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: 46.5
- Spread: Bills -3
- Bills Implied Team Total: 24.8
- Vikings Implied Team Total: 21.8
Captain Consideration
Relevant Injuries
- Kyler Murray OUT
Buffalo Bills Showdown Players
Quarterback
Josh Allen - Captain/Flex
Josh Allen ranks ninth in passing yards per game (256.1), 15th in passing touchdowns (11), first in QB rushing yards (270), and second in the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns (9). He's scored six more rushing touchdowns than any other quarterback. Allen leads all quarterbacks in DraftKings points per game (28.5). This is a tough matchup against a Vikings defense that ranks first in EPA/Play Allowed, first in Dropback EPA Allowed, and eighth in Rush EPA Allowed. However, this is a tough matchup for Minnesota's defense against Allen as well.
Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End
James Cook III - Captain/Flex
James Cook III continues to excel. He ranks sixth in opportunities per game (22.1), sixth in total yards per game (116.7), 10th in total touchdowns (7), eighth in Missed Tackles Forced (27), 17th in Yards After Contact (233), and sixth in Rush Yards Over Expected (+104). The Bills are three-point favorites.
DJ Moore - Captain/Flex
DJ Moore has been awesome in the three games (Weeks 1, 3, and 8) he has finished healthy. Here are his wide receiver ranks over those three weeks: Seventh in target share (27%), 14th in targets per game (8), 10th in receiving yards per game (83), 17th in team receiving yards share (30.1%), 14th in team air yard share (41.8%), eighth in yards per route run (3.23), and ninth in targets per route run (0.31).
Dalton Kincaid - Captain/Flex
DJ Moore's presence in the three games (Weeks 1, 3, and 8) he has finished healthy has been very beneficial to Dalton Kincaid. Here are Kincaid's tight end ranks over those three weeks: 10th in target share (16.9%), 15th in targets per game (5), second in receiving yards per game (84.7), third in team receiving yard share (30.7%), fifth in team air yard share (22.9%), second in yards per route run (4.10), and 12th in targets per route run (0.24).
Ty Johnson - Large Field Tournament Flex
Ty Johnson can be an easy button target for Josh Allen if Minnesota's league-leading pass defense causes enough wreckage in this one. Johnson has two games with four receptions and 50+ receiving yards this season.
Kicker
Tyler Bass - Flex
Josh Allen will move the football, but Minnesota's elite defense could bend, but not break, in this one. That could set up action for Tyler Bass, who hasn't missed a field-goal attempt yet this season.
Minnesota Vikings Showdown Players
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