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.
Game Scripting and Roster Construction
After a couple of exciting Thursday night matchups to start the season, we get what looks like a bit of a snoozer featuring a pair of 2-1 AFC North teams. Pittsburgh welcomed back Michael Pittman Jr. from injury last week and managed to outlast a solid Cincinnati Bengals squad 30-27. Pittman's return seemed to open things up for Aaron Rodgers, who posted a season-high 292 passing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Browns are winners of two straight, coming off close victories over Tampa Bay and Carolina in which Deshaun Watson protected the football, throwing four touchdowns without a turnover while adding 67 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Vegas oddsmakers are projecting a slow-paced slog with the visiting Steelers winning 21-18. I think they have the winner right, but the margin is too small. Pittman's return, combined with Jaylen Warren in a true workhorse role, opened up Pittsburgh's offense last Sunday, and I expect more of the same Thursday night. Rodgers and Mike McCarthy also get another chance to rekindle some of the magic that produced their Super Bowl XLV win over, ironically enough, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
To build winning lineups Thursday, you'll likely need exposure to all the touchdowns, simply because there may not be many. I want Warren in nearly every lineup given his expected workload and recent production. From a roster-construction standpoint, I am also sheepishly recommending at least one kicker in many builds, as this game environment creates more field-goal upside than we typically see. Captain options are limited, so choose carefully. Steelers 24, Browns 14.
Injury Roundup
The headline: if cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols both sit, it's a real upgrade for Cleveland's receivers, especially with Joey Porter Jr. (traded to Dallas on Wednesday night) out. That would leave three of Pittsburgh's top defensive backs compromised in the same game, and even a short-passing offense like Watson's should find easier throwing lanes against what's left of the secondary. Monitor Thursday's inactives accordingly.
On Pittsburgh's side, running back Rico Dowdle's continued absence isn't really news anymore; Jaylen Warren is the clear workhorse regardless of what the depth chart said in September. Cleveland's bigger concern is up front, where the loss of starting center Elgton Jenkins and right guard Teven Jenkins hands the interior to backups against a disruptive Pittsburgh front. Running lanes could be limited for Quinshon Judkins, while pressure could mount quickly on Deshaun Watson. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace being out is a non-issue given his place in the pecking order.
Captain Considerations
Steelers Showdown Players
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (CPT or FLEX)
My lineups will be heavy on the Steelers on Thursday night, which makes Aaron Rodgers a key consideration across most of them. Rodgers is not the fantasy juggernaut he once was, but he showed his upside last week when he posted 23.7 points against the Bengals. We should not expect a repeat performance Thursday, particularly in a game projected for far fewer points, but Rodgers has solid receiving weapons at every position and should have multiple opportunities to find the end zone.
His salary is the highest on the board, which makes him difficult to justify at Captain, especially with cheaper players offering more explosive upside. The matchup is not prohibitive, though, and Cleveland has already allowed six passing touchdowns through three games. Rodgers belongs in most Steelers-heavy builds, but I prefer using him in the FLEX.
DFS Takeaway: Rodgers is a strong FLEX option in Pittsburgh-heavy lineups, but his salary and limited rushing upside make him less appealing at Captain.
Running Backs
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