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

Kansas City Chiefs: QB Patrick Mahomes

• No surprise that we’re locking Mahomes in here. Against this defense, Mahomes could go hog wild early and have a monster effort in the books by halftime. With only one 300-yard game thus far, Mahomes is due for a monster and I think this is when it comes.

Denver Broncos: QB Russell Wilson

• It’s no secret that Wilson and the Broncos will more-than-likely be in catch-up mode which has been a common occurence to this point. Wilson has at least two touchdown passes in four games this and has three in two contests.

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

Captain Plays

RB Isiah Pacheco (KC)

• The Broncos’ defense has been historically bad to this point against the run and Pacheco has been a workhorse thus far. Pacheco has 17 touches or more in each of his last three games and could shoulder a bulk of the work in the second half if this game is out of reach.

Others to consider:

• WR Jerry Jeudy (DEN)
• TE Travis Kelce (KC)

Flex Plays

Denver Broncos: WR Courtland Sutton

• In catch-up mode more than likely Sutton is a great FLEX play to look at. Last week was by far is worst this season with just three targets. Look for a bounceback here.

Others to consider:

• QB Jerry Jeudy (DEN)
• RB Jaleel McGlaughlin (DEN)
• K Harrison Butker (KC)
• WR Rashee Rice (KC)

GOOD LUCK!