:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67002160/Pit_v_Ten_6.21.0.jpg)
We’re all in need of some entertainment during these times of the unknown. DraftKings is doing its part by offering Madden simulations with a variety of teams going at it. For this piece, we’ll focus on the Steelers and Titans game that’ll take place at 10 p.m. ET Sunday evening.
Madden Stream: Steelers at Titans
LIVE at 10 p.m. ET
The settings for this and all other Madden games are as follows:
GAME INFORMATION:
Difficulty: All-Madden
Game Style: Arcade
Event Type: Exhibition
Even Teams: Off
Quarter Length: 8 minutes
Accelerated Clock: On
Play Clock: 20 seconds
For all info on settings and upcoming games, click HERE
Set your free to play lineups here: Madden Stream $1K FREE Contest (PIT vs TEN)
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger ($11,200) is the most expensive player on this slate. Sure, he has the highest DKFP average in this game at 16.6 but we don’t exactly have players that have been crushing it in this game. Big Ben comes into this game averaging 223 passing yards with 48 touchdowns thrown and 10 interceptions through 26 games. I’m not quite sure I want to get either quarterback in this lineup because of how expensive they are but his ownership will still be fairly heavy.
JuJu Smith-Schuster ($10,200) is the only other offensive player in this game with a salary over $10K and he’s by far the most expensive Steelers receiver. Vance McDonald ($6,800) is next in line and he’s a $3,400 difference. Smith-Schuster is averaging 4.1 receptions with 56.5 yards and 15 touchdowns scored, which is the best mark on the team. McDonald has been seeing some strong volume on this team as well, as he’s averaging 4.1 receptions as well for 54 yards and eight touchdowns scored. Getting the same amount of volume with McDonald is enticing but his touchdowns are way down compared to Smith-Schuster. The Steelers boast some really strong mid-tier options with James Washington ($5,600) and Dionte Johnson ($4,800) are both averaging double-digit fantasy points with Washington holding the slight edge at 11.4. Washington is seeing three receptions, 44 receiving yards and has scored an impressive 14 times, which is only one behind Smith-Schuster. Johnson is averaging 2.4 receptions and 41 yards with 10 touchdowns scored, which is an impressive number seeing as how cheap he is.
James Conner ($8,200) has occasionally shown up in these sims but he’s no way near a consistent player to make sure you get in your lineup. He only has five touchdowns to go with an average of 48.3 rushing yards. Jaylen Samuels ($1,400) has been the better option at a dirt-cheap salary. He finally scored his first touchdown a couple of games ago and is seeing two receptions per game. He’s the ultimate salary saver in this game.
Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our DraftKings Sports Calendar for the latest updates.
Titans
If it wasn’t for the number of touchdowns that Ryan Tannehill ($11,000) has thrown, he would be strongly considered a bust in these sims. He’s only averaging 211 passing yards, which is a big reason why he’s seen just 15 DKFP over his last five games. That number is actually quite inflated due to his 31.9 DKFP performance in the last game against the Browns. Otherwise, with that game removed, he’s averaging 10.8 over his last four. Without running much either, Tannehill is a tough sell for me at his very high salary.
Corey Davis ($6,600) has really been putting in the work lately, averaging 12.3 DKFP over his last five games. He’s now scored in three straight games and honestly feels like the safer play over WR1 A.J. Brown ($8,800). Brown has been doing the complete opposite of Davis, as he’s averaging just 5.8 DKFP over his last five games with zero touchdowns and no more than four receptions in that span. With the lack of consistency from Tannehill, it’s not surprising to see someone like Brown struggling lately. Delanie Walker ($7,600) has been one of the most consistent plays for the Titans, averaging 4.2 receptions, 49.7 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s coming off one of the most ridiculous games we’ve seen from a tight end in all these simulations, making 11 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns for 42.5 DKFP against the Browns. While that’s completely above and beyond anything you should expect on a normal basis, Walker has been one of the safer receivers on the Titans. Adam Humphries ($3,400) continues to defy his WR4 role on the depth chart and be more involved than you’d expect. Humphries is averaging 2.9 receptions with 39 yards and has scored six times. The Steelers have a good number of value plays but Humphries is another strong option in that range. It’s incredible to see Derrick Henry ($9,900) remain as high in salary as he is despite doing next to nothing on the field. Yes, he does have 13 touchdowns to his credit and he’s basically like Nick Chubb, where he scores a lot but doesn’t contribute much if he doesn’t. Henry is seeing 59.6 rushing yards but only 3.8 receiving yards, really opening him up to busting if he can’t score. Dion Lewis ($2,600) will come on the field for third downs but even he is seeing just 5.4 DKFP per game. He does have 47 receptions through 26 games, giving him that PPR upside that Henry lacks.
THE OUTCOME
Delanie Walker ($11,400) remains one of my favorite captain options because of how consistent he is in these sims. He won’t blow you away with his production (unless it was the last game) but he should receive a handful of receptions. I also like going with the touchdown upside of James Washington ($8,400) who is easily one of the cheaper captain choices you can make that sees a decent amount of work.
Final Score: Steelers 24, Titans 17
DEPTH CHARTS
Steelers
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20061045/SteelersDC.png)
Titans
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20061077/Titans_DC.png)
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Steveazors) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.