While we have plenty of pieces geared towards guys you should target in your DFS contests, it's also important to narrow down your shortlist of plays and avoid the suboptimal ones who are overpriced and/or in tough spots.
Let's check out three guys to consider fading on tonight's FanDuel main slate.
Dallas Keuchel, P, Atlanta Braves
FanDuel Price: $8,700
Dallas Keuchel has helped stabilize the Braves' rotation since being signed in June, accumulating over 90 innings with a 3.47 ERA. Although he has a pitch to contact style that negatively effects FIP, his 4.51 mark still suggests that regression is looming. Keuchel has struck out only 18.9% of opposing batters while walking 7.5%.
Tonight's opponent, the Philadelphia Phillies, strike out at a 22.3% rate against lefties, which is an above average rate. Keuchel's lack of strikeouts limits his upside and suggests that he be avoided tonight.
Reynaldo Lopez ($8,600) has a much more favorable matchup against the Kansas City Royals.
Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs
FanDuel Price: $3,800
With the Chicago Cubs hanging onto the second wild card spot in the National League and without Javier Baez, they will lean on Kris Bryant to carry their offense over the last few weeks of the season.
Bryant has had another stellar season but figures to struggle tonight against rookie right-hander Chris Paddack. Paddack has limited righties to a .256 wOBA while striking them out at a nearly 30% clip. Bryant has a 123 wRC+ against righties compared to 175 against lefties. In addition to the matchup, Bryant will be limited by Petco Park, which is one of the friendliest stadiums for pitchers.
Instead, consider Matt Chapman ($3,900) as he faces Jose Urquidy and the Houston Astros.
Michael Brantley, OF, Houston Astros
FanDuel Price: $3,900
In his first season with the Houston Astros, Michael Brantley has had an incredible season, racking up 4.5 WAR while hitting .324. Despite his strong overall numbers, though, Brantley has been pedestrian against lefties as demonstrated by his .338 wOBA against southpaws.
Opposing pitcher Brett Anderson has limited lefties to a mere .257 wOBA and only three home runs in 44 innings. While Astros righties have a chance to feast, Brantley is best avoided for tonight's slate.
If you're rostering the Astros, Brantley's teammate, George Springer ($4,100), is an appealing option.
Gabriel Billig is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Gabriel Billig also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username gpbbsb. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.