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

• Despite a tough matchup, Goff has to be looked at as an anchor on this slate. While his top receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown might be covered by Jaier Alexander, Goff will have a top target to look at in the middle of the field and beyond.

Detroit Lions: TE Sam Laporta

• Through three games Laporta has seen 22 targets with 11 coming last week. The rookie has burst onto the scene as a favorite of Quarterback Jared Goff. Already Laporta has 18 receptions with his marquee game coming last week. Look for a big effort agains this week.

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

Captain Plays

QB Jordan Love (GB)

• Despite having a rough completion percentage in each of his first three games (55%, 56%, 50%) Love has recorded over 20 DK points in each contest. With his running ability and the likelihood that Aaron Jones is back, Love should find many avenues to fantasy production against a sub-par defense.

Others to consider:

• RB Aaron Jones (GB)
• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)

Flex Plays

Green Bay Packers: WR Romeo Doubs (GB)

• With Christian Watson out so far this season Doubs has been productive despite not being 100% himself. Doubs saw himself 12 targets last week and now has three touchdowns on the season. If Watson plays, he becomes a focal point but until, Doubs will see plenty of targets.

Others to consider:

• WR Josh Reynolds (DET)
• WR Jayden Reed (GB)
• TE Luke Musgrave (GB)
• RB David Montgomery (DET, questionable)
• WR Christian WATSON (GB, questionable)

Player to Fade

Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)

• Despite being incredibly talented, Gibbs hasn’t seen a heavy workload to this point outside of last week with David Montgomery out. With Montgomery possibly back and the backfield a little more crowded, I like the idea of fading the Lions rookie while keeping in mind, though, that his blowup game could come at anytime. I’m still fading, though.

GOOD LUCK!