Is this the biggest Sunday Night Football of all time? Will the Ravens’ improbable run from 1-5 continue with the return of Lamar? Can the Steelers stay solid as steel and steal Cinderella’s story?
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (BAL @ PIT)
Captain’s Pick
Derrick Henry ($17,100 CP): This might be the last big showdown slate of the season. Why play it safe? There will be plenty of playoff showdown slates through early February. And it’s not playing it safe. It’s playing it smart. This is King Henry’s time of year. As North America cools, Henry heats up. The days are short, but his rushes are not. Take the volume and ceiling and make the next pick.
UTIL Plays
Aaron Rodgers ($10,000): This pick is much more dangerous than making Derrick Henry captain. DK Metcalf and Darnell Washington are out. The former is more significant, but the 6-7 (my apologies) 300-pound tight end plays a large role in a Steelers offense that features unconventional personnel formations. The Steelers move the ball on the ground with a wall of blockers. Jaylen Warren has played well over the last two weeks, but his season has been lackluster. The Ravens can focus on the run. That leaves the game in the hands of Rodgers for what might be his final run.
Kenneth Gainwell ($8,800): The Steelers named Gainwell Team MVP this week. The longtime backup has long been a standout MVP on the showdown slate. He was often the discount option for the Eagles for one-game slates. He’s trusted, talented, and gets just the right amount of work. This season, he’s got a lot of work, amassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 65 catches. The Rodgers-Gainwell combo is the key to victory on Sunday night. Rodgers has few receiving options, and the Ravens concede passes to backs.
Adam Thielen ($5,600): There are a lot of directions to go with this pick. Rodgers could throw in any direction. Even if it’s in Thielen’s direction, it doesn’t guarantee completions or yardage. The Steelers’ pass catchers provide value. With a depleted corps and a positive matchup, it’s hard to avoid taking this chance. Thielen is old, but he can be trusted. Rodgers can rely on Thielen making the right reads and being where he needs to be. The question isn’t one of opportunity, but can Thielen complete the job?
Fade
Lamar Jackson ($11,600): This makes or breaks the slate. Take a stand. Jackson isn’t healthy. He’s not an MVP this season. The Ravens will hand the ball to Derrick Henry 30 to 40 times and take their chances.
The Outcome
The Steelers were once unbeatable under the lights at home. That’s no longer a thing. Mike Tomlin is no longer a thing. That’s why the Steelers win. Pittsburgh wins at home, and Tomlin survives another season.
