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 Texans vs. 49ers game, which starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19.
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Note: All salaries will be Flex prices unless noted as Captain’s Pick prices.
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Houston Texans
It’s no surprise to see Deshaun Watson ($11,000) as the most expensive player in this game. Quite frankly, he’s been one of the best overall players in all these simulations, as evidenced by his 22.1 DKFP average. Entering this game, Watson is averaging 213 passing yards, 46.7 rushing yards and a total of 73 touchdowns. 59 of those have come through the air while rushing in the remaining 14. His duel threat capabilities makes him a near lock no matter who the Texans’ face, even against a good 49ers secondary like tonight. When these teams met before, Watson scored 35.9 DKFP with 234 passing yards, three touchdowns thrown, 86 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Watson’s WR1 in DeAndre Hopkins ($10,000) had a good game of his own against the Niners, making six catches for 127 yards with a touchdown and 27.7 DKFP. Taking both of these players certainly brings challenges because of how expensive they are but the volume Hopkins receives, averaging 4.2 receptions and 67.1 yards is the best on this team. Will Fuller V ($7,200) brings the speed but not the consistency. He’s averaging just 3.3 receptions and 45.4 yards but does have 17 touchdowns to his credit. I’m not crazy about his salary being as high as it is and that could lead to me fading him in this contest. You could instead take a look at Keke Coutee ($2,000), who is seeing similar volume at a much cheaper salary. Coutee is averaging 2.7 receptions and 32 yards but will allow you to take Watson and Hopkins without destroying your remaining salary. Darren Fells ($5,600) is also an option I would consider at a cheaper salary, averaging four receptions and 40.3 yards. The problem is, he simply doesn’t score with only five touchdowns through 36 games.
I don’t have too much interest in Lamar Miller ($6,800) against a tough 49ers run defense. He’s too pricey for someone with 10 touchdowns scored despite catching out of the backfield. With Watson hogging the ball on running plays, using Miller doesn’t make all that much sense with the QB.
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San Francisco 49ers
I do like using Jimmy Garoppolo ($10,600) on a normal basis but I’m having a hard time fitting him into my plans for this game. With five lineups at your disposal, you certainly can use him but I’ll be underweight on him. He simply doesn’t present the same upside as Watson with his lack of mobility. It’s not a bad matchup for Garoppolo by any means but I would be shocking if Watson doesn’t outscore him. On the season, Garoppolo is averaging 250 passing yards with 59 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
No one in the Niners comes close to the volume that George Kittle ($8,400) sees with his average of five receptions per game and 73.2 yards. The amazing part of it all, however, is only 11 touchdowns scored. It’s downright baffling how little Kittle has scored when you consider the volume he receives. I’m still on him because of the matchup and volume but that salary is getting into the danger zone with a true lack of scoring. Emmanuel Sanders ($9,600) is nearly $1,000 more than Kittle and I’m not quite sure why. Yes, he does have as slight touchdown advantage with 15 but he’s averaging 3.9 receptions and 57.8 yards. These are numbers I’d expect more from a WR2 but he’s priced way too high. Deebo Samuel ($5,800) is a Niners receiver who feels appropriately priced and honestly, maybe a bit cheaper than necessary. He’s averaging 3.5 receptions, 56.7 yards and 14 touchdowns scored. I’m more than willing to roll with him over Sanders and save myself a good chunk of change in the process. Kendrick Bourne ($4,800) is your classic boom-or-bust candidate of the game with his 14 touchdowns. The problem with Bourne is that he’s either scoring or doing nothing, averaging just 2.8 receptions per game. Still, if he hits paydirt, he’s worth the price of admission.
The Niner I want more than anyone is Tevin Coleman ($8,600). He’s essentially the best and most consistent running back in all of these Madden simulations and his 17.4 DKFP average speaks volumes. Colman is now averaging 96 scrimmage yards per game with 28 (!) touchdowns scored. Most of come through the air but he has caught three of them, giving him that PPR upside.
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The Outcome
I think the best bang for your buck at the captain spot is indeed Tevin Coleman ($12,900). It’s nearly impossible to argue that with the upside he brings, $12,900 is more than a fair salary for him at captain. Of course, Deshaun Watson ($16,500) brings high upside here as well but his sky high salary makes it tough to pay up for some of the other players. The cheapest I would go would be Deebo Samuel ($8,700) who gives you a ton of flexibility in your flex spots.
Final Score: Texans 27, 49ers 24
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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.