The Chargers and Chiefs square off in a divisional battle that will impact AFC positioning on Sunday 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 Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (LAC @ KC)
DraftKings Showdown Captain (CPT) Picks
Patrick Mahomes ($16,200)
The reigning, defending, undisputed holder of the “best quarterback on the planet” belt has looked far more human this year. Even with Kansas City atop the AFC, something has seemed off with Patrick Mahomes. The counting stats don’t jump off the page; he’s missing more basic reads, and somehow, the superstar signal caller is still coming through for his squad weekly.
The weapons around Mahomes aren’t great, and drops and miscommunications with his pass catchers have been increasingly glaring concerns. With the ground game failing to generate consistent production, Mahomes’ volume has seen a steady uptick. He’s been hovering around 40 throws a game across his last five outings, which has seen his fantasy output increase.
Mahomes only scored 14 fantasy points in the earlier meeting but has been consistently in the high teens to mid-twenties across the last month. He’s 9-2 against Los Angeles, and if that dominance continues, it’ll be the All-Pro gunslinger at the forefront.
Justin Herbert ($14,700)
There was a moment when Justin Herbert was getting plenty of dark horse MVP buzz. The fifth-year pro has received plenty of criticism for his lack of postseason success, but it’s clear franchise incompetence across the board has hindered his growth. With an organizational turnover, Los Angeles is far from perfect, but coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff are making the most of this flawed roster, with Herbert as the nucleus.
Last week, the Oregon product had his worst showing of the season against an Atlanta defense that came into the matchup with historically bad numbers rushing the passer. If Herbert isn’t on, this entire offensive system can’t function. He’s still managed to make an impact in his poor performances since he’s prioritizing holding onto the rock, tossing just one pick on the campaign.
Herbert is playing a Kansas City secondary that just let Aidan O’Connell torch them through the air. This is the best time to get KC, and Herbert will be motivated to split the season series.
Ladd McConkey ($14,100)
Ladd McConkey is the only consistent receiver in LA. If he’s not open, the passing attack gets totally disrupted. That rarely happens because, even as a rookie, McConkey is one of the most gifted route runners in the league. He creates ample separation and can even navigate outside the slot and do damage on the perimeter.
McConkey is coming off a nine-catch, 117-yard masterpiece where he did his best Wes Welker impersonation, carving up the Atlanta defense with quick hitters and crossers over the middle. He’s had at least five catches in three straight games and has taken on the role of WR1. If McConkey keeps getting peppered with targets, he’s an elite DFS play who isn’t touchdown dependent.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (LAC @ KC)
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and 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.
