If you used our picks for last week’s Giants/Chiefs matchup, you crushed it. By using Darrel Williams at Captain on DraftKings, allowed us to roster both quarterbacks, Jones and Mahomes, as well as “The Cheetah” Tyreek Hill. Everyone had a great performance except for Mahomes, which didn’t matter since he was heavily owned. We also gave you enormous value with John Ross, at a mere $1,800 on DK, who caught two balls for 72 yards and nine FPTS.
Tonight we have the formula to help you win in your showdown contests. The Bears are in Pittsburgh tonight to take on the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger has displayed signs of regression, his flacid arm this season has averaged only 6.6 yards per attempt. Which has turned wide out Diontae Johnson into a PPR machine. He’s averaged double digit targets in five of seven games with the short quick slant routes thrown from Big Ben.
On the other side, rookie Justin Fields finally showed some signs of life. Using his legs, he ran for 103 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing for 175 yards and a touchdown as well. He does have a tough assignment on the road against a solid Pittsburgh D. Their pass rush may possibly flush him out of the pocket, which could lead to more rushing yards.
Here’s a look at a Showdown Core (CHI @ PIT) for Monday Night Week 9 (using DraftKing Values)
| Captain | ||
| Flex | ||
| Flex | D. Johnson | $11,200 |
| Flex | ||
| Flex | J. Fields | $10,400 |
| Flex |
Here’s What You Get If You Sign Up For $99 For Six Months
- Who we like in the Captain/MVP slot
- Who to Fade
- Other studs we like
- Value to roster at Flex
- General Strategy
- All access for all sports for up to six months for $99
Captain/MVP:
Najee Harris ($18,600 DK/$16,500 FD) Should see a lot of work tonight, on the ground and in the passing game. Pittsburgh’s stud first round pick has been performing at the top of his game in his rookie season, and has not been able to be slowed down by anyone. For what lines up to be a slow paced, low scoring game, Harris fits well at Captain/MVP.
Who to Fade:
Khalil Herbert ($8,200 DK/$12,000 FD) Starting running back David Montgomery will return from IR tonight, and begin to take back some of the work load in Chicago. Pittsburgh although has been very tough this year against running backs, who held Cleveland’s Nick Chubb to only 61 yards last week. So with a diminished role and a tough matchup, it’s best to fade Herbert.
Other Studs We Like:
Pat Freiermuth ($7,000 DK/$8,000 FD) Has been taking on a larger role since teammate Eric Ebron suffered a hammy. He’s seen 14 targets in those two games, and has caught 11 of them with a touchdown. Big Ben cannot throw the deep ball remember, so tight ends feast in Pittsburgh.
Cole Kmet ($5,400 DK/$7,500 FD) Quarterback Justin Fields is just starting to become more comfortable, but not so much in throwing the deep ball. Short quick slants and check downs are right up his alley, and Kmet falls right in rhythm. His stats are not great, but he does get volume. In what should be low scoring tonight, we will take what we can get from Chicago.
Pittsburgh Defense ($5,000 DK Only) Should force a few turnovers and keep Chicago from lighting up the scoreboard. Would be ideal to pair with Najee Harris tonight.
Value Plays:
Marquise Goodwin ($4,200 DK/$6,500 FD) Could see an uptick in snaps if Darnell Mooney sits out or is hampered by an injury he suffered during practice on Thursday. Chicago will have to push the ball downfield, and if Allen Robinson will receive a bulk of the attention, Goodwin is in a nice spot.
Jesse James ($3,000 DK/$6,000 FD) Chicago’s back up tight end has seen some looks over the passed couple weeks from Fields. He put up 11 FPTS. In his last game catching one in the end zone, and is worth a gamble on his price tag.
Zach Gentry ($1,800 DK/$6,000 FD) Is the Steelers third string tight end who has been seeing some more time on the field because of Ebron’s absence. He caught three of five targets for 39 yards. Too cheap to pass on tonight.
General Strategy:
It’s tough to imagine Chicago coming into Pittsburgh tonight and beating them, but in the NFL anything can happen. Yesterday we saw a ton of upsets and I wouldn’t be surprised if another one came tonight. But we have to base our picks on theories and analytics. Fields is in no shape or form to put up a decent fight against that Steeler D, and Chicago’s has been pretty soft lately, who have been missing the presence of linebacker Khalil Mack. We like Pittsburgh to win, but it won’t be pretty. It possibly could go down to the kickers tonight, having Boswell or Santos in your lineup can separate you from the field and give you a cash if they end up having to score with their feet tonight.
Now go and win with your lineup and let us know how you did.
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