NFL DFS Lineup Optimizer Rules and My Favorite Angle for Week 2’s Main Slate

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 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 these games into lineups.

Each week I’ll go over my favorite DFS angle for the given week and go over some of our Lineup Optimizer settings that are worth considering.

Now, let’s get to it!

My Favorite Week 2 NFL DFS Angle

With all the value available this week I like looking toward stud plays that are somehow going overlooked this week.

Jonathan Taylor is currently projected at around just 10% in ownership projections. He projects for a massive workload with the Colts down two of their top three pass catchers. Encouragingly, he also saw a whopping seven targets in the pass-game as well.

Ja’Marr Chase remains as dangerous as any receiver in the NFL and checks in at just 10.5% projected ownership in a blow-up spot on the fast track of Cowboy Stadium. The Bengals are not shy to keep up the pass rate even in projected blowouts like this.

Finally, Cooper Kupp comes in projected for just under 13% ownership despite carrying the highest projection of any player on the slate. Kupp historically thrives against zone defenses like the Falcons, and this week should be no different.

To make these guys fit I will be mixing in preseason stud Mike Strachan who should see valuable snaps for the Colts this week at around 1% ownership. Strachan is a physical specimen who is perhaps best equipped to step into the Pittman role in his absence.

Lineup Optimizer Rules to Consider

Below are the rules to consider for Sunday. For more context on optimizer rules or the Showdown format in general, check out my NFL Showdown Primer.

General

Minimum salary cap: 99.6%. Leaving more than this causes you to lose significant win equity.

Flex positions: WR, RB

Player Correlations

Optimal tournament construction includes stacking your quarterback with at least one, but usually two, pass-catcher(s) from the same team and one pass-catcher from the opposing team.

A mobile quarterback with a big rushing game is more likely to only need one teammate paired. These settings can be accomplished through rules in the “Position” tab or through the Player Correlations tab for more control.

Caveat for me this week: No “run-back” is needed in Bengals stacks.

I would also make sure to include the following rule to avoid pairing a running back and wide receiver from the same team. This assures you don’t put a ceiling on your upside in tournaments.

Custom

Winning GPP lineups typically use 2-3 players that are less than 10% owned. The Lineup Optimizer allows you to quickly accomplish this.