NFL Sunday Night DFS Showdown Picks: Dolphins vs. Patriots

We’ve waited all day for Sunday night, ok maybe not waited, but now that the afternoon games are approaching, it’s time to look toward tonight’s DFS plays. It’s an intriguing matchup because the Dolphins and Patriots always seem to have good close-scoring games. Taking a look at the game, I am going to give you some ideas for Captain/MVP plays as well as how to fill out the rest of the roster to get some key pieces apart of any lineup you create. Let’s get into it…

Captain/MVP

Depending on what site you use you know there is a key difference between the Captain spot on DraftKings and MVP slot on Fanduel. The difference is that in DraftKings the captain costs a different price compared to the other 5 slots, whereas on Fanduel the salary doesn’t change. Here are two different plays based on potential style.

The Obvious Captain: Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (DK-$18,900/FD-$17,000)

Cheetah is going to be a guy that almost 90% of rosters will have. He is someone everyone is willing to pay for and it makes sense. He is capable of multiple TDs and high yardage every single game. In this game, he has the wrinkle of Belichick trying to limit him, but like everyone else, he probably won’t be able to. If you want the highest-scoring player as your goal, then Tyreek is the guy to roll with in your top spot. You just need to ask yourself if he is truly worth 1/3 of your budget right out of the gate.

Sneaky Captain Pick: Hunter Henry, N.E. Patriots (DK-$8400/FD-$10,000)

Henry is a great play for your team no matter if he is in your top spot or not. The reason he could be a sneaky pick is he gives your roster flexibility in DraftKings showdown and the ownership percentage as MVP in Fanduel should be low. This gives your entry the chance to stand out and be unique, which is usually the lineups that win big. Mac Jones and Henry have a great connection and he’s a safety valve in the middle of the field. That means multiple receptions and chunks of yardage that add up. Plus, once in the red zone, he is always a threat as a big target in the end zone.

Filler Spots

Kendrick Bourne, N.E. Patriots (DK-$7200/FD-$11,000)

Last year in a Matt Patricia-led offense it seemed Bourne was an afterthought. Now, that Bill O’Brien has taken over it is clear he hasn’t been. In Week 1 Bourne put up 6 catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns and showed he and Mac can make things happen. After seeing the Dolphins’ defense lit up in Week 1 despite winning, I can see Bourne having another good game. It also is likely the Pats will have to throw to stay in this game. Bourne is a nice middle-of-the-road price that rounds out the lineup just right.

Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins (DK-$4200/FD-$9000)

Yes, you read that right. I have a kicker as a filler spot. Listen, if the Dolphins aren’t getting in the endzone they’ll probably be around it. That means…KICKER POINTS! Sometimes a kicker is the most valuable play. Sanders in week 1 had three field goals attempted and made and he had a total of 14 fppg. That is great value at his price. The only person that might give you better value is my final pick…

Bargain Bucket

River Cracaft, Miami Dolphins (DK-$800/FD-$8000)

This is the GUY that you need to make any lineup work. The biggest key in showdowns is the bargain player and Cracaft fits that mold perfectly. He was targeted five times and came away with 3 catches for 40 yards and one touchdown. You don’t get a better bargain than that. He allows you to have Tyreek and Tua, but a few other mid-level guys to round out your lineup.

Best of luck and hope my advice leads to some green in your pockets!