Here we have the next DraftKings Showdown slate of the 2024 season- Jacksonville @Chicago. This week, we’re kicking things off bright and early (again) with an exciting international matchup. Whether you’re locking in a star like Trevor Lawrence as your captain or searching for value plays like Parker Washington, there’s a lot to break down.
This game could feature a mix of explosive offense and gritty defense, with Caleb Williams and Lawrence leading their teams. Expect key playmakers like D.J. Moore and Brian Thomas Jr. to take center stage as both offenses look to move the ball against tough defenses. With the Jaguars’ offense heating up and the Bears’ defense showing flashes of dominance, this primetime clash has all the makings of a showdown you won’t want to miss.
DraftKings SMF Showdown 2024 – Jacksonville @Chicago Captain Picks
DJ Moore ($14,700 Capt/ $9,800 Flex)
Moore is coming off a monster game, catching five passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ dominant win over the Panthers. He has firmly established himself as Justin Fields’ go-to target, finding the end zone three times over the last two games. Moore’s combination of speed and route-running makes him a threat on every play, especially against a Jaguars defense that has struggled to defend the pass. Expect him to be heavily involved once again, making him a high-upside captain option. His ability to rack up big yards and multiple scores gives him the potential to lead all scorers in this contest.
Brian Thomas Jr. ($14,100 Capt/ $9,400 Flex)
Brian Thomas Jr. has quickly emerged as a top playmaker for the Jaguars, posting 122 yards and a touchdown on five receptions in last week’s win over the Colts. His 85-yard catch-and-run showcased his game-breaking speed, extending his touchdown streak to two games. Thomas also led the team in targets and yardage, further cementing his chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. As the Jaguars take on a vulnerable Bears secondary, Thomas should continue to be a focal point in the passing game. With his big-play ability, he’s a strong choice for the captain spot in this London showdown.
D’Andre Swift ($13,800 Capt/ $9,200 Flex)
D’Andre Swift has been on fire over the last two games, racking up 285 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard rushing effort with a score in last week’s win over the Panthers. His versatility as a runner and receiver keeps him involved in all phases of the Bears’ offense, and he nearly added another touchdown last week before a penalty wiped it out. Swift has been heating up at the perfect time, and his role near the goal line gives him a high floor for fantasy production. Facing a Jaguars defense that has been generous to opposing running backs, Swift is primed for another big day. He’s a strong captain choice if you’re banking on his continued momentum.
Travis Etienne Jr. ($11,100 Capt/ $7,400 Flex)
Travis Etienne has been cleared to play after dealing with a shoulder issue, but his workload may be limited due to the rise of rookie Tank Bigsby. Etienne’s explosiveness as both a runner and a receiver makes him a versatile weapon, but his recent dip in production—just 67 rushing yards over the last two games—could signal a timeshare. Still, his big-play potential can’t be ignored, especially in a matchup against the Bears’ defense, which has struggled to stop the run. If you believe Etienne will get enough touches to shine, he’s a high-ceiling captain pick with multi-touchdown upside. However, his recent volume might push him into a better flex option for some lineups.
DraftKings SMF Showdown 2024 – Jacksonville @Chicago Flex Picks
Caleb Williams ($8,800 Flex)
Caleb Williams continued to impress, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ dominant win over the Panthers. The rookie quarterback is showing his dual-threat ability, adding 34 rushing yards to his stat line, and nearly scored his first rushing touchdown, only for it to be nullified by a penalty. Williams has thrown five touchdowns in his last three games and will look to keep that momentum going against the Jaguars’ struggling defense. He’s a great flex option with both his arm and legs in play for fantasy points.
Trevor Lawrence ($8,600 Flex)
Trevor Lawrence delivered one of his best performances of the season, throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling 37-34 win over the Colts. Lawrence’s connection with Brian Thomas Jr. was on full display with an 85-yard touchdown, and he added another score to tight end Brenton Strange. Despite throwing an interception at the Colts’ two-yard line, Lawrence showed poise, leading the game-winning drive. With momentum on his side, Lawrence is a solid flex play heading into the Jaguars’ London clash against Chicago.
Christian Kirk ($8,400 Flex)
Christian Kirk is heating up, hauling in all four of his targets for 88 yards in the Jaguars’ win over the Colts. After a slow start to the season, Kirk has compiled a 19-228-1 stat line over his last three games, re-establishing himself as a key weapon in the Jaguars’ passing attack. While he’ll face a tough Bears defense, his ability to make plays in critical moments makes him a strong flex option. If you believe the Jaguars will air it out, Kirk could see plenty of work again in Week 6.
Keenan Allen ($7,600 Flex)
Keenan Allen has struggled to find his rhythm with the Bears, posting just 33 receiving yards on three catches in Week 5. After missing time earlier in the season with a heel injury, Allen is healthy but hasn’t had a breakout game yet in Chicago’s offense. With a matchup against Jacksonville’s vulnerable secondary, Allen has the chance to turn things around in Week 6. His talent and track record make him a risky, but high-upside flex play.
Rome Odunze ($7,200 Flex)
Rome Odunze posted five catches for 40 yards in the Bears’ victory over the Panthers, but he remains a secondary option behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Odunze’s best game came when Allen was sidelined, and although he has big-play potential, his target share is limited. His speed could cause problems for the Jaguars’ defense, but Odunze carries a lower floor due to his role in Chicago’s offense. If you’re looking for a risky dart throw with upside, Odunze could deliver against a weak Jacksonville secondary.
Tank Bigsby ($7,000 Flex)
Tank Bigsby dominated the Jaguars’ backfield in Week 5, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He also recovered his own fumble in the end zone for a third score, cementing his role as a potential lead back over Travis Etienne. Bigsby’s explosive performance makes him an intriguing flex option, especially if Jacksonville continues to rely on him heavily in the red zone. With Etienne’s workload possibly decreasing, Bigsby’s upside is hard to ignore in this London matchup.
Cole Kmet ($6,600 Flex)
Cole Kmet has been a steady performer over the last three games, averaging five catches and 63 yards during that span. He’s emerged as a reliable target for Caleb Williams, but he has just one big game on the season so far. Kmet’s solid floor makes him a safe flex option, though his ceiling remains capped unless he finds the end zone. In a game that could see a lot of passing, Kmet should continue to see steady involvement.
Evan Engram ($5,800 Flex)
Evan Engram is trending toward playing after missing four games due to a hamstring injury, and he could immediately return to a prominent role in Jacksonville’s offense. Engram has been a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence, and his return would give the Jaguars another option in the middle of the field. If he’s active, Engram offers a solid floor as a flex option, but you will need to check his status before Sunday’s early kickoff. His presence would push Brenton Strange back to a reserve role.
Roschon Johnson ($5,200 Flex)
Roschon Johnson continues to carve out a significant role in the Bears’ backfield, rushing 10 times for 25 yards and two touchdowns last week. He’s been a reliable change-of-pace option behind D’Andre Swift, and his goal-line usage boosts his fantasy value. While Johnson’s yardage totals have been modest, his knack for finding the end zone makes him a sneaky flex option. If Swift’s workload dips, Johnson could see even more touches against the Jaguars.
Gabe Davis ($4,400 Flex)
Gabe Davis is listed as questionable with a knee injury, but if he’s active for Sunday’s game, he’ll remain a key part of Jacksonville’s passing attack. Davis played a team-high 78% of the snaps last week, and his deep-threat ability gives him potential for a big play. However, his status must be monitored before the early London kickoff, and if he’s unable to go, Jacksonville will lean more on their other receivers. If Davis is cleared to play, he could be a value flex option with big upside.
Dart Throw Plays (Various)
Here are a few dart plays to round out your lineup. These are high-risk, high-reward picks best suited for GPPs—not for cash games:
- Brenton Strange (TE, JAX) $3,200 Flex – Brenton Strange caught all four of his targets for 24 yards and a touchdown last week, capitalizing on Evan Engram’s absence. With Engram potentially returning, Strange’s opportunities will likely diminish, but he still offers red-zone upside if the Jaguars mix in two-tight end sets.
- D’Ernest Johnson (RB, JAX) $2,800 Flex – D’Ernest Johnson saw just one carry for one yard and caught two passes for nine yards last week. With Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne dominating the backfield, Johnson’s role is limited, but he could see a few touches if Jacksonville manages the game from ahead.
- Khalil Herbert (RB, CHI) $2,400 Flex – Khalil Herbert has been an afterthought in Chicago’s offense recently, logging just three snaps with no carries over the last two games. Although he was once pegged for short-yardage work, Herbert has been overshadowed by Roschon Johnson and D’Andre Swift near the goal line.
- DeAndre Carter (WR, CHI) $2,000 Flex – DeAndre Carter is active for Week 6 after dealing with a rib injury and will resume his duties as the Bears’ primary returner. He’ll see limited offensive snaps but could be worth a dart throw if you’re banking on a big special teams play.
- Gerald Everett (TE, CHI) $1,600 Flex – Gerald Everett managed two catches for 22 yards in the Bears’ win over the Panthers, but his role in the offense remains limited behind Cole Kmet. As the second tight end, Everett’s production is unpredictable, making him a risky dart throw in this showdown.
- Parker Washington (WR, JAX) $1,000 Flex – Parker Washington will fill in as Jacksonville’s primary returner with Devin Duvernay sidelined, giving him some appeal if one of the starters gets injured during the game. While he won’t see much offensive action, his explosiveness could make him a sneaky play.
DraftKings SMF Showdown 2024 – Jacksonville @Chicago Kickers and DSTs
Cairos Santos ($5,000) converted his only field goal in the Bears’ 36-10 win over the Panthers, though he missed his first extra point of the season. Santos has been somewhat volatile due to the inconsistency of Chicago’s offense, but when given opportunities, he’s been dependable. If the Bears’ offense stalls in London, Santos could see more field goal attempts, boosting his fantasy value. However, if Chicago continues to convert drives into touchdowns, his upside could be limited. Cam Little ($4,800) made the most of his chances last week, hitting all three of his field goals and four extra points in Jacksonville’s thrilling 37-34 victory over the Colts. Little has been consistent throughout the season, though his volume has varied depending on the Jaguars’ offensive output. If Jacksonville can continue its offensive momentum, Little will be a strong kicking option in this game. However, if the Jaguars’ offense reverts to its earlier form, Little might not see as many opportunities, making him a riskier play.
Bears DST ($4,000) has been excellent at generating turnovers, ranking third in the NFL with 11 takeaways and tied for first with five fumble recoveries. Their ability to create turnovers was on full display last week, leading to multiple scoring opportunities in the win over the Panthers. With key injuries in their secondary, including Jaquan Brisker and Terell Smith, the Bears may face challenges in coverage against Jacksonville’s passing attack. However, if they can continue forcing mistakes, the Bears DST could still deliver solid value in this matchup. Jaguars DST ($3,600) has been a mixed bag this season, with defensive end Travon Walker showing flashes of brilliance but the unit as a whole struggling against the pass. Jacksonville ranks last in the league in EPA per dropback and 26th in success rate on passing downs, making them highly vulnerable through the air. While Walker continues to develop as a pass rusher, the defense has given up too many explosive plays, putting them in tough spots week after week. They’ll need to tighten up against the Bears’ offense if they want to be a viable fantasy option.
So there you have it — our DraftKings picks for the 2024 Jacksonville@Chicago! Whether you’re locking in lineups or just looking for that edge, we’ve got you covered. If you have any DFS questions shoot me a DM on twitter at @numeric_dfs. Also checkout our other KFS DFS articles here, and interact with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. We’re always ready to talk shop and help you build those winning rosters!
