We’re all in need of some entertainment during these times of the unknown. DraftKings is doing its part by offering Madden simulations with a variety of teams going at it. For this piece, we’ll focus on the six-game slate on Thursday, which starts at 12:00 p.m. ET.
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QUATERBACKS
Stud
Drew Brees, NO vs. KC, $7,800 - You get the feeling that a lot of people are going to choose their QB from this primetime matchup between the Saints and Chiefs. Honestly, it’s hard to blame them. Both Brees and Patrick Mahomes ($8,100) have huge amounts of upside. Brees, in particular, has reached the 300-yard bonus four times in his past nine starts and I’d like to think he’ll do it again on Thursday, especially considering he’ll add a superstar trait with this contest being indoors.
Value
Cam Newton, CAR at WAS, $6,300 - This version of Newton is still a little too immobile for my liking, but this is a nice price point against a Washington defense that has bled points to opposing quarterbacks all throughout these streams. It’s not like Newton hasn’t flashed some ceiling in recent simulations, too. The former first-overall pick has tossed seven touchdowns in Carolina’s past two games, and on top of that, Newton’s exceeded 20.0 DKFP seven times in his last 19 starts.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud
Ezekiel Elliott, DAL at PHI, $6,900 - Elliott didn’t do much the last time these two squads squared off in a simulation, but it should be noted that that meeting took place prior to the switch to Arcade Mode or eight minute quarters. Also, when it really comes down to it, I couldn’t care less about matchup when it comes to Dallas’ RB. Elliott has managed to score at least 17.0 DKFP in 13 of the Cowboys’ last 20 streams. It’s a stretch that’s also seen the Ohio State product hit the 100-yard bonus on seven occasions.
Value
Miles Sanders, PHI vs. DAL, $5,100 - While the outputs haven’t been as gargantuan as they were a couple months back, I think we can all agree that Sanders remains far too inexpensive on these slates. The rookie has managed to bring back double-digit DKFP in 10 of his last 13 simulations, the result of essentially being a three-down back. It also doesn’t hurt that the Eagles’ offensive line - led by Brandon Brooks - is one of the best run-blocking units in Madden.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud
Tyreek Hill, KC at NO, $7,700 - Is Hill going to be able to re-create his 46.4 DKFP outburst from the Chiefs’ recent win over the Ravens? Probably not. Still, it’s a nice reminder of what the wideout’s ceiling actually is. Hill’s exceeded 22.0 DKFP in six of Kansas City’s past nine games, and for the “season” as a whole, he’s crossed the 20.0 DKFP threshold 15 times. Also, when these teams met previously, Hill racked up 151 yards and a TD. Pretty, pretty good.
Value
Robert Woods, LAR vs. TEN, $5,200 - Woods is simply too cheap. At least when compared directly to his teammate Cooper Kupp ($6,800). I mean, while Kupp might lead the Rams in receptions (153) and receiving yards (2,103), Woods isn’t too far behind with his own totals of 151 catches and 1,992 yards. Plus, it’s Woods who ranks first on the roster in receiving touchdowns (15). Now the price gap doesn’t make much sense, does it?
TIGHT ENDS
Stud
Jared Cook, NO vs. KC, $5,000 - Cook has been a certified beast in these simulations. Though something like this would never happen in real-life, it’s actually Cook - not Michael Thomas ($8,000) - who leads New Orleans in receptions with 195. In fact, it’s not even all that close, as the veteran has a 21-catch cushion on his teammate. Heck, Cook’s averaging 6.1 receptions per game across his last 13 streams. That’s nearly an unmatched level of floor.
Value
T.J. Hockenson, DET vs. ARI, $4,000 - While nothing would make me want to get too much exposure to this matchup, taking a chance on Hockenson isn’t the worst idea in the world. The rookie has averaged a robust 17.1 DKFP across his past five games and that includes two performances of at least 27.0 DKFP. In this spot, all I’m looking for is a high ceiling.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud
Panthers, CAR at WAS, $2,800 - This really isn’t all that difficult a decision to make. Thanks primarily to Luke Kuechly, the Panthers come into this slate leading all 12 available defenses in sacks (76) and fumbles recovered (31). When you consider that a majority of teams don’t even have 15 forced turnovers overall, that’s impressive stuff.
Value
Jets, NYJ vs. DEN, $2,100 - What a perfect spot for the Jets. There is zero reason that this unit should ever be the cheapest on a slate. New York has 41 forced turnovers and seven defensive touchdowns in these simulations and now, on Thursday, they draw a Broncos’ squad that was shutout last week? This feels like stealing.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is theglt13) 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 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.