Friday, January 15, 2016

Divisional Round GPP Breakdown: Saturday Games

Before we get into this week’s plays, some lessons from last week’s results:
  • I theorized last week, "If you want to have any shot at a deep run in tournaments, you’ll need to surround your core of chalk plays with at least two under-the-radar players (think 20% owned or less on such a short slate) and probably more depending on the size of the field." I was only partially right.
  • Last week’s winning Millionaire Maker lineup included four players who were owned by less than 20% of the field. Nine out of the 10 top scoring rosters did indeed include at least two players under 20% owned.
  • However, there was another path to a unique roster -- one that could be repeated this week. Travis Kelce was the only player under 20% owned in the lineup that finished in a seven-way tie for third place in the Millionaire Maker. Those seven entrants used Kelce in the flex next to Jordan Reed and passed up huge chunks of the field when both tight ends exploded for big games. Last week’s results are likely to make flexing a tight end more popular this week (especially with Rob Gronkowski, Greg Olsen, and Kelce on the slate), but foregoing a running back or wide receiver in the flex will never sit well with the majority of entrants. Rostering two tight ends is once again a viable strategy for differentiating your tournament lineups in the divisional round.
  • It wasn’t just low-owned players, or unique roster construction that won all the money last week. You had to go down to 52nd place in the Millionaire Maker to find a lineup that didn’t include the highest-owned quarterback (Kirk Cousins - 31.8%), wide receiver (Antonio Brown - 66.2%), and tight end (Jordan Reed - 54%). Let this serve as a reminder that you don’t need to stray too far from the beaten path when building lineups this week -- especially now that we have four new teams full of well-rested, well-prepared players. You’ll want to build your core around the obvious plays on the home favorites this week and once again seek out a differentiator or two, whether it be in player selection or roster construction.
Keeping what we learned last week in mind, I felt it would be more useful to go team-by-team and touch on each of the fantasy relevant options, rather than focus on one GPP dart from each team like I did last week.

Chiefs


There’s very little to like outside of Travis Kelce ($5,100) on the Chiefs offense. Kelce exploded for 8-128-0 last week and tied a season-high with 10 targets. With Jeremy Maclin likely limited, Kelce would become Kansas City’s top receiving option. New England was a tough draw for opposing tight ends this season, but they have given up a combined four touchdowns to Zach Ertz, Delanie Walker, and Jordan Cameron in their last five games.

Running back is ugly enough that I was looking forward to using Charcandrick West ($5,500) in a bad matchup, but Spencer Ware ($4,500) returned to practice Thursday and would seem on track to play through his ankle injury. As long as Ware suits up, I won’t have much exposure to either Kansas City running back on the road in Foxborough, where the Chiefs are five point underdogs. It makes sense to have a few shares of Ware if you’re building multiple GPP lineups. He has 32 carries to West’s 21 over the last two games and there’s always a possibility he’ll fall forward for a few yards into the end zone.

Alex Smith ($5,400) simply doesn’t have the ceiling to win you a tournament, and that’s especially true this week with Kansas City projected by Vegas to score less than 19 points. Any upside he possessed is dinged by Maclin’s injury. I can’t envision Maclin being effective even if he plays, which could open the door for Albert Wilson ($3,800) as a GPP dart. Wilson would have been a more popular play this week if Alex Smith hadn’t overthrown him on what would have been a 58-yard touchdown against the Texans. With so many viable wide receiver options to choose from, I don’t see the need to roster Chris Conley ($3,000) unless Maclin sits.

The Chiefs Defense ($4,000) has scored less than eight fantasy points just once since Week 7, but there’s too many big home favorites on the slate to trust them in this spot.

Patriots


As long as the knee injury that held Rob Gronkowski ($7,500) out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday checks out, he’s my favorite GPP play on the Patriots side of the ball. Kansas City ranked second in pass defense DVOA to opposing tight ends and allowed the least overall fantasy points to the position, but Gronk is no ordinary tight end. Considering Gronkowski’s knee injury (which reportedly required a pain killing injection), price (he’s more expensive than the WR2), mediocre performances in his last two games, and the presence of Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce in the player pool, we should get a break on his ownership percentage. I wouldn’t sweat Gronk's last two game logs -- the Patriots were being very careful not to put him in a position where he could get hurt (a plan which apparently didn't work out very well).

Kansas City has a stout run defense and the Patriots will be trotting out 32 year old Steven Jackson ($3,300) at running back. Jackson is cheap and had 15 touches (including a touchdown) at Miami in Week 17, but unless he scores multiple touchdowns, he probably won’t reach double-digit fantasy points in this matchup. Maybe he’s worth a shot in about 10% of your lineups, on the chance New England blows Kansas City’s doors completely off and goes run-heavy in the second half. If the Patriots decide not to test the Chiefs run defense, I’d expect James White ($5,200) to play a major role in the short passing game. White scored between 14 and 31 fantasy points in each game from Weeks 13 to 16. Adding him to a Patriots stack is a nice way to squeeze a little extra juice out of Tom Brady if the New England offense has a big game.

Tom Brady ($7,400) is a very interesting tournament option this week. I expect Carson Palmer and Cam Newton to be heavily-owned, and the crowd might hesitate to use Brady after his terrible last two games of the regular season. But offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (who got hurt during the Patriots Week 16 loss) will be back, which is a huge plus for Brady’s chances of withstanding the Chiefs pass rush. Brady will also get Julian Edelman ($7,100) back for this game. Over the last two seasons, Brady’s fantasy points per game are 50% higher in the 23 games he’s played with Edelman than the nine games he’s played without him.

As for Edelman, I expect we won’t see his ownership percentage get too high due his price (WR2) and the uncertainty surrounding his injury. Personally, I’m not too concerned about either. Edelman has flashed a 25-30 point ceiling on several occasions this season, and he’s been practicing for over a month. The matchup against Kansas City’s cornerbacks is winnable enough to support a big game. As far as GPP flyers go, you can do worse than Brandon LaFell ($4,000). The weakness of Kansas City’s secondary has been on the perimeter most of the year, and that’s where LaFell lines up on about 80% of his routes. LaFell has been appallingly bad this season, but he’s at least a theoretical red zone threat on a team with the third-most red zone scoring attempts. Danny Amendola ($5,500) isn’t really on my radar, but he should be healthy and he’s had some good games with Edelman in the lineup this season. If the Patriots have the quick passing game humming, Amendola could see 6-8 targets, which would make him a fine contrarian option for your Brady stacks.

The Patriots Defense ($3,500) is right there with the Broncos as my preferred D/ST unit. New England trailed only Denver in sacks per game this season, while Chiefs quarterbacks were sacked on 9% of their offensive plays -- the third highest rate in the league. Alex Smith will be overmatched in Foxborough and the Patriots should roll to an easy win, which points to a strong day for their defense.

Cardinals


The most common roster construction this week is likely to include Carson Palmer ($6,500), David Johnson ($6,000), and at least one Cardinals wide receiver. But if you’re looking to go contrarian, fading the Cardinals skill players isn’t the place to do it. Arizona is this week’s biggest favorite (-7) and they have the highest implied team total (28.5 points) by a wide margin over New England (23.75 points). Don’t be afraid to play Palmer and Johnson in a lineup together due to worries about negative correlation between quarterbacks and running backs from the same team. They are the top plays at their respective positions, and it’s not like there are many viable pivots (especially at running back). Besides, Johnson is such a talented receiver (at least three catches and 31 receiving yards in every game since Week 14), he’s much more likely to help Palmer’s numbers than hurt them.

Michael Floyd ($5,100) has been a favorite play of mine for most of the season. His salary is still nowhere close to reflecting his expected production against a Green Bay team he torched for 111 yards in Week 16. It looks like Floyd will have to contend with cornerback Sam Shields who missed the last four games with a concussion, but Shields may not be 100% after such a long layoff, and no one’s confusing him with Josh Norman anyway. John Brown ($5,200) should enjoy favorable coverage from rookie Damarious Randall on the majority of his routes. According to Pro Football Focus, Randall has allowed the third-most fantasy points per route defended among the cornerbacks on this week’s slate. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Brown’s 30 point ceiling, but he’s settled in as a high-floor option (11 games with at least double-digit fantasy points) who has the potential to go nuclear in any given week. I won’t have much Larry Fitzgerald ($6,500) since he’s comparatively expensive, Arizona’s other receivers possess higher ceilings, and he faces a difficult matchup in the slot with Casey Hayward. But I will be using Fitzgerald to cut the chalk in some spots based on high target volume and the possibility the bye week returns him to early season form.

The Cardinals Defense ($3,800) has as high a ceiling as exists for a D/ST, but I don’t plan on having much exposure with better options on the board and high potential for this game to turn into a shootout.

Packers


The Packers are my preferred underdog  to use players from due to the aforementioned shootout potential in their matchup with the Cardinals. After watching Green Bay’s offensive line hold off Washington’s solid pass rush, it’s doubtful we’ll see a repeat of the nine-sack performance that doomed the Packers to a 38-8 loss in their Week 16 visit to Arizona. Aaron Rodgers ($6,700) and the Green Bay offense have to be feeling more confident after their convincing Wildcard win, and they should be playing with a collective chip on their shoulder to get some revenge for that Week 16 drubbing. I’ll definitely be building some Rodgers-centric lineups in hopes the best quarterback in the game can keep the positive momentum going.

With Davante Adams likely out (addition by subtraction), Randall Cobb ($5,900) will line up on the outside more and see plenty of stud cornerback Patrick Peterson, but James Jones ($4,600) and Jared Abbrederis ($3,000) should help Rodgers’ cause. Jones saw a team-high 11 targets last week, which was consistent with his usage over the last four games of the regular season (team-leading 28% target market share). The combination of Jones’ guaranteed volume and big play ability (his 18 receptions of 20+ yards ranked 11th-best this season) makes him one of the best point per dollar values on the slate for the second consecutive week. Assuming Abbrederis takes Cobb’s place in the slot in three-receiver sets (he’s lined up there on 87% of his routes this year), he’ll enjoy coverage from Tyrann Mathieu replacement, Jerraud Powers. According to Pro Football Focus, Powers has allowed the second-most fantasy points per route defended among the cornerbacks on this week’s slate. You can do much worse for a minimum salary punt than the receiver seeing high percentage passes from Aaron Rodgers.

With Gronk, Olsen, Kelce and Heath Miller destined to tie up 95% of the tight end traffic, Richard Rodgers ($4,000) makes for an interesting contrarian play. When you adjust for strength of schedule, the Cardinals were one of the worst teams in football at defending the tight end. Over the last five weeks of the season, Arizona allowed over 35% more fantasy points per game to the position than the league average. With Adams out of the lineup, Rodgers could also be called upon for additional targets.

Running back is ugly behind David Johnson, so both Eddie Lacy ($4,400) and James Starks ($4,000) are worth a look. The duo combined for a 2.83x salary multiplier last week, which was actually pretty good considering the alternatives. It's tough to forecast much success for either Green Bay running back on the ground against Arizona's second-rated rush defense (DVOA). Either player would be best used in a unique roster construction along with Aaron Rodgers in hopes they can take a screen pass to the house (like Lacy did against the Cardinals in Week 16).

The Packers Defense ($3,400) doesn’t belong anywhere near your lineup this week.

Check back on Saturday for some analysis on Sunday’s games (Seahawks @ Panthers and Steelers @ Broncos).



43 comments:

  1. 토토사이트
    프로토
    사설토토

    Hi there very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb ..

    I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to search out a lot of helpful information right
    here in the publish, we want work out more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exploring the intricacies of daily football through the perspective of DraftKings provides an exciting and comprehensive insight into the game's dynamics. If you're looking for insights and analysis, this blog is your go-to source! When it comes to valuable insights, Personal Statement Writing Service UAE offers the same level of depth and expertise in creating impactful personal statements. "From football strategies to academic excellence, both are about mastering the game with finesse.

      Delete
  2. 스포츠토토티비
    스포츠토토
    해외스포츠중계

    Hi there excellent blog! Does running a blog like this take a lot of work?
    I’ve very little knowledge of coding but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off subject nevertheless I simply wanted to ask.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Las Vegas Casinos Near MGM National Harbor, NV - MapYRO
    A map 충청북도 출장안마 showing 하남 출장마사지 casinos and other gaming facilities located near MGM National 김포 출장마사지 Harbor, NV, including the following:. 군산 출장샵 MGM 전라남도 출장마사지 National Harbor; MGM National Harbor;

    ReplyDelete
  4. PG slot website, direct website, apply for a new member, get free credit, press to receive by yourself ak47th

    ReplyDelete
  5. THANKS FOR SHARING THE INFORMATIVE POST. IF YOU ARE LOOKING THE LINKSYS EXTENDER SETUP GUIDELINES. SO, WE HAVE A BEST TECHNICAL EXPERT FOR HANDLINGS YOUR QUIRES. FOR MORE INFORMATION GETS TOUCH WITH US. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET MUCH FROM THIS PIECE OF WRITING THEN YOU HAVE TO APPLY THESE TECHNIQUES TO YOUR WON WEBSITE.
    안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  6. GREAT BLOG PRESENTS A VERY VALUABLE INFORMATION. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TOO. THANKS!
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  7. free credit just sign up Uniquely designed and not the same make time for players Have a try to get a feel betflix

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Fantasy Footballers DFS Podcast is back with a new episode!! On today's fantasy football podcast, Borg & Betz breakdown the Divisional Round slate for breakdown.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Here at Kenwood Chiropractic, we have a dedicated team consisting of not one Duluth chiropractor, but two, who are assisted by an exceptionally talented team of healthcare professionals. Our collective mission is to help residents of Duluth, Lakeside, Woodland, Kenwood and Duluth Heights achieve their ultimate health and wellness goals with holistic chiropractic care and nutritional counseling. chiropractor

    ReplyDelete
  10. As the internet grew, blogs like Mediosindependientes became more diverse. The variety of topics allowed for more writers and readers to take part in the community. This increased visibility, and helped increase the number of blog users. It also helped spur the development of social media. mediosindependientes

    ReplyDelete
  11. I read this article football game is very interested game. when I was busy searching Finance Dissertation Topics.. for my next project but your football article caught my attention and now I am starving for one, LOL

    ReplyDelete
  12. "The analysis provides valuable insights into optimal GPP lineup strategies for the Divisional Round. The breakdown of player options and matchups helps identify contrarian plays while maintaining core picks from high-favorable teams.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey there! 🏈 Great breakdown! 🤩 I've always wondered how to approach GPPs in the Divisional Round. Your insights are spot on! -industrial Valves

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey [LinkedIn Connection's Name], great find! 🏈🙌 I loved the breakdown in this article, especially how it highlights the underdogs. 🐶 Can't wait to see some upsets! 😄
    -shaksham foundation




    ReplyDelete
  15. Amazing, Your blogs are really good and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blogs. Rostering two tight ends is once again a viable strategy for differentiating your tournament lineups in the divisional round bankruptcy lawyers around me. It is very great and useful to all. Keeps sharing more useful blogs..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Bufete de Abogados Accidentes de Camiones
    The article "Divisional Round GPP Breakdown: Saturday Games" provides a comprehensive and engaging breakdown of the Saturday games in the Divisional Round. The article's title effectively conveys the content and purpose of the article, while the introduction provides clarity about the content. The scope and focus of the breakdown are specified, whether it's about NFL, fantasy sports, or a specific season. The target audience is identified, such as fantasy football enthusiasts or sports bettors. The game selection explanation is explained, and in-depth analysis of teams and key players is offered. Statistical insights are provided, and strategies and tips are shared. Injury updates are mentioned, and weather considerations are discussed. Comparisons and predictions are made, and key matchups are highlighted. Value players are identified, and historical trends are referenced. Interactive elements like polls or reader predictions are considered. Reader engagement is encouraged, and feedback requests are invited. The article is proofread and formatted for clarity and readability. The recap and preview are concluded, summarizing key takeaways and previewing future content. Legal considerations are included if discussing sports betting or gambling. These comments can help create a comprehensive and engaging breakdown of the Saturday games in the Divisional Round, catering to the interests of the target audience.

    ReplyDelete
  17. thanks for sharing this! 🏈 Exciting breakdown. I think adding player stats for the game would make it even more informative. What do you think? 🤔-cassia tora

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey [Connection's Name], great post! 🏈 This breakdown is clutch for fantasy football fans. I'd love to hear your take on sleeper picks too! 👍😃-bentonitehttpsuppliers





    ReplyDelete
  19. Craigslist Houston Your Ultimate Guide to the Online Marketplace Craigslist is a household name when it comes to online classifieds and community platforms.Whether you’re hoping to trade things, get another line of work, lease a house, or interface with your neighborhood local area

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi thanks for sharing such a knowledgeable post with us.
    Who would have imagined that digital art would emerge as the next big thing, with prices skyrocketing? You should stay up to date on the latest NFT news at The Kangaroo Times while everyone is still trying to figure out why celebrities, business tycoons, multinational corporations, and practically every industry are intrigued with the NFT concept.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey there! 🏈 This breakdown is awesome! How about exploring player stats for an even better edge? 💪📊-bentonite suppliers




    ReplyDelete
  22. Great breakdown of the Divisional Round GPP games on Saturday! I really appreciate your analysis and insights into each matchup. It's clear that you've done your research and provided some valuable information for fantasy players.
    I totally agree with your assessment that the first game between Team A and Team B will be a high-scoring affair. The explosive offenses and suspect defenses definitely make it an appealing game for stacking players. Your suggestions on which players to target and their potential upside are spot on.
    As for the second game between Team C and Team D, it's interesting to see how you highlighted the importance of considering the weather conditions. It's often overlooked, but can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game. Your advice to lean towards the running game and the defenses in this game makes a lot of sense.
    Overall, I found your breakdown to be concise and informative. Looking forward to reading more of your analysis for the remaining games in the Divisional Round! Keep up the great work!

    Abogados de Lesiones por Accidentes de Camiones

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great breakdown! 🏈 Can't wait to see these strategies in action. Maybe a quick overview of sleeper picks would add even more value? 🌟-Wholesale crystals





    ReplyDelete
  24. "Awesome breakdown! 🏈 Can't wait for the games this weekend. One more thing to consider: player stats in unpredictable weather! 🌦️" -jewellery design




    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi, with Very nice and informative content. I am a tech blogger and I own a site. If you are interested in Tech Write for us
    , Please contact me using the link if you need any guest

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey! 🏈 Checked out the breakdown – solid insights! 🧠 Adding my spin: focusing on unexpected player stats could be a game-changer! What do you think? -fish shop





    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the insights on the Divisional Round breakdown! 💡 How about considering sleeper picks for an added edge? 🏈 #FantasyFootballGems-
    PG in Ahmedabad






    ReplyDelete
  29. mecklenburg traffic lawyer
    This comprehensive analysis of Saturday games in the Divisional Round provides strategic insights for GPP fantasy sports enthusiasts. It offers in-depth analysis in a user-friendly format, enhancing understanding of key players and strategies. The article also includes specific player recommendations or potential game-changers for actionable insights. Overall, this well-organized and informative piece empowers fantasy sports players with the knowledge to make strategic decisions during the Divisional Round GPP.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It’s an interesting article..!! Thanks for sharing. Looks Useful. Keep Posting Top New York Divorce Lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  31. การใช้งาน singha66 สำหรับธุรกิจของคุณที่ต้องการเข้าสู่การขายสินค้าออนไลน์ การใช้งาน singha66 PG SLOT จะเป็นตัวเลือกที่ดีอย่างแน่นอนครับ ด้วยความสะดวกและคล่องตัวในการใช้งาน

    ReplyDelete
  32. ทดลอง เล่น pg สล็อต ไม่ สะดุด ให้บริการสมาชิกอย่างเต็มรูปแบบ และยังสามารถสมัครผ่านเจ้าหน้าที่ในแอพพลิเคชันที่ใช้งานได้ทั้งบนมือถือและคอมพิวเตอร์ pg slot นอกจากนี้ยังมีช่องทางอื่น ๆ

    ReplyDelete
  33. Adeptimize is the best company in the USA

    ReplyDelete
  34. norfolk virginia bankruptcy lawyers
    The "Divisional Round GPP Breakdown: Saturday Games" provides valuable insights for DFS players looking to build lineups for Saturday games in the Divisional Round. The article delves into player matchups, injury updates, and potential game scripts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the fantasy landscape. It includes data integration, strategic guidance, clear presentation, player focus, timeliness, interactive elements, continuous updates, and feedback solicitation. The breakdown is presented in a clear and organized manner, balancing high-profile players with potential sleepers or value picks, ensuring its relevance and usefulness for readers.

    ReplyDelete
  35. http://crackingdraftkings.footballguys.com/2016/01/divisional-round-gpp-breakdown-saturday.html?sc=1689243582742#c2135248949751921933

    ReplyDelete
  36. When it comes to best roofing material for Dallas, selecting the right option is crucial for durability and weather resistance. With the extreme heat, occasional storms, and hail common in the area, homeowners need a roof that can withstand these conditions while providing longevity and aesthetic appeal.

    ReplyDelete
  37. fashion eyewear
    Thank you for sharing this informative and interesting blog post!

    ReplyDelete
  38. The Divisional Round GPP Breakdown for Saturday Games provides brief insights into key matchups and individual performances, allowing fantasy football fans to optimize their lineups. With a focus on player forecasts, game strategies, and potential value picks, this analysis is an excellent resource for maximizing fantasy points in GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) events. By evaluating Saturday's games with expert analysis and statistical trends, this breakdown provides fantasy managers with the information they need to make smart decisions and gain a competitive advantage. It's an essential tool for those wanting to win their fantasy football leagues.
    motorcycle accident i 95 virginia

    ReplyDelete