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

Buffalo Bills: QB Josh Allen

• The Giants are a mess on all fronts and Allen is going to have his way on Sunday night. As always the upside is immense for Allen both throwing and running the ball.

Buffalo Bills: D/ST

• The Giants’ offense was already brutal before Daniel Jones got hurt but now he’s out and Tyrod Taylor is in at Quarterback. There should be plenty of sacks in this game with potential for some turnovers.

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

Captain Plays

WR Stefon Diggs (BUF)

• The Giants’ secondary has been bad so far and depending on who he sees he’ll have a plus-matchup. Between Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins, and Adoree Jackson, Diggs should have his way in what could be a route early.

Others to consider:

• RB James Cook (BUF)
• TE Darren Waller (NYG)

Flex Plays

Buffalo Bills: WR Gabe Davis

• Much like Diggs’ situation, Davis will draw a good matchup regardless of whatever cornerback he sees. Davis has scored a touchdown in each of his last four games and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that streak continue.

Others to consider:

• RB James Cook (BUF)
• WR Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG)
• QB Tyrod Taylor (NYG)
• RB Saquon Barkley (NYG)
• WR Deonte Harty (BUF)

GOOD LUCK!