DraftKings Fantasy Football features an NFC North showdown in Week 18. The DFS main slate may be in the books, but there is plenty of DFS action available for Sunday Night Football. Check out the NFL Showdown Slate DFS picks for the Week 18 Sunday Night Football matchup between the Vikings and Lions.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.2M Battle for a Bye [$300K to 1st] (MIN @ DET)
Captain’s Pick
Justin Jefferson ($17,100 CP): There are many question marks in Week 18. This game is only periods. It will settle the NFC, period. The winner gets the bye and the losing team—despite having the second-best record in the conference — says goodbye and hits the road for the playoffs. This is the biggest game of the season. The biggest players step up. Jefferson has stepped up all season. He stepped up on day one of his professional career. The winning lineup will feature the player with the biggest game regardless of his price. Jefferson has the highest probability of being that player.
UTIL Plays
Sam Darnold ($9,400): This is the customary handcuff play. If Jefferson is in the winning SNF NFL DFS lineup, then he’ll carry Darnold with him. The Darnold hype train is excessive. He didn’t suddenly develop into a great quarterback. Kevin O’Connell doesn’t have the Midis touch. Darnold is the same QB as in the past. The difference is that he has a decent offensive line and weapons for the first time. His stats are great but he is not. Only the stats matter in DFS.
Sam LaPorta ($5,800): Punting at tight end and praying for a touchdown is a popular showdown strategy. LaPorta is not a punt and prayers are required. He’s not as cheap as the typical long-shot tight end, but he’s significantly cheaper than other top-tier pass catchers.
Jake Bates ($5,000): The two best records in the NFC reflect the rosters. There is plenty of star power in this matchup. The stars shine bright and hypnotize DFS minds. The kicker goes overlooked. As good as each offense is, they don’t always score touchdowns. Road teams can’t always punch it in. Bates receives little attention, but he’s a big reason why the Lions are where they are. He’s consistent and dependable, but nothing special. That’s all the Lions need. That’s what a winning DFS lineup needs. Bates provides safe cheap points and low ownership.
Fades
Jahmyr Gibbs ($11,600): This is 100% game theory. There is no good reason not to pick Gibbs. He’s got the skills and the workload. Everyone wants him in their lineups. That’s the reason for the fade. Showdown slates have limited player pools. It’s all about leverage. Fading Gibbs creates significant differentiation. It allows more dynamic lineup builds. It’s risky but it’s Week 18. How many skates are left? It’s now or never.
THE OUTCOME
Admit it. You’ve secretly become a Lions fan. There is a soft spot in all of our hearts for Detroit. It’s a weakness in DFS. Objectivity is paramount. No one cares. The Lions are going to the Super Bowl!
Final Score: Lions 34, Vikings 30
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is greenflagradio2) 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 skill 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.
