DraftKings showdown slate: DFS picks for Steelers and Patriots

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady heads for the locker room after congratulating Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (background right) following Pittsburgh's 17-10 victory. The New England Patriots visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in a regular season NFL football game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on Dec. 16, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to make a catch as J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots defends in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

DraftKings Week 1 Showdown: Flex

Juju Smith-Schuster – $11,000

The highest priced player on the slate is a flex play for me although I might sprinkle a lineup or two with him in the Captain spot. I believe Belichick is going to do whatever he can to take away JuJu with bracket coverage over the top and a heavy dose of Stephon Gilmore.

Ben Roethlisberger – $10,600

In the last four games against New England, Ben Roethlisberger has averaged 37 attempts, 297 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. If the game script goes as I believe it will, Roethlisberger will need to throw as they will likely be trailing in the second half. If you do go with JuJu as your Captain, I would recommend adding Roethlisberger in your flex.

Tom Brady – $10,200

In the last five games against Pittsburgh, Brady has averaged 34 attempts, 294 yards 2.2 touchdowns. Best case scenario is this game turns into what Vegas predicts as a shootout. That would allow for both quarterbacks to be in play with multiple options to throw to. I have Brady as a better flex option than Roethlisberger with the home field advantage. If you have Gordon or Edelman in your Captain slot, I would be sure to pair with Brady in your flex.

Donte Moncrief – $6,200

With 168 targets vacated when the Steelers traded Antonio Brown, Donte Moncrief steps in as the number two receiver in the heaviest pass offense a season ago. The concern with Moncrief would be if the Patriots deployed bracket coverage on Smith-Schuster and stock Gilmore to lock down Moncrief taking away both primary options.

Ryan Switzer – $4,000

If the Patriots do go with the above coverage against the Steelers, the slot receiver will smash for the Steelers tonight. I am hoping that Ryan Switzer gets the lions-share of the snaps out of the slot tonight giving him slate-breaking potential. BEWARE OF ELI ROGERS