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
Miami Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill
- In two games against the Patriots last season Hill saw 19 targets, one of those games Tua Tagovailoa was out. Typically we know that the Patriots look to take away the best weapon from their opponent on a week to week basis but with Hill, that’s simply to difficult when taking into account his skill and his continuity with Tua.
New England Patriots: QB Mac Jones
- In a new season with a new offense I expect Mac to be much better than last season and last week against a tough defense in poor conditions he was in fact solid. The Dolphins secondary is questionable at best and I expect Mac to have to be throwing in what could be a sneaky high-scoring affair to end the weekend.
*NOTE: All plays above are obviously “Captain” viable
Captain Plays
QB Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
- We’re gonna get production out of Tua one way or another, even in the off chance that Tyreek comes up lame. Tua threw the ball 45 times last week and despite throwing it just 33, 27, and 22 times in his last three games against the Pats dating back to 2021, this offense and team philosophy is different now. I expect Tua to be throwing that thing around the yard.
Others to consider:
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)
- WR Kendrick Bourne (NE)
Flex Plays
Miami Dolphins: WR Jaylen Waddle
- As the number 2, or “1b” Waddle slides in as a dynamic playmaker that is incredibly efficient. Waddle averged over 17 yards per reception in two games against the Patriots last season. If he happens to see more volume than normal, which is highly possible, this could be a smash effort.
Others to consider:
- RB Raheem Mostert (MIA)
- TE Hunter Henry (NE)
- WR Kayshon Boutte (NE)
- RB Ezekiel Elliott (NE)
- RB De’Von Achane (MIA)
- WR Demario Douglas (NE)
Player to Fade
New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster
- It’s sad because I used to be a big JuJu guy but it’s clear that he just doesn’t have that difference-making ability anymore. On seven targets last week he had four receptions for 33 yards. He hasn’t shown the ability to seperate effectively in a long time and he sure as hell hasn’t shown that he can make a big play down the field. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him phased out of the offense in the coming weeks.
GOOD LUCK!