Best lineup strategy for DC vs. Tampa Bay in DraftKings Showdown

The DC Defenders (2-1) lost their first game of the season in Week 3 and are looking to establish themselves as a threat again against the winless Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3) in Week 4. The Defenders appear to have fallen off a cliff while the Vipers are starting to get organized. We broke down some ideal Showdown lineup strategies for DraftKings DFS contests centered around this matchup.

Captain Obvious

Cardale Jones, QB, Defenders ($15,300)

Jones lost his first game as a starter since high school in Week 3 and it wasn’t pretty. He finished 13-of-26 for 103 yards with four interceptions in a 39-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He wasn’t able to get either of his top receivers going. We’re chalking this bizarre outing as an anomaly though, as Jones had been one of the best signal callers in the league before imploding. He’s still third in passing yards (602) by a narrow margin and has the second highest passer rating (102.3).

Captain Courageous

Taylor Cornelius, QB, Vipers ($12,000)

Cornelius worked in tandem with Quinton Flowers ($10,500/$7,000) under center in Week 3 against the Houston Roughnecks, and stood out in a close game. He threw for 193 yards and score while also rushing for a touchdown. He was impressive enough to win the starting job over Aaron Murray, who is poised to be active for the first time since he started in Week 1. Flowers has reportedly asked for his release.

Flex Men

Dan Williams, WR, Vipers ($9,400)

Williams ranks fourth in receiving yards (180) and is one of Tampa Bay’s more consistent offensive weapons. Tight end Nick Truesdell is doubtful to play because of a knee injury, so expect Williams to continue being the Vipers’ premier pass catcher. He has a team-high average of 13.3 DKFP per contest and should continue to be a priority on offense.

De’Veon Smith, RB, Viper ($6,800)

Smith has a great price for a starting running back averaging just under 10 DKFP per game. He’s reached double digits in fantasy points in two of the three games he’s appeared on this season and ranks third in rushing yards (174). He’s also second in attempts (42). He gets plenty of opportunities to score, but hasn’t managed to reach the end zone yet. The Defenders gave up a ton of points last week, so maybe he’ll be able to get the ball rolling on Sunday.