Thursday Night Football – DraftKings Showdown Strategy Survey

Every Wednesday night or Thursday morning we’ll break down the Thursday Night Football DraftKings Showdown slate in this survey format between Steve and myself. Check out our favorite captains, cheap/contrarian captains, must plays, fades, builds, and more!

 

Also, check out the Sibling Showdown show on the Fanspeak Network that breaks it all down here and uses Run the Sims!  Good luck and Happy NFL Kickoff!

 

 NOTE:  Operating under assumption that Travis Kelce will be out or extremely limited.

TOP 3 EXPENSIVE/MID-TIER CAPTAINS:

STEVE:

 

 

TOP 3 CHEAP CAPTAINS:

STEVE:

 

WHICH 3 PLAYERS WILL BE IN YOUR LINEUPS MOST OFTEN? (Captain or Flex):

STEVE:

 

FAVORITE CONTRARIAN PLAY:

STEVE:

 

FAVORITE CHEAP/PUNT PLAY: (Under $4K):

STEVE:

 

FAVORITE LINEUP BUILD? (4-2, 5-1, etc with teams listed):

STEVE:

 

LINEUP STRATEGY:

STEVE:

Travis Kelce‘s injury really changes the dynamic of this slate, as you no longer need to jam in both KC studs. It opens up a great value play in TE Noah Gray, who should see a decent target share in replacing Kelce. Also, the Chiefs’ other receivers likely will get a bump in targets as well, with Skyy Moore likely seeing the biggest benefit. I also like playing Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Clyde Edwards-Helaire more than the field. MVS is a big play specialist, and the Chiefs might need to rely on his experience a bit more with Kelce out and Kadarius Toney likely on a snap count. CEH is the cheapest part of the committee backfield this year, and had a decent role throughout preseason. With Pacheco coming off an injury, CEH might get some more run.

On the Lions side, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff both look like great plays in this game. I am guessing there will be a lot of steam on Jahmyr Gibbs, which is why Montgomery is my contrarian play. I think Montgomery will be just as involved, if not more so than Gibbs, and comes at a cheaper price and likely less ownership. With Chris Jones expected to miss the game, Montgomery’s job gets a lot easier as well.

Rookie Sam LaPorta has a chance to have a major role in this offense, especially in the red zone. While Jameson Williams is out LaPorta could be no worse than 3rd on the team in targets. Williams’ suspension also opens up some really good value as the Lions receivers after ASB aren’t likely priced correctly. Marvin Jones is the next most expensive and he might play the least. Josh Reynolds ($2,800) and Kalif Raymond ($800) are expected to be in most three WR sets for the Lions.

Overall I like being pretty balanced on this slate with at least two players from both sides. With the value out there on both teams, defenses an kickers won’t be in my rotation this week. I’ll likely have more 2 QB builds than I typically would, since Kelce isn’t a must-play, and there is value out there.

 

MEG:

Steve broke it down perfectly as far as plays I’m prioritizing and which ones may be more contrarian. What I’ll add is if I use a chalky captain like Mahomes (I could see him 30%+ in captain tonight with all the value) then I’ll be sure to use one or two contrarian plays like CEH, Josh Reynolds or Sam LaPorta. I could also leave salary on the table to get unique.

I do like some contrarian captain builds with David Montgomery or Sam LaPorta as the captain. Then you can be more chalky throughout the rest of your build and plenty to spend! Good luck everyone!

 

Again, remember to check out the Sibling Showdown show on the Fanspeak Network that breaks it all down here and uses Run the Sims!