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 move from an NFC West showdown to an NFC East tilt on Thursday night. The Philadelphia Eagles take a short ride up the New Jersey Turnpike to face the New York Giants at the Meadowlands. The Birds are 4–1 and coming off a surprising home loss to the Denver Broncos, while the Giants are 1–4, on their second quarterback, and dealing with injuries to key players (more below). Vegas views this as a comfortable Eagles win, roughly 24 to 17.
From a game-script perspective, each offense's year-to-date pace tracks with its record. The Eagles play slower, a byproduct of leading scripts; the Giants are top ten in pace for the opposite reason. I expect a slow-paced game with scoring below what Vegas projects. New York will try to shorten it with Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart on the ground, both of whom have shown effective rushing in their rookie seasons. Philadelphia should move the ball when it wants to, but has little incentive to push a shootout.
As for roster construction, the salary landscape supports multiple paths. In a spot where I expect the Eagles to win comfortably, a 4–2 or even 5–1 lean toward Philadelphia is logical. You can still build 3–3 if you embrace lower-cost Giants who project for meaningful snaps due to injuries. The only true must-play is Jalen Hurts; his involvement in the tush push makes him too valuable to fade. Beyond Hurts, shape your exposures around your game script. I'll be heavier on Cam Skattebo, Jake Elliott, and Theo Johnson. More details below.
Injury Roundup
The Eagles will be without left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique) on Thursday night. Dickerson is the bigger loss. Philadelphia has struggled to recapture its 2024 rushing form, in part due to intermittent injuries across the line, including Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson. That erosion up front has weighed on Saquon Barkley's 2025 production and brings similar concerns into this matchup. On defense, Jalen Carter (shoulder, heel) is questionable and will be a game-time decision.
New York's injury picture is worse. The Giants will be down their top two receivers, with Darius Slayton (hamstring) and Malik Nabers (ACL) sidelined. Their absence opens value — with volatility — among the remaining pass catchers, which we will unpack later. The Giants will also remain without linebackers Swayze Bozeman (ankle) and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (hamstring). Neither has logged meaningful snaps this season, so their absence doesn't move our analysis.
Captain Considerations
Eagles Showdown Players
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts (CPT or FLEX)
Jalen Hurts is the lone true must-play on this slate. He brings both floor and ceiling that are difficult to replicate. Until last week's loss to Denver, he logged nine or more carries in every game and already had four rushing scores. The tush push extends drives and adds touchdown equity most quarterbacks simply don't have. On Thursday, he'll have the ball in his hands on virtually every snap for the better team, making him one of the safest options in Showdown formats. DFS Takeaway: Lock in flex with heavy Captain exposure; only trim in extreme contrarian builds.