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We’re all in need of some entertainment during these times of the unknown. DraftKings is doing its part by offering Madden simulations with a variety of teams going at it. For this piece, we’ll focus on the three-game late slate on Tuesday, which starts at 6:00 p.m. ET.
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The settings for this and all other Madden games are as follows:
GAME INFORMATION:
Difficulty: All-Madden
Game Style: Arcade
Event Type: Exhibition
Even Teams: Off
Quarter Length: 8 minutes
Accelerated Clock: On
Play Clock: 20 seconds
For all info on settings and upcoming games, click HERE.
Madden Stream: Texans vs. Lions
LIVE at 4 p.m. ET
Quarterbacks
Stud
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT at TB ($6,400)
The top-priced QBs on the slates aren’t in the best matchups or schemes to pay up for, so getting some savings to target against Tampa Bay’s secondary feels like the right move. Big Ben’s scored at least 20 DKFP in three straight sims, and we’ve seen some of the biggest outings through the air against the Bucs.
Value
Jameis Winston, TB vs. PIT ($6,200)
Winston’s actually regressed recently, showing a lower floor on multiple occasions in the last 8 games than we’d seen in the first 24 sim weeks. However, the Bucs are still a pass-heavy offense, and Winston’s big arm leaves a lot of Madden upside. Minshew’s the better “value” at his price, but I’d prefer exposure to Winston.
Other value option: Gardner Minshew ($5,500)
Running Backs
Stud
Dalvin Cook, MIN at JAX ($6,900)
Cook’s one of four every-down backs on the slate, but he’s the highest-scoring of the bunch, and just the third-most expensive. Cook also has the best matchup of the group, and plays in the most run-heavy offense. All things considered, Cook’s the easy play. He offers the most safety, paired with the highest ceiling.
Value
Jaylen Samuels, PIT at TB ($4,000)
There’s not much for value at RB on this slate, so I’d probably play two of the four top-priced targets. But if you need a value, I like the potential Samuels has in this matchup. Pittsburgh should be pass-heavy, particularly against Tampa. That means more Samuels on the field, giving him the upside for 4-5 receptions. Samuels has scored a touchdown in consecutive sims.
Other value option: Ronald Jones ($5,000),
Wide Receivers
Stud
JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT at TB ($6,600)
Targeting against the Bucs is obviously a theme here. After a tough start in the sims, JuJu’s been an extremely consistent play, offering far more ceiling games than floor games. JuJu’s exceeded 25 DKFP twice in his last four contests and has a good shot to have that type of sim in this matchup.
Value
Dede Westbrook, JAX vs. MIN ($3,900)
D.J. Chark ($7,000) is clearly the preferred target in the Jacksonville offense, but Westbrook’s mixing in for a solid role. He has four 20-plus DKFP sims, and game-script could set up for the Jags to be throwing from behind in this one.
Other value options: Breshad Perriman ($4,200), James Washington ($3,500)
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Tight Ends
Stud
O.J. Howard, TB vs. PIT ($5,200)
Howard’s had some really strong sims recently and shown as high an upside as any TE — three sims of over 30 DKFP since Week 18. The Steelers have strong corner play, leaving a softer matchup for opposing TEs. Look for Howard to see plenty of action over the middle.
Value
James O’Shaughnessy, JAX vs. MIN ($4,100)
The Jags get surprisingly good play from multiple areas of their passing game. Similar to Westbrook, playing from behind against Minnesota would be good for O’Shaughnessy’s potential, allowing for more short completions. He’s the cheapest of the six starting TEs on the slate, but just as dangerous as any. O’Shaughnessy’s scored over 23 DKFP in two of his last three sims.
Other value option: Vance McDonald ($4,700)
Defense/Special Teams
Stud
Vikings DST at JAX ($2,700)
While the Jags have nice value considerations, they still don’t have much potential to light it up on offense. The Vikings have a ton of playmakers on defense, scoring five touchdowns on top of solid sack/turnover potential.
Value
Panthers DST at DAL ($2,500)
Having an elite playmaker on defense can make all the difference in Madden. This play is simply to target Luke Kuechly, who can completely disrupt an offense with his ability to force turnovers.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.