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: 42.5
- Spread: Steelers -3.5
- Steelers Implied Team Total: 23
- Dolphins Implied Team Total: 19.5
Captain Consideration
Pittsburgh Steelers Showdown Players
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers - Captain/Flex
The Steelers are 3.5-point home favorites as Aaron Rodgers has a favorable matchup against a Dolphins defense that ranks just 24th in Dropback EPA Allowed. Rodgers ranks eighth in the NFL in pass touchdowns per game (1.7).
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
DK Metcalf - Captain/Flex
DK Metcalf ranks fourth in the NFL in percentage of a team's air yards (39.36%). If Pittsburgh's passing offense is clicking, that usually means Metcalf is producing. This is a favorable home matchup to allow those things to happen. Mecalf is coming off his best game of the season, catching 7 of 12 targets for 148 yards.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell - Flexes
- Opportunities per game this season: Jaylen Warren 16.2 and Kenneth Gainwell 10.6.
- Total yards per game this season: Jaylen Warren 77.4 and Kenneth Gainwell 50.5
- Opportunities over the last two games: Jaylen Warren 25 and Kenneth Gainwell 19
- Total yards over the last two games: Jaylen Warren 106 and Kenneth Gainwell 87
Both running backs are in play as 3.5-point home favorites against a Dolphins defense that ranks middle of the pack in EPA/Play Allowed (17th). Warren is the preference, but both running backs can be played, even in the same lineup.
Adam Thielen - Flex
Adam Thielen made his Steelers debut last week and immediately played on 48.1% of the offensive snaps and ran a route on 31.4% of dropbacks. Expect those numbers to increase in his second game. Thielen is a fun low-owned tournament play, especially stacked with Rodgers.
Pat Freiermuth - Flex
The Dolphins' defense has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the tight end position (13.3) this season. This is a fantastic matchup, but it's tough to predict who will take advantage since the Steelers have three relevant tight ends in Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Freiermuth is the preference as he ran ten more routes than any other Steelers tight end last week.
Kicker
Chris Boswell - Flex
The Steelers are 3.5-point home favorites. Chris Boswell hasn't missed an extra point all year and has missed just three field goals. He's made seven of eight kicks from 50+.