Best lineup strategy for Falcons vs. Browns Madden simulation Showdown

The Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns will face off in a Madden sim Thursday at 4:00 p.m. ET. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for the DFS contest that will be played in the snow. You can set your lineup and play in the DraftKings contest before kickoff.

Captain’s Pick

Calvin Ridley ($10,200)

There’s a lot to like about Ridley at Captain. We can safely assume that the ownership for a handful of players in this contest will be higher — Julio Jones, Odell Beckham Jr. and Devonta Freeman to name a few. Ridley has a ceiling in the 20-25 points range, which is perfect. He gives us the opportunity to build a more balanced lineup as well.

Fade of the Game

Nick Chubb ($11,700 CP)

Chubb splits the Cleveland backfield with Kareem Hunt, so there isn’t as much value in the prized RB. Normally, Chubb would be getting almost all the work, but not seeing anything in the passing game hurts. Chubb just didn’t get much love from the Madden ratings and isn’t as effective. He’s a pretty safe fade in this contest. Focus more on WRs.

Value Picks

Damion Ratley ($4,400) — Ratley is a high-risk, high-reward type of WR play in sim land. This is the case for most wideouts priced under $5K. Ratley doesn’t see many targets, so he’s going to be TD dependent plus has a low floor. He has some pop, however, and this matchup is solid against a weak Falcons secondary.

Austin Seibert ($3,800) — I know, I know, he’s a kicker. Kickers are people too! Well, sort of. Seibert is definitely a good consideration as a leverage place in the FLEX. If this game sees a lot of scoring opportunities, the Browns could have a lot of FG attempts. Seibert has had plenty of games in double-digit fantasy points. He’s capable of returning value at under $4K.