It’s a battle for NFC West supremacy when the 49ers square off with the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.
It’s primetime, which means DraftKings has a premier showdown contest. In this mode, choosing the best captain is critical since they earn 1.5x fantasy points. I’ve narrowed down my three favorite players deserving of claiming the crown to lead your squad to victory.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (SF @ SEA)
DraftKings Showdown Captain (CPT) Picks
Jordan Mason ($15,300)
Christian McCaffrey is irreplaceable, but Jordan Mason has done a commendable job of trying to replicate his superstar teammate’s production. The undrafted back out of Georgia Tech has more than doubled the combined carry total of his first two seasons and has made the most of the opportunity. He trails only Derrick Henry in rushing yards and runs over 20 yards, while chipping in three touchdowns.
He’s a tough runner who can get downhill in a hurry and plow through arm tackles. Kyle Shanahan can’t stick just anyone in the backfield and have them put up numbers— Mason is a force between the tackles and would be a starter on most teams throughout the league.
He’s limited in the receiving game, only corralling seven passes on the young campaign so far. However, the 25-year-old is shifty in the open field and should garner looks as a dump-off threat. Against a Seattle defense that has been abysmal in all phases, Mason’s workload in a juggernaut offense is worthy of captainship.
Kenneth Walker III ($14,700)
Kenneth Walker III is the definition of a “film will always trump the box score” guy. His counting stats are impressive enough, averaging 5.5 yards an attempt and having found the endzone four times in three contests. On tape, he’s nothing short of spectacular, with the chance to be the best player at his position.
This revelation shouldn’t be surprising—he was a Heisman candidate at Michigan State, terrorizing the Big Ten on the ground and winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top rusher. He is 5’9″ with a 6’5″ presence and possesses a freakish blend of muscle and speed. What elevates the third-year pro isn’t his frame but his eyes. His vision is elite, navigating lanes and routinely turning negative plays into positive gains.
The Seahawks’ offensive line is average at best, which hinders Walker from becoming the RB1 overall in fantasy. Yet, as a DFS option in a favorable spot against a reeling San Francisco front seven, he’s a no-brainer to lead your squad. An efficient bell-cow with premium upside is hard to find — don’t overlook the obvious.
Geno Smith ($13,800)
Geno Smith has surpassed a cute story that would adapt well to a Disney movie — he’s a floor-raiser keeping Seattle afloat. The franchise has tried to invest up front, but with the absence of George Fant due to injury, the pass protection is among the worst in the league. Despite facing constant pressure, Smith is fourth in completion percentage and leads the league in passing yards.
It helps to have a trio of talented pass catchers, but Smith is a marksman who isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield. The issue with having three capable receivers is that it’s hard for fantasy managers to navigate which will perform in any given matchup. Hedge your chances and take the signal-caller who is fighting for a contract extension.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.5M Thursday Night Showdown [$500K to 1st] (SF @ SEA)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar 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 do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. 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.
