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

Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle

New Orleans Saints: RB Alvin Kamara

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

Captain Plays

RB Alvin Kamara (NO)

• With the inexperienced Ian Book getting the start and the Saints in a spot where they need a win, it would be in New Orleans’ best interest to get the ball into Kamara’s hands as much as possible whether that be on the ground or through the air. While Mark Ingram will still be involved and rightfully so, I would be surprised if Kamara didn’t have 20-plus touches, similar to the output we saw against the Jets two weeks ago when he had 27 carries and four receptions for 145 total yards and a score.

WR DeVante Parker (MIA)

• When Parker has been on the field he’s been a favorite target of Tua’s. In his last three games, he’s seen 11, five, and eight targets (obviously games missed due to injury broke these appearances up) but he’s healthy now and has seen 49 and 63 snaps respectively over the past two games. While he may see some Marshon Lattimore in coverage I’m not worried because we’ve seen situations this year where Lattimore has had his struggles.

Flex Plays

• TE Mike Gesicki (MIA)
• RB Mark Ingram (NO)
• WR Marquez Callaway (NO)
• QB Ian Book (NO)
• K Brett Maher (NO)
• K Jason Sanders (MIA)

Prop Bets

• DeVante Parker OVER receiving yards (45.5, -115)
• Tua Tagolvailoa OVER passing yards (230.5, -115)
• Tre’Quan Smith UNDER receiving yards (32.5, -115)
• Tre’Quan Smith UNDER longest reception (17.5, -115)
• Ian Book OVER rushing yards (22.5, -115)
• Ian Book UNDER longest completion (31.5, -110)

GOOD LUCK!