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 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 is going to 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 are usually going to 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 Dallas Cowboys are heading to San Francisco to take on the 49ers as 3.5-point underdogs. The 49ers have scored 30 or more points in each game this season. The Cowboys have had similar offensive production minus their major letdown to the Arizona Cardinals. Interestingly enough, the total is set at a modest 45 points, leaving the field to decide which team continues the scoring trend. Outside of McCaffrey, the San Francisco offense is plenty affordable, while Dallas’ primary skill players are both over $10,000. With at least four players in this game showing long track records of ceiling performances, it is going to be difficult to get either Quarterback in the Captain spot.

INJURY ROUND-UP

Elijah Mitchell – Knee - Out

CAPTAIN CONSIDERATION

• • Christian McCaffrey
  • Brandon Aiyuk
  • CeeDee Lamb
  • Tony Pollard
  • Deebo Samuel

COWBOYS OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Dak Prescott $9,600 – Flex

Prescott is putting together his most efficient start to date, but he is not lighting up the scoreboard as he once was. The Cowboys have been much more balanced since moving on from Kellen Moore. Prescott is averaging 34 attempts per game and has yet to hit the 300-yard-bonus. With the total set so low, and so many expensive skill players with high ceilings, it’s no surprise we find both quarterbacks out of Captain consideration. Both offenses are capable of putting up video game numbers, but the Cowboys have the tougher of the two paths.