Photo: USA Today Sports

OVERVIEW

NFL Showdown can be a fickle beast. These contests do not rely on median projections so much as leverage and uniqueness. Fading the highest-owned plays can be a risky proposition. Typically, your edge will 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's 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 Minnesota Vikings are heading to Denver to take on the Broncos as 2.5-point underdogs with a 42.5-point total. While neither team has had the season they expected, they're both trending up and are evenly matched. With so many strong mid-ranged options, this is one of the few slates we can be comfortable with either Quarterback at Captain. Build types are going to be fairly similar as there are not many obvious punt options to allow for flexibility in the mid-range. Employing either Hockenson or one of the Quarterbacks at Captain will ensure the lineup starts uniquely. Double or triple-stacking whichever Quarterback lands in the Captain spot will help guide the rest of the build. Both running backs are in a price range which could force them to go overlooked, but they've both got strong volume and can be played in the same lineups as we assume a neutral gamescript.

INJURY ROUND-UP

Alexander Mattison - Concussion - Questionable
Justin Jefferson - Hamstring - Questionable

CAPTAIN CONSIDERATION

• T.J. Hockenson
• Russell Wilson
• Courtland Sutton
• Joshua Dobbs
• Javonte Williams

VIKINGS OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Joshua Dobbs $10,600 - Captain or Flex

Dobbs has been a sigh of relief for the Vikings, not just as a passer, but on the ground. He has rushed for 100 yards through his first two games, with five total touchdowns. His salary may be tough to stomach at first glance, but he is a legitimate dual treat with a ceiling that includes either the passing or the rushing bonus.