We are here to cover the DraftKings Showdown slates for the 2021 season, continuing with Dallas @Minnesota. Alot of this matchup’s appeal hinges on the availability of Dak Prescott to play. At the time of writing, he is a true gametime decision, and will go through his normal warmup before a decision is made. So, that makes this a difficult slate to write about, but we will try our best.
DraftKings Showdown- Dallas @Minnesota Captain Picks
Dalvin Cook ($14,100 Capt/ $9,400)
Cook is the focal point of the Vikings offense, having been sorely missed during the past two games. He is heavily involved in the offense, and should have a good chance of getting into the endzone against a Dallas offense that is bang average. If Prescott misses, we could see the Vikings get out to an early lead, Cook could see a healthy workload.
Ezekiel Elliott ($13,800 Capt/ $9,200)
Elliott is a strong play, regardless of who ends up playing under center. The Cowboys offense is predicated on the run game and the offensive line is a great blocking unit. If Prescott were to miss the game, then Elliott could see even more work on the ground.
DraftKings Showdown- Dallas @Minnesota Flex
Dak Prescott ($11,200)/ Cooper Rush ($6,000)
I really need to cover the two of these in one. If Prescott does manage to start the game, I have to believe he will finish it. Leading the Dallas offense is more than enough to make whoever suits up to be fantasy viable. If the team are forced to use Rush then he becomes a chalky must-play. But, the value of the pass-catchers will be hurt.
Kirk Cousins ($10,800)
Cousins has been a solid fantasy QB this season, with 1,769 yards, 13 TDs and 2 INTs this season. The Dallas secondary has allowed some big plays this season, which could mean the receiving weapons that Cousins has at his disposal could see alot of work. If Prescott suits up too, this game could end up being a shootout.
Adam Thielen ($8,400)
Thielen isn’t the primary pass-catcher for the Vikings, but getting Justin Jefferson in lineups is hard at $10,000. I want part of the Vikings passing game, but Jefferson is likely to be covered by Trevon Diggs, and could see limited work in Prescott doesn’t play. Thielen on the other hand, has caught 37 of 50 targets for just under 400 yards and 5 TDs this season. So I’ll go for the cheaper option here, and spend up elsewhere.
Tony Pollard ($5,400)
Pollard should see enough work on passing downs to have value in DraftKings PPR scoring. Pollard has been used on a rotation for Dallas, with around a third of the snaps. If he were to get a TD, then he is likely to crush value. But even if he doesn’t get in the endzone, there should be enough receptions to be an effective play.
Blake Jarwin ($2,000)
Jarwin could be a sneaky play if Prescott misses. The offense could be simplified for Rush, meaning short passes. Don’t also discount that Jarwin and Rush will have a bit of a connection, playing together as backups. Jarwin has also seen his usage increase in the redzone compared to Schultz in recent weeks.
K.J. Osborn ($5,000)
Osborn has been an effective third WR for Minnesota this season, with 26 catches this season. He has been used as a deep threat for the team, and is likely to see a similar role against Dallas. It’s not a safe pick, so is more suited to GPPs, but at the price it’s fine.
DraftKings Showdown- Dallas @Minnesota Kickers and DSTs
Greg Zuerlein ($3,800) could see more work, as Dallas may struggle to finish drives. Zuerlein has a long range, is accurate enough and playing in a dome means there aren’t any weather concerns. Greg Joseph ($3,600) I’m not as excited about, given that Minnesota might start to feel confident and press drives at home (more is Prescott doesn’t suit up). The Minnesota DST ($2,600) is a steal if Rush is the starter, given his lack of playing time.
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2021 Showdown of Dallas @Minnesota! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn – USA TODAY Sports
