NLDS Best DFS Value Picks — Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, and Mets
We've got the best DFS value picks for the 2024 NLDS. You won't want to miss out on these picks.
With the NLDS heating up, DFS players are hunting for the best value picks to get ahead in their lineups.
Whether you're focused on the LA Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres matchup or the Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets game, there’s an opportunity to find some strong value across all four lineups.
Best DFS Value for Pitchers — Walker Buehler and Sean Manaea
Pitchers often make or break a fantasy lineup. In the upcoming NLDS matchups, there are some interesting picks, both in terms of cost and expected performance for fantasy points.
Walker Buehler (LA Dodgers)
- Salary: $6.2k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 9.2
- Value: 1.48
Buehler has had a fairly inconsistent year, as seen in his 5.38 ERA.
However, when it comes to postseason play, he has been a different beast.
He sports a career 2.94 ERA in the playoffs and has a fantastic track record against the Padres. With a 6-1 career record and a 1.80 ERA against San Diego, Buehler could bounce back when it matters most.
For a salary of $6.2k, Buehler offers one of the better cost-per-point projections, and his extensive playoff experience makes him a good value pick. We’d take him over the other 3 SPs and save the extra salary for the bats.
Sean Manaea (New York Mets)
- Salary: $7.7k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 16.0
- Value: 2.08
Manaea comes into this matchup as one of the best value picks for pitchers.
Priced at a moderate $7.7k, he’s projected for 16.0 DK Fantasy Points.
Manaea’s solid postseason stats and past performances against the Phillies give him a pretty favorable outlook in Game 3. He recently went 5 innings with just 2 earned runs against the Brewers in the Wild Card round.
His previous performances at Citi Field, where he has recorded six or more strikeouts in four straight appearances, should give fantasy managers confidence in his upside for this crucial game.
Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Salary: $8.2k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 16.8
- Value: 2.05
Nola is another solid option with good value.
The Phillies’ ace was impressive in his recent postseason outings, and his regular season stats indicate that he’s in solid form (14-8, 3.57 ERA).
Nola has shown consistency in delivering strikeouts, especially in night games, which is exactly what DFS managers are looking for. Against the Mets, who have been streaky offensively, Nola has a good chance to post strong numbers.
Priced at a relatively high $8.2k with 16.8 projected points, his value is right up there with Manaea but not as nice as Buehler.
Batters to Watch — Austin Hays and Shohei Ohtani
When it comes to batters, it’s essential to focus not just on the big names but also on value picks who can outperform their salary. Don’t get us wrong, we like big names that make big impacts, but you can’t have a roster full of Ohtanis.
Austin Hays (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Salary: $2.3k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 6.4
- Value: 2.78
Hays is one of the best value plays on the slate at only $2.3k, with a solid projection of 6.4 DK Fantasy Points.
Despite being in the middle of the order, he has shown an ability to deliver clutch hits and is set for success against a struggling Mets bullpen.
Given his reasonable price, Hays allows you to load up on more expensive stars while still providing a decent upside. His high value of 2.78 makes him a bargain pick, especially in GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) tournaments where salary relief is crucial.
Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers)
- Salary: $6.5k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 10.9
- Value: 1.68
Ohtani remains a must-have in many fantasy lineups. We simply couldn’t pass him up even though he doesn’t have the best value — he’ll still get loads of fantasy points.
Although his salary is relatively high for a batter at $6.5k, his expected output of 10.9 DK Fantasy Points makes him worth every penny.
Ohtani's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is well-known throughout the league, and the Padres' pitching hasn’t been entirely sharp lately. His steals and power-hitting dominance make him a great choice for the Dodgers as they face the Padres in a must-win situation.
Ohtani ranks second in the league for steals this season, adding to his overall value.
Luis Arraez (San Diego Padres)
- Salary: $3.6k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 8.1
- Value: 2.25
Another solid value hitter is Luis Arraez. He has been consistently getting on base and providing run-scoring opportunities for the Padres.
Priced at $3.6k, he’s projected to score 8.1 DK Fantasy Points, which gives him one of the strongest values of 2.25.
Arraez is expected to hit leadoff in the order, giving him more plate appearances and more chances to score. We always look to batting order when selecting batters for the lineup.
His ability to rack up hits, combined with the Padres’ offensive momentum, makes him a valuable pick for fantasy players looking to save on salary without sacrificing points.
Jesse Winker (New York Mets)
- Salary: $3.1k
- DK Fantasy Points (Projected): 7.3
- Value: 2.35
Winker, coming in at $3.1k, is another mid-tier salary player with upside.
He’s projected to score 7.3 DK Fantasy Points, and given that he’s expected to bat fourth for the Mets, he’s in a prime spot to drive in runs.
Winker has shown flashes of decent power, and against Aaron Nola, who’s prone to giving up a few runs in the early innings, he has a chance to exceed his value projection.
Dodgers vs Padres Prediction
For Game 3 of the LA Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres series, it’s clear that pitching will play a massive role.
Michael King, with his impressive 2.95 ERA, has been reliable for most of the season and will give the Padres a real chance to take the series lead.
On the other side, Buehler’s postseason experience gives the Dodgers a slight edge, despite his shaky regular season.
Both teams have strong offenses, but we think the edge goes to the Padres, who have scored 20 runs in their last three games. Their bats are absolutely hot.
If the Padres can jump on Buehler early, it will put them in the driver’s seat. Look for Tatis Jr. to lead the way with multi-base hits and RBI potential.
- Prediction: Padres win 5-3
Phillies vs Mets Prediction
The Mets had a heartbreaking loss in Game 2, and while their pitching is pretty good, Aaron Nola’s ability to handle playoff pressure might be the key.
The Phillies' offense, led by the two powerhouses Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos, we think should be able to put runs on the board early.
Nola will likely keep the Mets at bay for at least 6-7 innings, and with their recent form, Philadelphia seems likely to take Game 3.
- Prediction: Phillies win 6-4
Make Your MLB DFS Value Picks!
There’s a lot to consider for this slate of NLDS games.
So, if you want to get an edge over the competition, focusing on value picks is essential for fantasy success.
On the pitching side, Sean Manaea and Aaron Nola offer nice value, while hitters like Austin Hays and Shohei Ohtani provide serious bang for your buck.
Keep an eye on these players as the postseason action continues.
