes well for Daniels’ performance as well.
Eagles: QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith
Hurts has been nothing short of spectacular this season, trailing only Lamar Jackson in fantasy quarterback rankings. Since the Week 5 bye, he’s been delivering explosive plays and touchdowns in Kellen Moore’s dynamic offense.
Barkley and Brown have consistently produced, ranking as RB3 and WR5, respectively. Although Smith has had a few underwhelming outings recently, he and Brown are capable of exploiting the Commanders’ secondary, especially with Marshon Lattimore still sidelined.
Thursday Night Football sleepers
Eagles defense/special teams
The Eagles’ defense has transformed into a formidable fantasy unit, ranking No. 9 in scoring since the Week 5 bye. With Vic Fangio’s young players making impactful plays, they have become a must-start option. While the Commanders tend to protect the ball well, they are susceptible to giving up sacks, making the Eagles’ defense a solid choice.
Commanders K Zane Gonzalez
Replacing fantasy’s top kicker, Austin Seibert (hip), Gonzalez has stepped up admirably. He successfully converted field goals against the Steelers and is likely to see multiple opportunities in this game. His reliability in scoring could be a game-changer for fantasy managers.
Start ‘Em: Commanders vs. Eagles likely play
Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler
Ekeler has shown flashes of his dominant self from his Chargers days over the past two weeks, particularly with Brian Robinson Jr. sidelined. His efficiency and versatility make him a valuable asset, especially in a game where the Commanders might find themselves playing catch-up. The Eagles have struggled against pass-catching backs, and Ekeler could exploit that weakness effectively.
Sit ‘Em: Thursday Night Football busts
Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.
Although Robinson is set to return from a hamstring injury, his role may be limited due to Ekeler’s resurgence and the likely game script. The Eagles have tightened their defense against power running, making Robinson a risky start this week.
Eagles TE Dallas Goedert
The Commanders have proven to be tough against tight ends, limiting catches and yardage. Goedert, who hasn’t been a significant scorer outside of last week, may not provide the value you’re looking for. There are likely better options available for your lineup this week.
Week 11 DFS expert analysis
For those diving into daily fantasy sports, here are some mock lineups to consider:
DraftKings mock Showdown lineup for Thursday night
- Captain: (1.5x): DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles ($12,900)
- FLEX: Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles ($11,000)
- FLEX: Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders ($9,000)
- FLEX: Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders ($8,000)
- FLEX: Zane Gonzalez, K, Commanders ($4,400)
- FLEX: Jahan Dotson, WR, Eagles ($4,800)
FanDuel mock single-game lineup for Thursday night
- MVP: (1.5x): Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles ($15,000)
- FLEX: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders ($14,500)
- FLEX: A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles ($13,000)
- FLEX: Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders ($12,500)
- FLEX: Zane Gonzalez, K, Commanders ($5,000)
For DraftKings, Smith’s inclusion helps balance the lineup, allowing for the star power of Hurts, McLaurin, and Ekeler. Meanwhile, FanDuel’s setup with Gonzalez allows you to stack both quarterbacks with their top receivers, maximizing your chances for points in this exciting matchup.
As the Thursday night lights shine bright, make sure your fantasy decisions are sharp. This game could set the tone for your week, so choose wisely and enjoy the action!
