NFL Showdown is not about who you play as much as how you play them.
Median projections are a tool in the toolbox, but they are to be trusted far less than they would be on the main slate.
This is because if a player produces less or more than their projection, it can have big consequences..
The most likely outcome is only one of infinite outcomes.
When ownership dictates that the field has the game figured out, lean into builds around a different scenario.
The term “any given Sunday” should be the mantra for successfully building Showdown lineups.
Slate Breakdown
The Cleveland Browns head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers as a 2.5-point favorite.
The Browns enjoyed a massive divisional win over the Bengals, but the dicey weather didn’t give us much to hang our hat on for future usage.
The only thing the Steelers demonstrated in Week 1 was retaining Matt Canada as offensive coordinator for another season appears to be a mistake. Their offense struggled in every way.
Expect Cleveland to continue to succeed on the ground as Pittsburgh struggles to find its identity and shakes up its depth chart.
Injury Notes
- Amari Cooper – Groin – Doubtful
Cleveland Browns Offense
Tier 1 DFS Showdown Plays:
Deshaun Watson – $10,600
Watson managed a mediocre stat line in the elements last week but showed a few flashes of his former self. He was already the best play on the slate given the low game total, but the loss of Cooper makes him significantly easier to stack.
Nick Chubb – $12,200
Chubb’s usage is likely to be above 50% for the remainder of the year. The Browns would love to rest him, but when the second back only receives four touches on his 41% snap share, it is not a recipe for team success. $12,200 looks expensive given last week’s usage, but it should make more sense in hindsight.