Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8

October 25, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 We are now halfway through the 2023 season and the stakes are getting higher. The Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 features a pair of contending teams coming off of disappointing losses. Subsequently, a […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8

We are now halfway through the 2023 season and the stakes are getting higher. The Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 features a pair of contending teams coming off of disappointing losses. Subsequently, a win would go a long way toward improving the postseason hopes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills.

Speaking of the Bills, sitting at a mediocre 4-3 is new territory for Sean McDermott’s squad. Despite being an AFC-best +80 in points differential, Buffalo’s defense has fallen off. Also, the Bills sit at 0-2 on the road against their AFC East rivals. Returning home to Highmark Stadium in primetime could be just what the doctor ordered.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exceeded most expectations, even after a second consecutive home loss. The biggest problem for Todd Bowles’s team appears to be offense. After scoring 20-plus in three games to open the season 3-1, Tampa has one touchdown in their last two outings.

That’s not going to cut it against a Buffalo team that ranks third in the NFL in scoring.

Therefore, the Bills are favored by 8.5 points, and the total slipped by one point to 42.5.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	26	15	29	22	26
Buffalo Bills	5	6	14	4	3

Both teams are far better at passing than running. However, the Bills have a distinct advantage in scoring, big plays, and efficiency. It’s on the other side of the ball where these two are much more evenly matched.

Tampa Bay ranks 11th in defense and sixth in points allowed. Meanwhile, the Bills have slipped to 22nd in defense but rank fifth in points surrendered. That explains the modest total for this game.

For the Buccaneers to pull the upset, they’ll have to step up offensively. Tampa has mustered a -13.83 expected points differential during their current two-game slide. That’s not the way to challenge a powerful Buffalo team that has won 15 of their last 18 home games.

The Bills have lost two of their last three games. Turnovers have played a big part in that, with Buffalo having two giveaways in each of their last three contests. Cleaning the mistakes and special teams’ gaffs is paramount for McDermott and company to keep the Bills in AFC East contention.

However, it’s hard to see Tampa winning this game without forcing those errors.

Tampa Bay Offense

The Bucs got off to a 3-1 start thanks to Baker Mayfield completing 70% of his passes and…

How will Thursday’s Buccaneers vs. Bills game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 7

October 18, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 7 Last week’s Thursday Night game was a disappointment. With just 27 points scored, the Chiefs/Broncos snooze fest set the template for UNDERS going 11-3 in Week 7. Consequently, Week 7 opens with an intra-conference […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 7

Last week’s Thursday Night game was a disappointment. With just 27 points scored, the Chiefs/Broncos snooze fest set the template for UNDERS going 11-3 in Week 7. Consequently, Week 7 opens with an intra-conference battle that opened at a lowly 42.5 and dropped. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 7 breaks down the Saints/Jaguars game from a fantasy, DFS, and sports betting lens.

Doug Pederson’s Jaguars have won three straight after an embarrassing home loss to the Houston Texans. That included a pair of victories in London. Jacksonville is 2-0 on the road. However, few teams have as strong of a home-field advantage as the New Orleans Saints.

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Speaking of the Saints, Dennis Allen’s squad is 3-3 after they too were defeated by Houston. However, that loss came on the road and was much more competitive. New Orleans has scored 20 or fewer points in five of their six games, and looking at the depressed total, it could be another low-scoring Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 7 game to handicap.

Subsequently, the Saints are mere 1-point favorites, with an implied game score of 21-19.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Jacksonville Jaguars	12	12	15	20	10
New Orleans Saints	17	15	23	26	24

Unsurprisingly, Pederson’s Jaguars squad has been better offensively. Jacksonville is averaging 23.7 points per game, which is just behind the Chiefs. The Jags also hold an edge at every skill position, making them the more fantasy-friendly roster.

However, Jacksonville’s offensive line has struggled. The Jaguars have allowed Trevor Lawrence to be sacked 16 times and face too many pressures. Lawrence has only 2.46 seconds to throw the ball, which is the second-lowest time in football. That has resulted in him ranking 26th with a -1.2 completion rate over expectation.

Meanwhile, the Saints rank 6th in total defense. Derek Carr has been serviceable under center. However, Carr has thrown only five touchdown passes and the Saints rank 24th in scoring. Carr also has the fewest rushing yards among any NFL quarterback that has started multiple games.

Scoring will be at a premium.

Jacksonville Offense

As mentioned above, some of Trevor Lawrence‘s…

How will Thursday’s Jaguars vs. Saints game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 6

October 11, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 6 Last week’s Bears/Commanders tilt has a lot more offense than projected. That’s a good thing for fantasy football. Speaking of offense, this week’s AFC West battle offers much potential. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 6

Last week’s Bears/Commanders tilt has a lot more offense than projected. That’s a good thing for fantasy football. Speaking of offense, this week’s AFC West battle offers much potential. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 6 looks at the Chiefs vs. Broncos game from a fantasy football, DFS, and sports betting lens.

Andy Reid’s defending champions are off to another fast start. Kansas City sits atop the AFC West standings with a 4-1 record. That includes winning four straight after losing in the first Thursday night game of 2023.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are reeling. Sean Payton’s squad sits in the basement of the division at 1-4. There are rumblings that change is on the way in Denver. The Broncos defense has been atrocious and this has been a one-sided rivalry.

Because of that, the Chiefs are 10.5-point favorites. However, we’ve seen the over/under drop from 51 down to 47.5.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Denver Broncos	15	13	19	5t	10
Kansas City Chiefs	6	7	12	5t	9

Both teams are above average on offense. However, that is where the similarities end. Denver has allowed 181 points. That is the sixth-most in NFL history through the first five games.

Patrick Mahomes boasts an 11-0 record against the Broncos. Conversely, Denver has allowed an NFL-worst 13 touchdown passes in 2023. It is easy to see why Vegas likes Kansas City in this…

How will Thursday’s Broncos vs. Chiefs game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 5

October 4, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 5 Last week’s game offered a lot for fantasy football fans. And the Lions/Packers game mostly lived up to the hype. That won’t necessarily be the case in Week 4. The winless Chicago Bears travel […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 5

Last week’s game offered a lot for fantasy football fans. And the Lions/Packers game mostly lived up to the hype. That won’t necessarily be the case in Week 4. The winless Chicago Bears travel to the nation’s capital to face the 2-2 Washington Commanders. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 5 breaks down this week’s NFC slugfest.

The Bears finally showed some life last week. However, a defensive collapse in the second half led to another loss for Matt Eberflus’s club. Chicago is now one of only two winless clubs in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Ron Rivera’s Washington squad dropped their second consecutive game after opening the season 2-0. However, the Commanders had a good showing, losing 34-31 in Philadelphia.

This is a pivotal game for both teams. Eberflus is feeling the pressure to get a win. Also, the Commanders need to take advantage of an easy schedule to break a two-game losing streak and remain in playoff contention.

Washington opened as 4.5-point favorites before some early action dropped that to -3.5. The over/under rose to 44.5.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Chicago Bears	21	21	13	16	22
Washington Commanders	20	20	17	22	17

The numbers show these teams are quite evenly matched. Their offenses rank back-to-back overall and are separated by just 5o yards. However, Washington has scored 20-plus points in three of four games and twice gone over 30.

Meanwhile, Chicago had three lackluster showings before finally showing some life against a hapless Denver defense on Sunday. For the Bears to have a shot, they’ll need some of Justin Fields’s Week 4 magic to carry over.

And it very well could. Both teams are bottom-10 in terms of allowing fantasy points to quarterbacks. That invites some solid fantasy, daily, and DFS scoring potential.

Chicago Offense

Justin Fields had the best passing day of his career last week. Fields posted a 132.7 QB Rating and threw for a career-high 335 yards and four TDs. Fields’s accuracy has improved in 2023 but his rushing production has plummeted. After averaging 76 rushing yards per game last year, Fields is down to 33.5 in 2023.

This week’s matchup appears fine for the passing game. Washington has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing passers. Also, that includes 131 yards on the ground- third-most through four games.

After hearing that Roschon Johnson would get an opportunity to be Chicago’s RB1, Khalil Herbert played a season-high 77.8%…

How will Thursday’s Lions vs. Packers game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4

September 27, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4 There were some huge performances last week and Week 4 is getting off to a promising start as the Detroit Lions travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4

There were some huge performances last week and Week 4 is getting off to a promising start as the Detroit Lions travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4 breaks down this week’s NFC North battle.

The Lions had a quiet showing on Sunday but were able to move to 2-1 by topping Atlanta. Detroit is optimistic that both LT Taylor Decker and RB David Montgomery will return for this game. Both would be welcomed additions in fantasy football circles.

Meanwhile, the Packers are also looking at substantial reinforcements. WR Christian Watson and RB Aaron Jones are expected to play. Detroit enters this game as 1.5-point favorites and the over/under has risen to 46.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Detroit Lions	8	7	11	5	12
Green Bay Packers	22	18	23	15	8

Similar to last season, Detroit boasts a potent and balanced offense. The Lions are capable of moving the ball on the ground or through the air quite well. They also protect the quarterback well and avoid turnovers.

However, Detroit tends to be much more potent at home. Also, the Packers have dominated this series at Lambeau, winning 21 of the last 25.

Green Bay’s offense stands out in one key area. Scoring touchdowns. The Packers rank fifth in the NFL in third down conversion rate. Also, they’re top-10 in offense and defense red-zone efficiency.

The Packers opened as slight favorites. However, the line has shifted to Detroit now being favored.

Detroit Offense

Jared Goff posted a 109.3 QB Rating and tossed 23 of his 29 touchdowns at home last season. Goff played well on the road in Week 1 and…

How will Thursday’s Lions vs. Packers game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 3

September 20, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 3 Last week’s battle was as high-scoring and entertaining as we expected. For Week 3, old NFC rivals square off. However, injuries to both teams will have an impact. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: […]

Last week’s battle was as high-scoring and entertaining as we expected. For Week 3, old NFC rivals square off. However, injuries to both teams will have an impact. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 3 breaks down the Giants versus 49ers grudge match.

New York pulled off an improbable comeback on Sunday in Arizona but must avoid getting down early to this talented San Francisco squad. Also, the Giants are expected to be without their top offensive weapon.

The 49ers look like one of the best teams in football. San Francisco has won 12 of their last 18 against the G-Men and enter this game as 9.5-point favorites.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
New York Giants	23	24	13	25	28
San Francisco 49ers	7	16	3	2	3

Things looked dire for the Giants last week. After getting drubbed in their opener, Brian Daboll’s team found themselves down 20-0 at halftime against the lowly Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Sunday. Fortunately, the Giants stormed back and outscored the Cards 31-7 in the second half to improve to 1-1.

Playing that lackadaisically won’t work against Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers.

San Francisco beat the Rams to improve to 2-0. The 49ers boast the league’s No. 7 offense and have also allowed the third-fewest points in the league. Shanahan’s crew can win via the pass or run and will bring it defensively.

Also, the Giants will be without their best weapon, RB Saquon Barkley. This complicates things for Daboll and company. Also, the Giants will be without Andrew Thomas and Ben Bredeson on the offensive line.

However, this game still has significant fantasy football and DFS implications that we will break down in this Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 3…

How will Thursday’s Giants vs. 49ers game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 2

September 14, 2023 Jody Smith

The opening week of the 2023 NFL season was filled with surprises. A good percentage of those were poor ones. That includes both participants in tonight’s games. Hopefully, both squads can turn it around, but we’ll dig deep in our […]

Philadelphia managed to pull out a win in Week 1 but had an underwhelming offensive showing in New England. Meanwhile, the Vikings were stunned at home, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17.

Both teams are loaded with fantasy-relevant talent. The main question is will we see both offenses rebound? The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 2 analyzes the game with fantasy tips, DFS picks, and our best bet.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Minnesota Vikings	6	3	31	2	20
Philadelphia Eagles	24	23	14	22	8

Both squads fought in close matchups in their openers. Philadelphia’s potent offense was held to 154 passing yards by Bill Belcichik’s defense. The Eagles were just 4-of-13 on third downs and held to 4.1 yards per play.

Expect things to rebound for Philly on Thursday. Turnovers did the Vikings in last week. Minnesota outplayed the Buccaneers but lost the turnover battle 3-0. For the Vikings to have a shot against a tough Eagles team on the road, they must clean up that part of their game.

Minnesota enters this game as a 6.5-point underdog. The over/under of 49 is the second-highest of the slate.

Let’s break down what that means from a fantasy football and sports betting perspective in our Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 2.

How will Thursday’s Vikings vs. Eagles game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1

September 6, 2023 Jody Smith

Welcome to the 2023 NFL season! To kick off another glorious campaign, the NFL schedule makers did us a solid by matching up two of the league’s top offensive clubs. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs will host the upstart Detroit Lions. Our Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1 breaks down all you’ll need to know for your fantasy football lineups.

With Travis Kelce ailing, there is some uncertainty about this game. That has caused some books to remove this contest altogether. However, Kansas City is still a 6.5 -point favorite. The total dipped a point to 52.5.

Subsequently, we will update our preview when there is clarity. Until then, here is FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1 with fantasy tips, DFS picks, and our best bet.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Detroit Lions	4	8	11	4	3
Kansas City Chiefs	1	1	20	1	1

* above ranks are from the 2022 season

Starting in Week 2, teams playing on Thursday are disadvantaged by playing on short rest. However, that doesn’t apply in Week One. Both high-powered offenses are well-rested. This game still boasts the highest over/under total for the slate.

The fantasy football ramifications for this one can’t be understated. Both the Chiefs and Lions fielded top-5 offenses last season. Also, fantasy football rosters are peppered with skill position players from both squads.

Andy Reid is noted for success with extra time to prepare. Reid’s teams are 27-4 after a bye. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive season openers under Reid and are 9-1 overall in Week 1. In those eight victories, Kansas City has averaged a whopping 36.4 points per game.

That is going to be a real problem for Dan Campbell’s Lions. Detroit hasn’t won in Week 1 since 2017. However, that hasn’t been all bad from a fantasy perspective. Detroit might be 0-2 under Campbell in Week One, but the Lions have averaged 34 points per game.

With that history and the abundance of skill position talent on both sides, the 2023 season should get off to a bang. Subsequently, this is a game with major fantasy ramifications.

How will Thursday’s Lions vs. Chiefs game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17

December 28, 2022 Jody Smith

We’ve reached the penultimate week of the 2022 NFL season. Week 17 also happens to be the final Thursday Night Football matchup. Our FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 breaks down the fantasy and betting trends you need […]

We’ve reached the penultimate week of the 2022 NFL season. Week 17 also happens to be the final Thursday Night Football matchup. Our FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 breaks down the fantasy and betting trends you need to know for Thursday night’s contest.

2022’s Thursday Night Football finale appears to be a mismatch. The reeling Tennessee Titans have lost five straight including an embarrassing home loss four days ago to the lowly Houston Texans.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys just knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles and are riding high as 10-point road favorites. The over/under is 39.5.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Dallas Cowboys	8	9	7	11	3
Tennessee Titans	30	30	12	21	27

Breaking down the disparity in offensive firepower explains why the Cowboys are double-digit favorites. Mike McCarthy’s squad is a top-10 unit on both sides of the ball. The potent Dallas offense can run or pass with any team and ranks third in scoring.

Meanwhile…

How will tonight’s game go?

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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16

December 21, 2022 Jody Smith

As the fantasy football playoffs roll on, the NFL regular season marches toward a conclusion. Both of these teams have a shot at making the NFL’s postseason, which is a nice surprise. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week […]

As the fantasy football playoffs roll on, the NFL regular season marches toward a conclusion. Both of these teams have a shot at making the NFL’s postseason, which is a nice surprise. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16 breaks down the fantasy and betting trends you need to know for Thursday night’s contest.

The 6-8 Jaguars just upset the Dallas Cowboys and have a ton of momentum. Doug Pederson’s squad has won 3-of-4 and concludes the season with two winnable AFC South contests.

Meanwhile, the Jets have dropped three straight and 4-of-5. For New York to keep their fading postseason dreams alive, Week 16 is a must-win proposition.

New York opened as slight 1-point home favorites. This tells us Vegas thinks the Jaguars are the better team. However, wind, cold, and rain are expected to play a role in Thursday’s action.

Matchup

TEAM	OFFENSE	PASS	RUSH	YDS/PLAY	POINTS
Jacksonville Jaguars	6	10	10	6	12
New York Jets	19	15	24	20	23

Doug Pederson has restored balance to the Jaguars. Plus, Pederson has unlocked the potential in sophomore QB Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville’s offense is top-10 through the air and via the rush. But, the Jags’ 27th-ranked defense has struggled to stop the opposition’s passing attack.

However, it remains to be seen if the Jets can capitalize on that weakness. Struggling second-year QB Zach Wilson gets the starting nod

How will tonight’s game go?

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