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
Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Najee Harris
Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert, WR Keenan Allen
*NOTE: All plays above are obviously “Captain” viable
Captain Plays
RB Austin Ekeler (LAC)
Ekeler is always going to be game script agnostic due to his ability to run and receive out of the backfield. Ekeler is a game breaker in this offense with enough volume and upside to roster as a captain. Much like this next guy rivaling him at the running back position.
RB Najee Harris (RB)
Clearly as a core play Harris will be leaned on heavily by the Steelers similar to how Ekeler is looked at by the Chargers. With the Steelers inept at getting the ball down field Harris is leaned on heavily in the rushing and receiving game. Look for him to get upwards of 25 touches.
Flex Plays
TE Pat Freiermuth (PIT)
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
WR Mike Williams (LAC)
WR Diontae Johnson (PIT)
Value Flex Plays
WR James Washington (PIT)
TE Jared Cook (LAC)
D’s Chargers, Steelers
K’s Chris Boswell ( PIT), Dustin Hopkins (LAC)
TE Donald Pardham (LAC)
RB Larry Rountree (LAC)
Prop Bets
Diontae Johnson – UNDER receiving yards (69.5, -115)
Najee Harris – OVER rushing yards (82.5 -110)
Pat Freiermuth – Anytime Touchdown (+225)
GOOD LUCK!