How To Beat Playoff Only Best Ball on Underdog and DraftKings (Episode 829 with Adam Levitan, Justin Herzig, Sam Brott)
Dec 19, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, fantasy football experts Justin Herzig and Sam Brott share their keen insights on winning playoff-only best ball contests on Underdog and DraftKings. They emphasize strategic stacking of players from top teams and the importance of disciplined drafting. The conversation highlights the significance of targeting undervalued players and adapting to playoff dynamics. Additionally, they introduce innovative tools to maximize drafting efficiency, offering listeners valuable tactics to enhance their fantasy game.
Successful playoff-only best ball strategies emphasize team construction and optimal stacking to enhance chances of advancing through the playoffs.
Striking a balance between players from likely advancing teams and those who can dominate wildcard rounds is crucial to building a competitive roster.
Understanding the differences in contest formats between platforms like Underdog and DraftKings is essential for tailoring drafting strategies and maximizing potential outcomes.
Deep dives
Understanding Playoff-Only Best Ball Strategy
Playoff-only best ball formats require a strategic approach distinct from regular best ball competitions. The smaller roster sizes necessitate players to form teams capable of surviving multiple playoff rounds, ultimately advancing to the Super Bowl. Unlike traditional formats, where weekly performance matters consistently, success in this format hinges on optimal stacking of players from the same teams that have a solid chance of clinching the Super Bowl spot. Emphasizing team construction over individual player talent is essential; selecting players from teams that are likely to win multiple playoff games allows for better overall outcomes.
Key Mistakes to Avoid in Drafting
One major pitfall is neglecting the need for balance between players from teams likely to advance far and those who might dominate the wildcard rounds. Many drafters overly focus on picking players from dominant teams without considering how that lineup will fare if those teams get a first-round bye. Additionally, drafting players from two teams squaring off in the first round often leads to dead lineups, significantly reducing the chances of advancement. It's crucial to build a balanced roster that can withstand potential upsets while still retaining a viable path to the Super Bowl.
Strategic Adjustments for Different Platforms
There's a stark contrast in strategy between contest platforms like Underdog and DraftKings, particularly regarding how many teams can advance from the wildcard rounds. For instance, Underdog offers a more lenient format with two out of six teams moving forward, allowing for more flexibility in drafting strategies. Conversely, DraftKings typically has a more stringent advancement rate, one out of six, making it vital to build teams with higher upside potential tailored to advance in their contests. Understanding the site-specific rules and scoring systems is essential for optimizing player selections and overall strategy.
Utilizing Draft Position Effectively
Draft position plays a critical role in determining the success of a playoff-only best ball team. The choices made in the first round significantly influence subsequent picks, narrowing potential options based on earlier selections. The early rounds should focus on securing high-upside players and creating stacks that maximize the likelihood of advancing through the playoffs. By continuously adapting to the draft dynamics and player availability, drafters can exploit advantageous positions to fill out competitive lineups.
Leveraging Late-Round Value Picks
Late-round selections in playoff best ball drafts can be incredibly valuable, especially in securing players with high upside potential who are just one injury away from becoming starters. Targeting lesser-known backups from playoff-contending teams can lead to advantageous roster spots. Players like Kenneth Gainwell and Justice Hill, who play for teams with a solid path to the playoffs, may provide substantial returns should their roles expand due to injuries among starters. Being vigilant about these late-round opportunities can significantly enhance a team's chances of success in the playoff format.
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