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

The Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) have been one of the worst teams in the XFL this season and will have to face the undefeated Houston Roughnecks (2-0) Saturday in Week 3. Tampa Bay has had the most stagnant offense we’ve seen thus far, but Houston’s has been explosive and exciting. We break down how you should go about setting your lineups for Showdown contests featuring these two sides here.

Captain Obvious

P.J. Walker, QB, Roughnecks ($18,900)

Walker has emerged as one of the XFL’s top performers through two weeks and leads the league in touchdown passes (7) and quarterback rating (107.4). He’s aired the ball out more than any other signal caller and has also showcased the ability to extend plays with his legs. He averages more DKFP per game (27.5) than any other player and will face a Tampa Bay team that’s falling apart and losing faith in its head coach, Marc Trestman. The Vipers are at a low point, and facing what might be the most dynamic offensive unit in the league doesn’t look good for them.

Captain Courageous

Cam Phillips, WR, Roughnecks ($17,700)

Phillips leads all receivers in touchdown catches (4) and appears to be Walker’s favorite option out wide. He’s racked up 19 targets and hauled in 12 passes for 130 yards so far this season. Although he hasn’t been a full participant in practice this week because of an ankle injury, he should be able to go Saturday and complete Houston’s impressive receiving corps.

Flex Men

James Butler, RB, Roughnecks ($9,200)

The XFL hasn’t looked like much of a running back’s league, but Butler has carved out a role for himself in the Roughnecks’ pass-heavy offense. He only has 58 rushing yards on the year but has scored three touchdowns. He’s punched one ground score in each of his first two contests and notched a receiving touchdown last week. Although his carries might be limited, he’s caught all four of the balls that’ve been thrown his way and could continue to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield moving forward.

Dan Williams, WR, Vipers ($8,800)

Williams was one of the league’s most exciting players in Week 1. He tallied six receptions for 123 yards in his XFL debut, but fell significantly short of those numbers in Week 2. Vipers tarting quarterback, Aaron Murray is still sidelined with a foot injury while tight end Nick Truesdell will sit for Week 3 with a knee injury. This could make Williams Tampa Bay’s most dynamic offensive weapon for the foreseeable future. Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers just have to find a way to get him the ball.