Best lineup strategy for Ravens vs. Falcons Madden simulation Showdown

Thursday’s first Madden sim on DraftKings will be a battle of the birds, as the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta will face off at 12:00 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

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens ($17,100)

Jackson might not be the most impressive throwing the football in these sims, but he’s still tallied 22 scores with over 3,000 passing yards. Desmond Trufant will be wasted on Marquise Brown — who hasn’t performed like a WR1 — out wide, so don’t expect Baltimore’s aerial attack to be affected much. No signal caller has run for more yards (1,368) or scores (10) than Jackson.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons ($13,200)

Atlanta has two capable starting receivers, but I’m not big on either against one of the better secondaries in Madden. Julio Jones hasn’t looked like a top three receiver in the game, so I’d opt for the versatile Freeman out of the backfield. He can make an impact on the ground and through the air and has scored more touchdowns (12) than any other player in this game.

Flex Men

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens ($7,000)

Andrews is Jackson’s favorite target and leads the Ravens in receptions (72) and receiving yards (918). Baltimore likely won’t get a ton of passing yards, but if they do Andrews will be a big part of its offense. He’s been more productive than Austin Hooper ($7,600) but is cheaper and has less competition.

Russell Gage, WR, Falcons ($4,400)

I don’t like Falcons receivers as captain’s, but Gage is an interesting flex play. He’s Atlanta’s slot man and shouldn’t have to be up against Marlon Humphrey or Marcus Peters when his team looks to air it out. He’s caught six touchdowns this sim season — which is more than all but one Ravens wideout.