Daily Fantasy Contests have become very difficult battlegrounds over the years, and many entrants are becoming more strategic with time. Whether you are taking a challenge against half the masses to double your money or you are praying for a longshot outcome, there are many smart contestants in your way.
One thing we can always do in standard Salary Cap contests is to increase point potential and try to get the best value out of our salary caps. Here is a good value pick in each position for tonight’s card.
CENTER
LA Kings: Quinton Byfield
Draftkings Salary: $3700
The 2020 NHL Entry Draft may still be seen as the draft of the uncertain top two picks, but both Quinton Byfield and Alexis Lafreniere have shown that they are en route to developing into very effective players. The only reason that Byfield’s salary is still in the $3000s right now, is his unimpressive start to the season. However, the 22-year-old is not only a known Swiss army knife that can get fantasy points through a variety of ways, but he is also generally going to be seen to be one of the offensive leaders of the Kings in the years to come. Byfield has seen 4 of his 9 season points come in his last 4 games. With him heating up, I expect him to match and surpass his performance of last season, as he rounds up to look like more the second-overall talent that he is. When Byfield is in season form, you can expect him to either be assisting a goal, taking multiple shots a game, or both. A strong game statistically against a poor Avalanche defense/goaltending is not at all unexpected tonight, and Quinton could turn out to be a decent second-center selection at a favorable price.
WINGER:
Washington Capitals: Connor McMichael
Draftkings Salary: $5000
While $5000 is not exactly the type of bargain that will allow you to go on a spending frenzy on all the top stars, Connor McMichael is, indeed, that top star. Out of every active winger tonight that has played regularly this season, McMichael ranks fifth in DraftKings Fantasy Points per game with 14.1 but is the only one that does not cost more than $7000. Of course, fantasy points per game are not everything, especially less than 20 games into the season. However, with the 23-year-old breakout Left Winger, his points are not inflated by a few explosive performances here and there. McMichael has gotten at least eight fantasy points in 10 of his last 14 games, with seven of them being 15 fantasy points or higher. The kid is doing everything, and showing he is the future of the Washington Capitals. He is averaging a goal per game in his last ten games and also is one of the few players that has seen his shot total reach 10 shots in a game this season. If McMichael’s break out was more anticipated, we would likely see his salary in at least the high $6000s, which it could be very soon if his performance continues.
Utah HC :Lawson Crouse
Draftkings Salary: $3300
This one is more of a value play in which you sneak in with the little you have left over once you have already built your team. The problem with both 50/50 leagues, as well as longshot tournaments, is that a lot of people will have some of the same players as you. Therefore, points may even out and make it difficult to get a jump on others in the standings. Trust me, nobody is taking Lawson Crouse right now. My reasoning behind this pick is that Crouse has been generally a very effective player who has maintained a respectable 40-45 point and 20-25 goal pace over the past three years, and has now come into his prime. Unfortunately, he is in the middle of a big slump, and hence why his value is as low as it will get. I understand that it is difficult to predict when he will start scoring again, but Crouse will continue to have top-six minutes and push closer towards a breakout. If tonight is his big rebound, you will likely be one of the only ones in your pool getting fantasy points for his value.
DEFENSE:
Colorado Avalanche: Devon Toews
Draftkings Salary: $3700
With a nagging injury and a very slow start to the season, Devon Toews has slipped out of the spotlight slightly. Factor in that Defenseman teammate Cale Makar is en route to record-breaking offensive numbers as a defender, and it has become even more forgettable that Toews has gotten at least 50 points in each of his last three seasons. The good news? the 30-year-old is looking more productive lately, scoring two of his four season points in his last two games. This also includes his lone goal. Playing close to 20 minutes a game, the Avalanche feel that he is well enough to have plenty of ice time. More ice time means more time as a defender to generate shots, block shots, and feed off a high-powered offense in the stat padding department. $3700 is a solid shot at a very high ceiling of fantasy points.
