ON THE CONTRARY
Going against grain in final full-roster DFS slate
LIFE is so much more fun when there are no obviously bad choices. Crab or lobster? Steak or sea bass? New Batman or old Batman? A nap on the couch or a nap on the recliner?
All great options. Sort of like this weekend’s conference championship DFS slate. Which game or team to stack?
The 49ers were the third-highest-scoring team. The Ravens were fourth. The Lions fifth. Of the four remaining, only the Chiefs averaged fewer than 27 points per game. But they also happen to have this generation’s most accomplished quarterback, and they have looked sharp in both postseason games.
So which do you choose? Of all four teams left, the most obvious one to fade is Detroit. The Lions face a 49ers defense that was stout against quarterbacks and running backs. Plus, they are on the road and outdoors, where QB Jared Goff doesn’t fare as well.
But here’s the thing: None of these facts are secret. And that could prompt most others to go a different direction. And if everyone else is turning away from Goff, we’ll turn toward him. With Goff ($6,300 at DraftKings) in tow, we’ll add some receiving options, and we’re going to give him his two favorites: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7,900) and tight end Sam LaPorta ($5,400)
We think Christian’s McCaffrey’s $9,000 price tag limits his upside, plus he is facing a strong Lions run defense. All reasons to avoid him, so instead we’ll use him. Gus Edwards ($5,500) doesn’t catch passes, which scares others off, and them being scared attracts us. Brandon Aiyuk will be hugely popular. Instead, we’ll pivot to Jauan Jennings ($4,600). Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was activated, which will keep Isaiah Likely’s usage low. That leaves us just enough for Odell Beckham Jr. ($4,400) and the Lions defense/special teams ($2,600).
If the Super Bowl is an end-of-game field goal to the fantasy season, this week is a final Hail Mary, the last chance to run a real play. We don’t need to go out with a bang. We’ll gladly settle on going out with a chaching!