Always wanting to bring you more, we wanted to start getting in the DraftKings Showdown slates in 2020, starting with Baltimore @Pittsburgh.
After what feels like an age we have finally reached the last game of Week 12. Following multiple postponements, we finally get to see Pittsburgh at 10-0 host Baltimore at 6-4. Baltimore’s COVID-depleted offense faces the daunting task of overcoming a Pittsburgh defense currently ranked 1st DVOA.
Undefeated Pittsburgh comes into the game as 10-point favorites, and understandably so. Baltimore are without their star QB Lamar Jackson, TE Mark Andrews, WR Willie Snead, and potentially RBs J. K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram. Pittsburgh aren’t without their own COVID-related issues, however, with starting RB James Conner currently on their reserve/COVID-19 list and therefore unavailable for Wednesday’s matchup.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the top options on Wednesday’s DraftKings Showdown slate.
DraftKings Showdown 2020: Baltimore @Pittsburgh Captain Options
Ben Roethlisberger ($17,100 Capt/ $11,400 Flex)
Despite his limited rushing upside, and the fact he managed only 182 passing yards when these two met in Week 8, Big Ben will undoubtedly be the number one captain option in most cash line-ups. Baltimore’s defence currently rank 10th against the pass, however Pittsburgh ranks 6th in passing attempts in the league, meaning there is big potential for Big Ben to gain plenty of yards through the air. His 24-5 TD-Interception ratio provides a solid floor.
Benny Snell Jr. ($13,200 Capt/ $8,800 Flex)
With Snell expected to lead the backfield against Baltimore, he provides an intriguing option at captain. The projected game script suggests Pittsburgh could get out to an early lead in this one. If this becomes the case, it would be no surprise to see them hand over the game to their running backs, most notably Snell Jr. Baltimore is no pushover in the run game, however, the sheer volume of carries expected provides Snell Jr. with a solid floor, making him a viable captain option in cash games.
Diontae Johnson ($16,200 Capt/ $10,800 Flex)
With a 18-227-1 stat line over the past 2 weeks, Johnson comes in as my favourite WR for Pittsburgh, despite his hefty price-tag. It’s always a lottery when picking the Steeler’s wideouts, as 2 of the 3 seem to have solid games each week, with the other often putting up a dud. However, Johnson has seen double-digit targets in all but one of his games he’s been healthy in this season, giving him a solid floor, but with great upside and touchdown potential. I trust him as my WR1 on Wednesday.
Dez Bryant ($7,200 Capt/ $4,800 Flex)
Perhaps this is more of a nostalgic pick, but I trust Bryant in this matchup. In a game Baltimore is expected to be trailing for a large proportion, RG3 is going to have to throw the ball a lot to keep it close. Enter Dez Bryant. Marquise Brown has had a hugely disappointing season thus far, and newly-signed Dez presents an interesting option to the Baltimore pass-offense. He hauled in 4 catches for 28 yards last week, seeing the field on 54 percent of the Raven’s offensive snaps. If you’re looking for a more contrarian captain option, Dez is your guy.
DraftKings Showdown 2020: Baltimore @Pittsburgh Flex Options
Robert Griffin III ($8,400 Flex)
The 2012 Rookie of the Year comes into this daunting matchup with very little game tape from recent years to analyse. However, any QB with some rushing upside must be considered, especially in larger-field GPPs.
Pittsburgh Defence ($7,800 Flex)
Anytime a defence is facing an opposition backup-QB who has played 10 snaps in a game just 12 times over the past 6 seasons, they are almost definitely in play. When that defence is the current Pittsburgh defence, they are definitely in play. Despite the obvious hefty price-tag, the defence leads the NFL in points allowed, sacks and turnovers. Giving them a sky-high ceiling, especially against a depleted Baltimore offence. 17.4% of opposition drives against Pittsburgh result in a turnover, the highest in the NFL.
Chase Claypool ($10,400)
Pittsburgh’s TD leader should obviously be considered, especially given he leads the team in receiving yards at 535 on the season. Claypool provides a solid floor with his dangerous red-zone threat.
Anthony McFarland Jr. ($2,600 Flex)
McFarland Jr. comes in as my favorite value play on this slate. Showdowns are all about predicting the game-script, with this one seemingly heading towards a Pittsburgh blowout. Should that be the case, Pittsburgh may call a large number of run plays by the second half. Enter McFarland Jr. at RB2. Despite his limited usage thus far, no James Conner or Jaylen Samuels should provide plenty of opportunities for the rookie to showcase his ability to Coach Tomlin. McFarland Jr. only needs a TD or a handful of yards to hit value at such a low price.
Justice Hill ($2,200 Flex) *If J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram are out*
Hill provides a more contrarian value play on this slate. If Dobbins and Ingram are unavailable, Hill looks to suit up as RB2 for Baltimore. Again, with Baltimore expected to be playing from behind, I like Hill’s PPR upside, and we should see Hill operate as a third-down receiving-back, with Gus Edward’s limited pass-catching ability. If Ingram/Dobbins end up playing, I prefer Dobbins – again due to his pass-catching ability.
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2020 Showdown of Baltimore @Pittsburgh! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
