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

Washington Commanders: QB Sam Howell

• Outside of one bad game, which was actually brutal, Howell has been very fantasy viable thus far. This matchup for Howell jumps out as a good one. The Bears have really struggled in the secondary as they are allowing the second-most yards per pass attempt (8.4), have allowed the fourth-most passing yards, and have not been able to pressure the quarterback at all with just two sacks.

Chicago Bears: QB Justin Fields

• Fields came through big time last week against the worst defense in the NFL. His 32.90 DraftKings points were by far his highest total of the season and he did all that basically without running. Washington does a good job at getting to the quarterback which could actually help Fields. Ideally if Fields gets flushed out of the pocket he’ll look to pick up some yards rushing. Last week could have been a big confidence boost for Fields across the board and could be carried into a potentially high-scoring affair.

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

Captain Plays

RB Brian Robinson (WAS)

• In a game that the Commanders are a heavy favorite in, ideally the script would fall in line with Robinson getting a lot of work. Outside of Week 3 when Washington was demolished, Robinson has had at least 16 touches in every game and I expect him to surpass that in this game.

Others to consider:

• WR D.J. Moore (CHI)
• WR Terry McLaurin (WAS)

Flex Plays

Chicago Bears: WR Darnell Mooney

• Rostering Mooney is definitely a roller coaster ride but this is a spot where he could benefit from some big plays. Mooney is averaging over 12 yards per reception and he’s priced down at $5,000, a nice value for the upside.

Others to consider:

• TE Cole Kmet (CHI)
• WR Jahan Dotson (WAS)
• RB Khalil Herbert (CHI)
• TE Logan Thomas (WAS)
• RB Roshon Johnson (CHI)

Player to Fade

Washington Commanders: RB Antonio Gibson

• Gibson has clearly been phased out of the offense with Brian Robinson taking over in the Commanders backfield. Gibson has had seven touches in each of his last two games and despite one big play in Week 2, he’s been very lackluster with his production.

GOOD LUCK!