Best lineup strategy for Rams vs. Falcons Madden simulation Showdown

The Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons will face off in a simulated Madden 20 game Friday, and DraftKings will have DFS contests available for the matchup. We broke down the ideal showdown lineup strategy for the contest, which you can play at DraftKings.

Captain’s Picks

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons ($16,200)

Ryan has an 87 overall Madden rating while his opponent, Jared Goff, sits at a 77. Ryan ranks seventh in the league in rating for quarterbacks. He also has the third highest rated wide receiver in Julio Jones. If you can fit them into your lineup, stacking Jones and Ryan is safer than stacking Goff with one of his three strong

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams ($12,300)

Gurley has a 91 rating in speed and acceleration making him a threat whenever he touches the ball. While Los Angeles’ talented receiving corps has options like Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, and Robert Woods, Gurley has no competition in the backfield. Lack of depth at the position should help him see useful work in a good matchup

Flex Picks

Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons ($8,800)

Hooper’s awareness rating is only behind Julio Jones while Matt Ryan is one of the better rated quarterbacks in accuracy underneath. He also leads all players in this game and is second only to Travis Kelce with a 97 catch rating, besting even Julio Jones somehow. Hooper was on track for a top tight end fantasy season before injuries stifled his numbers in 2019, but he is healthy in the simulation and should be a reliable receiver in DraftKings PPR scoring.

Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams ($6,800)

Higbee has some of the best hands in the league, as his 95 catching ranks fourth among tight ends in the game. His overall rating started at 79 in Week 1, but a strong second half knocked him up to 83. I’m also finding that the Madden simulations often prove productive for tight ends, giving them wide receiver like numbers when targeted.