Ready to crush the next 2024 season MNF DraftKings showdown slate- an all-Texan battle of Houston @Dallas, and there’s no shortage of fantasy intrigue. Whether you’re locking in a star like CeeDee Lamb in your captain slot or hunting for value plays like Ka’imi Fairbairn, there’s plenty of strategy to consider.
This game could be a battle of grit, with Joe Mixon pounding the ground for Houston and Dallas turning to Rico Dowdle to steady their offense without Dak Prescott. Look for C.J. Stroud to test the Cowboys’ secondary, while Cooper Rush tries to find a rhythm in Prescott’s absence. Both defenses have strengths and weaknesses that could swing the outcome, so expect a mix of explosive plays and hard-fought yards under the Monday night
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2024 – Houston @Dallas Captain Picks
Joe Mixon ($16,500 Capt/ $11,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mixon has been a reliable presence for the Texans’ offense, consistently finding the end zone and producing solid yardage. Even against Detroit’s stout run defense, Mixon managed to score early with an eight-yard touchdown, adding a big 36-yard catch to his stat line. While his ground production was limited, he continues to offer versatility in the passing game, making him a valuable captain choice. If he keeps up his touchdown streak, Mixon could be the engine of Houston’s offense. He’s a high-floor captain option, especially if you’re aiming for a steady point contributor in this matchup.
CeeDee Lamb ($16,200 Capt/ $10,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lamb has been a target magnet in the Dallas offense and looks set to play despite a back issue that had him listed as questionable. Even with Cooper Rush under center, Lamb’s role remains unchanged as the team’s go-to receiver, offering reliable volume despite a slight dip in efficiency. He’s logged consistent double-digit targets and high yardage games, making him an elite captain option if you’re banking on Dallas to air it out. Lamb’s involvement in key plays and red zone opportunities gives him a strong shot to lead all scorers. He’s a must-consider captain in what could be a high-stakes matchup.
Nico Collins ($15,600 Capt/ $10,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Back after a hamstring injury, Collins is set to reestablish himself as Houston’s primary target. With 10.8 targets per game in his four healthy appearances this season, Collins has been a key piece of the Texans’ aerial attack and is motivated to make a strong return. His full participation in Friday’s practice suggests he’s ready for a full workload, giving him considerable upside as a captain play. Collins’ potential for big plays and high target share make him a great choice if you’re looking to add some excitement to your lineup. Against a Dallas secondary that has shown vulnerability, he could be primed for a big night.
Tank Dell ($14,100 Capt/ $9,400 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dell remains a focal point in the Texans’ passing game, particularly with Nico Collins having missed recent games, though he struggled to capitalize last week. He recorded nine targets in the loss to Detroit but managed only 39 yards, highlighting a challenge in converting opportunities. Despite the downturn, Dell has shown flashes of upside and has a knack for getting open, making him a sneaky captain play in larger tournaments. Against Dallas, he could find more success, especially if Houston looks to spread the field.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2024 – Houston @Dallas Flex Picks
C.J. Stroud ($9,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stroud has had a mixed season, showing flashes of control and accuracy but struggling with consistency, particularly in second halves. His first-half performance against Detroit was solid, capped by a smooth 66-yard drive ending in a touchdown. However, his struggles late in games, including multiple interceptions, have kept his fantasy ceiling lower than expected. Against Dallas, Stroud will need to stay sharp all four quarters, making him a risk-reward flex play for those banking on a bounce-back.
Rico Dowdle ($9,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dowdle has quietly emerged as Dallas’ most efficient back, recently being dubbed the “lead back” by head coach Mike McCarthy. In a struggling Cowboys ground game, Dowdle’s 4.5 yards per carry stand out, and he could see an uptick in touches if Dallas leans on the run to support Rush. His role as a pass-catching back gives him added value, particularly in PPR formats, making him a solid mid-range flex option. Against a Texans defense vulnerable to the run, Dowdle could deliver on increased volume.
Cooper Rush ($8,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rush is expected to start again for Dallas, stepping in for the injured Dak Prescott, but his Week 10 showing was rough, managing only 45 passing yards with two fumbles. The Cowboys seem committed to giving him another shot, though they may limit his role to minimize mistakes. Rush’s low passing volume makes him a risky play, but he could hold flex appeal for lineups needing a low-salary filler. If Dallas gets behind early, his passing volume could tick up, providing some upside potential.
Jake Ferguson ($5,800 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ferguson has been dependable when given opportunities, though Dallas’ quarterback instability adds uncertainty to his outlook. While he shook off a recent illness, Ferguson will rely on Cooper Rush, who struggled in his first start. Ferguson’s consistent targets keep his floor steady, especially in PPR setups, but his ceiling may be capped by the passing limitations. He’s a reasonable flex option if you’re looking for a dependable, low-cost play with potential red zone opportunities.
Dalton Schultz ($5,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Schultz’s chemistry with Stroud has improved as the season progresses, evidenced by his season-high 66 yards last week. Even with a reduced target count due to Houston’s injury-depleted receiver corps, Schultz still found a way to make an impact with a big 32-yard gain. His performance has been somewhat volatile, but he could benefit if Collins is back, creating more space. At this price, Schultz provides affordable flex appeal with solid yardage potential in the Texans’ passing attack.
Jon Metchie III ($4,000 Flex) ⭐️⭐️
Metchie delivered a career-best performance against the Lions, grabbing his first touchdown while leading Houston in receiving yards. His strong play before halftime, with a 25-yard catch and a 15-yard score, showed flashes of his potential as a secondary option in the Texans’ passing game. If Collins is back, Metchie’s targets may dip, but his recent success could keep him more involved. He’s a high-upside flex option, especially if the Texans take to the air frequently.
KaVontae Turpin ($1,200 Flex) ⭐️⭐️
Turpin’s role has diminished in recent weeks, with minimal snaps and no offensive touches against the Eagles, and he hasn’t seen much opportunity in the Cowboys’ rotation. With Prescott sidelined, Dallas may not look Turpin’s way often, especially given his limited offensive involvement. His special teams value does add a touch of unpredictability, though, as he’s capable of explosive returns. He’s a high-risk dart throw for those who want a wildcard play in deep lineups.
Dart Throw Plays (Various)
Here are a few dart plays to round out your lineup. These are high-risk, high-reward picks best suited for GPPs—not for cash games:
- Xavier Hutchinson (WR, HOU) $3,400 Flex – Hutchinson saw a season-high in targets in Week 10 but managed just six yards on two receptions. Although he’s led the Texans’ receivers in snaps recently, his fantasy impact has been minimal. If Nico Collins returns, Hutchinson’s playing time could take a hit, making him a high-risk dart throw. However, with limited options in Houston’s passing game, he could still see some opportunities.
- Dare Ogunbowale (RB, HOU) $3,000 Flex – Ogunbowale’s involvement has been minimal, with just one carry for 11 yards last week and no receptions in recent games. Though he has been Mixon’s primary backup with Pierce sidelined, his role is unlikely to expand barring an injury. He’s a low-floor, high-risk play who may only see a few touches in this contest, making him a true dart throw for deep GPP lineups.
- Robert Woods (WR, HOU) $2,800 Flex – Woods has taken a back seat in Houston’s offense, playing behind younger wideouts who are getting the majority of targets. He managed just one yard on a single catch last week and hasn’t shown much upside this season. If Collins suits up, Woods’ snap count could dwindle further, making him a long shot for fantasy relevance. Still, his veteran experience could come in handy in a tough divisional matchup.
- Ezekiel Elliot (RB, DAL) $2,600 Flex – Elliott’s return from suspension wasn’t ideal as he fumbled and struggled to make an impact with only 22 rushing yards on six carries. With Rico Dowdle holding the lead role, Elliott’s ceiling remains low, though his veteran presence could still see him involved in short-yardage situations. His limited workload makes him a risky pick, but he’s worth considering in deep lineups as a touchdown-dependent option.
- Dameon Pierce (RB, HOU) $2,400 Flex – Back from injury, Pierce is expected to resume his role behind Joe Mixon in the Texans’ backfield. While he hasn’t had much of an impact this season, he could still see some carries to spell Mixon. As a low-cost option, Pierce is a viable dart throw for those needing a cheap flier, but his upside is limited given his position on the depth chart.
- Jalen Brooks (WR, DAL) $2,000 Flex – Brooks continues to struggle to make an impact, with just four yards on one catch against the Eagles. His role in Dallas’ offense is limited, and the switch to Cooper Rush at quarterback doesn’t bode well for his production. Brooks’ low salary may appeal to those needing extreme salary relief, but his limited involvement keeps him well off the fantasy radar. Consider him only if you’re feeling particularly adventurous with your lineup.
DraftKings MNF Showdown 2024 – Houston @Dallas Kickers and DSTs
Ka’imi Fairbairn ($5,400) bounced back in Week 10, converting three of four field-goal attempts and both extra points, marking his seventh double-digit fantasy outing this season. Despite a missed 56-yarder late in the game, he’s proven to be a steady source of points, especially if Houston’s offense struggles to finish drives against Dallas. Brandon Aubrey ($5,200) was responsible for all of Dallas’s points last week, hitting both of his field-goal attempts while the offense stalled. With Dak Prescott sidelined, Aubrey’s workload may lean heavily on field goals rather than PATs, giving him a steady floor as the Cowboys adjust.
Texans DST ($6,200) will look to capitalize on a shaky Dallas offense, which ranks 23rd in points allowed and last in red-zone efficiency at 77.4%. With Cooper Rush taking snaps for Dallas, Houston’s pass rush could create high-value turnover opportunities, making them a high-upside play in this matchup. Cowboys DST ($3,600) has been effective against the pass, ranking sixth with only 210.8 passing yards allowed per game, and could pose a challenge to Houston’s air attack. However, their issues against the run and poor third-down efficiency (32nd in the league) could expose them to sustained drives, so they may only be viable in lineups seeking a low-cost dart throw with turnover potential.
So there you have it — our DraftKings Showdown picks for the 2024 Houston @Dallas! Whether you’re locking in lineups or just looking for that edge, we’ve got you covered. If you have any DFS questions shoot me a DM on twitter at @numeric_dfs. Also checkout our other KFS DFS articles here, and interact with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We’re always ready to talk shop and help you build those winning rosters!
