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: 43.5
- Spread: Eagles -3.5
- Eagles Implied Team Total: 23.5
- Bears Implied Team Total: 20
Captain Consideration
Relevant Injuries
- Caleb Williams OUT
- Dallas Goedert OUT
Philadelphia Eagles Showdown Players
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts - Captain/Flex
Jalen Hurts ranks tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (5) and has yet to score a rushing touchdown despite totaling 10, 13, 15, 14, and 8 rushing scores over the past five years, respectively. The dual-threat Hurts gets a Bears defense that ranked middle of the pack in EPA/Play Allowed, Dropback EPA Allowed, and Rush EPA Allowed last season and has remained an average unit via those metrics to begin this season. Hurts is essentially a must-play and a strong Captain option as well.
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
DeVonta Smith - Captain/Flex
DeVonta Smith is an elite talent and the alpha of Philadelphia's passing attack. He ranks sixth in First Read Target Rate (38.5%), sixth in Team Air Yard Share (51.1%), sixth in Route Rate (92%), seventh in targets per game (9.5), and seventh in Team Target Share (30.6%). Smith is the best Captain play in this game.
Saquon Barkley - Captain/Flex
Saquon Barkley dealt with a shoulder stinger last week but is off the injury report and good to go. Last season, Barkley ranked fifth in opportunities per game (20.6), 15th in total yards per game (88.3), ninth in 15+ yard runs (13), 11th in missed tackles forced (39), and 11th in yards after contact (548). The Eagles are 3.5-point favorites.
Dontayvion Wicks - Flex
Dontayvion Wicks has had a good start to the season and projects to be needed once again with Dallas Goedert out with a knee injury. Wicks has a 72% route rate, 16.1% target share, 0.19 targets per route run, 31.5% team receiving yards market share, and 21 yards per reception. Wicks ranks 19th in the league in average depth of target (15.6). If he hits another big play in this one, there is a decent chance he'll find himself in the optimal lineup.
Makai Lemon - Flex
Makai Lemon's metrics aren't great through two weeks! He has just an 8.1% team target share, 0.08 targets per route run, 1.9% team receiving yards market share, and 0.15 yards per route run. However, a slow start was expected, as he missed much of the offseason with a hamstring injury. And two data points are screaming at us telling us Lemon is a fantastic tournament play on this Showdown slate. First, Dallas Goedert is out due to injury, opening up targets over the middle of the field. Second, Lemon's 78.7% route rate through two weeks is actually quite bullish. Lean into the low ownership here on the 20th overall draft pick.
D/ST
Eagles D/ST - Flex
The Eagles are 3.5-point favorites despite playing on the road, as this defensive unit projects to face off against Chicago's third quarterback, Case Keenum. While they haven't started strong statistically in 2026, this defense did rank first in EPA/Play Allowed, first in Dropback EPA Allowed, and fourth in Rush EPA Allowed last season.
Chicago Bears Showdown Players
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