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

Chicago Bears: QB Justin Fields

New England Patriots: RB Damien Harris

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

Captain Plays

RB David Montgomery (CHI)

• This is basically a volume play which is what we’re looking for in the captain spot. We know that the Patriots typically stop what their opponent wants to do on offense which in the case of the Bears is running the ball. Montgomery has 15 and 16 touches in each of his last two games and he should get his share of the load again in this contest.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)

• Obviously, I’m looking at Harris in the core but that doesn’t mean that Stevenson isn’t worth a captain spot. Last week he obviously proved that he could handle the load as the main running back with Harris out. This week, Harris is expected to be back and should have a role, even with a suppressed salary. Rhamondre has 27 and 23 touches in each of his last two games and even with Harris in play, the South Carolina product was seeing plenty of work and flourishing with his chances.

Flex Plays

• QB Mac Jones (NE)
• WR Darnell Mooney (CHI)
• TE Cole Kmet (CHI)
• WR Jakobi Meyers (NE)
• WR DeVante Parker (NE)
• RB Khalil Herbert (CHI)
• K Nick Folk (NE)
• K Cairo Santos (CHI)

Prop Bets

• David Montgomery OVER receiving yards (11.5, -115)
• David Montgomery OVER longest rush (12.5, -115)
• David Montgomery anytime touchdown (+170)
• Darnell Mooney OVER receptions (3.5, +105)
• DeVante Parker OVER receiving yards (29.5, -120)
• Mac Jones UNDER touchdowns (1.5, -140)

GOOD LUCK!