DraftKings NFL Showdown Picks & DFS Lineups for Broncos vs. Raiders

Captain Choices for Broncos vs. Raiders

When it comes to selecting captains in DraftKings showdown games, one key focus (aside from picking a high-scoring player) is to differentiate yourself from the field. There's a lot that goes into deciding who to put into that top spot, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, putting the highest-projected player isn't the best approach to take.

You'll be able to use this spot to get somewhat creative and take a unique approach to building lineups. But depending on the amount of value plays that are available in a game, you could be better paying down at captain and finding a mid-range option. This could allow you to fit another stud into the flex spots and build a stronger core.

In short, it comes down to how you believe the game will play out as to which captain you choose, but I'll break that down as I roll through the lineups. But to start, I'll evaluate the names who will be options at the captain spot for me in the Broncos vs. Raiders game and then break down top options.

Typically, I'll lock in on 4-6 main players to target for the spot. Much of that decision comes down to the actual game itself, though, and will vary on a case-by-case basis. But opting to go that route allows me to be somewhat flexible on roster construction. After first narrowing it down, I'll then lock in on 2-3 who are my favorite options and typically build primarily around them.

One thing to note with the idea behind captain selections is to consider the projected total on a game. While you can use any player at any position on either team, if a game has a high over/under (which you agree with), it can impact your thought process on creating lineups. On the other side, a lower total could also impact the way you build lineups.

As Odds Shark shows, the total for this game is pretty low, currently set at 42 and seems to be hanging around that number. With that said, both defenses have had some troubles at various points this year, and there are some intriguing value plays to target as a captain spot who could benefit from this projected total.

These are the top targets for Monday's game between the Broncos and Raiders, each of which features the 1.5x price tag on DraftKings.

– Phillip Lindsay ($18,300)
– Derek Carr ($15,000)
– Jared Cook ($14,700)
– DaeSean Hamilton ($12,000)
– Jordy Nelson ($11,400)
– Tim Patrick ($10,200)
– Jalen Richard ($6,600)

*Due to the expanded list of top captains, I'm not going to toss in any extra names here like usual.

Favorite expensive/mid-range captains: Derek Carr, Jared Cook

Top value-saving captains: Jordy Nelson, DaeSean Hamilton

There's a lot to consider here, and the matchups bode well in a few specific spots for some of these players. Specifically, after Jared Cook's Pro Bowl snub, I fully expect him to take advantage of a Broncos defense that's allowed 1,007 yards and six touchdowns to the position.

Although Derek Carr has been incredibly hit-or-miss this season, I love playing into the narrative of this being the team's last game in Oakland potentially. Carr plays with his emotion on his sleeve and he loves this fanbase. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we see him have one of the best games of his season here.

I didn't mention Doug Martin, and probably won't use him as a captain, but I do think he's worth talking about. Martin was born and raised in Oakland and not only due to the move but also the fact that this may be his last home game with the Silver and Black, he's in play for me. He hasn't produced all that well, but he has touchdown upside in this matchup.

We'll jump right into the optimal lineup and I'll evaluate top picks throughout the process.

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