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
Indianapolis Colts: QB Carson Wentz, WR Michael Pittman
San Francisco 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel
The Colts have been relying on Carson Wentz to throw the ball and his primary receiver has been Michael Pittman. Outside of last week Wentz has thrown at least 31 times in every game. Pittman Outside of last week has seen at least seven targets in four straight games. The Colts were able to coast in last week’s game against the Texans. I expect this game to be much closer. Keep in mind that there is some weather to be concerned with but I think Pittman will still be active with more short to intermediate routes.
For the 49ers Samuel has been the one constant this season with at least eight targets in each contest eclipsing 93 receiving yards in three games this season. The Niners’ top receiver has three receiving touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown (last week) on his ledger. That Colts secondary is a weak point and I will be looking for Samuel to be busy as he’s seeing over a 35 percent target share.
*NOTE: All plays above are obviously “Captain” viable
Captain Plays
RB Jonathan Taylor (IND)
Taylor is coming off a 14 carry, 145 rushing yard game with two touchdowns against the Texans. More and more the Colts have been giving Taylor more work on the ground and through the air and in a matchup against a poor run defense he’s a great captain play especially with those weather concerns.
RB Elijah Mitchell (49ers)
It’s clear that when healthy Mitchell is the top running back for the Niners as Trey Sermon is clearly not in Kyle Shanahan’s favor. Mitchell has nine carries for 43 yards last week while hauling in both of his targets for 14 yards. For a feature back Mitchell is very affordable.
Flex Plays
QB Jimmy Garropolo (SF)
- Jimmy G is back and will be the only QB in town with Trey Lance hurt. The Colts have been susceptible to the pass this season and with Jimmy back I’m looking for him to target Samuel a ton.
WR Zach Pascal (IND)
- Look for Pascal to be a bigger factor in the passing game moving forward and he’s very affordable.
Also consider:
- RB Trey Sermon (SF
- TE Ross Dwelley (SF)
- RB Marlon Mack (IND)
- Mo Allie-Cox
GOOD LUCK!