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

• Plain and simple. If McCaffrey plays I’m in on him. If not, I’ll simply pivot my core 49er to Brandon Aiyuk. CMC has been a main cog in this offense which is not a surprise to anyone. In the run and receiving game no one has a more solid floor than CMC.

Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison

• With the absense of Justin Jefferson and this matchup in general, it’s tough to look at much on the Vikings’ side with any confidence. However, the rookie Addison has flashed and has found the end zone in the last two weeks. Addison should be pretty popular here I would think as the only Viking in lineups full of 49er stacks.

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

Captain Plays

WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF)

• With Deebo Samuel out and CMC banged up Aiyuk should eat in this matchup against one of the worst secondaries in football. Aiyuk’s ability to make the big play and handle volume when needed makes him a very attractive captain option.

Others to consider:

• QB Brock Purdy (SF)
• QB Kirk Cousins (MIN)

Flex Plays

San Francisco 49ers: TE George Kittle

• With Samuel the 49ers will need another option available to catch passes and Kittle has been that guy at time this season, the only problem is that it’s been inconsistent. Two weeks ago Kittle has three touchdowns but last week he had one catch for one yard. Other than that game two weeks ago, Kittle has been very shaky aside from a seven catch, 90 yard effort in Week 3.

Others to consider:

• TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN)
• RB Alexander Mattison (MIN)
• RB Elijah Mitchell (SF)
• WR K.J. Osborn (MIN)
• WR Jauan Jennings (SF)

GOOD LUCK!