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

For the second consecutive week, Thursday night brings an intriguing matchup. The 7-2 Philadelphia Eagles host Jayden Daniels and the surging 7-3 Washington Commanders, who are coming off a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Steelers. Despite the setback, the Commanders have outscored their opponents by 73 points over 10 games, ranking third-best in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Eagles have hit their stride with five straight wins since their Week 5 bye. The pressing question is, "Just how good are the Eagles?" Aside from an impressive 37-17 victory over the Bengals in Week 8, their recent streak includes wins against the Browns, Giants, Jaguars, and Cowboys—teams with a combined 2-16 record in that span.

Vegas oddsmakers favor the Eagles, projecting a 26-23 home victory. Based on the implied game script, an even player distribution across both teams is recommended. The key to winning Showdown lineups will likely be selecting the right Eagles players, as the Commanders concentrate their production through a few key players—namely their running backs and Terry McLaurin. In contrast, the Eagles spread opportunities across Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. For lineup distribution, sticking to a balanced 3:3 setup aligns with Vegas projections, but if you favor one team, a 4:2 split in their favor also makes sense.

Injury Roundup

First, the good news: After missing the last two games with a hamstring issue, Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to return and should reclaim the lead role in Washington’s backfield after the veteran Austin Ekeler filled in during his absence. However, the Commanders will be without several key players, including linebacker Nick Bellore (knee), kicker Austin Seibert (hip), and recent acquisition Marshon Lattimore (hamstring). Lattimore’s absence is especially significant, as he was added to strengthen Washington’s secondary—a critical need against the Eagles’ talented receivers, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. Seibert’s loss is less impactful; his replacement, Zane Gonzalez, was perfect last week, hitting two field goals and three extra points.

One last note: Three starting offensive linemen are listed as questionable for Washington. If any of them are unable to play, it could slightly downgrade Robinson’s potential.

On the other side, everything is going right for the Eagles. Philadelphia heads into Thursday’s game with a fully healthy roster, with no players listed on the injury report.

Captain Considerations

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