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Fantasy Football Captain Picks Today: Top Week 17 Sunday Night Football DraftKings DFS Captain Plays

Fantasy Football Captain Picks Today: Top Week 17 Sunday Night Football DraftKings DFS Captain Plays

Published:

By: Xaiver Aguiar

The Falcons look to keep their postseason dreams alive against a feisty Commanders squad 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] (ATL @ WAS)

DraftKings Showdown Captain (CPT) Picks

Jayden Daniels ($17,700)

Jayden Daniels is already one of the most consistently dominant fantasy weapons. The former Heisman Trophy winner has translated his game masterfully to the NFL, using his legs to cripple defenses and his arm to take the top off the shell downfield. Daniels is a statistical machine, amassing over 3,300 yards through the air and more than 700 on the ground.

He’s scored over 23 fantasy points in four straight outings, including a 36-point outing in the dramatic comeback victory against Philadelphia. Daniels is a superstar regardless of matchup and has the safest floor of a first-year signal caller since Andrew Luck over a decade ago. Atlanta struggles to generate a consistent pass rush, and if Daniels isn’t going to face consistent pressure, he will have a monster showing.

Bijan Robinson ($16,500)

No matter how frustrating of a watch Bijan Robinson is on occasion, it’s undeniable how electric he can be with the rock in his hands. Like the rest of Atlanta’s young skill position players, the second-year back has had plenty of ups and downs. It’s easy to blame the organization or coaching instead of the intriguing hyper-athletic athletes who should shine on paper, but at some point, the individuals on the field have to catch some flak. Robinson might not be a consensus top-three rusher, but he’s on the precipice just a tier below that.

Despite commanding over 20 touches a game, Robinson’s efficiency has been about average. Even if his yards per carry are mediocre at times, he gets so much volume near the goalline and in the passing game that his fantasy output is never a concern. A more consistent passing attack should only lighten the box for Robinson, who possesses home run hitting potential.

Michael Penix Jr. ($13,200)

If he can stay healthy, Michael Penix Jr. is going to be a top-ten signal caller in the league. The southpaw has superb arm talent, an ideal blend of zip out of his release, and power to drive the ball deep down the gridiron. He can navigate a muddied pocket with ease and step up to deliver darts. He fell in the draft due to his injury history, not his abilities.

His debut as a starter was much better on film than illustrated in the box score, with his interception occurring entirely due to Kyle Pitts’ increasing incompetence. Penix had impeccable timing and was nailing every read. He’s going to be a franchise pillar if he is upright and will only progress as he gets more experience. Penix is used to the spotlight, and the importance of the contest shouldn’t faze him.

Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (ATL @ WAS)


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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.

Xaiver joined DraftKings in August 2024, fresh out of the University of Oregon. The Massachusetts native was commenting on his sports video games by the time he could tie his shoes and fantasized about turning his favorite hobby into his future career. He might not have grown tall enough to be an elite stretch-five who could rock the rim, but this content-creating thing is a decent second option.
Disclaimer

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.