The lights shine bright in Los Angeles as the Steelers face the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. DraftKings’ $1M Showdown contest offers a $250K top prize, making every snap matter for DFS players. Let’s break down the key plays, values, and game script to build winning lineups for PIT vs. LAC.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (PIT @ LAC)
Captain’s Picks
Justin Herbert ($15,900 CP): It doesn’t get chalkier than this. Showdown slates are notorious for eating the chalk. The player pools are shallow. With the Chargers relying on a pass-heavy approach to offset an inconsistent — injury-depleted — ground game, Justin Herbert ($15,900 CP) offers one of the strongest fantasy ceilings on the slate. He’s thrown for 2,390 yards and 18 touchdowns through nine games while adding over 300 rushing yards, providing both safety and explosive upside. Consistent passing volume, deep-ball accuracy, and red-zone usage give him multiple paths to a top-tier performance. In a Showdown format where ceiling output is king, Herbert’s dual-threat status as QB1 and RB2 makes him a premier captain option.
UTIL Plays
Jaylen Warren ($9,000): Despite modest overall production, Warren remains a viable Showdown play thanks to his steady workload and role in Pittsburgh’s offense. Through nine games, he’s logged 99 carries for 404 yards (4.1 YPC) and two touchdowns, while adding 26 receptions for 191 yards as a reliable checkdown option. That dual involvement keeps him on the field in all game scripts and gives him a consistent fantasy floor. With the Chargers allowing over 4.9 rushing yards per attempt and registering a league-average number against receiving running backs, Warren’s mix of rushing volume and passing-game usage makes him an efficient midrange flex or contrarian captain choice. Pittsburgh has names like Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf, but the Steelers’ brand in 2025 is rooted in 1955. They run 12,13, and 14 personnel. It’s Smash Mouth. Warren isn’t an MVP, but he is if the V stands for volume rather than value.
Quentin Johnston ($7,000): He’s finally starting to show signs of life in the Chargers’ offense. After a disappointing rookie season, Quentin Johnston is living up to the promise of being a first-round pick. He took a step forward with 55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in his second season. His third season in the NFL could be his breakout. The 2023 first-round pick has seen a decrease in volume over the last month, but he is still scoring touchdowns. Volume will always be a problem and a benefit. The Chargers have three capable receivers. There’s less to go around, but this makes the opposing defense chase around. With defenses focusing on Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey , Johnston has benefited from more single coverage and opportunities downfield. His big-play speed and red-zone size give him tournament-winning upside at a modest salary, especially if Los Angeles stays aggressive through the air.
Oronde Gadsden II ($7,000): The Chargers have one healthy running back. Herbert has functioned as the team’s backup running back. That’s not sustainable. Los Angeles won’t last if Herbert has to get hit. The long run requires “no run.” The Chargers need to air it out. The good news is they can. Their offense has a cornucopia of receiving options. Alongside their three-star receivers stands Gadsden. The surprising fifth-round pick and son of an Arena Football League turned Miami Dolphins star is pacing towards 1,000 receiving yards.
Fades
Aaron Rodgers ($9,600): This is vintage Aaron Rodgers. It’s just vintage. He’s old. Rodgers is a game manager or a gridiron guardian. The latter is more charitable. The Steelers want to win games. They’re not the least bit flashy. It’s working. The team will likely win the AFC North and secure home playoff games. That’s all that really matters. Fantasy football doesn’t matter. It matters to DraftKings players, but not Mike Tomlin. The Steelers are a stay away.
The Outcome
The Steelers are back in primetime, but this time they’re not at home. Even at home, the often unbeatable Steelers, lost to the Packers by 10 points. The Steelers will try to grind this out, but the Chargers have too much fire power.
