Can you believe we are already in the conference championship games? Can you believe we have to talk about the Detroit Lions of all teams this weekend? Can you believe we will discuss the Super Bowl in a few weeks?
We have a couple of fun games to break down, but we have to find the right pair of players to stack to make sure we can profit within these DFS streets. With that said, how do we stack a slate that only has two games? Let’s explain how you build a process before we build the stacks you will need to profit.
NFL DFS Divisional Round Stacking Advice
The Golden Rule Of Small Slate DFS
YOU MUST BUILD A NARRATIVE FOR EACH GAME!
Building a game narrative will help you create the winning lineup within DFS. Sometimes, these narratives will build onslaughts for one team; sometimes, you may fade an entire game. However, your lineup will have fewer chances to become unique due to the small player pool you can choose from.
Can you believe we are already in the conference championship games? Can you believe we have to talk about the Detroit Lions of all teams this weekend? Can you believe we will discuss the Super Bowl in a few weeks?
We have a couple of fun games to break down, but we have to find the right pair of players to stack to make sure we can profit within these DFS streets. With that said, how do we stack a slate that only has two games? Let’s explain how you build a process before we build the stacks you will need to profit.
NFL DFS Divisional Round Stacking Advice
The Golden Rule Of Small Slate DFS
YOU MUST BUILD A NARRATIVE FOR EACH GAME!
Building a game narrative will help you create the winning lineup within DFS. Sometimes, these narratives will build onslaughts for one team; sometimes, you may fade an entire game. However, your lineup will have fewer chances to become unique due to the small player pool you can choose from.
Let’s use an example to help drive this home. In this example, the Ravens/Chiefs game will bet the projected points by Vegas (44.5), and the Ravens will win. At the same time, we have the Lions/49ers game failing to reach their implied total (51.5), with the Lions winning. How does this happen in both scenarios?
Lamar Jackson will need a great day in the air and with his feet to help limit the time the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes can see the field. Also, the Lions must limit mistakes while hitting at least one or two big plays to create an upset. That scenario can be built by establishing the run and turning to play action afterward.
Now that we have explained the theory, which players would you expect to roll from these scenarios? Keep reading because the above is my game narrative of how this weekend will play out.
Why am I not stacking Jackson with anyone on his side? Honestly, it’s hard to decide who Lamar will lean on. I wanted to use OBJ, but I can’t determine if that’s the play. Rashod Bateman is a fun dart throw, but it is also risky. The Chiefs’ defense is one of the best units in the NFL this year, so I instead put my trust in the MVP quarterback and played him naked while picking the players on the other side of the field.
We spoke about limiting the Chiefs offense, so the stack has to show that. First, we lean into Pachecho, who, in this highly condensed target-share offense, is the second or third option for Mahomes. The Chiefs will look to establish the run with this freight train and keep the future MVP Jackson off the field.
With the rest of the running back room in Kansas City continuing to underwhelm, you should expect a ton of volume for Pachecho. Remember, volume is always king for running backs, especially within this small slate in Conference Championship weekend.
Next we talk about MVS and Gray. First, MVS is the ultimate dart throw. He will receive the chance to break the game open with a deep ball; the question is, will he succeed? MVS brings game-changing speed to the table. He has a 95th percentile 40-yard dash and a 98th percentile speed score. The best way to pick a dart throw is to see if they bring an athletic profile with the correct frame. MVS is 6’4 with game-changing speed, so he hits the perfect criteria to break the slate open for us.
Finally, we reach into Gray. The ultimate tight-end dart throw because most will think, “How dare you fade playoff, Travis Kelce!” Well, this is how we get different with the doppelganger of Kelce. Both players are 6’3 or taller while weighing 240 pounds or more. Gray has a faster 40-yard dash and agility score. He does trail in other metrics, but only by a little.
The Chiefs drafted Gray to become the Kelce replacement. With Kelce sitting at 34 years of age, Gray is on the brink of his destiny. This game could become the jumping-off point while the Ravens focus on Kelce and Rice, allowing Gray to slip in for a few grabs and possibly a touchdown.
CMC is a straightforward play. Its CMC! The defense and the game narrative don’t matter. CMC will receive 20+ touches and be the reason why the 49ers either succeed or fail. You get a safe floor and a high ceiling in one player.
As for LaPorta, he fits the narrative of establishing the run while working to the play action. Especially against the 49ers defense that does have its issues stopping the tight end. The 49ers defense allows the ninth most receptions to the tight end position.
Laporta, in his own right, has been an incredible rookie draft pick for the Lions offense. In most plays, he is either the primary receiver or the second option. Laporta has scored 10+ points in four straight games. He has also produced 15+ points, with a 26-point performance in three of his last six games.
Laporta isn’t a tricky player to use in this small slate. Instead, he is just an intelligent option to build off the game narratives necessary for the Lions to upset the 49ers.
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Remember to read all the fantastic work at FantasyPros and contact me on X if you need extra assistance this week (@jpep20). Good luck!
