Week 9 MNF DraftKings Showdown: Javonte Williams vs. Bam Knight – Who Should You Trust?
The Monday Night Football (MNF) Week 9 showdown between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a divisional rivalry—it’s a fantasy goldmine. For DraftKings Showdown players, the matchup presents a critical decision: Javonte Williams or Bam Knight? Both ruing backs bring unique strengths, but only one will likely deliver the ceiling you need to dominate your lineup.
With the Chiefs’ defense allowing 120+ rushing yards per game to opposing backfields this season and the Broncos’ offense showing flashes of life, this could be the week where a well-timed RB selection swings your entire slate. But who’s the smarter play? Let’s break down the stats, matchup dynamics, and DraftKings Showdown strategy to help you decide.
Why This Matchup Matters for DraftKings Showdown
Monday Night Football Showdown contests on DraftKings are single-game slates, meaning you’re only picking players from one matchup. Unlike traditional DFS, where you can diversify across multiple games, Showdown forces you to maximize every roster spot—and ruing backs are often the highest-ceiling plays.
Here’s why the Williams vs. Knight debate is so pivotal:
- High Scoring Potential: The Chiefs’ offense ensures shootout potential, which typically benefits RBs in game script (more garbage-time touches or pass-game usage).
- Injury & Workload Clarity: Both backs are healthy, but their snap shares have fluctuated. Williams is the clear lead, while Knight’s role is more situational.
- DraftKings Pricing: Williams ($8,200) is priced as a workhorse, while Knight ($3,000) offers salary relief with upside if the game script breaks right.
- Game Script Leverage: If the Broncos are playing from behind (likely), pass-catching backs like Knight could see increased targets.
In Showdown, you’re not just picking the better player—you’re predicting how the game will unfold and which back fits that narrative.
Javonte Williams: The Workhorse with Question Marks
2024 Season Performance
After tearing his ACL in 2022, Williams returned in 2023 but wasn’t fully himself. This season, he’s looked closer to his rookie form, averaging:
- 18.5 touches per game (14 carries, 4.5 targets)
- 4.1 yards per carry (down from 4.4 in 2021)
- 70+ scrimmage yards in 5 of 8 games
- 3 total TDs (2 rush, 1 rec)
Matchup vs. Chiefs’ Defense
The Chiefs’ run defense has been middle-of-the-pack this year, ranking 16th in rush DVOA (Football Outsiders). However, they’ve struggled against:
- Volume backs: Derrick Henry (23-106-1), Joe Mixon (21-121-0), and James Coer (18-106-1) all topped 100 yards against them.
- Pass-catching RBs: They’ve allowed the 5th-most RB receptions (5.3 per game).
Williams’ dual-threat ability makes him a strong play, but his efficiency has been inconsistent. His DraftKings Showdown projection hinges on:
- Getting 20+ touches (he’s hit this in 3 of 8 games).
- Finding the end zone (he’s scored in 2 of his last 4).
- Avoiding negative game script (if DEN falls behind early, his carries could dip).
DraftKings Showdown Outlook
Williams is the safer floor play but lacks the week-wiing ceiling of elite RBs. His $8,200 salary is fair, but you’re paying for volume over explosiveness. Best used in:
- Cash games (double-up, 50/50) where consistency matters.
- Lineups with Mahomes + Kelce (hedging against a KC blowout).
Bam Knight: The Lottery Ticket with League-Wiing Upside
2024 Season Role
Knight, a 2023 undrafted free agent, has carved out a change-of-pace and pass-catching role in Denver’s offense. His stats won’t wow you:
- 5.2 touches per game (3 carries, 2.2 targets)
- 5.0 yards per carry (small sample size)
- Only 1 game with 10+ DK points (Week 4 vs. NE: 5-40-0 rushing, 3-25-1 receiving)
But here’s why he’s intriguing: He’s the only Broncos RB with a receiving TD this year, and his elusiveness (4.8 yards after contact per attempt) suggests untapped potential.
Why He Could Explode in Week 9
The Chiefs’ defense has two glaring weaknesses Knight could exploit:
- Poor Tackling: They’ve missed the 3rd-most tackles in the NFL (PFF), and Knight’s 7 broken tackles on 42 carries (16.7%) is elite.
- LB/CB Mismatches: Knight lines up in the slot on 22% of his snaps—expect Sean Payton to scheme him against L’Jarius Sneed or Joshua Williams in space.
Knight’s DraftKings Showdown appeal comes down to:
- Game Script: If DEN is trailing (likely), he could see 5+ targets as a check-down option for Russell Wilson.
- TD Equity: He’s scored on 6.7% of his touches (Williams: 3.2%).
- Salary Savings: At $3,000, he frees up cap space for stacks like Mahomes + Kelce + Rashee Rice.
DraftKings Showdown Outlook
Knight is a high-variance tournament play. He’ll likely need a TD to pay off, but his big-play ability (3 carries of 15+ yards this year) gives him league-wiing upside at a near-minimum price. Best used in:
- GPPs (tournaments) where you need differential upside.
- Lineups with Patrick Mahomes (correlated if KC jumps ahead early).
- Single-entry contests where ownership will be low (<5%).
Head-to-Head: Williams vs. Knight in DraftKings Showdown
| Metric | Javonte Williams | Bam Knight |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $8,200 | $3,000 |
| Proj. Touches | 18-22 | 5-8 |
| Floor (DK Points) | 10-12 | 2-4 |
| Ceiling (DK Points) | 25-30 | 20-25 (TD-dependent) |
| Best Game Script | Competitive or DEN-leading | DEN trailing by 10+ |
| Ownership (Proj.) | 30-40% | <5% |
When to Fade Both
While Williams and Knight are the top Broncos RB options, there are scenarios where fading Denver’s backfield entirely makes sense:
- KC Blowout: If you expect a 30+ point Chiefs win, neither RB will see enough volume.
- Negative Game Script: If DEN abandons the run early (as they did in Weeks 2-3), both could disappoint.
- Injury Risk: Williams has a history of lower-body injuries, and Knight’s role is volatile.
In those cases, pivot to:
- Isiah Pacheco ($7,800) – Higher floor in a KC stack.
- Jerick McKion ($4,200) – Cheaper KC pass-catcher.
- Marvin Mims Jr. ($3,600) – DEN’s deep threat if targeting a bring-back.
Expert DraftKings Showdown Strategy for Week 9 MNF
1. Game Stacking Approach
The most +EV (expected value) way to play Showdown is to stack the highest-scoring game narrative. For KC vs. DEN, that means:
- Primary Stack: Mahomes + Kelce + Pacheco + [DEN bring-back].
- Secondary Stack: Russell Wilson + Courtland Sutton + Knight + [KC bring-back].
If you’re using Williams, pair him with:
- Mahomes + Kelce (hedging against a KC win).
- DEN’s D/ST (if you think they’ll force turnovers).
If you’re using Knight, target:
- KC’s skill players (Mahomes, Kelce, Rice) for correlation.
- Late-swap potential if DEN is a underdog (check pre-game lines).
2. Captain Picks
The Captain spot (1.5x points) is where you maximize upside. For this slate:
- Best Captain: Patrick Mahomes ($16,200) – Highest floor/ceiling.
- Value Captain: Bam Knight ($4,500) – If you’re contrarian.
- Safe Captain: Travis Kelce ($13,800) – Always in play for 20+ DK.
Avoid captaining Williams—his lack of explosive plays (only 2 runs of 20+ yards in 2024) limits his upside in the 1.5x spot.
3. Late-Swap Considerations
Showdown lineups aren’t locked until kickoff, so monitor:
- Inactives: If Williams is a surprise scratch, Knight becomes a must-play.
- Weather: Wind or rain could shift usage toward the run game.
- Pre-Game Lines: If DEN’s implied total jumps above 20, Williams’ TD equity rises.
Final Verdict: Who Should You Rostering in DraftKings Showdown?
Pick Javonte Williams If…
- You’re playing cash games and need a safe floor.
- You believe DEN’s offense can stay competitive (within 10 points).
- You’re stacking him with Mahomes/Kelce to hedge.
Pick Bam Knight If…
- You’re in a GPP/tournament and need a low-owned lottery ticket.
- You expect a KC blowout (DEN trailing = more Knight snaps).
- You’re building a correlated lineup with KC’s passing attack.
Fade Both If…
- You’re prioritizing KC’s RBs (Pacheco, McKion) in a game script stack.
- You’re concerned about DEN’s O-line (allowing 3.2 sacks per game).
- You’d rather spend up for Marvin Mims Jr. as a bring-back.
Projected DraftKings Showdown Lineup (Optimal Build)
Based on current projections and ownership trends, here’s a high-upside tournament lineup for Week 9 MNF:
- Captain (1.5x): Patrick Mahomes ($16,200)
- Flex: Travis Kelce ($8,800)
- Flex: Rashee Rice ($7,000)
- Flex: Bam Knight ($3,000)
- Flex: Courtland Sutton ($6,400)
- Flex: Isiah Pacheco ($5,600)
Why This Works:
- Stacks KC’s high-powered offense with Mahomes + Kelce + Rice.
- Uses Knight as a contrarian bring-back with TD upside.
- Includes Pacheco for RB exposure without overpaying for Williams.
- Leaves $0 salary (perfectly optimized).
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
At the end of the day, DraftKings Showdown is about storytelling. Are you betting on:
- A competitive game where Williams grinds out 20+ touches?
- A KC blowout where Knight becomes the primary check-down option?
- A different narrative entirely (e.g., Pacheco going nuclear)?
The data slightly favors Williams for floor and Knight for ceiling, but the right pick depends on your contest type and risk tolerance. If you’re torn, consider splitting exposure—play Williams in cash and Knight in tournaments.
And remember: One play won’t make or break your lineup. The key to long-term Showdown success is game theory—predicting what others won’t, then being right when it matters.
Ready to Dominate Week 9 MNF?
Now that you’ve got the breakdown, it’s time to build your lineups. Here’s your action plan:
- Check inactives 90 minutes before kickoff (Williams’ status is critical).
- Monitor Vegas lines—if DEN’s implied total rises, Williams becomes a stronger play.
- Enter multiple lineups (mix Williams in cash, Knight in GPPs).
- Set a late-swap alert for any breaking news (e.g., weather delays).
Whether you’re backing the workhorse or the lottery ticket, trust your process and enjoy the chaos of Monday Night Football. And if Knight hits for 25 DK points on 5 touches? You’ll be the one laughing all the way to the top of the leaderboard.
Good luck, and may your Showdown lineups be evergreen!