Best lineup strategy for Broncos vs. Bengals Madden simulation Showdown

The Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals will face off in a Saturday Madden sim at 12 p.m. ET. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for the DFS contests centered around the game. You can set your lineup and play at DraftKings.

Captain’s Picks

Drew Lock, QB, Broncos ($15,600)

If you’re going to be roster a quarterback, Lock is the only choice. Although he isn’t rated as highly as Andy Dalton and has a worse receiving corps, the Broncos’ have one of the better secondaries we’ve with Chris Harris Jr. and Justin Simmons manning the pass defense. A.J Green has been inconsistent, but Lock’s top receiver has put together several jaw-dropping performances. Cincinnati’s is regularly torched through the air, making Lock the top option.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos ($14,100)

Sutton is the star of an underwhelming receiving corps. Lock isn’t reluctant to throw the long ball to Sutton — who has dominated secondaries much better than Cincinnati’s. He’s not the speediest but his 92 catching and 92 catching in traffic are tough to beat.

Flex Men

John Ross, WR, Bengals ($4,800)

Tyler Boyd ($8,000) is the most appealing wideout option for Cincinnati, but Ross isn’t far behind. He’s a value option with top-notch speed (97) and has made big-time plays by getting in behind the defense. If he’s in the slot, he’ll be almost impossible to keep up with.

Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals ($2,800)

Bernard is always a bargain when you consider how involved he is in the offense. Joe Mixon is almost never worth paying up for. If you don’t captain Phillip Lindsay, Bernard should receive strong consideration because of how easy it is for him to return value.