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

Minnesota Vikings: RB Dalvin Cook

Green Bay Packers: QB Aaron Rodgers, RB A.J. Dillon

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

Captain Plays

RB Dalvin Cook (MIN)

• With QB Kirk Cousins out due to COVID and the inexperienced Sean Mannion in, I find it hard to believe that the Vikings don’t give Cook he can handle as far as touches go. Take into account the absence of Cousins and the freezing cold of Green Bay it makes too much sense.

RB Aaron Jones (GB)

• Much like the Vikings, Green Bay has a great running game even with a two-headed monster with Jones and A.J. Dillon. Jones is incredibly efficient when he gets his touches and because he doesn’t see as many touches as most lead backs in the league, his salary brings a little bit of a discount.

Flex Plays

• WR Davante Adams (GB)
• WR Justin Jefferson (MIN)
• TE Tyler Conklin (MIN)
• WR Allen Lazard (GB)
• QB Sean Mannion (MIN)
• Josiah Deguera (GB)

Prop Bets

• A.J. Dillon anytime touchdown (+220)
• A.J. Dillon OVER rushing yards (50.5, -115)
• Tyler Conklin OVER receiving yards (22.5, -120)
• Dalvin Cook OVER receiving yards (15.5, -120)
• Justin Jefferson UNDER receiving yards (74.5, -115)

GOOD LUCK!