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 Rams: QB Matthew Stafford

San Francisco 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel

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

Captain Plays

WR Cooper Kupp (LAR)

• There isn’t much to decipher here; Kupp continues to produce at a historic level despite a subpar effort last week. Look for double-digit targets and a big effort considering how sluggish the Rams’ offense has been plus a banged up Allen Robinson.

RB Jeff Wilson (SF)

• With Elijah Mitchell out, even though Samuel gets his share of carrier, Wilson has 20 and 15 touches in each of the last two weeks. With Trey Lance out now there isn’t as much of a threat of carries being taken away with the much less mobile Jimmy G under center.

Flex Plays

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF)
• QB Jimmy Garropolo (SF)
• TE Tyler Higbee (LAR)
• TE George Kittle (SF)
• RB Cam Akers (LAR)
• WR Ben Skowronek (LAR)
• K Matt Gay (LAR)
• K Robbie Gould (SF)

Prop Bets

• Cam Akers UNDER rushing yards (43.5, -115)
• Matthew Stafford OVER interceptions (0.5, -115)
• Matthew Stafford OVER pass attempts (34.5, -130)
• Allen Robinson OVER receptions (3.5, +100)

GOOD LUCK!