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 comes from identifying the best low-rostered plays and finding clever ways to pair them with the juggernauts of the slate.
This article will lean heavily toward DraftKings Showdown simply because the decision-making process is more interesting, given the salary premium attached to the Captain spot.
The advice in this article pertains predominantly to tournament lineups and strategy. For cash lineups, build around median projections. For head-to-head contests, continue to lean into median projections, but if two options project closely, give the nod to the lowest-rostered player.
DraftKings Showdown Game Scripting & Roster Construction
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, home dogs (+3) in a revenge date? Three or four years ago, Vegas (and I) would project a hyper-focused downfield assault on the Packers. But this Rodgers isn't that Rodgers: he's careful, deliberate, and eager to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible. Sometimes DK Metcalf does dazzling things with it, sometimes not, but it's been hard to trust in DFS either way. Most of the Steelers' big pass-game performances this year have been rather low-rostered.
It would be nice to see some zag opportunities on the Steelers' side, but this is a tightly-consolidated attack that doesn't produce many surprises. As for me, I'll be focusing on unique-ish collections of Packers-heavy lineups.
Injury Roundup
Most eyes are on Packers big-play receiver Christian Watson, who may see his first action nine months after ACL surgery. Fellow wideout Matthew Golden (hip) looks more likely than not to suit up. That's good, as the team is still without slot receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone/foot) and reserve Dontayvion Wicks (calf).
The Steelers get back their nominal No. 2 wideout, Calvin Austin III, from a three-game shoulder injury.
Captain Consideration
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Jordan Love (FLEX)
Love and the Packers keep moving the ball well, methodically and with purpose. At some point, though, we'd love to see a true fantasy eruption. Love has registered 20+ DraftKings points just twice – once in an overtime tie with the defenseless Cowboys. The Packers run and pass about evenly in neutral situations, and when they have a lead, they pound the ball relentlessly. It's hard to imagine them reversing course, even with Christian Watson rounding back to health.