NFL Showdown can be a fickle beast. These contests do not rely on median projections so much as leverage and uniqueness. Fading the highest-rostered plays can be a risky proposition. Typically, your edge is going to come by identifying the best low-rostered plays and finding clever ways to pair them with the juggernauts of the slate.
This article will have a heavy DraftKings lean simply because the decision-making process is more interesting, given the salary premium attached to the Captain spot. FanDuel's pricing is the same for both MVP and Flex spots. You will usually need the slate’s top scorer at MVP, so FanDuel strategy revolves around unique Flex builds.
Advice in this article will pertain predominantly to tournament lineups and strategy. For cash lineups, build around median projections. For head-to-head contests, continue to lean into the median projections, but if two options project closely, give the nod to the lowest rostered player.
GAME THEORY
The Dallas Cowboys are heading to Tennessee to take on the Titans as a 10.5-point favorite. The game total is set at 40.5. Draftkings has practically begged us to build around four Cowboys and two cheap Titans, with the one caveat being Derrick Henry. Unfortunately, that’s the build we’re likely forced to go with. Joshua Dobbs will be drawing his first-ever NFL start after the Titans signed him last week and named him starter a mere hours before kickoff.. We’re working hard to hit on a Titans’ receiver but getting two in the optimal lineup is going to be a tall task. On the opposite side of the ball, Dak Prescott is spreading the ball enough that we should have no problem heavily stacking him while remaining unique.
INJURY ROUND-UP
- Tony Pollard – Thigh – Out
- Ryan Tannehill – Ankle – Out
- Derrick Henry – Hip – Out
CAPTAIN CONSIDERATION
DALLAS OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott $10,600 – Captain or Flex
The Cowboys' ground game has gotten hot at the right time, but Prescott is still averaging nearly 35 attempts over the last 3 games. He’s thrown three touchdowns in each of his last two games. He’s also rushed at least five times in his last three. All signs point up for Prescott’s performance heading into Week 17.
Continue reading this content with a HALL OF FAME subscription.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE