Best lineup strategy for Lions vs. Cardinals Madden simulation Showdown

The Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals will play each other in the second game of Tuesday’s three-game NFL slate at 5:00 p.m. ET. DraftKings will stream a simulated Madden 20 game between the two via YouTube, and DraftKings will have DFS contests available for the matchup. We break down the ideal showdown lineup strategy for the contest.

Captain’s Picks

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions ($16,200)

Stafford’s 94 throwing power gives him one of the strongest arms in the game, and he also has one of the game’s better big receivers in Kenny Golladay. T.J. Hockenson, Marvin Jones, and Kerryon Johnson should also be assets to the signal caller on a team that relies on passing as much as much as the Lions do.

Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals ($15,300)

Larry Fitzgerald has reliable hands, and both David Johnson and Kenyan Drake could be valuable contributors to the passing game through out of the backfield. What really sets Murray over the top is his legs. His speed (91) is only second to Lamar Jackson at the quarterback position. He has a chance to light up Detroit’s porous secondary through the air and can make plays by taking off when things break down.

Flex Men

Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions ($8,400)

None of Johnson’s individual stats jump out at me — aside from his 93 jumping that won’t be a factor. However, he has one of the better catching ratings (69) at his position. That could help him maximize his number of touches.

Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals ($8,000)

Drake brings a skillset that’s similar to Johnson’s, but he’s a little faster and more elusive. You could consider substituting him for David Johnson ($2,800), but backup running backs have been far from reliable in Madden simulations so far.