Continuing our DraftKings Showdown coverage of the 2021 season, we look at the Los Angeles @Seattle matchup. We’re treated to an absolute classic on TNF to kick off Week 5, with the Rams heading to Seattle in an NFC West battle. The Rams were humbled at home to the Cardinals last week, dropping to 3-1, whilst the Seahawks overcame a tough test in San Francisco to climb back up to 2-2 on the year. Seattle are home underdogs here, with the spread 2.5 points in favour of the Rams, with the O/U sitting at a healthy 54.
DraftKings Showdown 2021: Los Angeles @Seattle Captain Picks
Russell Wilson ($17,700)
In a high scoring game, it’s worth considering at least one of the QBs at captain. I love Russ here, mainly due to his extra upside on the ground. Whilst he hasn’t seen too much work on the ground, but they did just give up 39 yards to Kyler last week – not a huge amount by any means, but I think this Rams pass-rush could cause Wilson to scramble more frequently than desired. Add that to his 9:0 TD to INT ratio on the year, and he looks like a solid choice here, with a nice floor.
Darrell Henderson Jr ($12,600)
Seattle ranks dead-last in terms of run defence so far this year, surrendering 152 yards per game on the ground. If Los Angeles plays this game with a lead (as Vegas predicts), Henderson could be in for a monster game. Henderson also has a joint team-high 23% red zone usage, and I fully expect him to hit pay dirt tonight. He also offers a nice bit of salary relief, allowing you to jam in the studs on this slate.
Alex Collins ($4,800)
This one hinges on Chris Carson’s status come kick-off. Carson (neck) drew a late questionable tag on Wednesday, and it’s looking more and more likely he sits this one out. Even when he suited up last week, Collins almost matched Carson for touches, and was actually more efficient on the ground. He also saw a bit of work in the passing game too. Collins is a must play in cash games if Carson sits this one out.
DraftKings Showdown 2021: Los Angeles @Seattle Flex Picks
Matt Stafford ($11,400)
Stafford has been MVP-worthy in his first 4 starts in LA, throwing for 1222 yards, to go with 11 TDs and 2 INTs. Seattle’s run defence has been abysmal, but their pass defence hasn’t been much better, giving up just under 300 yards through the air so far. Stafford should feast in this matchup.
Tyler Lockett ($9,600)
I imagine Metcalf should be shadowed by Ramsey in this one, so I’d lean towards Lockett here. He’s certainly more of a boom-or-bust pay, but his cheaper salary makes him more enticing. He’s averaging 83.3 yards per game and should definitely be considered in what looks to be a high-scoring game.
Robert Woods ($7,600)
Woods is simply under-priced on this slate. Whilst he’s certainly slipped from WR1b to WR2 in Los Angeles, I think it’s only a matter of time before he sees an uptick in production. Cupp’s start to the season has been nothing short of mind-blowing. Surely, he has to slow down at some point. Doesn’t he? Kupp has seen 9 red-zone targets so far this year, with Woods seeing 6, something I think really isn’t reflected in the pricing differential. With a difference in price of $4,900 (!) for a WR McVay hinted should see more opportunities, I think Woods is hard to pass on. I’m not going to completely fade Kupp tonight, but I will almost certainly be fair heavier on Woods.
Van Jefferson Jr. ($4,800)
Again, in what looks to be a high-scoring game, Van Jefferson Jr. is in a prime position for a big game, at a lovely price. He’s seen the field on a massive 79.5% of offensive snaps, and could do damage to a Rams secondary that’s surrendered 273.3 yards in the air per game through 4 games.
Kickers and Defence
Neither kicker really stands out to me in this high scoring environment. Whilst both should see a nice number of XP attempts, there’s unlikely to be too many FGs with two high-powered offences going head-to-head. They both have a nice floor, but their ceilings are fairly capped.
In terms of defences, normally I’d stay away with such a big O/U. However, with LA being priced at $3,000, and Seattle at $2,800, they’re certainly intriguing in large-field GPPs. As we’ve seen it only takes one offensive miscue for a defensive TD, and the chance either of these could be optimal. I think I’d lean towards LA, especially seeing as Aaron Donald has sacked Wilson more times than any other QB in his NFL career.
So, there are our DraftKings selections for the 2021 Showdown of Los Angeles @Seattle! 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: Steven Bisig – USA TODAY Sports
