Sleeper lineup strategy for Pro Bowl Showdown on DraftKings

The Pro Bowl is obviously very tough to gage when it comes to fantasy purposes. The production could come from anywhere, so where just have to do our best to give ourselves the most scoring chances. That means projecting which players will be on the field the most, and have the most incentive to play hard. A lot of the time that means players that are just happy to be there, which are always the cheapest plays on the slate. Here are some targets for $5,500 or less.

Austin Hooper ($5,200), NFC

Hooper was the lone bright spot for the NFC in last year’s game, catching a 20-yard touchdown for the team’s only score. With only two TE on each roster, Hooper could wind up playing the majority of this game. Hooper is in as George Kittle’s replacement, and the starting TE is Zach Ertz — who’s health was constantly in question late in the regular season and postseason. I’m actually shocked Ertz even accepted the invitation, but I just can’t see him playing much. That means more snaps for Hooper by default.

Kirk Cousins ($5,000), NFC

Cousins is in a similar spot to Hooper. He was named to the team as Aaron Rodgers’ replacement, and will be playing in his second Pro Bowl. He had 20 passing attempts in his first go-around, and I think we could see even more in this one. Cousins is playing behind Russell Wilson ($8,400) and Drew Brees ($7,600), who both have absolutely nothing to prove. I could see both playing pretty limited snaps, and Cousins getting the entire second half, which could make him the most valuable play of the game.

Punt Plays ... Literally

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the player pool, and you’ll see the special teams players that made the Pro Bowl. Yes, fullbacks are also there. Go crazy if you want, but I’m fading the fullbacks.

The kick returners and punt returners are priced strictly to be playing on special teams, but this game is more about having fun and providing entertainment. That means getting these speedsters involved in trick plays. It can also mean, once starters and even second-stringers are out of the game, getting these kick returners in the game at RB/WR. The example I point to is Anthony Sherman last season, who wound up with seven touches — three catches for 92 yards and four carries for 11 yards and a touchdown. That’s 19.3 DKFP from a player that was under $1,000.

Here are the guys that could be this year’s Sherman:

Cordarrelle Patterson ($1,200), Deonte Harris ($800), Andre Roberts ($400), Matthew Slater ($200)

I am an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.