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.
Game Scripting and Roster Construction
We get our first Thursday night divisional matchup of the season with the Cardinals hosting the Seahawks, both sitting at 2–1. Seattle is flying high after blowing out the Saints by 31 at home last weekend. Arizona, meanwhile, limps in off a one-point loss to the 49ers and the season-ending ankle injury to James Conner. The market opened with Arizona -1.5 points, but with ~80% of public action on Seattle (via DK Sportsbook), we’ve seen a three-point swing to Seattle -1.5 points. With the total unchanged, oddsmakers are effectively projecting a 23–21 Seattle road win.
Thinking about Thursday Night Showdown contests and game strategy, a few things jump out:
- Seattle has the momentum.
- The betting handle is overwhelmingly on Seattle.
- The total hasn’t budged, despite ~60% of tickets being on the over, with -105 juice.
Translation: The field is likely to build Seattle-heavy lineups, but Vegas is telling us to stay balanced. The sharper tournament stance is to lean slightly toward Arizona in 4–2 builds or split 3–3 across both teams. Either approach should differentiate you in a meaningful way.
A few more context notes before we dive into players:
- Pace: No offense is slower than Arizona (33.0 sec/snap) entering Week 4.
- Red-zone defense: Both teams are top-five at preventing TDs inside the 20.
- Quarterbacks: Neither is a must-play superstar on this slate.
- Philosophy: Seattle is run-heavy with a -7.8% PROE (pass rate over expectation).
Collectively, these point to a slower, lower-scoring game where kickers and defenses are firmly in play, and capturing the available touchdowns is critical. Trey McBride stands out as the slate’s most bankable skill-player role and should be in every lineup you enter. More on him below.
Injury Roundup
Seattle hopes to get Zach Charbonnet back after he missed last week with a foot injury. His return would restore a committee approach and trim the fantasy appeal of both Ken Walker III and Charbonnet. On defense, Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon are set to return, leaving safety Nick Emmanwori as the only missing piece. Overall, there is not much to worry about for Seattle on the injury front.
Arizona is a different story. As noted above, James Conner is out for the year, which puts Trey Benson in line to handle primary duties. They will also be without their WR3, Zay Jones, who is out with a concussion; Greg Dortch should see a slight uptick in work. The Cardinals list four offensive linemen as questionable on Wednesday’s report. Check back Thursday evening to confirm statuses, and if multiple starters sit, downgrade the Arizona offense across the board.
Captain Considerations
Seahawks Showdown Players
Quarterback
Sam Darnold (FLEX)
The veteran quarterback has been solid in real life but mediocre in fantasy for Seattle in 2025. Sam Darnold has kept the Seahawks in every game, yet he is averaging only 13.6 DK points per game. His ceiling is capped by Mike Macdonald’s run-heavy approach, which leans on the ground game even in passing situations. Add in the lack of a dependable secondary receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Darnold’s fantasy upside has been disappointing. There is no reason to expect Cooper Kupp or a Seattle tight end to change that here, so do not feel obligated to pay the premium for Darnold in Showdown contests if he does not fit your builds. DFS Takeaway: Treat Darnold as a secondary piece. Use him only in lineups that bet on a pass volume spike associated with Seattle chasing an Arizona lead.