AFC North rivals collide when the Ravens and Bengals go to battle 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. Below, I’ve honed in on the top three options deserving of leading your lineup.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (CIN @ BAL)
DraftKings Showdown Captain (CPT) Picks
Lamar Jackson ($17,100)
With each show-stealing performance, Lamar Jackson seems on a collision course for his third MVP. Baltimore’s 6-3 record is so much more impressive because it’s primarily Jackson, not the offensive scheme, Hall of Fame coach, or once crippling defense, that deserves all the praise. From a fantasy standpoint, no one is operating in his stratosphere so far in this campaign. He’s the overall QB1 by over 24 points and has scored at least 20 points in seven of nine contests.
He’s still electric with the rock in his hands, averaging six yards a carry, and is on the precipice of his third 1,000-yard season on the ground. It’s the passing going up another level that’s been astonishing to witness. Jackson has had five consecutive 280+ yard outings through the air with the highest completion percentage of his career. No DFS starter has a higher floor or ceiling, which makes the 27-year-old a perfect anomaly.
In the prior meeting against Cincinnati, he had four passing scores and chipped in 55 yards with his legs. That should be much of the same this time around in a short week. Jackson is the clear-cut favorite for captain candidacy.
Derrick Henry ($16,800)
Did GM’s around the league genuinely think Derrick Henry was near the cliff? In modern times, elite running backs struggle to maintain performance past their fifth season, let alone their ninth, but Henry is a different breed. The blend of size and speed has always made defenders quiver, but it has helped Henry age like fine wine. He’s already surpassed 1,000 yards and has been virtually unstoppable.
The backfield partnership with Jackson and playing behind a solid offensive line has unlocked this new level for the game’s best rusher. Unlike in recent years in Tennessee, when there was a revolving door at the signal caller, you can’t stack the box against him because the rest of this Ravens offense is that potent.
Henry essentially walked off the Bengals in week five, and their shaky linebacker corps has no answer for the superstar. If he can find the endzone a few times, his output could be too great to ignore.
Ja’Marr Chase ($16,200)
After a disappointing start, Ja’Marr Chase has reclaimed his spot as one of the best wideouts in the sport. He’s a nightmare on the perimeter, consistently getting open and athletic enough to take any pass to the house. The box score numbers have taken a dip in recent weeks, but there’s room for improvement.
Chase is coming off consecutive showings with 11 targets with only 97 combined yards. Consistently getting looks is half the battle. If he can execute further down the field, that’ll help generate better production.
The LSU product had the best game of his campaign against Baltimore, going for 193 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Replicating that monstrous showing is unlikely, but he’s due for an impressive evening.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $1.25M Thursday Night Showdown [$300K to 1st] (CIN @ BAL)
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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 skills 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.
