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
New York Giants: TE Darren Waller
- All the talk all offseason, OTA’s, and training camp is how Darren Waller will be the heavy target, really the primary target in the receiving game. Well, if that’s the case then Waller is severely underpriced at $8,400. When you compare that to CeeDee Lamb ($10,400) there’s some potential value here with Waller.
Dallas Cowboys: QB Dak Prescott
- The Giants’ secondary can be thrown on and Dak has a lot to prove this season as far as throwing the ball to his team and not his opposition. With a more-than slid receiving core and still a good offensive line, Dak could be considered as a lineup anchor.
*NOTE: All plays above are obviously “Captain” viable
Captain Plays
QB Daniel Jones (NYG)
- Jones is underpriced at $9,400 (FLEX) / $14,100 (CPT) and is looking to build off of the success of last season. Dallas’ defense is nothing to be afraid of and considering that Jones has great ability to run, the upside could be immense here for the Giants’ signal caller.
Others to consider:
- RB Saquon Barkley (NYG)
- WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL)
Flex Plays
Dallas Cowboys: RB Tony Pollard
- Pollard will be the bellcow it seems for the Cowboys as they’ve neglected to build their running back room with any established veterans to speak of. Pollard, an 1,100+ yard rusher last season was incredibly efficient and will likely remain to be.
Others to consider:
- WR Isaiah Hodgins (NYG)
- WR Michael Gallup (DAL)
- WR Jalen Hyatt (NYG)
- RB Deuce Vaughn (DAL)
- TE Jake Ferguson (DAL)
Player to Fade
Dallas Cowboys: WR Brandin Cooks
- I’ve always liked Cooks so this is a tough fade for me, but I’m looking elsewhere as Cooks is coming into a new system and quite frankly I’m not sure how he’ll fit in. My tone could change next week or in a few weeks after we see more Cooks usage but for now, I’m not looking this way.
GOOD LUCK!