NFL Showdown optimizer and simulator
Build DraftKings NFL Showdown lineups for large-field GPPs. Every single-game slate is loaded for you, then the optimizer and simulator do the math on Captain choices, stacks and ownership.
NFL Showdown optimizer features
- Every NFL Showdown slate, loaded automatically. Thursday, Sunday, Monday and international games appear with official DraftKings salaries and player IDs, then refresh with injuries and player props through the day.
- Projections from sportsbook player props. Passing, rushing, receiving and touchdown props are converted to DraftKings scoring, with a ceiling and Captain projection (1.5x) beside every player. You can edit any projection.
- Captain Mode rules built in. Captain at 1.5x salary and points plus 5 FLEX under the $50,000 cap. Set a Captain mix by QB, RB, WR/TE and K/DST, and set K/DST to 0% to keep kickers and defenses out of the Captain spot.
- Stacks and bring-backs. QB Captain with his pass catchers, pass-catcher Captain with his QB, and bring-backs from the other team for shootout games.
- Game simulator. Thousands of correlated simulations across game scripts such as a shootout, a defensive grind or one team in control. Every lineup gets a top-1% rate, P99 ceiling and chance to beat your Target score.
- Ownership and leverage. Projected FLEX and Captain ownership, Optimal % and leverage show which Captains the field is underplaying.
- Game-day inactives. Questionable players are marked Active once inactive lists post, and inactive players are removed from builds automatically.
- Backtests and exports. Score your settings against real past contests, set your Target from what the top 1% actually scored, and export upload-ready DraftKings CSVs or the full player pool.
How to build NFL Showdown lineups
Pick the game
Open the NFL app and choose a Showdown slate from the game menu.
Apply the GPP preset
One click sets large-field settings, including a Target score based on the game total or your own past contests.
Set your Captain plan
Choose a Captain mix by position, lock or force players as Captain, and add stacking rules.
Optimize and simulate
Build up to 150 lineups, then run the simulation to see each lineup's top-1% rate and ceiling.
Export to DraftKings
Download the CSV and upload it under Lineups, Upload Lineups.
NFL Showdown strategy for large-field GPPs
- The Captain spot carries the most upside and the most ownership. Use Captain leverage to find strong options the field is underplaying.
- Correlate your Captain: a QB Captain with his receivers, or a receiver Captain with his QB, plus a bring-back for a high-total game.
- Kickers and defenses can win single-game slates as FLEX plays, but rarely belong in the Captain spot in large fields.
- Set minimum unique players and max exposure so a multi-entry set does not rely on one outcome.
NFL Showdown questions
What is an NFL Showdown optimizer?
A tool that builds DraftKings Showdown lineups for a single NFL game: one Captain at 1.5x salary and points and five FLEX players under the $50,000 cap, following the rules you set.
What is DraftKings Captain Mode?
Captain Mode is DraftKings' single-game format, also called Showdown. You pick six players from one game, and the Captain scores 1.5 times his points at 1.5 times his salary.
Does Showdown Edge include a Showdown simulator?
Yes. Every NFL slate includes a correlated game simulator that reports each lineup's top-1% rate, ceiling and chance to beat your Target score.
Is it built for cash games or GPPs?
It is built for large-field GPP tournaments, and it also has settings for cash games and 50/50s.
Projections, simulations and ownership are model estimates for comparing lineups, not predictions or promises of results. 18+. Play responsibly.
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Also on Showdown Edge: NBA Showdown optimizer · MLB Showdown optimizer