Best lineup strategy for Tampa Bay vs. Seattle in DraftKings Showdown

The Tampa Bay Vipers got blown out in their XFL debut, but will get a shot a redemption in Week 2 against the Seattle Dragons. Both teams are looking to secure their first wins of the season. Now that each team has played one game, we have a slightly better idea about what to expect from this new league in terms of fantasy output. We broke down some ideal Showdown lineup strategies for DFS contests centered around this matchup.

Captain’s picks

Austin Proehl, WR, Dragons ($17,400)

Proehl emerged as a candidate to become Seattle’s WR1 in Week 1, and quarterback Brandon Silvers had plenty of faith in him. Proehl was targeted 10 times and tallied five receptions for 88 yards and two scores against the DC Defenders. Silvers is dealing with an ankle injury from the season opener, but is listed as probable to play. He had plenty of success with Proehl before, so it makes sense to go back to him.

Captain Courageous

Quinton Flowers, QB, Vipers ($12,300)

Flowers might not even be the starting quarterback in Week 2, as coach Marc Trestman has yet to rule out Taylor Cornelius ($14,100, $9,400) ahead of Week 2. Both are likely to get some reps under center while Aaron Murray is out of commission with a foot injury. Flowers completed one of his two passes he threw last weekend for 37 yards, but was mainly utilized as a rushing option, picking up 34 yards on five attempts. The fact that Cornelius didn’t log any snaps in Week 1 makes it seem like Flowers is the better option. His ability to move the chains with his legs gives him more fantasy value — especially since nobody has seen Cornelius do anything yet.

Flex Men

Dan Williams, WR, Vipers ($10,800)

The only reason I resisted playing Williams as a captain is because of the quarterback situation. Although Williams leads the XFL in receiving yards (123), he’s likely developed limited chemistry with either of the backups that’ll take the field. There’s still a chance that he’ll be Tampa Bay’s top target because of his Week 1 showing. He’s a wild card, but taking the risk might be worth it here.

Keenan Reynolds, WR, Dragons ($10,400)

Reynolds was expected to be the Dragons’ top wideout at the start of the season, but had an underwhelming debut. He notched two receptions for five yards, but also received seven targets. Although Proehl outpaced him in targets, Seattle believes Reynolds’ athleticism can be a major asset when he has the ball in his hands. They should continue going back to him. His price dropping from $9,000 also makes playing him here sensible.