Getty
Captain Choices for Colts vs. Titans
Selecting captains in DraftKings showdown games can be approached a variety of ways, depending on your personal preference. One key focus (aside from picking a high-scoring player) is to differentiate yourself from the field. That's going to be a primary focus here, as there's a good chance that many players could jump on the same names in the captain spot. 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. That decision will really come down to the actual game itself and how you project the game flow to go between the two teams. You'll be able to use the captain spot as a way to differentiate DFS lineups and give yourself an edge against the field if handled correctly. Depending on the number of value plays that are available in a game, there are times you'll be better off paying down at captain and finding a mid-range option. Choosing to go this route would potentially allow you to fit another stud into the flex spots and build a stronger core across the board. For the most part, I'll lock in on 4-6 main players to target as the captain, but that decision will come down to a few different things. Regardless of how many total players I choose, I'll then narrow it down to 2-3 who are my favorite options and typically build primarily around them. Selecting somewhat of a larger number allows me a certain level of flexibility when creating lineups. A fine way to approach captain selection can be to look at 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 start the builds. As Odds Shark shows, the current total for this game is pretty low, sitting at 43.5 and the popular consensus seems to be on the under. With that said, there's some reason to believe that this number has a chance to be fairly accurate consider everything on the line for the two teams. I'll likely approach this with a few solid plays who have high floors, but a few boom-or-bust plays tacked on in spots. These are the top targets for Sunday's game between the Colts and Titans, each of which features the 1.5x price tag on DraftKings. – Andrew Luck ($17,100) – T.Y. Hilton ($16,500) – Derrick Henry ($16,200) – Taywan Taylor ($8,100) – Nyheim Hines ($7,200) *Marlon Mack ($14,400, upside), Eric Ebron ($11,100, bad matchup) are also both worth considering. Favorite expensive/mid-range captains: Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton Top value-saving captains: Nyheim Hines I decided to narrow down the choices at captain a bit because I simply think there's too much risk and potentially not enough upside to use quite a few of the other potential options there. Obviously, players like Titans wide receiver Corey Davis provide a pretty high ceiling, but with Blaine Gabbert under center, it likely lowers his upside a bit. Speaking of Gabbert, I did consider him here, and I think there's an argument to be made that at his price ($12,300 as a captain), he's probably worth taking a chance on in 150-max games. As far as why I opted not to list Colts running back Marlon Mack and tight end Eric Ebron as top captains, they just have horrible matchups. Considering the situation and fact that this is a playoff-making game for both teams, I still think both players are in the mix. Let's jump into the optimal lineup and I'll evaluate top picks throughout the process.It’s late in the NFL season, and that means a lot of things. One is the start of regular-season Saturday games. DraftKings has specific contests set just for these games, and there are two on tap for Week 16.
- Washington Redskins at Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers
Take a look at my recommendations for sleepers and tough decisions at critical positions.
Quarterback
The Los Angeles Chargers’ Philip Rivers has the highest DK salary of any QB in action on Saturday at $6,200, but I’m not sold on him having the best fantasy output. The Baltimore Ravens have been the third-best team against the pass this season, and Rivers hasn’t been delivering impressive fantasy numbers of late. Add to that his favorite target Keenan Allen is hobbled and may not be able to play, and things get even bleaker for Rivers’ fantasy outlook. My choice will be his counterpart.
Ravens rookie QB Lamar Jackson is making plays with his legs and slowly but surely rounding into a complete player at his position. Jackson’s salary is $6,000 on Saturday, and while I’m not expecting him to put 400 yards of total offense with 4 TDs, I do expect him to find the end zone through the air and on the ground.
With little-to-no confidence in the Tennessee Titans’ Marcus Mariota or the Washington Redskins’ Josh Johnson’s fantasy prospects, I’m recommending Jackson. The Chargers’ passing defense is Top 10 in the NFL, but Jackson presents problems through the air and on the ground. In what could be a low-scoring game, I like the rookie to shine.
Running Back
This decision should be pretty easy. The Chargers’ Melvin Gordon and the Titans’ Derrick Henry are the obvious picks, but I like the latter’s matchup better. Henry has been on a tear lately with 408 yards rushing over 50 carries in his last two games. Those contests have produced 42.02 fantasy points per game in the previous two weeks.
Henry and the Titans are heading into a clash with a Redskins team that ranks 18th against the run and is struggling with injuries offensively. The Titans have a great chance to control time of possession, and to feed the rock to their workhorse running back.
Gordon might find it a little more challenging to get going out of the backfield. However, he’s such a big part of the Chargers’ passing game that he likely still finds a way to pull in 25-30 fantasy points. Henry will be the biggest bargain at $7,300, and Gordon’s $8,200 will likely be your largest salary slot in the lineup.
Wide Receiver
Allen may be on track to play, but I have my eye on his teammate Mike Williams. During the Chargers’ Week 15 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Williams exploded with 36.5 fantasy points on the strength of three TDs. I’m not expecting him to duplicate that performance, but if Allen is compromised in any way, Williams has already proven he’s capable of carrying the load.
With a DraftKings salary of just $6,100, Williams jumps off the screen.
Tight End
Mark Andrews won’t be confused for Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce anytime soon, but he should get some opportunities to make plays for the Ravens on Saturday. The Chargers have to find a way to slow down Jackson’s scrambling ability. That will likely require them to assign linebackers to spy or contain.
Andrews is in line to benefit from this as much–if not more–than anyone else on the team. If he can make himself an escape valve for Jackson, there are plays to be made. Andrews’ DK salary is just $3,200. If he catches one TD pass, he’ll instantly be worth the virtual investment.
Defense/Special Teams
Is there an NFL offense that is less scary than the Redskins’ attack? With multiple injuries at key positions, the Titans would seemingly have the easiest assignment of the day. Tennessee comes in ranked in the Top 10 against the pass and Top 12 against the run. The Titans are set up for success on the defensive side of the ball.
READ NEXT: James Conner Fantasy: Latest on Injury & Outlook for Steelers RB