MLB DFS TOP STACKS and EXPERT ANALYSIS FOR FANDUEL and DRAFTKINGS MLB DFS MAIN SLATE (AUGUST 22 )

MLB DFS Picks Today 8/22/24 Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings Advice can be used for the 16 games today. FantasyTeamAdvisors is very excited to be able to provide you with some MLB content once again. Let’s dig in!

Make sure to also check out all the Vegas Odds for today’s slate. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @advisors_team

MLB TOP STACKS 8/22/24

When playing MLB DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) on FanDuel and DraftKings, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success. Here are a few key strategies to consider:

Research and Study: Familiarize yourself with the players, teams, and matchups. Analyze player statistics, recent performance, and factors like weather conditions, ballpark tendencies, and pitching matchups. Stay updated on injury news and lineup changes to make informed decisions.
Focus on Starting Pitching: Starting pitchers have a significant impact on DFS performance. Target pitchers with high strikeout potential, favorable matchups, and a track record of consistent performance. Look for pitchers who can go deep into games and limit runs scored by the opposing team.
Consider Ballpark Factors: Ballpark dimensions and factors can greatly influence a player’s performance. Some ballparks are known for being hitter-friendly, while others favor pitchers. Take these factors into account when selecting your lineup, particularly when choosing power hitters or pitchers susceptible to giving up home runs.
Look for Value Plays: Identify undervalued players who have the potential to outperform their price tag. These can be players who are in favorable matchups, hitting higher in the batting order, or experiencing recent success. Finding value plays allows you to roster top-tier players while staying within the salary cap.
Diversify Lineups: Consider creating multiple lineups with different player combinations. This strategy, known as lineup diversification, helps reduce risk and increases the chances of hitting on the right combination of players. It’s important to strike a balance between diversification and maintaining exposure to top performers.
Pay Attention to Vegas Lines: Keep an eye on the Vegas lines and over/under totals for games. High-scoring games can provide more opportunities for hitters, while low-scoring games may favor pitchers. Target games with high run totals or favorable odds for potential offensive explosions.
Monitor Late Lineup Changes: Stay vigilant and adjust your lineup accordingly if there are any late lineup changes or player scratches. This ensures you have active players in your lineup and maximizes your potential points.

Remember, DFS success requires a combination of skill, research, and a bit of luck. It’s essential to continually evaluate your strategies, learn from your mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances to improve your MLB DFS performance on FanDuel.

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mlb picks Vladimir Guerrero Toronto Blue Jays predictions best bet odds

Top MLB DFS Stacks for Thursday Night: Target Blue Jays vs. Griffin Canning & Padres vs. Luis Severino

Get ready for a thrilling Thursday night of MLB DFS action, starting at 6:40 PM, where two key matchups demand your attention. If you’re looking to stack your lineups and rack up those DFS points, look no further than the Toronto Blue Jays taking on Los Angeles pitcher Griffin Canning and the San Diego Padres going up against New York Mets’ struggling arm, Luis Severino, at Petco Park.

The Blue Jays’ powerful lineup is primed to unleash against Canning, who’s been prone to giving up the long ball. Meanwhile, Severino has been a ticking time bomb for the Mets, with his recent struggles making the Padres’ bats an enticing stack at home. With these two games on tap, the DFS potential is huge—stack the right hitters, and you could be in for a big payday!

Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays

Thursday, August 22nd 2024

7:07 PM ET| Rogers Centre

So here we are, another Thursday night, and the lights will be shining bright over in Toronto as the Blue Jays get set to take on the Angels’ Griffin Canning. Now, I’m not one to kick a man when he’s down, but if we’re talking DFS, Canning’s numbers are like a flashing neon sign saying “stack against me.” The guy’s lugging around a 5.48 ERA like it’s a ball and chain, and to make matters worse, his strikeout rate sits at a pedestrian 6.5 per nine innings. He’s got 19 outings of five or more innings pitched this year, which is to say he’s consistent—but consistently hittable.

This Toronto lineup, on the other hand, has some hitters that should have Canning seeing their names in his nightmares. Take Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for example. When he steps into the box, there’s a good chance something’s about to get tattooed. His exit velocity is sitting at 94.1 mph with a hard-hit rate of 56%. You want to talk about power? Guerrero’s xSLG is a whopping .582. Now imagine him facing a pitcher who’s giving up a .273 average to hitters and is equally generous to both lefties and righties. It’s like tee-ball for Guerrero and the rest of the Jays lineup.

Canning has coughed up 13 home runs to left-handed hitters this season, and another 11 to righties, so it’s safe to say no one is off-limits. George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, Spencer Horowitz, and even Daulton Varsho could all have a field day against a pitcher like Canning, who’s been struggling to keep balls in the yard. The Blue Jays may rank 19th in slugging percentage, but that could all change tonight.

But here’s the kicker—this isn’t just about the numbers. This is about stacking against a pitcher who’s trending downward, whose last start saw him get shelled for seven earned runs in just over four innings. The Blue Jays are hungry, they’re fighting for their playoff lives, and tonight could be a statement game. If you’re playing DFS, this is where you gamble on a positive outcome. You stack these Jays hitters like you’re building a winning lotto ticket because the upside is there, and Canning’s struggles are no secret.

So load up on Guerrero, sprinkle in some Varsho and Springer, and don’t be surprised when the scoreboard starts lighting up early. Because in the world of DFS, sometimes you bet on the numbers, and sometimes you bet on the guy who looks ready to implode on the mound. Tonight, that’s Griffin Canning.

STACK

VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR
SPENCER HOROWITZ
GEORGE SPRINGER
DAULTON VARSHO
ALEJANDRO KIRK

New York Mets vs San Diego Padres

Thursday, August 22nd 2024

9:40 PM ET| Petco Park

So, here we are, staring at a Thursday night matchup that feels like a game of chess, but in this case, it’s the Padres’ bats lining up against Luis Severino’s fastball. Now, Severino, he’s no slouch. He’s got the pedigree, the stuff, and on paper, an ERA sitting just under 4.0. But let’s not kid ourselves. This isn’t the Severino of old. The guy might have shown flashes of brilliance with a complete-game gem against Miami last time out, but DFS isn’t about the last game—it’s about the next one. And the Padres? They’ve got the pieces to crack this code.

Look at Manny Machado. He’s already taken Severino deep three times. Not only that, but his statcast numbers are practically screaming that something big is on the horizon. A 95.5 mph exit velocity and a 27.4-degree launch angle tell you all you need to know. When Machado makes contact, the ball’s got places to be—like out of the yard. And trust me, he’s not doing this in a vacuum. Xander Bogaerts might be sitting on a quiet stat line against Severino, but the man’s due, and Petco Park might just be the place to break that funk.

And let’s talk about Jurickson Profar, who’s hitting a tidy .284 xBA and .454 xSLG. Pair him with Jake Cronenworth, who, despite a rough patch, still has the ability to change a game with one swing, and you’ve got the makings of a potent Padres stack that could feast on Severino’s mistakes.

You want rationale? Severino’s giving up a .238 batting average to opponents this season, and while that may not seem like much, the Padres are hitting .265 as a team—first in all of baseball. The metrics don’t lie. The Padres get on base, they drive in runs, and most importantly, they make pitchers like Severino work. San Diego leads the league with the fewest strikeouts per game, which means Severino’s 7.4 K/9 isn’t going to save him here.

And here’s the rub—Severino might have a respectable WHIP and ERA, but he’s been inconsistent, with his success hinging on his ability to keep hitters off balance. When you’re facing a team that ranks 10th in slugging percentage and has the 13th-most home runs in the league, that’s a tall order. Severino’s control has been shaky, his margin for error slim, and the Padres have the talent to exploit every crack in his armor.

So what’s the play? You stack the Padres like you’re building a DFS fortress. Machado, Bogaerts, Profar, and Cronenworth—they’ve all got the potential to turn this game into a nightmare for Severino. He may have pitched nine scoreless last time out, but don’t bet on that happening again. This is a lineup that knows how to hit, knows how to grind, and knows how to win—especially against a pitcher who’s more vulnerable than his recent numbers suggest.

Tonight, in Petco, it’s not just about stacking for upside; it’s about stacking for the kill.

STACK

MANNY MACHADO
XANDER BOGAERTS
JURICKSON PROFAR
JAKE CRONENWORTH
JACKSON MERRILL

Both the Padres and Blue Jays stacks are poised to explode tonight. With San Diego ready to capitalize on Severino’s shaky form and Toronto bats set to tee off against a vulnerable Canning, the potential for a massive DFS score is right in front of you. This is your chance to seize the night—stack smart, and watch your lineup soar!

STACKS:

Stacking in MLB DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) refers to selecting multiple players from the same team in your lineup. Here are some reasons why stacking can be an effective strategy:

Offensive Synergy: Stacking players from the same team increases the potential for offensive synergy. When a team has a productive inning or scoring spree, all the stacked players benefit. Hits, runs, and RBIs by one player can lead to additional opportunities for other players in the stack, amplifying the potential for fantasy points.
Maximizing Run Production: By stacking players from a high-scoring team or a lineup with favorable matchups, you increase the chances of capturing a significant portion of the team’s run production. This strategy is especially useful when facing a weak opposing pitcher or when playing in hitter-friendly ballparks.
Weather and Ballpark Factors: Stacking can help leverage favorable weather conditions or ballpark factors. If a game is played in a hitter-friendly park or has high wind speeds, stacking players from the teams involved can lead to increased offensive output. Conversely, if a game is played in a pitcher-friendly park or has unfavorable weather, stacking opposing pitchers may be beneficial.
Cost Efficiency: Stacking allows you to focus your budget on a specific team’s offense rather than spreading it across multiple teams. By concentrating your resources, you can roster more impactful players and potentially access top-tier hitters who may be expensive individually.
Differentiation and Tournament Upside: Stacking can help differentiate your lineup in large-field tournaments. If the stacked team performs exceptionally well, it can provide a unique combination of players that differentiates your lineup from others. This differentiation can lead to higher tournament upside and increased chances of finishing atop the leaderboard.
Increased Upside Potential: When a stack performs well, the fantasy points accumulate rapidly. By combining multiple players from a high-scoring team, you increase the potential for a big offensive output, resulting in higher fantasy point totals.

It’s important to note that stacking is not without risks. If the stacked team struggles offensively, it can significantly impact your lineup’s performance. Additionally, stacking may limit exposure to players from other teams who have standout performances. To mitigate these risks, diversifying your lineups and carefully assessing matchups and player performance are crucial.

Ultimately, stacking can be a valuable strategy in MLB DFS to leverage offensive synergy, maximize run production, and increase the potential for high-scoring lineups.

Check out our Cheat Sheet for individual players and core plays for lineups.