Best lineup strategy for Buccaneers vs. Panthers Madden simulation Showdown

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will kick off Saturday’s trio of Madden sims. As usual, DraftKings will have a free Showdown contest available for the matchup. We break down the ideal lineup strategy for the DFS contest. You can set your lineup and play at DraftKings before the game.

Captain’s Picks

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers ($15,600)

McCaffrey has come up short before, but I’m not buying that the best running back in the game will be contained again. While Tampa Bay was one of the best teams against the run in 2020, McCaffrey has the best hands in the game at his position and can rack up points by hauling in catches and contributing through the air.

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers ($15,000)

I’m betting on the Buccaneers taking a lot of shots down the field, and Winston has two of the game’s best receivers in Mike Evans ($16,200) and Chris Godwin ($13,200). Both have top notch catching. Winston will take some risks and could throw picks, but his upside is higher than Cam Newton’s (XXX) in my mind because of his options.

Flex Men

Graham Gano, K, Panthers ($3,800)

The Panthers don’t have a power runner or a big possession target for the red zone, so why not bet on the kicker with the biggest leg in the game? Teams haven’t had a problem getting into field goal range. Gano could bang in something from deep to put some points on the board.

O.J. Howard, TE, Buccaneers ($7,200)

Evans and Godwin should be priorities in the passing game, but don’t forget about Howard. He’ll be the third best pass catcher for Tampa Bay and could get the friendly tight end boost we’ve seen from so many others at his position.