Before we hop into this NFL Week 7 DFS DraftKings TNF Showdown breakdown, my name is Rich Xenos (rxendaddy on DraftKings) and I’ve been playing DFS since 2018. I’ve been a big fan of RSJ since the jump and I am excited to contribute to the DraftKings Showdown slates.
We have a very ugly game for tonight’s Showdown slate between the banged-up Denver Browns and the even more banged Cleveland Browns. I have a feeling for cash games there will be a ton of duplicate lineups and or 1v1s because there is a very straightforward build tonight, in my opinion. I will play cash games still but probably won’t go nuts. There’s some big injury news that still needs to be announced so be sure to check this article closer to lock to make sure you are caught up with the news.
SHOWDOWN CAPTAIN STRATEGY
D’Ernest Johnson will likely be incredibly chalky tonight and rightfully so, at $4,600 ($6,900 captain). He’s likely to get the bulk of the early-down work and drips in value. Also with Case Keenum ($9,400) starting for the Browns, you can more than likely expect them to run the ball a lot to take some pressure off of the veteran backup. Denver’s front-seven worries me a bit captaining him but I don’t see too many other options for Cleveland unless they’re being blown out, which I don’t expect because Denver is also dealing with injuries.
There are a couple of other enticing options for GPPs, starting with Demetric Felton ($5,000). Felton should be used a lot in third down and passing situations. If Cleveland goes down a lot early I could see him being the top points per dollar play.
*Note: This was published before Odell Beckham Jr. was officially declared active. I’m no longer as confident in Jarvis Landry, but he will still be in some lineups. I am now completely off Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Another interesting one is Jarvis Landry ($6,600) who was activated today for the first time since Week 2. It couldn’t Come at a better time because Odell Beckham Jr. ($6,800), a game-time decision, is expected to miss this one. If Landry is healthy and playing he is a potential slam dunk play. Historically, he’s received a nice usage bump whenever Odell is not on the field so that injury is something to definitely monitor. I will most likely be prioritizing Landry just for the fact they don’t have many other options and he’ll be getting targeted if he’s out there.
SHOWDOWN FLEX STRATEGY
I like both of Denver’s top two receiving options in Courtland Sutton($10,000) and Tim Patrick ($7,600). Cleveland has had a tough time defending receivers to this point making this match up very beatable for both receivers.
Also, I’ll be playing both quarterbacks simply because there are only so many options for fantasy points tonight. However, both are question marks because Teddy Bridgewater ($11,000) is questionable with foot and quadriceps injuries and Keenum has not started since 2019.
Donovan Peoples-Jones ($6,400) is probably my favorite dart throw. The last two weeks he has been very solid with 11 total targets and with Odell more than likely out, there’s a chance he sees even more targets. Another potential GPP dart I like is John Kelly ($200) who is minimum salary and could get some early-down work. He was signed off the practice squad Tuesday but is currently third on the depth chart, so barring an injury, he could be a huge play at his price tag.
SHOWDOWN FADES
In all honesty, I would like to fade this entire slate with all the uncertainty and health issues. But, it’s DFS and we are degens who never take slates off, so here we are.
My main fade will most likely be Noah Fant ($8,200). He’s priced pretty high and Cleveland plays well defensively against tight ends. He’s coming off a big Week 6 performance, so I understand if you want to play him, but I would only do so if you’re making a ton of lineups.
Another one is Melvin Gordon ($7,400) who I have hated ever since he signed with Denver. For GPPs, I get it, but I personally would stay away as Denver has been running almost dead even split backs all year even with Javonte Williams ($7,000) being the clear talent at this stage of their respective careers.
SUMMARY & BEST BET
My TNF Showdown game plan is to captain Johnson and play Denver’s top two receiving options in Sutton and Patrick. I will also prioritize both quarterbacks, as well as Felton and Landry who are both reasonably priced and should get more than enough targets to hit value.
For cash, I would not go crazy tonight as I expect a lot of duplicate lineups or 1v1s and you don’t want to be stuck in an uphill battle needing everyone to slam just to make a minimal profit or having it come down to one player vs another similar one. It’s probably a good night to make a few GPP darts and just hope for the best.
If you enjoy watching ugly football then this is the perfect game for you, but from a fantasy point of view, I would yield with caution. Regardless, best of luck tonight.