April 27, 2025
Some NASCAR Cup Series drivers have certain tracks figured out. That's the case with Erik Jones and Talladega Superspeedway. In 16 career starts at this track, "That Jones Boy" has walked away with top-10 finishes half of the time, and even has three top-five results to go along with his. Over the last seven races here, Jones has been even more impressive, finishing ninth or better five times over that span. Now, obviously track history doesn't predict future success at a volatile track like Talladega, but the point still remains: Jones is a solid superspeedway racer. He also finished 12th in the Daytona 500 earlier this season. This weekend, Jones qualified way back in 34th-place for Sunday's race, which makes him an excellent Place Differential play in DFS contests. You should have plenty of Erik Jones in your DFS lineups on Sunday, especially with his very palatable $6,400 salary on DraftKings.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
April 27, 2025
Could we see Todd Gilliland finally break through with a win in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend? It's not overly likely, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Front Row Motorsports driver run up front on Sunday. Gilliland has a strong track record at Talladega Superspeedway, with top-10 finishes in three of his six career starts here. Add in another 12th-place finish to his résumé and Talladega has been one of the strongest track for him (average finish-wise) in the Cup Series. This weekend, Gilliland qualified a relatively disappointing 15th for Sunday's Jack Link's 500, which makes him an interesting DFS option. At $7,200 on the DraftKings slate, Gilliland is a mid-tier driver with limited Place Differential upside. However, if he's able to pull off a top-five finish, Gilliland will get to the coveted 50+ FPTS mark. He's definitely an option in DFS tournaments on Sunday, but be careful with how much exposure you have on Gilliland this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Speedway Media
April 27, 2025
John Hunter Nemechek hasn't been overly impressive since joining the NASCAR Cup Series full-time, but superspeedway races have given JHN opportunities to shine. In nine career Cup Series starts between Daytona and Talladega, Nemechek has finished 15th or better seven times, including a pair of eighth-place finishes here at Talladega during the 2020 season while driving for Front Row Motorsports. In the Next Gen era, Talladega hasn't been as kind to JHN, but he's wound up seventh, 15th, and fifth over his last three races at Daytona. He also ended up 10th at Atlanta this year, which is another, smaller drafting track. This weekend, Nemechek qualified back in 29th-place for the Jack Link's 500, which gives him great Place Differential upside in DFS contests. You should have plenty of JHN exposure on Sunday.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: DraftKings Network
April 27, 2025
Riley Herbst qualified 23rd for this weekend's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, which makes him a very interesting DFS option for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race. At just $5,700, Herbst is a cheap option on the slate, but he has a strong race car with his 23XI Toyota, and his track record at superspeedways isn't awful; in addition to finishing ninth here at Talladega in 2023, Herbst has also been able to post top-20 results in four of his six Cup Series starts at this track type. His 23rd-place starting spot this weekend is going to keep his ownership low on the slate, but there's still Place Differential upside with that. A top-10 finish out of Herbst would earn 47+ FPTS on DraftKings this weekend, which would (more than likely) help earn DFS players big money in tournaments. Don't go too overboard with Herbst this weekend, but make sure you have a decent amount of exposure relative to the field on Sunday.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
April 27, 2025
Don't overlook Anthony Alfredo with your DFS lineups this weekend in the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. "Fast Pasta" doesn't race a lot in the NASCAR Cup Series, but when he does, he typically makes the most of it. In four career starts at Talladega, Alfredo has finished 12th or better three times, and has never ended up worse than 24th. If he can continue that this weekend, DraftKings players are looking at a great value pick in Alfredo at just $5,300 on the slate. The No. 62 Chevrolet will roll off the starting grid from 31st-place, which means Alfredo has incredible Place Differential upside at a track that he has shown promise at several times before. Don't be afraid to sprinkle plenty of Alfredo into your DraftKings lineups this weekend.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Speedway Digest
April 27, 2025
One interesting driver for this weekend's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is AJ Allmendinger. The Kaulig Racing Chevrolets are known for their superspeedway speed in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, but Allmendinger doesn't have the best reputation on drafting tracks. With that being said, the numbers actually aren't too bad for Dinger at NASCAR's biggest tracks. Over his seven starts at superspeedways in the Next Gen era, AJ has posted two top-10 finishes, and he's wound up inside that mark in eight of his last 16 starts at this track type overall. The interesting part this weekend is that he qualified in 19th-place. In DFS contests, most players are going to simply overlook Allmendinger and go with some bigger names with high Place Differential upside. However, another top-10 finish will easily get AJ inside that coveted 40+ FPTS range on DraftKings on Sunday. In tournaments, it's worth being overweight on the field with Allmendinger, but nothing too excessive.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Kickin the Tires
April 27, 2025
It's not very often that we're talking about BJ McLeod as a usable pick in DFS, but when Talladega rolls around, he usually ends up in the conversation. The nature of superspeedway racing is a great equalizer and allows bottom-tier drivers and teams (like McLeod and his No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet) to challenge for respectable finishes (comparative to their normal results). Just last season, McLeod finished 22nd at Talladega and 19th at Daytona despite starting back in 38th-place for both races. That Place Differential upside is what makes him a possible pick at these tracks. This weekend in the Jack Link's 500, McLeod will once again roll off the starting grid from 38th-place. Although he is by no means a slam-dunk fantasy pick, the potential for him to move up in the finishing order due to wrecks during the race make BJ McLeod a low-tier option in DFS this weekend--just don't go too crazy on ownership. Between five and 10 percent is sufficient.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
April 27, 2025
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Luis Castillo (3-2) dominated the Miami Marlins on Saturday, tossing six scoreless innings in a 14-0 win. Castillo allowed just one hit and two walks while punching out five. The 32-year-old was coming off two outings where he allowed 23 baserunners in just 9 ⅓ IP, so a start like this one was sorely needed. He improves to (3-2) with a 3.62 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts in 32 ⅓ IP. Fantasy managers will hope he can build off this start next Saturday when he is projected to face the Texas Rangers on the road.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto showed off his power-speed combo on Saturday, going 3-for-4 with a homer and three steals in a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Neto is now hitting .300 with a .990 OPS, five runs, three homers, five RBI, and three steals in 30 at-bats. The 24-year-old is only a week into his season as he returned from shoulder surgery on April 18, but so far, so good. He popped some impressive numbers last season, including 23 homers and 30 steals, and if the Angels' shortstop can build on those, he should be a stud in fantasy. Neto is still available in some leagues but should be rostered in all leagues now.--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Austin Hays continued his torrid start to the season on Saturday, smashing two homers in a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Hays has been incredible in a small sample size for the Reds, as he is now hitting .386 with a 1.222 OPS, 12 runs, five homers, 11 RBI, and a steal in 44 at-bats. The 29-year-old appears to be a great fit in Cincy, and it looks like he will have ample playing time. Hays should be rostered in all standard-size leagues at this point, and makes for a great waiver wire pickup with seven home games next week.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Seattle Mariners designated hitter/third baseman
Jorge Polanco went 2-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, and an additional run scored in Saturday's 14-0 win over the Miami Marlins. Polanco has four homers in his last four games as he continues to play some of the best ball of his career. The 31-year-old has been studly for the M's this year, hitting .354 with a 1.085 OPS, 10 runs, seven homers, 18 RBI, and a stolen base in 65 at-bats. The only issue for Polanco right now is that he isn't playing every day, but at this point, he should still be rostered in most fantasy leagues, at least until he cools off.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers went 3-for-7 with a homer, a double, two walks, two RBI, and two additional runs scored in Saturday's doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians. Devers is now hitting .210 with a .722 OPS, 18 runs, three homers, and 16 RBI. So far, it has been a disappointing season for the 28-year-old star, who came into Saturday without a hit in his last five games (15 at-bats). The good news for fantasy managers is that Devers is severely underperforming his expected stats and will likely regress to his usual self soon, so hold steady and don't sell low.--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman
Eugenio Suarez became the 19th player in MLB history to hit four homers in a game on Saturday. Suarez could not be stopped in this one, hitting a homer in each of his plate appearances and collecting five RBI. Unfortunately for him and the D-backs, they still ended up losing 8-7 to the Atlanta Braves. The 33-year-old is now hitting .202 with 17 runs, 10 homers, 20 RBI, and a stolen base. After a massive hot streak to start the season, Suarez had been extremely cold coming into this game, hitting only one homer over his last 21 games and seeing his OPS drop from 1.492 to .690 in that stretch. Fantasy managers will hope that this game ignites him into another heater.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 27, 2025
Haas Factory Team's Cole Custer will start 12th for this week's race at Talladega Superspeedway, the Jack Link's 400. This starting position is a new career-best in the Cup Series for Custer at the Alabama track. In six previous races at Talladega, Custer has one top-10 finish, but also gained positive or neutral Place Differential five times. With the first nine races completed this season, Custer has an average finish of 27.8 and has yet to finish a race higher than 21st. Considering his starting position and 2025 performance so far this year, despite his overall favorable history of nabbing upside at Talladega, Custer is a huge DFS risk who is not recommended to add to rosters this week.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 26, 2025
Ty Dillon of Kailig Racing obtained a starting position of 21st after qualifying for the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Dillon's starting position for this week's race is the highest at the site for him since 2019. In 12 races at Talladega in the Cup Series, Dillon has nine top-20 finishes and collected positive Place Differential 10 times overall. After nine races completed this season, Dillon has four top-20 finishes, an average finish of 22.0, and has nabbed positive PD five times. Considering his overall history at Talladega of placing in the top 20 and obtaining positive PD, Dillon is a value option worth rostering in all formats, especially considering how the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of Dillon's better Cup seasons so far.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 26, 2025
Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing will start 33rd for this week's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. This is tied for the second-highest ever starting position of his Cup career to date at Talladega. In nine previous races at the site, Ware has two top-20 finishes, but also scored positive Place Differential in all of his starts. Through the first nine races this season, Ware has four top-30 finishes and never finished higher than 24th. Ware is one of the safest and cheapest DFS options of the week, who works as a punt play, and can simply survive and finish the race. Ware's equipment is still overall inferior and slower compared to most of the field, however, so do not expect him to compete for the win unless his competitors crash out.
--Sean Engel - RotoBallerSource: DriverAverages.com
April 26, 2025
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Hunter Greene earned his third win of the season on Saturday by allowing just three runs on seven hits over six innings against the Rockies in Denver. He gave up all three runs on a pair of home runs, but worked around any other trouble while raising his total strikeouts on the season to 43 in 36 2/3 innings. He improves to 3-2 on the year in his six starts with a 2.70 ERA and 3.46 FIP. The win and the strikeouts were enough to make this a solid Coors Field outing despite the two long balls. He'll look for even better results next time out, when he is scheduled to face the Cardinals at home on Thursday afternoon.
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
April 26, 2025
Colorado Rockies second baseman
Adael Amador has struggled at the plate for a second straight season since being called up to the majors, but he had a big game on Saturday, going 3-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in the fifth inning. The home run was the first of his MLB career and came in his 21st MLB appearance. The speedy protect just turned 22 earlier this month, and still has plenty of upside, but he may not be able to hold on to a full-time role if he scuffles like he did before Saturday's breakout. Amador is up to .214 after his three-hit performance, and he has shown good speed potential in the minors with 35 thefts in 100 games at Double-A last year. If he gets playing time, he could develop into a bargain DFS play with upside, but the Rockies could send him back to Triple-A for more seasoning
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
April 26, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Jarren Duran executed one of the most exciting plays in baseball during the second game of the Red Sox doubleheader in Cleveland. He pulled off the straight steal of home after hitting an RBI triple with two outs in the third inning against lefty
Doug Nikhazy. Duran's triple was one of his three hits in the game, and he finished with three runs scored and a pair of RBI. In his 28 games this season, he now has nine stolen bases in 11 attempts and is hitting .256 with a .312 wOBA. He has shown he can be a huge catalyst at the top of Boston's batting order, and he'll continue to be a productive leadoff option that is a threat for both stepped and power production.
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
April
26,
2025
Houston
Astros
starting
pitcher
Framber
Valdez
didn't
get
any
run
support
on
Saturday
night
in
Kansas
City,
but
he
still
went
the
distance
in
a
complete
game
for
the
Astros,
in
a
2-0
loss.
He
allowed
read more...
April 26, 2025
Kansas City Royals Starting Pitcher
Michael Wacha threw six strong innings on Saturday night, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out six Astros to earn his first victory of the season. He lowered his ERA to 3.38 and his FIP to 4.20 in his five starts for Kansas City. It was a close game throughout since
Framber Valdez gave up just two runs, but Wacha was even sharper, never allowing a runner to reach third base. The win moves the Royals back to .500 on the season at 14-14 and 11-4 at home. Wacha will look to build on this win in his next start, which is currently scheduled for next Friday night on the road in Baltimore.
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
April 26, 2025
The Colorado Rockies are re-acquired
Alan Trejo from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations after the 28-year-old righty signed in the offseason with the Rangers. Trejo spent the first part of this season in Triple-A, where he hit .211 with no home runs, eight doubles, and one stolen base. Before signing with Texas, Trejo played parts of the last four seasons with Colorado, hitting .228 in 174 games with nine home runs and six stolen bases. Trejo is expected to be activated for Sunday's series finale against the Reds, but he is a utility depth piece that doesn't carry much fantasy value despite playing his home games at Coors Field once again.
--Zach Thompson - RotoBallerSource: Thomas Harding
April 26, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Jackson Chourio was on fire at the plate during Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was hitting the ball all over the park in this one, but his biggest hit of the game came in the ninth inning. Chourio smacked a game-tying two-run blast off right-hander
Ryan Helsley in the final frame. Sadly for Chourio, the Cardinals would end up winning the game in the bottom half of the inning. Despite that, Chourio went 4-for-5 with a home run, double, and three RBI in the loss. He was in a slump before this series in St. Louis. Now, Chourio has six hits over his last two games which is more than he had in his previous eight games combined coming into this series. The potential is through the roof, so Chourio needs to be rostered and started everywhere.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Robbie Ray had his swing-and-miss stuff going on the mound during Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. The southpaw had some problems in the first inning when he gave up two hits and a run. After that, Ray settled down and tossed seven innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits, while striking out eight batters in the no-decision. This was the deepest Ray has worked in a game this season, but sadly he wasn't able to get the win. Despite that, Ray has pitched well this season and will carry a 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 33/19 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Colorado Rockies. This will be a favorable matchup for Ray at home against the struggling Rockies offense. Fantasy managers will likely want to capitalize on this opportunity.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo continued his strong start to the season during Saturday's outing against the Chicago Cubs. Luzardo threw four scoreless innings before an error would extend the inning and eventually give the Cubs two runs. Outside of that, Luzardo really didn't have many issues on the mound during this game. He tossed six innings, allowing two unearned runs, and striking out five batters in the win. He'll take a 1.73 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 41/10 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Luzardo has allowed two earned runs or less in five of his first six starts to begin the season.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
Chicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki put together a nice day at the plate during Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. He started off with a two-RBI single in the fifth inning. After that, Suzuki drove in another run with another single in the seventh inning. The 30-year-old went 2-for-4 with three RBI as he seemed to be the only source of offense considering the Cubs scored four total runs. Suzuki has registered six hits over his last three games. He's slashing .292/.361/.552 with six home runs and 23 RBI this season. Suzuki has proven to be a reliable option in the middle of the Cubs lineup.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
New York Mets relief pitcher
Edwin Diaz bounced back nicely on the mound during Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals. Diaz was forced to exit early on Wednesday due to a hip cramp, but had no lingering effects on the mound here. The right-hander took over on the mound with a two-run lead on Saturday. Diaz did walk a batter, but then he struck out the side to record his seventh save of the season. The right-hander has struck out multiple batters in six straight outings. During that span, Diaz has only allowed one earned run in 6 1/3 innings of work. He remains a must-have and must-start fantasy player in all formats.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
New York Mets starting pitcher
Clay Holmes had little issues on the mound during Saturday's start against the Washington Nationals. The right-hander didn't get too far into the game before it was sent into a delay. Despite that, Holmes still pitched extremely well in this game once the weather cleared up. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowing four hits, and striking out two batters in the win. Holmes only threw 70 pitches during this outing, but that was likely because of the delay. He'll take a 2.64 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 36/13 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Holmes has allowed two earned runs or less in every outing besides one this season. He should be rostered and started in most fantasy formats going forward.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
April 26, 2025
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (pelvis) won't play on Saturday against the Rockets. He had 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in Game 1. However, the veteran was injured in Game 2, limiting him to only seven minutes of action. Without Butler,
Moses Moody,
Stephen Curry,
Draymond Green, and
Brandin Podziemski should all benefit on the scoring end.
Jonathan Kuminga, who had 11 points in Game 2, might also remain in the rotation, potentially even entering the starting lineup.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Anthony Slater
April 26, 2025
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (knee) is questionable for Sunday's postseason meeting with the Knicks. He logged 18 minutes in Game 1. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old has been burdened by left knee inflammation, costing him the last two games of the series. If Stewart can get back on the floor for Game 4,
Tim Hardaway Jr., coming off a 24-point effort, should remain in the starting lineup.
Dennis Schroder, who had 18 points in Game 4, will likely also stay more involved.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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