There will be even more NFL DFS available this weekend, but it’ll be a little different from the simulations we’ve seen so far. Saturday’s matchup between the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints will be played out with a computer controlling both sides on Madden NFL 20.
The scoring will mirror that of a regular NFL DFS contest and rosters will not reflect any moves made following the 2019 season. We broke down the best lineup strategies for the game, which you can play at DraftKings.
Captain’s Picks
Drew Brees, QB, Saints ($16,500)
Brees’ 94 rating is the third highest in the game. He only trails Patrick Mahomes (99) and Russell Wilson (97) among quarterbacks and will benefit from facing one of the worst secondaries in the league. Brees will be at 100% and won’t be affected by the thumb injury that hindered his production in 2019.
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints ($16,200)
Thomas has the highest overall rating (99) in Madden and has a good chance to torch the Texans. He led the league in receptions with a single-season record 149 catches in 2019, as well as receiving yards (1,795). Houston’s best defensive back — Jonathan Joseph — has a rating of 82, and much better cornerbacks had a problem containing Thomas this year. Stacking him with Brees is definitely pricey, but it might be worth it.
Flex Options
Will Fuller V, WR, Texans ($7,000)
Fuller is the second option in Houston’s receiving corps and could get some favorable matchup while DeAndre Hopkins is matched up with Marshon Lattimore. His 95 speed makes him a threat to get in behind New Orleans’ lesser defensive backs.
Duke Johnson, RB, Texans ($2,000)
Johnson might’ve been second to Carlos Hyde on the depth chart last season, but his 82 rating is three higher than Hyde’s 79. Hyde also lacks Johnson’s versatility, and that could give Johnson more upside in this game. The Saints have one of the best run-stopping fronts in the NFL, so but most of Johnson’s value is as a pass catcher, making him a sneaky, cheap pick that could pan out in a big way.