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: 49.5
- Spread: Rams -8.5
- Rams Implied Team Total: 29
- Falcons Implied Team Total: 20.5
Captain Consideration
Los Angeles Rams Showdown Players
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford - Captain/Flex
Matthew Stafford is the favorite to win the Most Valuable Player Award this season. He leads a Rams offense that ranks second in EPA/Play, second in Pass Rate Over Expected (PROE), and fourth in Early Down Pass Frequency (EDPF). Stafford leads the NFL in passing yards per game (278.6) and pass touchdowns per game (2.7), and he also ranks second in DraftKings points per game (22.1). If Stafford spreads the ball around and Puka Nacua has a bit of a down game, he could end up being the optimal Captain choice. Regardless, make sure he's in your lineup in some way, shape, or form.
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
Puka Nacua - Captain/Flex
Puka Nacua is the clear #1 Captain choice. He leads the NFL in receiving yards per game (113.7) and yards per route run (YPRR) (4.02) and ranks second in targets per game (10.4). Nacua's totals over his past three games are eye-popping: 38 targets, 28 receptions, 573 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns. Davante Adams is doubtful to play.
Kyren Williams - Captain/Flex
The Rams are 8.5-point favorites and have the second-highest Implied Team Total (29) of the entire week. Kyren Williams ranks 15th in opportunities per game (18.4), 16th in total yards per game (88.1), and seventh in total touchdowns (13). He has a favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that ranks 22nd in Rush EPA Allowed.
Blake Corum - Flex
Blake Corum's opportunities in his past three games: 13, 11, and 16. He has four touchdowns over that span. Corum is a solid play in this favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that ranks 22nd in Rush EPA Allowed.
Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson - Flexes
Last week, without Davante Adams, Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson each tied for second on the team in route rate (70.6%) behind only Puka Nacua. Sean McVay and the Rams offense have leaned into multiple tight end offensive sets, so both players should remain extremely involved in this one. Ferguson is the preferred play, as he's an extremely athletic and exciting second-round pick. But Parkinson's involvement has been more consistent as he's seen four or more targets in five straight contests.
Konata Mumpfield - Large Field Tournament Flex
Without Davante Adams last week, Konata Mumpfield ran a route on 51% of dropbacks and saw eight targets. He projects to operate as Matthew Stafford's WR2 once again with Adams doubtful.
D/ST
Rams D/ST - Flex
The Rams defense ranks in the top ten in EPA/Play Allowed, Dropback EPA Allowed, and Rush EPA Allowed. They're 8.5-point favorites. If they're able to get ahead as Vegas expects, Kirk Cousins could be a sitting statue in the pocket while Los Angeles' pass rush pins their ears back.