Welcome into our 2021 coverage of the DraftKings showdown slates- continuing with Los Angeles @Arizona. This game looks to be a good one, with an over/ under of 51.5 points, and Arizona the slight favorites. It should be a good game, although it has lost some of the shine of it with the players that were added to the COVID reserve for Los Angeles. Watching Ramsey v Hopkins would have been great, but here we go.
DraftKings Showdown 2021- Los Angeles @Arizona Captain Picks
Kyler Murray ($16,800)
When starting with this slate, it’s hard to look past Murray. He is the heartbeat of the offense, and a constant dual-threat. His rushing ability in particular gives a solid floor, and the players that surround him give him a great ceiling should he choose to air it out. Murray returned from a three-game absence last week and looked fine in an easy win.
DeAndre Hopkins ($14,400)
I wasn’t as high on Hopkins before Jalen Ramsey was placed on COVID reserve, but now Hopkins is going to be facing a lesser defensive back. Hopkins isn’t getting the same target share that he had in previous seasons, but when he is getting the ball he is productive. In fact, in the three weeks of Week 6 to 8, he caught 12 of 15 targets for 195 yards and 4 TDs.
Sony Michel ($10,800)
If you are looking for a slightly cheaper option at captain, Michel fits the mold. Michel filled in for Darrell Henderson last week with over 120 scrimmage yards and TD. Now, I’m not expecting that level of production this week, but there is no doubting that Michel is the only body out of the backfield. Arizona hasn’t been the same run defense it was at the start of the season either, without JJ Watt on the defensive line.
DraftKings Showdown 2021- Los Angeles @Arizona Flex Picks
Cooper Kupp ($12,000)
It’s hard to be able to put Kupp in as captain, but he is very much worth considering. He is the lead receiver for the offense. With highs in receptions, yards and TDs in the entire league. The difficulty is, can you trust him with the toe injury he had earlier in the week? I would say yes. The issue is getting him into your lineup and finding other pieces to slot in you are happy with.
Matthew Stafford ($10,400)
Stafford has been incredible since the bye week, with just under 600 yards and 6 TDs in two games. And, it’s clear to see why. The offense is full of weapons, and seems to be able to involve Odell Beckham in the offense, alongside Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson. By taking the QB, you don’t need to try and guess who is going to be the big winner in this game through the air.
James Conner ($9,800)
Conner is set to be the bell-cow in the offense for Arizona, as Chase Edmonds wasn’t activated. With how he is playing, and the expected workload he will be given, it’s hard to look past him. The team especially look to him in the red-zone, where he has been extremely effective
Van Jefferson/ Odell Beckham ($8,000/ $6,200)
Jefferson appears to be the secondary receiver in the offense, with the number of routes he is running along with the associated targets, receptions, and yards. Odell Beckham has been the third receiver, which is why he is a decent amount cheaper. Ultimately, I’m going to be mixing between the two in my lineups, but more likely to be opting for Jefferson.
Kendall Blanton ($400)
Blanton is set to be the starting TE for Los Angeles in this game, with Tyler Higbee now on the COVID reserve list. Higbee hadn’t been exactly productive this season, even with the amount he has been on the field, so it’s hard to be fully invested. However, the rock-bottom price lets you get a lot of other big-name players in your lineup.
DraftKings Showdown 2021- Los Angeles @Arizona Defenses and Kickers
The game feels like it’s likely to be a shootout, so I don’t particularly want to put either defense in my lineup in this game. That changes with the kickers though, with both of them viable due to the expected points to be scored in the game. I would take Matt Gay ($4,000) over Matt Prater ($4,200) though. Prater has shown his long boot, but he has also been inconsistent this season, whereas Gay has been fantastic.
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Image Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports