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

San Francisco 49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey

• CMC is running with a vengeance in his first full season in this Kyle Shanahan offense and with the workload he’s getting he’s easily been the best fantasy running back through two weeks. The Giants come in banged up and heavy underdogs suggesting that CMC might get less work here in this game if the game is in hand. Regardless, he should be an anchor, obviously.

New York Giants: QB Daniel Jones

• With Saquon hurt, questionable, out; who knows? Regardless this game will be on the shoulders of Daniel Jones from the Giants side. If the gamescript goes the way I think and many think it will, Jones will be airing that ball around the yard.

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

Captain Plays

TE Darren Waller (NYG)

• With the Saquon injury, Waller clearly becomes the Giants’ top option on offense. At $7,400 for a guy who could see double-digit targets, Waller is a great flex option and one that should pay off in a big way.

Others to consider:

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF)
• QB Brock Purdy (SF)

Flex Plays

San Francisco 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel

• Whether or not he plays, Brandon Aiyuk is hurt, like Saquon Barkley and it’ll be hard to expect him to handle his typical workload while performing as he has through the first two weeks. With that, look for Deebo Samuel to see more targets and production.

Others to consider:

• TE George Kittle (SF)
• WR Darius Slayton (NYG)
• WR Isaiah Hodgins (NYG)
• RB Elijah Mitchell (SF)
• WR Jalin Hyatt (NYG)

Player to Fade

New York Giants: Running Back’s

• With word that Saquon Barkley might be active but limited and Matt Breida backing him up and a tough matchup against this 49er defense I don’t want any part of this backfield. The most effective way for the Giants to move the ball in this game is with Daniel Jones’ arm and legs.

GOOD LUCK!