NFL DFS Showdown: Lineup Optimizer Rules and My Favorite Angle in Cowboys vs. Giants

Our Lineup Optimizer is an incredibly powerful tool inside our Player Models, particularly when creating a large number of lineups. However, it’s just that — a tool. We still have to make decisions. Otherwise, everyone would have the same 150 lineups in each contest.

This is intended more as a teaching piece than a step-by-step guide. These rules are suggestions that can show you how to translate your read on this game into lineups.

Additionally, this piece focuses on DraftKings Showdown contests, but similar strategies are useful on FanDuel.

For my general Showdown strategy, you can read my Showdown primer and Matt LaMarca’s in-depth Showdown breakdown.

My Favorite NFL DFS Angle in Cowboys vs. Giants Showdown

Nothing says Monday Night Football like Cooper Rush vs. Daniel Jones! That being said, at least we have a clear-cut pecking order for both teams and know how each wants to play. I am leaning into the Cowboys’ running backs tonight for several reasons. First, we know Kellen Moore wants to establish the run as much as possible with a career backup under center. Helping matters, the Giants seem likely to be without run-stuffing force Leonard Williams at DT tonight. Finally, the Giants’ horrific corps of linebackers has been shredded running backs through the air this season, an area where both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are more than capable.

Lineup Optimizer Rules to Consider

General

• Max 3 players vs. opposing Defense
• Minimum salary cap 90%

Player Correlations

We can use correlations to be smart about utilizing the Cowboys’ running backs together. I’m negatively boosting Elliott in lineups that feature Pollard at Captain, as Pollard’s ceiling games typically come from the Cowboys needing to feed him through the air.

Here’s another good rule to implement to maximize Zeke Captain lineups that also include Pollard.

Remember to pair Captain pass catchers with their quarterback and a maximum of one additional pass catcher from the same team. Also, pair Captain quarterbacks with at least 2 pass catchers.

Player Groups

The standard rule of max two kickers and defenses applies.

Max 1 of Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot, KaVontae Turpin

Max 1 of Daniel Bellinger, Tanner Hudson

Captain Pool (from highest to lowest priority)

Primary Targets

• Saquon Barkley
• Ezekiel Elliot
• Sterling Shepherd
• CeeDee Lamb

Secondary Targets

• Tony Pollard
• Daniel Jones

Large-Field GPP Fliers

• Noah Brown
• Richie James