NFL Showdown is not about who you play as much as how you play them.

Median projections are a tool in the toolbox, but they are to be trusted far less than they would be on the main slate. This is because of the large ramifications associated with a single player underproducing or overproducing relative to their projection.

The most likely outcome is only one of infinite outcomes.

When ownership dictates that the field has the game figured out, lean into builds around a different scenario.

The term “any given Sunday” should be the mantra for successfully building Showdown lineups.

Slate Breakdown

Patrick Mahomes looks to continue his impressive run ATS in Week 1 as a five-point home favorite against the Detroit Lions.

Both teams have multiple backs that figure to be factors depending on the game script.

The Chiefs will likely be without Travis Kelce, who injured his knee in practice on Tuesday.

Kansas City is still the preferred team to stack, although the options will be a bit different with Kelce likely sidelined.

Injury Notes

  • Kadarius Toney – Knee – Likely active
  • Richie James – Knee – Likely active
  • Travis Kelce – Knee – Likely inactive

Detroit Lions Offense

Tier 1 DFS Showdown Plays:

Amon-Ra St. Brown – $10,200 

St. Brown is projected for the most points outside of Mahomes. He is an excellent play as part of a Lions stack featuring Jared Goff but is most valuable when used as the only Detroit player in a Kansas City onslaught.

Jared Goff – $9,400 

Goff projects similarly to St. Brown and the two should be plaired when St. Brown is at Captain. Goff's price is enticing for the Captain spot, but that would require us to play multiple Lions pass catchers when we'd rather be playing Chiefs.

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