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

Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson

New Orleans Saints: QB Andy Dalton, RB Alvin Kamara

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

Captain Plays

QB Lamar Jackson (BAL)

• Before Mark Andrews was ruled out the argument could’ve been made to make him the captain but with Andrews out, Jackson is the clear-cut option from the visitors’ side. With the dual-threat ability of Jackson and the limited playmakers at his disposal, this has all the making of a massive dual-threat game if the Ravens want a road victory.

RB Alvin Kamara (NO)

• Kamara is coming off a monster effort with 27 touches, including nine receptions for 96 yards and two scores. The Ravens defense has been anything but stellar this season and Kamara, clearly the Saints’ most dangerous offensive weapon has been enjoying Andy Dalton at the helm with nine, seven, six, and six receptions over his last four games.

Flex Plays

• WR Chris Olave (NO)
• RB Kenyan Drake (BAL)
• TE Isaiah Likely (BAL)
• TE Juwan Johnson (NO)
• WR Devin Duvernay (BAL)
• WR Tre’Quan Smith (NO)
• RB Justice Hill (BAL)

Prop Bets

• Alvin Kamara OVER receiving yards (36.5, -115)
• Andy Dalton OVER interceptions (0.5, -130)
• Alvin Kamara OVER receptions (4.5, -130)
• Lamar Jackson ANYTIME touchdown (+135)