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 will 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 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.

The advice in this article pertains 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 Scripting & Roster Construction

Thursday night's matchup between Cincinnati and Baltimore is the most playoff-relevant game on the 17-week TNF schedule. After an 0-3 start, the Bengals enter this game on a three-game winning streak, trailing the Ravens by two games in the AFC North. While Pittsburgh currently leads the division, I expect Cincinnati and Baltimore to ultimately rise to the top. In their Week 5 clash, Baltimore won a thrilling 41-38 overtime battle in Cincinnati. Oddsmakers are projecting a similar outcome here, with the Ravens favored 29-23 as they play at home at M&T Bank Stadium.

With the Vegas total surpassing 50 points—and their last matchup nearly hitting 80—Showdown rosters should center around players, not defenses. The Ravens’ defense has been a "pass funnel" this season, which sets up well for Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense. Meanwhile, the Bengals rank 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, making Lamar Jackson and his receivers just as enticing. I’ll be focusing on quarterbacks and receivers when building lineups. For player distribution, aim for a balanced setup—a 3:3 or 4:2 split in either direction should maximize your chances in Showdown contests.

Injury Roundup

The Bengals enter Thursday with several pressing injury concerns. Tee Higgins, sidelined by a quad issue since Week 7, hasn’t practiced in weeks and is likely to miss this matchup, making Andre Iosivas a viable fantasy consideration. Tight end Erick All Jr.. and receiver Charlie Jones are also on the injury report, though neither should impact fantasy decisions. Additionally, Zack Moss missed last week with a neck injury, leading to increased usage of Chase Brown against Las Vegas. While the Bengals recently traded for Khalil Herbert as insurance, it’s unlikely he’ll see significant snaps with only one day of practice in Cincinnati’s backfield.

Lamar Jackson missed Tuesday's practice with knee soreness, but he practiced in full on Wednesday and will be a full go on Thursday. The Ravens' main injury concern is tight end Isaiah Likely, who has not practiced all week and will miss Thursday night's game. His absence elevates Mark Andrews' fantasy relevance and makes him a solid consideration after splitting time with Likely to this point in the season. Defensive end Brent Urban (concussion) is also expected to miss the game.

Captain Considerations

1. Lamar Jackson
2. Ja'Marr Chase
3. Joe Burrow
4. Mark Andrews
5. Zay Flowers