MLB DFS: 7 Tips to Help Build Winning Lineups This Weekend

Using the matchups to determine which players to spend up on and which stars to avoid.

If you’re looking to play some cash games or enter a GPP this weekend, here’s a quick checklist of seven things to consider when you’re creating a build. Using these tips, you can also generate a lineup using Sports Illustrated’s custom DFS Lineup Optimizer.

Let’s get to it!

1. There is a series at Coors Field this weekend. Games at Coors have the highest totals this year (subtracting the two played in Mexico City) at an average 11.88 runs per game. There is also a series at Fenway this weekend. Games at Fenway have averaged 11.45 runs per game -- the third-highest in the league. Target hitters from these games.

2. Games with the highest run totals on Friday include:

• Phillies-Rockies
• Cardinals-Red Sox
• Giants-Diamondbacks
• Padres-Dodgers

Target hitters from these games.

3. Games with the lowest totals on Friday include:

• Cubs-Twins
• Reds-Marlins

Target the value pitchers in these games, instead of just paying up for an ace.

Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports

4. Randy Arozarena is one of the hottest hitters in baseball, but he has been ice cold in his career vs. Gerrit Cole. In 24 career at-bats vs. Cole, Arozarena is hitting .174 with nine strikeouts and only one extra-base hit. Consider spending up for a different stud on Friday.

5. Manny Machado faces Julio Urias on Saturday. In 21 career at-bats vs. Urias, Machado has an OPS of 1.246 and four home runs.

6. Aaron Judge, DJ LeMahieu and Anthony Rizzo are all ice cold vs. Shane McClanahan. Don’t break the bank to put them in your lineup on Saturday. Consider spending up for McClanahan instead.

7. Aaron Nola has been strong to start the season, but he’s pitching at Coors on Sunday and Charlie Blackmon and Kris Bryant are batting over .300 vs. Nola. Don’t spend up for him in cash games. He’s a fun contrarian play for GPPs, though.