NFL DraftKings Thursday Night Showdown: Travis Kelce is the Top Play

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 9: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a catch in the open field during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) NFL DraftKings /

DraftKings puts out their Showdown contest with a 1.5 point bonus for the captain. Travis Kelce is the top play for owners in our NFL DraftKings Thursday Night Football breakdown.

NFL DraftKings Thursday Night Showdown: Travis Kelce is the Top Play

When there is only one game on the NFL schedule, DraftKings puts out a NFL DraftKings Showdown contest. There is still the $50,000 budget but owners are not limited to positions. There are six flex positions with a 1.5-point bonus for the captain. Between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce is your captain.

The Chiefs are dealing with a handful of injuries heading into this game. Backup running back Spencer Ware is listed as doubtful. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has already been ruled out. Tyreek Hill is questionable but is expected to play.

With the limited options in the passing game for Patrick Mahomes, he will target the tight end early and often. Kelce should be close to 15 targets throughout this game. The Chargers are an average-ranked defense against the tight end but there are very few players with the skill set of Kelce.

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Because of the 1.5 point bonus, everyone’s salary is a bit inflated. Kelce will cost you $15,300 compared to the normal $10,200. Looking at the other options, he’s worth the investment. Mahomes targets Kelce a lot. He has 35 catches on 44 targets in his last four games.

If you want to look elsewhere, Chargers top wide receiver Keenan Allen is a good play. Philip Rivers loves targeting Allen. He has 47 targets and 35 receptions in the same span.

Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams have not been as consistent and Antonio Gates isn’t in his prime anymore.

With Kelce in my captain spot, I used Allen, Chris Conley, Damien Williams, M. Williams and Justin Jackson.

Jackson is a sleeper pick if Melvin Gordon is ruled out for the third straight game. Even if he is active, I don’t expect him to play a full set of snaps.

With the smallest player pool, DraftKings players have limited room for mistakes. Choosing the right captain can make all the difference. Someone like Kelce, who will have a lot of scoring opportunities, is a perfect captain.

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The Chiefs will be without Ware and Watkins. Hill is questionable and could be limited in actions. Mahomes will have no other option but to target Kelce. Spend the money for the elite tight end.