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

Los Angeles Chargers: QB Justin Herbert, WR Mike Williams

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Derek Carr

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

Captain Plays

RB Austin Ekeler (LAC)

• The do-it-all back for the Chargers will be leaned on heavily in this winner-take-all game for the Chargers and rightfully so. Look for at least 20 touches through the running and receiving game for Ekeler who’s found the end zone in five of his last six games played.

WR Hunter Renfrow

• With the reports that Darren Waller could be limited, Renfrow is primed to play a key role in the passing game for the Raiders. Carr has connected with Renfrow regularly this season as the former Clemson product has seven or more receptions in four of his last six games. Renfrow is also more affordable than running back Josh Jacobs who’s also an option for this spot with how susceptible the Chargers have been against the run.

Flex Plays

• RB Josh Jacobs (LV)
• WR Keenan Allen (LAC)
• WR Zay Jones (LV)
• WR Josh Palmer (LAC)
• TE Jared Cook (LAC)
• WR Desean Jackson (LV) – Value
• TE Foster Moreau (LV) – Value, reliant on Waller’s status

Prop Bets

• Josh Palmer OVER receptions (2.5, -135)
• Josh Jacobs OVER rushing yards (53.5, -115)
• SGP: Justin Herbert OVER passing yards (229.5), Justin Herbert (2+ TD passes), Austin Ekeler OVER rushing yards (39.5) +125

GOOD LUCK!