Sunday brings us the second AFC divisional matchup for the season 2020 season, Cleveland @Kansas City, and we are here covering the DraftKings showdown slate. The Browns will need their offense to perform at a high-level again this weekend, to keep up with the Mahomes-led Chiefs, looking to play in their third AFC Championship game in a row. Kansas are currently 10-point favorites in this one, with the O/U sitting at 57, the highest of the 4 games this weekend.
DraftKings Showdown 2020: Cleveland @Kansas City Captain Picks:
Patrick Mahomes ($18,000 Capt/ $12,000 Flex)
This one really shouldn’t need much explaining. Despite his hefty price tag, Mahomes is definitely viable in the Captain spot, especially versus an underwhelming Browns secondary. Cleveland rank 25th in terms of DVOA pass defence, whilst Kansas City rank 2nd in DVOA pass offence. Andy Reid is renowned for his post-bye week record, going 18-3 in the regular season and 5-2 in the playoffs off the back of a bye. Similarly, in the Mahomes/Reid era, Kansas City has put up at least 31 points in every game following a bye. Having rested in their Week 17 game against the Chargers, and having a first-round bye last week, Mahomes should be a lock on this showdown slate, and is certainly a solid choice at Captain.
Travis Kelce ($15,900 Capt/ $10,600 Flex)
There’s no doubt about it, Kelce has been absolutely elite this year. He’s averaged 7 catches for 94.4 yards per game this season, to go with 11 TDs across his 15 games, including 1 in each of his last 4. This year, he went for a TE NFL-record 1,406 receiving yards and faces a Browns defence that’s given up 15.4 DKPTS to opposing TEs, 4th-worst in the league. Cleveland has also surrendered 10 TDs to this position so far this season, tied 4th-worst in the NFL. All of this bodes well for another impressive performance from Kelce.
Mecole Hardman ($2,700 Capt/ $1,800 Flex)
I can’t bring myself to fade Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill, whilst also having some good Browns pieces in my line-ups, so I love the idea of looking for a value play in the Captain spot. The most viable of these looks to be Hardman, especially given the absence of Sammy Watkins. Hardman saw his role in this offence grow down the stretch, seeing 15 targets in Weeks 15 and 16. He’s $3,000 cheaper than Demarcus Robinson, but offers similar upside. Against a poor Cleveland secondary, Hardman figures to see plenty of action on Sunday.
DraftKings Showdown 2020: Cleveland @Kansas City Flex Picks:
Tyreek Hill ($10,400 Flex)
It was a real toss-up between Kelce and Hill for my favourite captain, but I think Kelce should be the safer option. That being said, there’s no way I envisage myself fading Hill completely on Sunday, even more so given Cleveland’s struggle versus the deep pass this year. On passes thrown downfield over 15 yards, the Browns led the league in TDs conceded, surrendering 17 through the regular season. On the other side of the ball, Tyreek Hill led the league on TDs scored from such passes. He has a solid floor too, going for at least 60 receiving yards in 33 of his 44 games over the past 3 years. Fade Hill at your own risk.
Baker Mayfield ($9,800 Flex)
Even with a depleted O-line and no head coach last week, Mayfield had a great day against a formidable Steelers defence, and actually faces a very exploitable matchup on Sunday. Mayfield has only thrown a single interception through his last 7 game, to go with 14 TDs through the air. Kansas City’s defence is poor in comparison to their offence, and have struggled versus opposition QBs, allowing multiple passing TDs in their last 8 games. They have also struggled in pressuring the passer, and in a game that could turn into an offensive shootout, Baker is a top-tier play on this slate.
Nick Chubb ($9,400 Flex)
The Browns have been one of the most run-heavy teams this year, which is handy given how poor Kansas City has been versus the run this season. Chubb has averaged 21.1 DKPTS per game over his past 7 games, and if Cleveland keeps this one close, he should see a solid amount of action. The Chiefs rank 31st in DVOA run defence, meaning Chubb has a tasty matchup. Whilst he has split reps with Hunt this year, who is more of a threat in the passing game, Chubb would still be my preferred option, and is currently -115 to hit pay dirt. He did see 4 targets too last week, so certainly provides PPR upside through the air as well.
Austin Hooper ($6,800 Flex)
It’s difficult to fit many of the Cleveland pass-catchers, given the pricing of Kansas City’s weapons, but I think Hooper is a solid choice. Like Cleveland, the Chiefs have struggled against opposition TEs this year, surrendering 14.7 DKPTS (7th-worst) and 59.6 yards (5th-worst) per game. Whilst Hooper is nowhere near as prolific as Kelce, he can still put up solid numbers, and went 7-46-1 on 11 targets last week, good for 17.6 DKPTS. Despite missing 3 games through injury in the regular season, he also finished 2nd on the team in targets, and looks to feature heavily in their offence again on Sunday.
Harrison Butker ($3,800 Flex)
Butker went 25-27 on FGs this year, and 48-54 on PATs. On a very top-heavy slate in terms of pricing, he provides a solid value option. Kansas City should find it easy to move the ball downfield, providing Butker with plenty of opportunities for either a field goal or an extra point.
Darrel Williams ($600 Flex)
This depends on the status of CEH, although it’s looking increasingly likely he will sit this one out. If CEH ends up inactive, Williams is a smash value play at such a cheap price. Bell will probably operate as RB1, although has been underwhelming during his stint in Kansas City. At such a low salary, Williams should hit value easily, with only a few touches needed to do so. Interestingly, he is also only +200 to find the end zone, and if he does will almost certainly be in the optimal showdown line-up.
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2020 Showdown of Cleveland @Kansas City! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports
