Photo: USA Today Sports

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

This matchup famously played out in Week 2 of last season, with Kirk Cousins and the Vikings folding badly in a 24-7 trouncing. The Eagles turned 3 takeaways into big offense: Jalen Hurts completed 26 of 31 throws for 333 yards and a touchdown, then combined with the runners to total 163 yards and 2 more on the ground. And Week 1 didn't dissuade us much from that: the Vikings flailed and fell to the shaky Buccaneers, while the Eagles jumped atop the Patriots and held on to win. Vegas gives the Eagles (-7) here, which is a bit hefty, considering both were 2022 playoff teams, and projects a final score of 27.75-20.75. Most of the DFS world will be riding the Eagles offense (and defense) heavily in cash settings.

Injury Roundup

Running back Kenneth Gainwell has been ruled out for the Eagles (ribs), ceding the backfield to D'Andre Swift and Boston Scott. Star cornerback James Bradberry has also been ruled out, easing some of the pressure on Justin Jefferson.

Captain Consideration

• Jalen Hurts
• DeVonta Smith
• A.J. Brown
• Justin Jefferson
• D'Andre Swift

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins (FLEX only)

Cousins isn't an inspiring play, and it's not only due to recency bias after his faceplant in this matchup last year. He looked shaky at best in the Opening Day loss, feeding the ball to Justin Jefferson downfield but producing little offense on his own. He works as a FLEX in a lineup built for a shootout, but in general, this isn't an ideal “shoehorn in both the quarterbacks” spot.

Running Back

Alexander Mattison (FLEX only)

The Eagles defense isn't particularly dominant against the run; they were gashed several times in 2022 and ranked just 24th in yards allowed per run. Still, Mattison has yet to show he's a high-upside (and therefore captain-worthy) type of play. He's produced just 3.7 yards per rush since 2021.