Our Lineup Optimizer is an incredibly powerful tool inside our Player Models, particularly when creating a large number of lineups. However, it’s just that — a tool. We still have to make decisions. Otherwise, everyone would have the same 150 DFS lineups in each contest.
This is intended more as a teaching piece than a step-by-step guide. These rules are suggestions that can show you how to translate your read on this game into lineups.
Additionally, this piece focuses on DraftKings Showdown contests, but similar strategies are useful on FanDuel.
For my general Showdown strategy, you can read my Showdown primer.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Angle in Patriots vs. Steelers Showdown
This week, we get a game total that checks in as our lowest of the year at just 30 points. Preliminary ownership data looks like most players are going to be focusing on the running backs and defenses in this matchup, but with such low offensive output expected, I would prefer to find an option with big play potential who has the ability to separate from the field in possibly just one big play.
With that in mind, I am looking to come in with an overweight position on George Pickens, especially at Captain. I would argue that Pickens represents the most explosive option on the field tonight and probably has the best chance at scoring a long touchdown. I will also be making my rules less restrictive than usual tonight, again understating that scoring is expected to be limited, which puts an emphasis on raw points over specific correlations.
Lineup Optimizer Rules to Consider
General
- Max 4 players vs. Opposing Defense.
- Minimum salary cap 90%.
Player Correlations
- Pair Captain Mitch Trubisky with at least one Steelers pass-catcher.
- Pair Captain Bailey Zappe with at least one Patriots pass-catcher.
- Pair Captain pass-catchers with at most one other pass-catcher from the same team.
- Most lineups should also pair Captain pass-catchers with their QB.
Player Groups
- Max 3 kickers and defenses.
- Max 1 Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin.
- Max 1 Ty Montgomery and JaMychal Hasty
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Captain Pool (from highest to lowest priority)
Primary Targets
- Jaylen Warren
- George Pickens
- Najee Harris
- Diontae Johnson
Secondary Targets
- Ezekiel Elliot
- DeVante Parker
- Pat Freiermuth
- Mitch Trubisky
Large-Field GPP Fliers
- Hunter Henry
- Steelers DST
- Bailey Zappe
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
Finally, make sure to check out all the projections available for purchase (Chris Raybon’s come included with a FantasyLabs subscription) within the FantasyLabs Models. Subscribers now have the option to purchase Derek Carty’s THE BLITZ from our Marketplace. Projections from One Week Season and Establish the Run are available if you’re a subscriber to those specific sites (our optimizer is a separate add-on feature).
You can also combine them to create your own aggregate projections:
