Fan Duel Super Bowl Strategy: Maximizing Opportunity in Daily Fantasy
The Super Bowl is here! In addition to your many Super Bowl boxes, throw in the following lineup on FanDuel. With options slim, I’m just going to hand out a money-making roster to increase your investment in the big game.
MVP
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs ($16,000): Mahomes is very expensive, but while I typically prefer bargains, especially at QB, the Super Bowl is a different animal. First, there are only two available QBs, and you’re free to use both of them; more on that in a bit. Second, Mahomes is capable of mind-bending numbers. Yes, the 49ers have a fantastic defense, but it does not scare me off the best QB in football for one second. This man has thrown for eight touchdowns in this postseason, and run for another. He also will gain 1.5x the points if you use him as your “MVP.” He’s the only consideration here if you want to make money. While some contrarians will undoubtedly zag with this spot, you’re simply being too cute if you follow suit.
FLEX
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers ($14,000): When you can use two QBs, you do it. Ignore the 6-8 he posted vs. the Packers, because that’s not happening against the Chiefs. The Chiefs have been better of late vs. the run, and their offense will not be shut down like Green Bay’s was. Jimmy G has developed the reputation of a game manager, because that’s the role he’s needed to be in with a running game and defense this dominant. But when called upon – I suspect KC’s vicious offense will beckon more passing – Garoppolo has proven capable. He’s thrown for 300+ yards three times (once in a critical road game vs. the Saints), and he’s topped 270 yards six times. He does not have any receiver as flashy as Tyreek Hill, but Deebo Samuel and Emmanuel Sanders are playmakers, Kendrick Bourne has been clutch, and TE George Kittle is giving Travis Kelce a run for the NFL’s best tight end title belt. The narrative is Garoppolo won’t throw, but the reality is he’ll have to.
Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers ($13,500): It’s tough to go with such expensive options, but with one fewer spot than DraftKings, I had to painfully choose not to use Tyreek Hill in this format. Because there is one fewer spot, and Garoppolo is pricier on FanDuel, I’d rather the stability of the touches Mostert will receive. San Fran has been a mess for fantasy owners in terms of RB usage; the running game is phenomenal, the individual consistency for each RB not so much. But Matt Breida has taken a back seat of late to Mostert and Tevin Coleman, and Coleman is trying to gut it out after dislocating his shoulder during the NFC Championship. I’m confident Mostert is going to lead the way, and he should after leading the 49ers in touchdowns this season. Mostert steamrolled Green Bay for 220 yards and four touchdowns. That won’t happen again, but 100 and a touchdown is well within reach.
Harrison Butker, K, Chiefs ($9,500): Butker can’t give you the upside of Matt Breida, or Sammy Watkins, but where their floor is a big fat zero, you can rely on Butker to score points. He was the NFL leader in field goal attempts (38) and field goals made (34), as well as inside the Top 3 in attempted and made extra points. Butker also made three field goals of 50+ yards, and he’ll be in a calm, warm kicking environment for this game. Toward the back of this roster, I appreciate his high floor and tolerate the low ceiling.
Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs ($6,000): Hardman is a total lottery pick, but as my final player I’m looking for upside on the cheap. He can absolutely turn in a zero. He has also turned two or fewer touches into a touchdown in five different games in 2019. He’s as explosive and fast a player as the league has to offer, and because KC has so many other weapons, he is not a defensive focal point. Andy Reid, with two weeks to plan, will absolutely have some designed touches for Hardman, and it’s far from crazy to think he can turn those into house calls.