Best lineup strategy for Cowboys vs. Saints Madden simulation Showdown

The Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints will face off in a Madden sim Friday at 6:00 p.m. ET. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for the DFS contest. You can set your lineup and play in the DraftKings contest before kickoff.

Captain’s Picks

Alvin Kamara ($12,900)

The Cowboys offense scares me a bit so I’m not crazy about captaining someone from their side. Dak Prescott has been inconsistent and Ezekiel Elliott is in the same boat. The Saints defense is generally good at limiting points as well. Kamara hasn’t had the ceiling in Madden that we’re used to seeing in real life. Still, a couple of 20+ fantasy point games in his past stretch gives us confidence in this play.

Ted Ginn Jr. ($6,900)

I’ve watched this Cowboys secondary a bit and it’s clear that they have the corners to shut down a top WR. That could be Michael Thomas, though it’s unlikely. Dallas gave up a big game to Marvin Jones Jr. and he’s a deep threat. Ginn fits that mold a bit and he’s really cheap. He’d be a risky play but it could pay off big if he has a couple of long TDs.

FLEX Men

Jared Cook ($8,000)

The Cowboys defense had a tough time with an athletic TE in T.J. Hockenson. I can see the same thing happening with Cook, who has been almost a 1B to Thomas for the Saints. Cook has at least 14 fantasy points in seven of nine simulations. That type of floor is immense in a contest like Showdown and this price is way too good to pass up. The only issue I have with Cook is ownership but really he provides a good upside play who most likely won’t bust.

Blake Jarwin ($1,400)

If you want a cheap TE — which is a spot I’ve been targeting a lot in these articles — Jarwin is your guy. He’s really cheap and actually had a decent game a few sims ago against Seattle, catching three passes for 38 yards. If Jarwin can duplicate that, returning value on this price tag will be easy. Jarwin’s also a salary saver who can help us pay up for a high-priced stack.