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

Detroit Lions: QB Jared Goff

• Goff has myriad weapons at his disposal in an offense that was one of the best in the NFL last season. With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returning, a dynamic pass-catching running back in Jahmyr Gibbs, a rookie tight end in Sam Laporta, and another year of Amon-Ra St. Brown in front of a great offensive line, Goff should be slingin’ that thing all night in a potentially high-scoring affair.

Kansas City Chiefs: QB Patrick Mahomes

• This isn’t a surprise here obviously. Despite likely being without his top weapon, Mahomes should have his way with this Lions secondary. Mahomes has thrown at least three touchdowns in each Week 1 game in his career and I don’t see that changing.

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

Captain Plays

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)

• ARSB is only getting better as one of the more dependable receivers in the league. The Chiefs are banged up on defense already with issues in the secondary and pass rusher Chris Jones is still holding out. This has the making of a double-digit catch affair for the former USC standout.

Others to consider:

• Isiah Pacheco

Flex Plays

Detroit Lions: RB David Montgomery

• Montgomery was brought in to pound the rock and that’s exactly what I expect early here. In order to keep the Chiefs offense off the field, Detroit will have to run the ball effectively and control the game. Behind that good offensive line, Montgomery should get plenty of work.

Others to consider:

• WR Skyy Moore (KC)
• TE Noah Gray (KC)
• RB Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
• RB Jerick McKinnon (KC)
• TE Sam LaPorta (DET)

Player to Fade

Kansas City Chiefs: WR Kadarius Toney

• This is an easy fade for me with Toney, the most expensive Chiefs skill-position player coming into this game banged up. Perhaps the most hyped player of the last couple of years is Toney who can’t stay on the field (he was hurt in the first day of practice this season) is dynamic but with all of the hype surrounding him and the volatility he brings, I personally will be fading him.

GOOD LUCK!