Continuing our DraftKings Showdown coverage of the 2021 season, we look at the Denver @Cleveland matchup. This game is a little hard to preview because there are several moving parts going into it. There are players that are going to be seeing their first action, and some might not make it out on the field due to injury. But, that means more fun trying to find the right combination for fantasy.
DraftKings Showdown 2021- Denver @Cleveland Captain Picks
Teddy Bridgewater ($16,500/ $11,000)
Bridgewater has had a solid start to the season, leading the Denver offense. In six games this season he has passed for over 1,500 yards, 10 TDs with just 4 INTs. That is without his top receiver Jerry Jeudy, so he really is maximizing everything that he has on offense. Denver are likely to move the ball through the air too, with the strength of Cleveland’s rush defense.
Courtland Sutton ($15,000/ $10,000)
Sutton is likely to be the leading receiver in this game, at least for the Broncos. He has had 11 more targets so far this season than Noah Fant who is second on the team in targets. Sutton leads the team in receptions, yards and has been efficient with his opportunities, catching 33 passes for 471 yards.
D’Ernest Johnson ($6,900/ $4,600)
COUGH COUGH. Yep, this is going to be a massively chalky play, as he is expected to get the bulk of the carries this week (and has third-option pricing). He has really not got the carries to his career that are going to give you the security that he will be good against a tough Denver defense, but in cash games, he is going to be a popular selection.
DraftKings Showdown 2021- Denver @Cleveland Flex Picks
Case Keenum ($9,400)
Keenum has been a great NFL backup in his career, showing his ability to move the ball in flashes, but not reliable enough season to season. However, his season with Minnesota that he made headlines, was under the same coaching as Cleveland. Given his pricing being lower than a normal starting QB, he is worth consideration (depending on the number of lineups you are playing this week)
Noah Fant ($8,200)
Fant is dealing with an injury, but assuming he is on the field as expected his usage is certainly there. Especially given that Albert Okwegbunam is now injured. Fant is second on the team in targets across the season, so should see plenty of work. If the Cleveland pass rush does create some challenges, short mid-field dump-offs should clock up.
Tim Patrick ($7,600)
Patrick has managed to step up into an effective receiver for Denver in the absence of Jerry Jeudy through injury. Patrick is third on the team in targets, and receptions, but second in yards with 344. Add to that his three scores and he has been a decent option through the air. Cleveland have also really struggled against second receivers (well all receivers to be told)
Melvin Gordon ($7,400) & Javonte Williams ($7,000)
Both running backs are in play, especially given that there are used roughly equally. Their snap count is around the same, their carries, yards and TDs. The Cleveland defense is a tough one to crack for RBs, so there isn’t alot there to hope for. However, in this type of situation I’d go with the cheaper option and spend the extra elsewhere.
Jarvis Landry ($6,600)
Landry is set to come back from IR, and should be on the field. The timing of it is critical, with Odell Beckham likely to miss the game. The veteran should be able to step in immediately and be the primary option for the team- with PPR scoring this should be a lock for opportunities.
Donovan Peoples-Jones ($6,400)
Peoples-Jones has been the guy that has stepped up in the Cleveland offense, with a string of impressive performances. The return of Landry makes other receivers more of a fringe option, but Peoples-Jones should still have a role in the offense, and is capable of making big plays.
DraftKings Showdown 2021 Denver @Cleveland- Defences and Kickers
The only defense that is going to be worth using in this lineup is Denver ($3,400). Cleveland are without a number of their starting options, and they have found a consistent way to get to the QB. I’m not looking to use the Browns ($3,200) at all. The kickers in this matchup aren’t really targets for me, but if I were to opt for one it would be Chase McLaughlin ($4,000) who could see the benefit of some
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2021 Showdown of Denver @Cleveland! Remember any DFS questions, you can check out our articles here. Or you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or jump into our Discord server
Image Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
