Kicking us off on the double Monday night games, the 2023 DraftKings showdown slate- Philadelphia @Tampa Bay. The O/U here is 46, with the Eagles favored by around 5 points. This is a big challenge for Baker Mayfield and the offense, as they take on a tough Eagles defense. The big question will be who pops off in this one? There are plenty of options, but this slate is going to come down to finding value low down the slate to pack starts in your lineup.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2023 – Philadelphia @Tampa Bay Captain Picks
Jalen Hurts ($17,400 Capt/ $11,600 Flex)
Hurts is an easy play here. Doesn’t feel like he is being priced at the right amount, considering how important he is to the offense, and what he does. Should be the highest-scoring player on the slate without too much difficulty.
A.J. Brown ($15,300 Capt/ $10,200 Flex)
Brown is an elite receiver, but hasn’t quite shown that with his box scores yet. Last week he had a moment on the sidelines, so I’d expect him to see a few more targets as a result. If you opt for Brown as a pivot CPT play, then you have to flex Hurts.
DeVonta Smith ($15,000 Capt/ $10,000 Flex)
Unlike Brown, Smith has shown his ability in his box scores. Getting secondary coverage, with his route-running ability, this guy just eats. Brown made noise about not getting enough looks last week, but Smith should still get his. The pricing means you have to choose Brown or Smith- I’d split exposure between the two. I’m even going to try a build with a number of punt plays with Smith and Brown in them.
Chris Godwin ($11,100 Capt/ $7,400 Flex)
Godwin is alot cheaper than Mike Evans, and I get it. Hasn’t popped with Baker Mayfield in the same way as Evans. Infact, he has around half of the overall production and yet to score. But, he is getting a similar target share with his 14 targets compared to 18 for Evans. Godwin offers alot of salary relief, on a slate where you want to spend up- nice CPT pivot as a result.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2023 – Philadelphia @Tampa Bay Flex Picks
Mike Evans ($9,200 Flex)
Evans was a player I was grabbing all through draft season, and he is looking great out there to start the season. 18 targets in two games, with 12 receptions for 237 yards and 2 scores. The Eagles have a solid secondary (well, they have Darius Slay). But, Evans has a height advantage here and Mayfield has shown he isn’t worried about putting the ball up for him to get.
Baker Mayfield ($8,800 Flex)
Considering the pricing we have seen on QBs so far this season, Mayfield feels cheap. The Eagles defense is a good unit, but Mayfield doesn’t look like the same player from last season. Should be a decent flex play at the price. If he can get a connection going with Godwin as well as continue his relationship with Evans, could be in for a good game here.
Rachaad White ($8,400 Flex)
It’s tough to run the ball on the Eagles, with the number of defensive lineman that they have. But, White is at least getting the volume to mean that he could have a good game here just from touches. I just don’t know if the narrative of Tampa Bay being able to run the ball throughout the game holds. He does get some looks through the air, but not enough to make me feel really comfortable at the price here.
The Eagles Backfield (Various)
I’m going to attempt to tackle the backfield here. The reason being, that if I could, I would opt for ‘The Eagles backfield’. But, you have to go nominate players not positions in your lineup. My advice overall would be to have exposure to different plays, and know that what you are getting into.
D’Andre Swift ($8,000 Flex)
Swift had a massive game last week, and was brought in to replace Miles Sanders during the offseason. But, Gainwell wasn’t able to suit up, so we don’t yet know what the split looks like if everyone is available. The split in the backfield will limit his ceiling regardless.
Kenneth Gainwell ($5,600 Flex)
Gainwell had a great start to the season, then was forced to miss a game and Swift performed really well. Not sure what the split looks like between Gainwell and Swift when they are both healthy. But, even if the majority of carries goes to Swift, Gainwell will see the passing down work. At a decent discount, with Dk’s PPR scoring he would be my preferred option out of the backfield for the Eagles.
Quick note to say I’m not strongly/ at all considering Rashaad Penny ($1,000) who might not even be active with Gainwell returning.
Dallas Goedert ($6,400)
Goedert has the ability to perform and take a showdown slate down by himself. With the volume he gets through the air, he would need to fall into the endzone for that to happen. His role has been limited a little to a check-down option, with the downfield ability of Brown and Smtih. I’ll have some exposure, but I’m limiting myself a little. If Brown is to see additional targets, I think they are most likely to come at the cost of Goedert than anyone else.
Sean Tucker ($5,000)
Tucker is the obvious backup, and he has been given the ball when he has been on the field. Really hard to consider him at the pricing though. The Eagles defensive line is a tough unit to run on, and he needs a big amount of work (or luck) to hit value. In a large GPP, I don’t mind it, but you are looking for a very specific range of outcomes here.
Cade Otton ($4,200)
Otton is getting on the field on nearly every snap, and has quickly developed a nice relationship with Mayfield as a short field option for him. The Eagles struggle to defend the TE position, with their commitment to the pass-rush, which makes him a nice salary relief option on a slate that you need to find some.
Trey Palmer/ Deven Thompkins ($600/ $200)
The WR3’s on the slate could really save you a chunk of salary, therefore enabling you to spend up elsewhere here. Palmer is on the field more than Thompkins, and has speed to burn. Could pay off this price on one deep ball.
Thompkins is slightly cheaper, but hasn’t been given the same opportunity in the offense. With a price tag of just $200, really doesn’t need to do much to hit value. I’ll have a mix of both receivers in my lineups as punt plays. (Slight preference to Palmer)
Olamide Zaccheaus/ Britain Covey (Both $200)
Zaccheaus was a WR3 for the Falcons for years, before joining the Eagles to do the same role as a stand-in player. Only really worth considering with Quez Watkins ruled out. Similar story with Covey. It’s a case of “pick-your-poison”. Zacchaeus should get on the field more, while Covery has some appeal as a kick and punt returner. Of the two, I’d opt for Zaccheaus.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2023 – Philadelphia @Tampa Bay Kickers and DSTs
The Eagles DST ($4,600) are full of playmakers, and can unsettle most QBs in the league. I think they will be over-owned as a result, as people flock to the narrative of Mayfield being shaky. But, as of now, Mayfield is the only QB in the league that hasn’t turned the ball over this season. Ok in the flex, but I’m not desperate to add them at the price. The Buccaneers DST ($3,200) are cheap. But, I’m not sure they are worthwhile playing here- even if they were cheaper. Hurts looks after the ball, and should be able to put up points here. Not in consideration for me.
Jake Elliott ($4,000) has been great to start the season, with great leg talent converting his opportunities. Gets a decent number of opportunities, with the Eagles able to get the ball downfield regularly. I’m equally confident about Chase McLaughlin ($3,800) on the slate. Tampa Bay should be able to give him a few opportunities. But doesn’t have the same ceiling as Elliott.
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2023 Showdown of Philadelphia @Tampa Bay! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
