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.
With both DraftKings and FanDuel now using similar formats — a multiplier slot (Captain/MVP) that costs 1.5× salary and earns 1.5× points — the nuances between sites come down to scoring systems and contest dynamics. DraftKings' full PPR scoring and larger prize pools reward a slightly different decision-making process than FanDuel's half-PPR and softer fields, but the core principles of Showdown roster construction apply across both.
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
This is the type of slate that Showdown newbies tend to flock to: primetime, popular teams, dynamic receivers, etc. Vegas projects a fairly high 47.5 as the Cowboys bring a high-octane offense, but a pitifully leaky defense, to the table. Thus, many of your leaguemates will hit the high-scoring builds hard: think Dak Prescott paired with a buffet of his receivers, times a couple thousand.
We won't take down a big-money Showdown by following the pack, though, and there's value to be found on the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy and the offense have been inconsistent, at best, but they get a bit of a breather against this defense. And there are factors in play – like McCarthy's struggles, and Justin Jefferson's inability to get involved – that should drive down their roster numbers even further.
Injury Roundup
The Cowboys will have key pass-catchers CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson tonight, and neither looks likely to be limited. Top cornerback Trevon Diggs is questionable to return from a multi-game absence. Minnesota is monitoring running back Aaron Jones Sr., who's also questionable tonight, but looks likely to suit up.
Captain Consideration
- Javonte Williams
- George Pickens
- CeeDee Lamb
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Dak Prescott
- Jake Ferguson
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (FLEX)
| Weeks 1-13 | Metric | Week 14 |
|---|---|---|
|
54.1% |
Comp % |
69.6% |
|
5.8 |
Yds/Att |
9.7 |
|
6:10 |
TD:INT |
3:0 |
|
16.4 |
DK Pt/Gm |
20.4 |
Did he figure it out, or just benefit from circumstance? I'm inclined to lean toward the latter. McCarthy's big Week Fourteen came against a truly pitiful Commanders defense; this week's opponent isn't much better, but there are middle school groups tougher to throw on than Washington. McCarthy deserves credit for bouncing back, but note that he went 9 of 10 for 99 yards during the script-heavy parts of the first half. While rallying to score before halftime, and then while protecting a big lead, he managed a ho-hum 7 of 13 for 64. Not to mention, it's growing eerie just how uninvolved Justin Jefferson is with McCarthy under center. This all adds up to a low ceiling, a low floor, and a deservedly low rostership.