Best lineup strategy for DC vs. LA in DraftKings Showdown

The DC Defenders (2-0) have climbed to the top of the XFL standings and have played like one of the best teams in the league thus far. They’ll take on the Los Angeles Wildcats (1-1) Sunday and attempt to remain unbeaten this year. We broke down ideal Showdown strategies for DraftKings contests centered around the matchup.

Captain Obvious

Cardale Jones, QB, Defenders ($16,500)

Jones had the most passing yards in the XFL (511) through two weeks and has totaled four touchdowns throws with one interception so far this year. He has a versatile receiving corps and hasn’t lost as a starting quarterback since high school. He and the Houston Roughnecks’ P.J. Walker have stood out among quarterbacks, and the fact that Los Angeles has given up an average of 31 points per contest helps justify captaining him.

Captain Courageous

Nelson Spruce, WR, Wildcats ($17,100)

Spruce is clearly Los Angeles’ top offensive weapon, but he’s a riskier pick because of injuries to his team’s signal callers. Josh Johnson ($13,200/$8,800) is questionable to play because of the same thigh injury that held him out of Week 1 and was limited in practice this week. Backup quarterback Charles Kanoff, who played for most of the season opener, is out with shoulder and head injuries. If Johnson does play, Spruce should be productive. He led all receivers in receptions (17) and receiving yards (192) through Week 2. He’s hauled in two touchdown passes, and both came from Johnsons last weekend.

Flex Men

Defenders’ defense/special teams ($6,800)

DC’s defense has been spectacular this year, and the stars are aligning in a way that could help it maintain its dominance. The Defenders’ defense/special teams have racked up three touchdowns, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries while forking up a mere 19 points. The unit is averaging 23.5 DKFP per contest and will face a Wildcats team with a murky quarterback situation. If Johnson can’t go, Los Angeles might be forced to go with Jalan McClendon ($10,200/$7,000), who is 1-for-4 with zero passing yards this season.

Eli Rogers, WR, Defenders ($9,600)

There’s no clear WR1 for DC, but Rogers leads all Defenders receivers with 11 receptions. He has 122 receiving yards on the year. He might not have any touchdowns yet this year, but it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the end zone. Rogers and Rashad Ross ($9,200) have both tallied double-digits in every game this season. Either of them could have breakout performances against the Wildcats.