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James Swindell's League of Leagues (LoL) analysis and LEC DFS lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings on 8/9/20. He discusses the LEC LoL slates and his top targets.
Welcome to RotoBaller's continued coverage of League of Legends DFS for FanDuel and DraftKings. Hopefully, you've been following our coverage of the LPL, LCK, and LCS as well as we intend to cover all LoL leagues for the Summer split. Today, I am focusing on the 5-game LEC slate that has contests available on both FanDuel and DraftKings.
My name is James Swindell and I will be continuing to bring you LEC DFS content here on RotoBaller. Saturday was another excellent slate for the LEC and there are plenty of more matches to get excited about on Sunday. We know how close they playoff race is in Europe and as of right only three of our teams have been eliminated from a spot in the postseason. As our LEC competitors make the final push for playoff spots, the matches will only grow in intensity. If you thought the last couple of slates were entertaining, Sunday's matches should be even more explosive. This slate is one that you definitely that both DFS players and LoL fans will not want to miss.
I'll be bringing you my top League of Legends advice, analysis, and picks, for the LEC slate on Sunday, August 9th, 2020 at 11:00 AM EST. The 5-game slate features a matchup between two teams competing for one of the last few remaining seeds as well as one of the league's former top teams facing off against the league's hottest team. You can follow me on Twitter @s28_james and hit me up if you ever want to talk about LoL lineups or roster construction.
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League of Legends DFS Basics
Since LEC contests are being offered on both FanDuel and DraftKings, it's important to note some pricing discrepancies from site to site, but the roster slots, scoring, and roster construction rules are almost entirely identical with the only exception being that FanDuel forces you to roster at least one player (or team slot) from a third team, while you can play only two teams among your seven roster slots on DraftKings.
- Once a match starts, anything can happen. Usually, the better teams are very consistent. Be sure to check the player pool carefully and try to craft a roster of players who have been playing recently or do not have listed backups.
- Stacking in LoL DFS lineups is paramount. 4-3 stacks are the order of the day (on DraftKings) with 3-3-1 or 4-2-1 are becoming more popular (and necessary on FanDuel) as people try to differentiate their lineups in these suddenly large-field GPPs.
- In LoL DFS, it is very important to focus on players from winning teams. Think in terms of baseball, one side of the matchup is like a pitcher and the other side the batter. This means there is a very negative correlation between teams in the same match. Players score by accumulating kills, which costs the other side points in deaths. Just like earned runs bring down your pitcher’s score.
- Along with this another mistake I see beginners making is trusting average scoring. Players' scoring potential is only realized in games that are won. If player X averages 50 DKP, that likely comes from scoring 70 in a 2-0 win and 30 in an 0-2 defeat. What this means is that someone who looks like a value at $4800 suddenly might not end up being such a great point-per-dollar play.
- Finally, you're going to want to do your best you fill your captain slot with an ADC or MID. Depending on which teams and players you decide to stack that might not be feasible. The order of preference for your captain slot is generally ADC, MID, JNG, TOP, SUP. Some players in some positions may stand out above the others so consider stats like kill share before you make your final decision.
Misfits Gaming (-130) vs. Team Vitality: DFS Targets
Although Misfits Gaming (MSF) was eliminated from playoff contention prior to their game, they put in a valiant effort in their match versus G2 Esports (G2). MSF was down big early into the game but found a way to come back, picking up a few kills in team fights and protecting their base exceptionally well. While we won't be seeing Misfits in playoffs, their performance against G2 is certainly something to be proud of. Team Vitality (VIT) fell to FC Schalke 04 (FCS) in the first match of Saturday's slate with the final kill total at 20-5 in FCS' favor. Unfortunately for VIT, they fell behind early and were unable to swing the game's momentum. They suffered a late-game ace allowed Schalke to control the rest of the match. After their loss and Fnatic's win, Team Vitality was officially eliminated from playoff contention.
While Misfits did not come out with a win, they can be happy about some of their individual performances. Kobbe nearly brought them back into the game, racking up seven kills to go along with another seven assists. In addition, Febiven started the game 0/2/0 (kills/deaths/assists) but turned it around and finished 2/6/10 with his skillful Orianna play. Vitality did not have any great DFS scorelines but Milica and Skeanz are consistent scorers when Vitality wins. Milica is still averaging a team-best 4.0 KDA to go along with his 69.2 KP% (kill participation).
This game isn't one of my favorites of the weekend due to the fact that both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention already. That being said, these are two respectable organizations and they will still compete to the best of their ability, but we can't ignore the fact that there is a lot less to play for in this matchup. While Vitality has been impressive winning versus a few top teams, Misfits are playing like they have something to prove and almost surmounted a comeback versus G2. Misfits should be able to take this one in a close match.
MSF Plays: Kobbe, Febiven, Denyk
VIT Plays: Milica, Skeanz
MAD Lions (-220) vs. FC Schalke 04: DFS Targets
MAD Lions (MAD) were bested by Rogue (RGE) in our last match of Saturday's slate. MAD struggled early and RGE was able to generate a 2.3k gold lead at 15 minutes. While the statistics look bad for MAD here, they beat themselves in the draft phase more than getting outplayed. They were almost able to mount a comeback towards the end of the game but fell victim to a sneaky teleport into their base that ended the match. FC Schalke 04 has continued on their #S04MiracleRun after a big win over Team Vitality on Saturday. FCS was able to gain a small early game advantage that they snowballed into a significant mid-game lead. Schalke then proceeded to break the game wide open with a bot-lane gank that put them up 10 kills over Vitality. This is the sixth consecutive win for them as their playoff chances rise to 31.3%.
Despite the fact that MAD did not come out with the victory, Humanoid and Kaiser were impressive yet again. Humanoid had the game's second-highest kill total with seven, and Kaiser was able to put together a respectable 1/4/7 KDA. Carzzy's struggles were reflected by his 1.5 KDA with six deaths. Gilius had another phenomenal game as he helped to carry the team hard with his seven kill, nine assist game on Khazix. Abbedagge deserves major credit for his fantastic game as well, finishing with an 8/0/8 KDA while dominating the mid-lane.
I believe this will be one of the most exciting games of the slate as both teams have a ton to play for. MAD fumbled their opportunity to overtake Rogue and guarantee themselves a spot at worlds and they will fight as hard as they can to hang onto the first-place tie in order to force a tiebreaker. As for Schalke, we all know how much this run has meant to their team and they're facing another must-win game here if they want to keep the miracle run alive. It hurts my heart to say it, but I think FCS' run is over, MAD is too good to lose two games in a row and they will want to prove something in this game after beating themselves in the draft phase Saturday. A small part of me will be rooting for Schalke, but MAD is still Europe's best team and should pick up a win here.
MAD Lions: Kaiser, Humanoid, Shad0w, Team Slot
FCS Plays: Gilius, Abbedagge, Neon
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Origen vs. Rogue (-240): DFS Targets
In the final week of the LEC regular season, our first team eliminated from playoff contention for worlds was Origen (OG). OG suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of SK Gaming (SK) during the second match of Saturday's slate. While Origen was able to remain competitive early, a huge mid-game team fight loss in the bot-side river swung the momentum heavily in SK's favor.
The players from Origen worked incredibly hard this split and deserve a lot of credit for the effort they put in despite missing playoffs. On the other hand, Rogue played an excellent game versus MAD Lions, beating them with the kill total at 20-9 in their favor. RGE was able to create an advantage early game with successful lane ganks and when Rogue has a positive gold differential at 15 minutes, they have only lost one game.
Upset had another decent game but nothing to write home about, 3/1/4 is fine but not enough production from just one person to procure a win. The problem with OG's players is that the team isn't winning and when you don't win, you don't score a lot of points. As for their competitors this week, Rogue has had consistent DFS performers such as Larssen and Inspired, but Hans Sama was Saturday's star, posting a 12/2/3 KDA. His 12 kills were good for the second-highest total in a game this split as he carried RGE to a victory.
This game is one of the biggest mismatches of the weekend and all of the members of Rogue will be chalky DFS plays. While I expect them to be high owned, there is merit to stacking RGE in at least a few lineups. Rogue is coming off a huge win where they proved that they can beat some of the LEC's top competition while Origen just lost their sixth game in a row. OG will be looking to end the split on a high note, but if Rogue plays up to their potential this should be an easy win.
RGE Plays: Larssen, Hans Sama, Inspired, Team Slot
OG Plays: Alphari
G2 Esports vs. Excel Esports: DFS Targets
G2 Esports extended their winning streak on Saturday, beating Misfits in one of our most interesting matches of the weekend. G2 was able to jump out to a large lead early into the game, securing both mid turrets well before 20 minutes. In addition, G2 maintained their kill advantage and the final kill total was 25-19 in their favor. Excel Esports (XL) was unable to come out of Saturday's slate with a win, dropping their game versus Fnatic. XL played exceptionally well early and even secured the game's first two dragons while keeping even on kills. However, Fnatic found great picks on them and gained a moderate kill advantage heading into the mid-game. XL lost a crucial team fight over the first Baron of the match and gave Fnatic a large lead they could not come back from.
For the fifth game in a row, Caps has finished at or above a 7.3 KDA which is an impressive feat in and of itself. However, his most recent performance was second-best to ADC teammate Perkz who has been putting his world-class talent on display as of late. Against MSF, Perkz put up 10 kills along with 8 assists with just 3 deaths. XL's star Patrik found himself in a tough spot and only managed to secure two kills and no assists against five deaths. While Patrik struggled on Saturday, his 3.5 KDA with 74 KP% (kill participation) for the split is still great.
It pains me to pick against my favorite team again, but G2 is finally playing the type of top tier League of Legends that we expect to see from them. XL has a ton of potential as a team and their players have done an excellent job this split but I don't see them taking down the second-best team in Europe. Even with a loss, XL has a good chance to lock playoffs where they will have a good chance to make some noise. G2 is still playing for second place this split and I expect them to put their full effort into the match and get the win here.
G2 Plays: Caps, Jankos, Perkz, Team Slot
XL Plays: Patrik, Caedral
Fnatic (-165) vs. SK Gaming: DFS Targets
SK Gaming secured a victory over last-place Origen on Saturday, locking their spot in playoffs and a potential shot at worlds. SK started off strong in the drafting phase and played to the strengths of their composition well, keeping up with OG early and taking advantage of their champions' power spikes. Finally, SK had excellent mid to late-game team fights that further pushed their advantage and they managed to pick up 17 kills to Origen's 8. Fnatic also managed to pick up a huge win on the second day of our LEC super weekend, beating Excel Esports with the final kill total at 19-7 in their favor. While XL kept up early, Fnatic took control of the game by setting excellent picks on their opposition. FNC's successful picks and ganks created a large gold/item lead that allowed them to dominate the rest of the match.
Rekkles had the bounce-back performance we were waiting for on Saturday, piling up seven kills and 9 assists on Senna which was good for a 16.0 KDA. Selfmade also had a big game, coming up with seven kills of his own in their huge win. SK Gaming found great success in Saturday's outing as Crownshot, ZaZee, and Trick all had excellent games. Between the three of them, they totaled 14 kills along with 22 assists while only surrendering 4 deaths.
While SK Gaming has managed to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs, Fnatic's fate is still uncertain. I fully expect SK will play the best game that they can, but Fnatic has a lot more to play for considering they could be knocked out of playoffs for the first time in the organization's history if they fail to pick up this win. I have been enjoying watching SK play lately and it feels like the team has stepped up enough where they don't only have to rely on Crownshot. However, Fnatic's gameplay over the past two games shows that they are capable of excellence when their communication and drafts are on point. There is definitely potential for an upset here, but I still have faith in Fnatic.
FNC Plays: Rekkles, Selfmade, Hylissang, Team Slot
SK Gaming: Crownshot, ZaZee, Trick
Summary
- Rogue has the best matchup of the week but there is no doubt will be chalky. That being said, I wouldn't recommend not stacking them at all as their kill players always do well in wins. At least a few of your lineups should have some RGE influence.
- Differentiation and covering a range of possibilities will give you the edge over players who choose more popular stacks. Look for stacks in games that will have low team ownership such as FNC/SK. Along with Rogue, G2 and MAD should be high owned but they have good matchups as well and high expected kills/win total. FCS is in a tough spot but worth a look as well given their recent performances. Don't be afraid to pick tougher matchups but remember that the most important thing for your rostered DFS players is a win.
- Look for price discrepancies on different DFS sites. In general, Draftkings prices players based on odds and FanDuel prices based on recent performance. I'm repeating this tip because it gives DFS players a huge advantage knowing this. If you primarily play on DK look for players/teams who are hot right now, if you play on FD look for good individual matchups you can capitalize on.
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Did you read a RotoBaller article and win too? Send us your screenshots on Twitter @RotoBaller and we'll add it to our winners Hall Of Fame!
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