Best lineup strategy for Steelers vs. Bengals Madden simulation Showdown

There will be a simulated AFC North matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. ET. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for the DFS contests centered around the game. You can set your lineup and play at DraftKings.

Captain’s Picks

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers ($14,700)

Usually I’d be against captaining Smith given his level of production, but Cincinnati’s defense is bad enough to make him a top target. He has 91 speed can make him a threat after the catch, and his SLOT-O-MATIC trait gives him quicker cutting and improved catching when lined up in the slot. I think he could let loose on a Bengals defense that’s given up a lot of points to wide receivers.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers ($16,500)

Roethlisberberger is another captain’s candidate to consider. He should also benefit from Cincinnati’s weak secondary and has three superstar traits at his disposal. His WR2 and WR3 have been productive, and so has Vance McDonald at tight end. This is a game where he could rack up passing yardage.

Flex Men

Jaylen Samuels, RB, Steelers ($1,600)

If you’re going to roster a running back, Samuels is a good place to start. Neither team gets a ton of production out of the backfield from starters, but Samuels and Cincinnati’s Giovani Bernard ($3,200) both provide pass catching out of the backfield as RB2s for cheap.

Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals ($7,600)

Boyd has been Cincinnati’s top wideout and shouldn’t be covered by Joe Haden too often. He doesn’t have superstar traits but is Cincinnati’s slot receiver, which means he has a better chance to find holes in Pittsburgh’s coverage.