We’ve added a couple new rules to our NFL Multi-Lineup Builder, and we believe that these new rules will help you create even better daily fantasy football lineups.
In order to access the Multi-Lineup Builder within Player Models, select “Build Lineups/Stacks” (on the right) and then “Generate Multiple Lineups.”
After the Multi-Lineup Builder screen pops up, you will see five available rules on the right.
Let’s walk through each one.
Avoid Opposing Defense
Most of these ‘rules’ are built from correlations we know to be true in daily fantasy football. The clearest of these rules is that as defensive production increases, the value from opposing skill positions tends to decrease. This is fairly obvious and probably a rule you should have checked at all times.
Force QB/Pass Catcher Stack
As mentioned, there are exceptions for each rule. There are certain quarterbacks who have rushing upside — guys like Cam Newton, Tyrod Taylor, and Colin Kaepernick — who can have big performances even if none of their pass catchers do. In general, however, stacking a QB and at least one of his pass catchers is one of the most fundamental ways to create GPP-winning upside for your lineup.
Only 1 Skill Player Per Team (Outside of QB Stacks)
This is a new rule, and it’s one that can really help limit your downside when generating multiple lineups. Basically, the rule prevents you from having multiple pass catchers from the same team if their QB is not rostered. For example, you may want to roster both Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree in your lineup because you believe the Raiders are going to score a lot of TDs. In that case, you definitely want to have Derek Carr with them, as the correlations between a QB and his top WRs are the strongest in daily fantasy football.
There are some instances, though, in which you might not want to use this rule: For example, you’d want to avoid this rule if you’re playing in a prime time slate and want to roster multiple pass-catchers from both sides of the same game. And on the topic of game stacking . . .
Use WR/TE on team opposite your stack when possible
Stacking a game can really increase your lineup’s upside in large-field GPPs if that game shoots out or goes into overtime. If you stack Evans and Jameis Winston against the Jets and select this rule, the Multi-Lineup Builder will insert into the Winston-Evans lineups a pass catcher from the Jets — for example, Brandon Marshall or Quincy Enunwa — if it’s possible within your player pool and exposures. If that game suddenly turns into a 49-41 shootout, this rule will give you exposure to much of the scoring in that valuable game.
This is perhaps one rule you may not always want selected, but it can certainly help create valuable game stacks if you’re generating multiple lineups for a large slate.
Only 1 RB/Game
Opposing RBs are generally negatively correlated. Per our NFL Trends tool, RBs typically perform worse as dogs compared to favorites:
Favorite RBs get the benefit of additional carries while ahead — teams typically run the ball late when leading to run out the clock — whereas teams that are losing typically have to throw the ball more. This rule eliminates that negative correlation. The exception here would be rostering a RB who gets a lot of touches in the passing game, such as Theo Riddick or David Johnson.
For even more information on our new NFL lineup building rules, watch Jonathan Bales discuss them in the video below:
