MVP Showdown

In a matchup of two former MVP’s the Chiefs visit the Ravens on Sunday Night in what promises to be an exciting offensive affair. The Ravens have been hurt by injuries on both offense and defense and are coming off a tough Week 1 loss against the Raiders in overtime. They were good offensively in that game totaling over 400 yards of offense while putting up 27 points. The Chiefs offense doesn’t need any introduction of course. They played a very good Browns team Week 1 and were in a battle before outscoring Cleveland 23-7 in the second half. Expect some fireworks and fantasy production on Sunday night.

NOTE: All pricing references pertain to DraftKings

Showdown Strategy

When Showdown slates first became available I was not a big fan simply because I don’t often like change. When these slates were designed we hadn’t ever seen anything like them in the DFS world. Come to realize a few years later I really enjoy them. On a normal slate with multiple games, I would typically describe myself as a cash game player primarily. That’s where my focus typically lies; cash games/single entry tournaments and from there I’ll build lineups for multi-entry GPP contests. For me, the cash game/single entry strategy kind of goes out the window as I’ll hardly if ever play double-ups and single-entry contests in showdown. Instead, I’ll take a core of players, more than often three to four players in the game that I want in virtually every lineup, typically 20 or so, that I build. The core will usually include both quarterbacks and one to two skill players that I have to have. Like much of fantasy football volume is king but it comes with a price. The wrinkle is the captain’s spot in showdown lineups. The captain’s spot generates 1.5 times the amount of fantasy points scored however a player’s salary goes up in the captain’s spot obviously. Locking in a core and deciding on a captain is how I’ll start building lineups. From there I’ll fill in the rest of the spots with correlation and value plays. Don’t be afraid to get a little weird with these lineups because virtually anything goes!

Core Plays

Kansas City Chiefs: QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Tyreek Hill

Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson

Deciding to pair Mahomes with Tyreek Hill throughout over Travis Kelce was tough simply because of the volume Kelce gets. With that being said Hill’s upside is obviously immense because of his big-play ability which was on display in Week 1 when he saw 15 targets and turned them into 11 catches for 197 yards and one touchdown. Jackson threw the ball 30 times and ran 12 times for 85 yards last week and the Ravens still came up short. One would have to expect that he’ll have to throw even more this week to keep up with one of the best offenses in the league.

*NOTE: All plays above are obviously “Captain” viable

Captain Plays

*Captain plays will always be options other than those mentioned in the “core plays” section.

WR Sammy Watkins

With Hollywood Brown banged up Watkins could see a bigger role this week after a strong showing against the Raiders which saw him haul in four of eight targets for 96 yards. While he failed to score the eight targets were eye-opening considering that Brown and Mark Andrews were fully at Jackson’s disposal. In a game in which the Ravens will have to throw look for Watkins to approach this volume again.

TE Mark Andrews

At just $9,300 Andrews is a steal as a captain option for the Ravens. Week 1 was no doubt a disappointment from a production standpoint but he’s still one of the better tight ends in football and is a favorite target of Jackson’s. Andrews could push for double-digit targets before all is said and done.

Flex Plays

TE Travis Kelce (KC)

Kelce is obviously the alpha tight end in the league and it’s not close. I don’t want to hear from the “Darren Waller people” because Kelce is on another planet. Finding a way to fit all of the high-priced talent from the Chiefs into lineups is tough but in Kelce’s case there needs to be an emphasis on getting him in more often than not.

RB Ty’son Williams (BAL)

It was head-scratching to see Williams get just nine carries and three receptions last week. Head-scratching because the Ravens saw him produce with his touches in the first half but basically went away from him completely in the second half in favor of Latavius Murray. Bizzarre. Hopefully, Baltimore realizes that they have a back in Williams that can produce and also that Kansas City’s run defense is very forgiving. Williams has a great salary at $6,800 and should be leaned on if Baltimore tries to control the game and keep KC’s offense off the field.

K’s Justin Tucker (BAL), Harrison Butker (KC)

Value Flex Plays

WR Devin Duvernay (BAL)

• Total boom or bust play but a deep threat with big-play ability at just $2,200.

WR Mecole Hardman (KC)

• Speaking of big-play ability Hardman could be considered as Tyreek Hill light. VERY LIGHT but he’s on the field for Kansas City often last week playing 45 of 65 snaps and ran 31 routes.

No Thanks

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC)

GOOD LUCK!!