Disclaimer
NFL Showdown can be a fickle beast. Success in these contests doesn't come from blindly following median projections, but from creating leverage and building unique rosters. Fading the most popular plays can be risky, yet the biggest edges usually come from identifying the right low-rostered pivots and pairing them creatively with the slate's juggernauts.
With both DraftKings and FanDuel now using similar formats — a multiplier slot (Captain/MVP) that costs 1.5x salary and earns 1.5x 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 builds, median projections remain your best guide. For head-to-head contests, consider projections as well, but when two players have similar projections, side with the lower-rostered option.
Macro Level Game View
- Over/Under: 40.5
- Spread: Eagles -3
- Eagles Implied Team Total: 21.8
- Chargers Implied Team Total: 18.8
Captain Consideration
Philadelphia Eagles Showdown Players
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts - Captain/Flex
Jalen Hurts ranks at the quarterback position: fifth in DraftKings points per game (21.3), tenth in pass touchdowns per game (1.6), sixth in rushing yards (329), and second in rush touchdowns (8). The dual-threat has multiple avenues to a ceiling game despite the tough matchup on paper against a Chargers defense that ranks sixth best in EPA/Play Allowed and second best in Dropback EPA Allowed.
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown - Captains/Flexes
| Stat (Rank) | DeVonta Smith | A.J. Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Targets per game | 7.2 (28th) | 7.9 (21st) |
| Receiving yards per game | 66.8 (13th) | 63.5 (21st) |
| YPRR | 2.02 (19th) | 1.93 (22nd) |
DeVonta Smith is having a great season. The narrative that A.J. Brown is Philadelphia's WR1 needs to change. The reality is the Eagles have two elite WR1s. Both are strong plays in this one, but Smith is the preferred play to take advantage of lower ownership since the mainstream narrative is no longer correct.
Saquon Barkley - Flex
The Eagles can't run the ball this season, and we're not going to pretend like they can by jamming Saquon Barkley into the captain spot. That doesn't mean we can't play him in the flex, though. The Eagles are three-point favorites, and Barkley ranks eighth in opportunities per game (20.1). The Chargers' defense ranks just 22nd in Rush EPA Allowed.
Dallas Goedert - Flex
Dallas Goedert's tight end rankings: just 15th in receptions (40), just 20th in receiving yards (403), but second in receiving touchdowns (7). Goedert is a touchdown-dependent player, and that needs to be understood before locking him into your lineup.