The New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins will help kickoff a weekend of Madden sims at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. 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
If you go with a Saints player as your captain, Drew Brees ($17,400) and Michael Thomas ($16,200) are the top options. Both players will almost certainly be in the winning lineup and have a good chance to dominate one of the worst secondaries in Madden. Brees’ accuracy and Thomas’ catching are a lethal combination that is hard to beat.
A case could be made for Ryan Fitzpatrick ($15,600) as a Dolphins option. Miami seems poised to play from behind in this one, and it has little to no ground game. That means Fitzpatrick could continue to air it out down the stretch. There’s not telling whether DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, or a backup will emerge as the top target, but Fitzpatrick should end up throwing the ball a ton against New Orleans’ tough defensive line.
Flex Men
Jakeem Grant ($4,600) is a WR3 but also provides upside as a kickoff returner. Kickoffs aren’t returned for touchdowns often, but we’ve seen Grant accomplish the feat before. He’s a speedy player that should benefit from playing in the slot. Parker and Albert Wilson should attract the attention of New Orleans, better defensive backs.
Jared Cook ($8,400) is the Saints’ second best pass catcher and should also benefit from lackluster coverage. He’s gotten the 100-yard bonus more than most other tight ends despite playing alongside the highest rated wideout in the game.