:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66621226/usa_today_13706749.0.jpg)
DraftKings will have a classic NFL contest centered around Wednesday’s three-game Madden 20 simulation slate. The first game will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET and the last game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Oakland (still) Raiders, and Buffalo Bills will be featured in the lineup. We break down the best options at each position, and you can join the contest here.
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield ($5,700) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Mayfield has a ton of weapons to use against one of the worst defensive units in the game. Cincinnati’s underwhelming talent in the secondary should help Mayfield capitalize on the talents of Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, and more.
Other options: Josh Allen ($7,000) vs. Raiders
Running back
Nick Chubb ($6,800) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Chubb is the most expensive running back in the slate, and I think he’s worth his price. He’s one of the best rated players at his position, and the Bengals have one of the worst rated linebacker groups. His matchup is more ideal than the rest of the options, so you might as well pay up.
Saquon Barkley ($6,600) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Barkley failed to meet expectations in his first sim, and I don’t think he’ll fall short two times straight. He’s one of the most versatile running backs in the game, and has a good chance to eclipse the 13 rushing yards he totaled in his last outing. Jacksonville has talent on the defensive line, but the rest of the team should be spread too thin dealing with other threats to stop Barkley from gaining momentum.
Other option: Leonard Fournette ($5,500) vs. Giants
Wide receiver
Golden Tate ($5,900) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Tate has a great price for a WR1. His catching (88) is tied with Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard for a team high, and his 89 catching in traffic tops on the Giants. Tate has the potential to have a huge game, but you also don’t have to break the bank to roster him. He gives you reasonable flexibility to recover if he’s a dud.
Jarvis Landry ($6,700) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The drop in quality between Cincinnati’s best corner and second best corner is significant, and that should make Landry one of the best wide receiver plays you can make. He doesn’t have Beckham’s speed or dynamic ability in the open field, but he does have a better catching rating (90). Opting for Landry over Beckham could save you some major salary space without losing much production.
Other option: Tyler Boyd ($4,200) vs. Browns
Tight End
Darren Waller ($5,700) vs. Buffalo Bills
Waller is the best pass catcher Oakland has to offer and caught two touchdowns passes in his last sim appearance. He’ll have to deal with much less competition than Engram ($6,000) and probably has a higher floor. Tight ends have done well so far, and I think Waller will continue to perform at a high level by stringing together a second straight strong performance.
Other option: Evan Engram ($6,000) vs. Jaguars
Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo Bills D/ST vs. Oakland Raiders
Buffalo has playmakers all over the defensive side of the ball, and the Raiders don’t have any legitimate stars. Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow are far from game changers at wideout, and we haven’t seen running backs generate a ton of yardage on the ground. I think Buffalo’s tough defensive front makes things hard for Oakland.
Other option: Browns ($4,000) vs. Bengals