Draft Kings Super Bowl Strategy: How To Maximize Opportunity In DFS
The Super Bowl is here! In addition to your many Super Bowl boxes, throw in the following lineup on DraftKings. With options slim, I’m just going to hand out a money-making roster to increase your investment in the big game.
Captain
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs ($18,900): On DraftKings, the “Captain” receives 1.5x points in the Super Bowl. So despite the prohibitive price tag, you’re a fool to not slot Mahomes into this position. In his last two games vs. the Texans and Titans, Mahomes has thrown for 615 yards, eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s also taken care of business on the ground, rushing 15 times for 106 yards and a TD. The 49ers defense is possibly the best he’ll face this season, but he is so electric he is matchup-proof. With only two teams to work with, you’d be very foolish to not take advantage of a potential points bonus with Mahomes.
FLEX
Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs ($11,000): I’d advocated for Hill for weeks through so-so performances because of how much I believe in his raw athleticism and how well he meshes with Mahomes. I was rewarded in the AFC Championship, when he burned the Titans for five catches, 67 yards and two touchdowns. San Francisco has a much better defense than Tennessee, but like Mahomes, Hill’s speed is so devastating that he is matchup proof. His play style is also a bit of kryptonite for the 49ers’ top corner, Richard Sherman, who for all is talents is far from a burner. Conversely, if KC lines up Hill on the opposite side of Sherman, they’ll have to dedicate at least two DBs to him or risk getting lit up.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers ($8,000): The 49ers are all about running the ball, but if the Chiefs’ offense is clicking early, they won’t have the luxury of throwing the ball eight times in a laugher again. Garoppolo is not relied upon very often to dominate games or put up big numbers, but when his number is called he can. Jimmy G torched the Saints for 349 yards and four TDs in Week 14, a key tilt that gave them the upper hand for the No. 1 seed. He eviscerated the Cardinals twice; Garoppolo threw for 741 yards and eight touchdowns combined this year. Most will rush to have Raheem Mostert in the lineup, and he’s a great option. But QBs are where the points are at in fantasy football, and with only two teams to work with it’s silly not to roster the two guys who will touch the ball on every single offensive snap.
Harrison Butker, K, Chiefs ($4,200): With some pricy options up top, you’re picking from scraps for the rest of your roster. While both teams have a number of hit-or-miss options, you could choose the safety of guaranteed non-zeroes. Kickers always score points, and Butker happened to lead the NFL in made field goals in 2019 (34) and attempted field goals (38) and finished third in extra points attempted (48) and made (45). Rather than try to throw a dart at which Chiefs receivers will see the non-Hill/Travis Kelce targets, travel the safe road.
Robbie Gould, K, 49ers ($4,000): Gould is less exciting than Butker; he has made zero attempts from 50+ yards, and missed time this year with injury. He has been perfect in the postseason though, going 5-5, and has been largely accurate all year between 30-49 yards. San Fran has one of the NFL’s best offenses, so worst-case scenario he’ll kick some extra points. I’d rather rely on San Fran’s offense as a whole than cherry pick from numerous decent options with the possibility of doing zip.
Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs ($2,200): Down here at the total lottery ticket range, Hardman makes sense. He’s highly unrefined as a receiver, and his season is peppered with zero and one-target games. He’s also been blessed with ungodly speed, and has turned five games in which he saw two or fewer targets into games where he scored a touchdown. He’s one of the most explosive threats in the NFL, and he’s guaranteed to have one or two plays designed for him in the biggest game of the year. At $2,200, it makes sense to gamble that he takes his chance to the house.