Best lineup strategy for Patriots vs. Chargers Madden simulation Showdown

The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers will face off in the first Madden sim of the weekend on Saturday 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

Mike Williams, WR, Chargers ($9,600)

While Keenan Allen is the best route runner in the game and one of the more consistent wideouts we’ve seen this sim season, he’ll primarily be matched up with Stephon Gilmore — highest rated cornerback in the game. That doesn’t necessarily mean Allen won’t be productive, but his ceiling should be lowered. Williams has been a touchdown machine as the Chargers’ WR2 and should have a less challenging matchup.

James White, RB, Patriots ($12,000)

Don’t get me wrong. Tom Brady is great in Madden. But this isn’t the kind of secondary you want him up against with his below average receiving corp. Los Angeles has a secondary that could negate the effectiveness of the Patriots’ wideouts significantly, so I like White to make an impact catching passes out of the backfield more. He’s a threat to run for over 100 yards and also has the second best catching among running backs.

Flex Men

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers ($10,800)

Brady is the better quarterback on paper, but Rivers has the better receiving group. Brady is more expensive but probably won’t be far off Rivers in terms of production. Get the cheaper, more consistent option with better targets.

Ben Watson, TE, Patriots ($6,600)

Watson has benefitted from a playbook that was made for Rob Gronkowski and comes down with the ball more often than not when it comes his way. He’s actually one of the top performers at tight end despite not being elite in any area. Brady looks his way often, and Watson capitalizes on the opportunities he gets to reach double-digits in fantasy points most of the time.