Pro Bowl Showdown offers a unique opportunity in DFS

The 2020 NFL Playoffs wrap up next week with Super Bowl 54, but we can’t forget about this weekend’s Pro Bowl! It’s generally the least liked football game of the year, but it also still provides betting opportunities and daily fantasy football. DraftKings is offering a Showdown contest for the NFL’s all star game.

The Pro Bowl is a little more difficult a contest given the changes in approach. Few players will appear the entire length of the game, and that is pertinent to skill position players. Each team has three quarterbacks, and so we’re likely to see a QB go no more than two quarters. That means touchdowns are going to be the biggest opportunity for QB scoring. Of course, given the questionable at best tackling in the Pro Bowl, Lamar Jackson ($15,000), Russell Wilson ($12,600), and DeShaun Watson ($12,900) could each hold more value as scramblers.

The tight end position offers greater value than during the regular season. Last year, the only offensive players to catch touchdowns were Austin Hooper and Eric Ebron. Delanie Walker took home the MVP award two years ago and Travis Kelce was MVP three years ago. With Jackson starting the game at quarterback, Mark Andrews ($9,000) will be worth considering on Sunday.

There is plenty of randomness to be had in the Pro Bowl. Last year, there were three touchdown passes thrown by the two sides. The recipients of those scores were Hooper, Ebron, and Jalen Ramsey! Patrick Mahomes won the MVP award, but fullback Anthony Sherman had an impressive outing. He had a rushing touchdown on four rushes for 11 yards, and also caught three passes for 92 yards.

The big names will get their opportunities, but the Pro Bowl will feature some craziness and DFS rostering will require thinking extra deep on sleepers and long shots.