Best lineup strategy for Los Angeles-New York in DraftKings Showdown

The Los Angeles Wildcats will visit the New York Guardians Saturday in a Week 4 XFL matchup. The Wildcats ran up the score on the DC Defenders in Week 3 while the Guardians dropped a second straight game. We broke down some ideal Showdown lineup strategies for DraftKings DFS contests centered around this matchup.

Captain Obvious

Josh Johnson, QB, Wildcats ($16,200)

Johnson is dealing with the same thigh injury that had him listed as questionable in Week 3. He played through the pain and threw for 278 yards and three scores in a blowout win against the then-undefeated Defenders. He’s totaled 26 DKFP against what had been one of the most consistent defensive units in the XFL and will follow that up against a Guardians team that’s been blown out for two weeks straight. The odds are in Johnson’s favor — even with top wideout Nelson Spruce ruled out.

Captain Courageous

Marquise Williams, QB, Guardians ($12,000)

Week 1 starter Matt McGloin suffered a rib injury in Week 3, and Williams filled in for a spell before eventually being relieved by Luis Perez ($10,500/$7,000). Williams was 7-of-15 for 95 yards while Perez was 4-of-5 for 39 yards and a score. These two backups will be competing for a starting spot Saturday, and the winner of the battle could be worth captaining.

Flex Men

Tre McBride, WR, Wildcats ($10,400)

McBride burst onto the scene in Week 3 by notching five receptions for 109 yards and two scores. He’s listed as probable to play because of a thigh injury that’s bothered him since the beginning of the season, but it appears like he’s starting to build rapport with Johnson. He’s a candidate who could become the Wildcats’ WR1 with Spruce out, but Jordan Smallwood ($7,800) is also in the running.

Wildcats D/ST ($6,400)

Los Angeles tallied four interceptions against DC last week and only forked up nine points. Now it’ll be up against a New York team that’s scored nine points in its last two games. The Guardians’ quarterback situation is shaky, and they don’t have any consistent weapons on the offensive end. It’s hard to see New York come alive in Week 4 under these circumstances.