Photo: Imagn Images

OVERVIEW

NFL Showdown can be a fickle beast. These contests do not rely on median projections so much as leverage, and uniqueness. Fading the highest-owned plays can be a risky proposition. Typically, your edge is going to come by identifying the best low-rostered plays and finding clever ways to pair them with the juggernauts of the slate.

This article is going to have a heavy DraftKings lean simply because the decision-making process is more interesting given the salary premium attached to the Captain spot. FanDuel's pricing is the same for both MVP and Flex spots. You are usually going to need the slate’s top scorer at MVP, so FanDuel strategy revolves around unique Flex builds.

Advice in this article will pertain predominantly to tournament lineups and strategy. For cash lineups, build around median projections. For head-to-head contests, continue to lean into the median projections, but if two options project closely, give the nod to the lowest rostered player.

GAME THEORY

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Metlife to take on the New York Jets as 9-point favorites. The total is set at 41.5. It's no secret that the path to success on this slate flows through the Chiefs. Fortunately, their wide receiver room is all over the place, making it easy to uniquely stack Patrick Mahomes II. Last week, 5 of their wide receivers played over 35% of the snaps. Given the lack of production from Marquez Valdes-Scantling and even Skyy Moore, this may be the week they are passed up in playing time by the younger receivers.

INJURY ROUND-UP

No injuries to note.

CAPTAIN CONSIDERATION

1. Patrick Mahomes II
2. Travis Kelce
3. Isiah Pacheco
4. Breece Hall
5. Garrett Wilson

CHIEFS OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK

Patrick Mahomes II $12,400 – Captain or Flex

Mahomes is going to be the most popular Captain, with good reason. In states with lower game totals, it’s easier for a quarterback to find their way into the optimal Captain spot. This game is a dream for people who enjoy 20-max and 150-max contests as Mahomes can be paired with a vast array of receiver combinations.