Breaking Down the Best Plays on FanTeam
Super Bowl LIX is finally here, and with it comes one of the most exciting DFS slates of the year on FanTeam. The matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles is set to bring fireworks, and selecting the right players for your DFS lineup will be key to taking down a tournament.
In FanTeam’s NFL Showdown format, you’ll need to carefully construct your lineup within the 100M budget, while selecting a Captain (1.5x points multiplier) and Vice-Captain (1.2x points multiplier but costs 1.2x salary). Let’s dive into the best plays based on projections, value, and game script.
Don’t Forget To Check Our NFL Projections Page
🏆 Top Captain Choices
1. Saquon Barkley (RB, PHI) – 25.0M
- Projection: 21.2 Points
- Value: 0.85
- Why? Barkley has been a focal point of the Eagles’ offense, and he presents a high-floor and high-ceiling option against a Chiefs defense that has struggled at times against the run.
- Captain Viability: Given his high workload and touchdown upside, Barkley is a strong candidate for the 1.5x multiplier.
2. Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC) – 20.5M
- Projection: 19.6 Points
- Value: 0.96
- Why? Mahomes has been playing at an elite level in the playoffs, and if the Chiefs fall behind, expect a heavy passing volume.
- Captain Viability: Mahomes can provide an explosive performance if Kansas City is forced into a pass-heavy game script.
3. Jalen Hurts (QB, PHI) – 19.5M
- Projection: 17.9 Points
- Value: 0.92
- Why? Hurts’ rushing ability makes him a dual-threat QB, capable of racking up points in the air and on the ground.
- Captain Viability: If the Eagles control the game, expect Hurts to contribute significantly both as a passer and rusher.
💰 Best Value Picks
1. DeVonta Smith (WR, PHI) – 10.5M
- Projection: 10.6 Points
- Value: 1.01
- Why? He’s a bargain at just 10.5M and has shown he can be a deep-threat game-changer. If the Eagles take to the air, Smith could outperform his salary.
2. Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI) – 11.0M
- Projection: 11.0 Points
- Value: 1.00
- Why? A consistent red-zone target who also benefits from short-yardage plays. He provides steady production at an affordable price.
3. Kareem Hunt (RB, KC) – 12.5M
- Projection: 11.7 Points
- Value: 0.94
- Why? While he may not see a Saquon Barkley-level workload, Hunt is an efficient pass-catcher out of the backfield and could provide sneaky upside.
🔥 Contrarian & GPP Plays
1. Hollywood Brown (WR, KC) – 9.0M
- Projection: 9.0 Points
- Value: 1.00
- Why? With a low salary and potential deep-shot upside, Brown is the perfect boom-or-bust play in a showdown format.
2. Chiefs DST (KC) – 7.5M
- Projection: 6.4 Points
- Value: 0.85
- Why? If the game turns into a defensive battle, the Chiefs’ defense could return value by forcing turnovers.
3. Isiah Pacheco (RB, KC) – 8.5M
- Projection: 5.7 Points
- Value: 0.68
- Why? He’s risky but could be a touchdown-dependent value play if the Chiefs opt for a ground-heavy approach.
🚀 Optimal Roster Construction Strategy
1. Prioritize the Multipliers
Your Captain (1.5x points) and Vice-Captain (1.2x points) need to be high-usage players with solid floors. Typically, quarterbacks and elite RBs/WRs are the best choices.
2. Balance High & Low Salary Players
Since FanTeam’s salary cap is tight, you’ll need value plays to complement your top picks. A mix of mid-range WRs and a DST can help balance your budget.
3. Game Script Matters
- If you expect the Eagles to dominate: Focus on Barkley, Hurts, and A.J. Brown.
- If you expect a close game: Mahomes, Kelce, and DeVonta Smith are strong core plays.
- If you expect a shootout: Double-stacking QBs with their top pass-catchers (Hurts/Smith or Mahomes/Kelce) is the way to go.
🏆 Sample Lineup (Tournament Play)
| Position | Player | Team | Base Salary | Adjusted Salary | Projection | Adjusted Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C (1.5x) | Saquon Barkley | PHI | 25.0M | 37.5M | 21.2 | 31.8 |
| VC (1.2x) | Patrick Mahomes | KC | 20.5M | 24.6M | 19.6 | 23.5 |
| WR | DeVonta Smith | PHI | 10.5M | 10.5M | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| TE | Dallas Goedert | PHI | 11.0M | 11.0M | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| WR | Hollywood Brown | KC | 9.0M | 9.0M | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| DST | Chiefs DST | KC | 7.5M | 7.5M | 6.4 | 6.4 |
Total Adjusted Salary: 99.6M (Under 100M Cap ✅)
Total Adjusted Projection: 92.3 Points
💡 Why This Lineup Works
- Barkley (C): Highest projected player with TD upside.
- Mahomes (VC): Elite QB play with passing volume upside.
- Smith & Goedert: Value WR/TE plays with red-zone potential.
- Hollywood Brown: Contrarian deep-shot upside at a low price.
- Chiefs DST: Budget-friendly and potential for defensive points.
This lineup balances high-upside core players while maintaining salary efficiency. Let me know if you want different stack variations! 🚀🏆
Final Thoughts
Super Bowl LIX is set to deliver one of the best DFS slates of the season, and with the right balance of stars, value picks, and game strategy, you’ll have the best shot at taking down a FanTeam tournament. Choose your Captain wisely, leverage game scripts, and don’t be afraid to differentiate your lineup to find an edge!
Good luck, and enjoy the Super Bowl! 🏆🔥
Don’t Forget To Check Our NFL Projections Page
