Best lineup strategy for Eagles vs. Packers Madden simulation Showdown

Thursday’s second Madden 20 sim will feature the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. The game will kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET and DraftKings will have a DFS contest available. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for matchup, which you can play here.

Captain’s Picks

Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles ($15,600)

Aaron Rodgers is the better quarterback, but Wentz has more weapons to work with. Since this is the sim, the Eagles will have DeSean Jackson to pair with Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz. Then there’s the versatile Miles Sanders out of the backfield. Philadelphia’s offensive talent trumps Green Bay’s. It’s as simple as that.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers ($16,500)

Davante Adams is a dangerous weapon, but the rest of the Packers’ receivers are subpar. However, none of the Eagles’ weapons will be more valuable than Rodgers alone, making him the second best captain’s pick. His accuracy is a tier below elite at all three levels and Jimmy Graham will probably be more involved than he was in real life this past season. Rodgers is a safe pick with a higher floor than the other options available.

Flex Men

Jimmy Graham, TE, Packers ($6,800)

I’m going to keep rolling with tight ends in the flex until I see definitive evidence that they aren’t reliable. He and Adams are the only pass catchers on Green Bay with overall ratings above 80. Running backs haven’t been very productive through the air in sims so far, so don’t count on Jones to be Rodgers’ second option.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles ($6,400)

Jackson might be a little pricey, but he won’t cost as much as Adams. He’s one of the best deep threats in the game with 94 speed and top-notch acceleration and agility to match. His 97 stamina is the second best mark at his position, so he can go long all game. Jackson could become more of a factor late in the game when the opposition is tired because of this trait. He has more big-play potential than Ertz.