NFL Showdown can be a fickle beast. These contests do not rely on median projections so much as leverage and uniqueness. Fading the highest-rostered 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 will have a heavy DraftKings lean simply because the Showdown 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 will usually 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

Vegas isn’t overly worried by the 49ers’ injury woes. They’re still a solid -4.5 home favorite over the down-bad Cowboys. That said, the 48.5 projected total reflects a serious lack of offensive firepower on the field. Cash games will favor the simple, stripped-down approach: chase the locked-in volume of CeeDee Lamb and Jordan Mason. Those looking to win deep Showdowns, though, will look at all the peripheral options.

Injury Report

The Cowboys continue to muddle along with several key defensive injuries. Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and DaRon Bland are all either out or on IR. There was a chance super-kicker Brandon Aubrey would miss the trip due to jury duty, but he now looks good to go.

The 49ers are waylaid by numerous injuries at the skill spots. Top outside receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been lost for the year, and his breakout backup, Jauan Jennings, has been ruled out for tonight. There’s also a chance Deebo Samuel Sr. and/or George Kittle sit as well.

Captain Consideration

1. CeeDee Lamb
2. Jordan Mason
3. George Kittle (if active)
4. Dak Prescott
5. Deebo Samuel Sr. (if active)
6. Jake Ferguson
7. Brock Purdy