Before we hop into this NFL Week 9 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.
It’s not the most exciting match-up tonight between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets. On the bright side, there’s less injury news than we’re accustomed to for a Thursday Night game. The Jets will be without Corey Davis for another week as he is doubtful and hasn’t practiced all week. TY Hilton has also already been ruled out with a concussion.
SHOWDOWN CAPTAIN STRATEGY
Jonathan Taylor will be my Captain tonight and there isn’t a close second option, in my opinion. He has been on a tear since Week 4 and the Jets have the worst run defense in the league. Not to mention the Colts should be up early and in control from the kickoff so I expect them to run the ball down their throats. Also, Quenton Nelson has been a limited participant in practice this week so if he’s out there, that’s another massive boost for Taylor. Don’t overthink this one, just Captain Taylor and move on to the next part.
If you’re not as convinced as I am or making a good amount of lineups tonight, I also really like Michael Carter as an option at Captain. He has really carved out a role in this offense and his target share has me feeling great going into this matchup. As I said, I expect the Colts to be in control this whole game so the Jets will be forced to throw and Carter should see a ton of targets out of the backfield, I also think he has a great chance of finding the end zone.
SHOWDOWN FLEX STRATEGY
It’s hard to ignore what Michael Pittman did last week against Tennesee with 15 targets. If the Jets are able to keep this close there’s no way he doesn’t see a good bulk of the targets again. He is expensive but rightfully so and I will be prioritizing him tonight.
Carson Wentz who has been consistent the last few weeks is one of the safer plays you can make on this showdown. The only negative game script I could see other than him getting hurt is a blowout where they pound the rock but even so I’d expect Wentz to get some points.
What a story Mike White was last week where he led the Jets to a nice comeback victory versus the Bengals. He completed 15 passes in a row at one point and had a video game final stat line. Although I don’t expect the same exact output, he doesn’t need it to make value this week at $9,800. He should be forced to throw with the expected game script. He did a great job connecting with his running backs out of the backfield as well as finding slot receiver Jamison Crowder, who I also like this slate.
Ashton Dulin at $200 is my favorite salary relief play on this slate, he’s seen four targets in back-to-back weeks, which would be more than enough to get there at his price tag. If you want to be different in GPPs, you can Captain him and play whoever you want in the flex.
SUMMARY & BEST BET
Tonight’s game plan for me is pretty straightforward. Captain Taylor and have a core of Carter, Wentz, Pittman and Dulin. Also, get Mike White and/or Jamison Crowder in there if you’re able to.
My favorite bet of the night is Taylor anytime scorer -200, I try not to give out this heavy of a favorite but I honestly don’t see how he doesn’t find the end zone tonight. Best of luck tonight.
