Devising the perfect Daily Fantasy Sports strategy for the NFL can be a challenge, which is why I'm here to assist.
On DraftKings, it's important to remember you're playing full-point PPR with bonuses if a player surpasses 300 passing yards, 100 rushing yards or 100 receiving yards.
Here is my optimal lineup for the $2.25 million Thursday Night Showdown contest featuring the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
All prices listed are courtesy of DraftKings with a $50,000 budget, and you need at least one player from each team.
— Captain: RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots ($12,900)
Damien Harris entered the week in the NFL's concussion protocol and Bill Belichick likes to ride the hot hand. Stevenson turned 20 attempts and four receptions (five targets) into 114 total yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland.
— Flex: TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($9,600)
Pitts is the one offensive talent in this game who could transcend the matchup. Belichick makes it his business to take away an opponent's best weapon, but the rookie's workload with Calvin Ridley out and Cordarrelle Patterson potentially sidelined or limited with an ankle injury, makes it impossible to keep him out of your lineup.
— Flex: WR Jakobi Meyers, Patriots ($8,000)
Meyers finally caught a touchdown last week. It makes sense to play his team-best 24% target share if you're not going to utilize Mac Jones.
— Flex: WR Kendrick Bourne, Patriots ($7,600)
The Atlanta defense has allowed multiple touchdowns to wide receivers in six of nine games this season. Bourne has produced at least four receptions or a touchdown in six of the last eight games.
— Flex: RB Mike Davis, Falcons ($5,800)
It's fair to say Davis hasn't met expectations this season, but with Patterson possibly out or limited, I'm willing to give him one more shot over Wayne Gallman. It's a decent contrarian play as well.
— Flex: D/ST Patriots ($5,600)
New England's defense is averaging 14 points in the DraftKings format over the last four games. It has 14 interceptions this season — third-best in the NFL.
