Derek Farnsworth recommended fading Braves starter Bryce Elder in DFS due to concerning underlying numbers and unfavorable matchup. Elder carries an alarming 8.68 xERA with struggles generating strikeout upside (just 20% K rate). Facing Tampa's potent lineup, with hitters like Brandon Lowe showing large xwOBA splits (.487 vs RHP), Elder's downside is significantly amplified. The expected run total of 4.47 for the Rays further underscores the difficult task ahead, advising fantasy players to find safer alternatives.

Derek Farnsworth praised Jacob deGrom as a premium DFS play due to his dominant statistical profile (1.25 xERA, 2.74 SIERA, 31% K rate) and advantageous matchup. The Mariners offense has struggled notably against right-handed pitching (.294 wOBA), making them vulnerable versus elite pitchers. With Seattle projected for a paltry 3.07 runs, deGrom's immense strikeout potential and pristine metrics provide enormous upside, justifying inclusion in fantasy baseball contests despite high DFS pricing.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted starting pitcher Nick Pivetta as a strong DFS option, emphasizing his relatively low 3.06 xERA, impressive 29% strikeout rate, and strong underlying metrics (3.30 SIERA). Pivetta faces a struggling Colorado lineup away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, with the Rockies having a miserable projected run total of just 3.04. Considering his excellent strikeout upside and favorable park shift, Farnsworth points to Pivetta as one of the best affordable pitching values on Friday's DFS slate.

Derek Farnsworth likes Brady Singer as a strong pitcher for DFS lineups given his matchup against Pittsburgh's struggling offense. Singer has recorded a solid 23% strikeout rate paired with a good 3.87 SIERA. The Pirates are projected for only 3.71 runs while having trouble against right-handed pitching (.273 wOBA, 57 wRC+). Given Singer's stability and the Pirates' inefficiency at the plate, he presents an opportunity to exploit in fantasy baseball builds.

Derek Farnsworth advises caution on rostering New York Yankees hitters in DFS lineups due to their challenging matchup against Robbie Ray. Despite Ray experiencing control issues (11% walk rate), he still holds a strong 32% strikeout rate and an attractive 3.55 SIERA. Yankees hitters projected to bat are prone to high strikeout rates, particularly against left-handed pitching, severely capping their upside. Farnsworth suggests the low expected run total (4.26) and unfavorable handedness splits vs Ray (.284 wOBA allowed vs RHB) warrant fading Yankees batters at current DFS salary levels.

Derek Farnsworth recommends stacking the Tampa Bay Rays hitters in DFS tournaments, as they draw a favorable matchup against Braves pitcher Bryce Elder. Elder has struggled badly against left-handed batters, allowing a massive .419 wOBA and holding a concerning 8.68 expected ERA (xERA). While Tampa's lineup boasts several left-handed bats with solid advanced metrics, including Brandon Lowe (.487 xwOBA, .445 xISO vs RHP), the Rays hitters collectively have a high projected run total of 4.47, further underlining their upside in DFS contests.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted Kris Bubic as an appealing DFS option due to significant strikeout potential and excellent underlying metrics. Over the last two seasons, Bubic is carrying an elite 32% strikeout rate paired with a strong 2.19 SIERA and 2.23 ERA. His swinging strike rate of 15%, combined with Cleveland's lower projected total of just 3.81 runs, positions him favorably. Additionally, Bubic has demonstrated solid groundball (56%) and excellent hard contact metrics (low 17% hard hit rate), further supporting his appeal in DFS formats at a modest salary of just $200 (presumably a misprint meant to indicate DFS affordability).

Derek Farnsworth recommends including Jordan Spieth in large-field tournament pools for DFS, acknowledging Spieth's volatile game recently. Despite the elevated risk, Farnsworth expects high major championship upside from Spieth, particularly at The Masters, making him valuable in formats that reward dramatic upside and volatility.

Derek Farnsworth prefers Maverick McNealy as a DFS pivot play for Augusta among first-time participants, especially if Taylor Pendrith becomes popular. Farnsworth explains McNealy possesses a similar statistical profile to Pendrith but offers notably better performance around the greens, granting him potential edge and differentiation if DFS field ownership heavily targets Pendrith instead.

Derek Farnsworth identifies Byeong Hun An as his preferred DFS value play at Augusta priced below 7K, despite some recent iron struggles. Farnsworth emphasizes An's elite driving length combined with adequate short game skills. An also has recent finishes of T8 and T16, plus a T16 at last year's Masters, providing strong upside and value stability for DFS lineups.

Derek Farnsworth cautions against heavy DFS ownership on Taylor Pendrith at Augusta due to Pendrith's status as a first-time Masters participant. Although Pendrith projects well traditionally, Farnsworth heavily factors in Augusta's history of challenging first-timers and sees potential issues if Pendrith turns out to be highly chalky, prompting him to target other low-owned debutantes instead.

Derek Farnsworth calls Sergio Garcia his favorite LIV Golf DFS selection at The Masters. Garcia enters Augusta in peak form, having won twice within the past year, and previously earning a Masters victory. Given the enticing price at $7,100, Farnsworth believes Garcia presents significant DFS value and leverage compared to other LIV golfers.

Derek Farnsworth recommends avoiding DFS exposure to Brooks Koepka at Augusta, citing notable struggles with form this year. Given Koepka's consistently poor recent performances, Farnsworth does not see enough upside for DFS value with Koepka during The Masters week.

Derek Farnsworth highlights Min Woo Lee as a top DFS sleeper at Augusta, noting he checked every single trend Farnsworth looks for in his betting trends analysis, becoming one of only two golfers alongside Rory McIlroy to achieve this distinction. Lee offers impressive driving distance, has seen improving performance with his irons, particularly with his long irons, and boasts a reliable short game. Farnsworth also cites Lee's most recent victory coming in his last start, strengthening his case as a high-upside DFS selection.

Derek Farnsworth suggests Keegan Bradley as a strong DFS play at Augusta purely based on an underpriced salary tag. Farnsworth is intentionally comfortable embracing Bradley as chalk given the significant price discount relative to his potential performance ceiling.

Derek Farnsworth likes Tony Finau as in interesting DFS play at Augusta despite Finau coming off a poor finish at Valero last week. Farnsworth stresses that Finau consistently elevates his play in major championships, making him a strong asset for DFS tournaments and lineups targeting high upside potential.

Derek Farnsworth highly recommends Robert Macintyre as a compelling DFS value pick at Augusta given his point-per-dollar DFS upside. Farnsworth noted Macintyre's excellent recent statistical profile, specifically highlighting impressive off-the-tee prowess, strong approach playing, and capable short game metrics. Although his putting can occasionally be unreliable, Macintyre's attraction is further strengthened by his consistent Augusta performances, achieving top-25 finishes in both previous Masters appearances.

Derek Farnsworth is confident about Corey Conners as his preferred chalk DFS selection. Farnsworth cited Conners' exceptional and consistent ball-striking history as strongly aligning with the demands of Augusta National. Though typically skeptical of crowded DFS selections, he explicitly designated Conners as the 'favorite chalk play' indicating a high degree of confidence in his stability and suitability as an integral DFS play.

Derek Farnsworth is fading Ludvig Aberg at Augusta, concerned that last year's near victory depended heavily on an unprecedented career-best putting performance. Historically, no golfer has won the Masters on their debut since 1979, a trend Aberg nearly broke but required unsustainable putting numbers to come close. Farnsworth argues that Aberg's recent form has also slipped since his earlier success, providing further rationale for fading him this year, especially given his high price tag at $10,800 in DFS contests.

Derek Farnsworth believes Xander Schauffele is going overlooked in DFS lineups, making him one of Farnsworth's favorite tournament plays for The Masters. Although recent form appears mixed post-injury, Farnsworth highlighted Xander's significant rebound in approach play, recently posting a career-high in Strokes Gained Approach. His recent struggles are largely attributed to short game problems, but those typically volatile stats could normalize. Farnsworth also acknowledged Schauffele's strong history at Augusta, nearly winning the year Hideki Matsuyama claimed victory and posting back-to-back top 10 finishes at the Masters. Schauffele's two major victories last season further support his upside, making him an enticing contrarian DFS play at his $9,700 salary.

Derek Farnsworth is strongly backing Rory McIlroy to win this year's Masters. Farnsworth emphasized Rory's exceptional current form and significant victories at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship, highlighting them as two of the golfer's biggest wins heading into Augusta. Farnsworth notes that McIlroy is mentally and strategically well-positioned this year, driving the ball better than anyone in the world, excelling with his long irons, and demonstrating a vastly improved short game. He additionally referenced Rory's strong previous Masters performances with multiple top-five finishes as a sign that Rory is prepared to break through this year.

Like Spencer Aguiar, Derek Farnsworth identified Keegan Bradley as being significantly mispriced and deserving of DFS consideration. Farnsworth noted Bradley's elite tee-to-green game as a central reason for his confidence. Additionally, Bradley has quietly compiled back-to-back top-25 finishes in his last two Masters appearances. Farnsworth explained that occasionally the early-week DFS chalk becomes lower-owned as players begin to overthink and fade popular early-week picks; he's hopeful the same trend could turn Bradley into a surprise moderately-owned leverage play despite initial ownership projections. Either way, Farnsworth committed to Bradley as a cornerstone DFS pick.

Derek Farnsworth picked Cameron Young as his bold, contrarian DFS play for the Masters. Farnsworth acknowledged that Young has historically been frustrating to roster, calling him someone he never gets right, but pointed to favorable signals heading into Augusta. Young's significant distance off the tee is ideal for Augusta's long layout, and he finally showed improved form with an encouraging T-18 finish at the Valero Texas Open. Most compelling, Farnsworth noted Young has recorded back-to-back top-10 finishes at the Masters previously, which underscores his comfort and proven upside at Augusta. With projected ownership under 5%, Young represents a high-risk, high-reward option perfect for large-field tournaments like the Millionaire Maker.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted Sergio Garcia as one of his favorite contrarian DFS picks for the 2025 Masters. While Garcia's recent course history at Augusta National seems less than ideal since his Masters win—with multiple missed cuts and only one top-25 finish—Farnsworth sees real opportunity in these circumstances. Garcia's strong current form in LIV golf is the key factor: he recently finished third at Doral and secured a victory in his previous event. Additionally, Garcia's driving metrics have remained impressive in LIV competition all year. Farnsworth therefore expects low ownership, making Garcia an appealing choice for DFS differentiation despite the superficially worrisome Augusta record.

Derek Farnsworth strongly endorsed Patrick Cantlay as a DFS selection, citing resurgence in his recent play. Cantlay has accumulated nearly 16 strokes gained on approach over his last five events, including substantial ball-striking gains last week. Farnsworth believes previous distractions linked to LIV golf events and player board responsibilities have passed, returning Cantlay's focus to elite-level golf. At a modest $8,700 DFS price, Cantlay represents considerable value given his historical major championship experience and current upward performance trend.

Derek Farnsworth advocated strongly for Jordan Spieth at the 2025 Masters as a DFS selection, acknowledging Spieth as an annual Augusta specialist despite recent mixed form. Farnsworth believes Spieth excels on this track, demonstrated by historically impressive results at Augusta apart from last year's missed cut. Spieth has quietly registered three top-15 finishes in his past six starts this season, and Derek highlighted that Spieth may offer contrarian leverage in DFS lineups since his high DraftKings price should offset ownership typically driven by a strong showing at preceding Valero Texas Open.

Derek Farnsworth suggested Jon Rahm might provide DFS value and contrarian leverage at the 2025 Masters. Rahm is not popular currently after joining LIV golf and has only won twice there, but Farnsworth highlighted Rahm's motivation and consistent top-10 finishes in LIV events. Rahm is eager to restore recognition as an elite golfer, and Derek argued this Masters represents the perfect opportunity and big stage for Rahm to demonstrate his top-level game.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted Sergio Garcia as one of the golfers he's most excited about for DFS at the 2025 Masters. Farnsworth did not provide extensive detail here, but Garcia's selection likely arises from proven Augusta National experience and short-game proficiency that aligns closely with the skills Farnsworth emphasizes at the Masters each year.

Derek Farnsworth identified Min Woo Lee as one of his top DFS picks at the 2025 Masters. Although not elaborating extensively in this section, his enthusiastic tease signals strong conviction in Lee as a high-upside value selection likely based on his skill set and course fit for Augusta National, considering Farnsworth's historical DFS approach and expertise.

Derek Farnsworth strongly endorsed Rory McIlroy as his pick to win the 2025 Masters. Farnsworth pointed to McIlroy's current form, highlighted by recent high-profile victories at tournaments like Pebble Beach and The Players Championship. Farnsworth emphasized McIlroy's exceptional skill off the tee, describing him as arguably the best driver in the field. Despite previous struggles and meltdowns in key moments on the back nine at Augusta, Derek believes this year feels different and that Rory's improved mindset and recent momentum set him up perfectly for contention at the Masters.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted the Tigers offense as a strong DFS target against Yankees pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Farnsworth emphasized Carrasco's elevated 5.76 ERA and a troubling 4.84 xERA, alongside his tendency to allow high contact (32% HC rate). Detroit hitters such as Kerry Carpenter (.408 wOBA), Riley Greene (.382 wOBA), and Colt Keith were specifically referenced, benefiting from Carrasco's notable splits against left-handed bats (an elevated .361 wOBA allowed). Farnsworth noted the positive correlation of Detroit's favorable Vegas total (4.27 implied runs), and Carrasco's underlying metrics indicated home run potential, making the Tigers' left-handed hitters enticing DFS options on today's DraftKings and FanDuel slates.

Derek Farnsworth highlighted rookie phenom Paul Skenes as an excellent DFS pitching option against the Cardinals. Skenes brings an elite 33% strikeout rate and an exceptional 1.13 xERA into his home matchup vs. St. Louis, a team with limited offensive upside (3.00 implied runs total) against right-handed starters. Farnsworth also cited the favorable Vegas line (-132) and a surprisingly low 6.5-run total as indicators of Skenes' potential ceiling performance, making him a clear high-upside target for fantasy baseball lineups on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Derek Farnsworth pinpointed the Dodgers' offense as a priority stack for DFS purposes against Nationals starting pitcher Brad Lord. Lord has struggled significantly, with an alarming 10.53 xFIP versus left-handed hitters and a cavernous 0% strikeout rate in his limited 2024-25 sample size. The Dodgers lineup features potent left-handed and switch hitters—highlighted by Shohei Ohtani, Michael Conforto, and Max Muncy—who project exceptionally well against Lord's vulnerabilities. Farnsworth underscored the 4.90-run total, high matchup upside, and Lord’s extreme splits as key reasons to aggressively target Dodgers stacks in fantasy baseball lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel for today.

Derek Farnsworth pointed out Min Woo Lee as a strong betting sleeper at +5500 odds for the 2025 Masters, after Lee passed all eight critical betting trend criteria identified for Masters winners. Farnsworth specifically underscored Lee's recent victory in Houston, impressive overall form, and length off the tee—essential for Augusta National. He also cited Lee's positive course history, with two top-25 finishes in three career Masters appearances. Farnsworth likes Lee as both a long-shot storyline and an entertaining player to root for, bolstered by Lee's five professional wins across different tours (PGA, European, Asian), further validating his potential to handle Augusta's high-pressure environment.

Derek Farnsworth identified Rory McIlroy as an ideal bet to win the 2025 Masters, noting multiple factors in his favor. McIlroy recently won THE PLAYERS Championship and has three wins in his last seven worldwide starts, indicating elite current form. Farnsworth also highlighted how well McIlroy's game fits Augusta National's profile and conditions, pointing to him as arguably the best on-paper fit (especially alongside Scottie Scheffler) for Augusta. Additionally, the tout emphasized McIlroy's strong mental state, though he acknowledged past struggles with crucial back-nine mistakes in majors. Given all these positives, Farnsworth believes this could be the year McIlroy completes the career grand slam with a first green jacket.

Derek Farnsworth points to Ben Griffin (+5500 odds) as a viable longshot play at the Valero Texas Open driven by his 'must-win' motivation. Sitting at 51st in the Official World Golf Ranking, Griffin narrowly missed automatic Masters qualification after finishing T18 last week in Houston. Farnsworth highlights that Griffin ranks among the field's best from the fairway inward and gained an impressive 6.1 strokes on approach last week—his fifth-highest career mark. Griffin has logged three top-10 finishes in his last 14 events and enters this tournament highly motivated, aiming for a victory to qualify for Augusta. Farnsworth suggests that this 'win or go home' mentality could spark a fairy tale ending for Griffin this week.

Derek Farnsworth highlights Maverick McNealy (+5000 odds) as a solid bet due to his significant improvements in iron play, ranking 12th in strokes gained approach within this field in 2025. McNealy displayed strong recent form, gaining 3.2 strokes via approach last week and over four strokes in three other events this season. Farnsworth notes that combined with McNealy's steady driving and elite putting ability, he is fully capable of contending this weekend. Additionally, McNealy has impressive recent form—with one win and three additional top-10 finishes over his last 10 starts—along with a consistent record in Texas, including two made cuts at this tournament.

Derek Farnsworth identifies Tony Finau (+4000 odds) as a compelling betting option due to his improved accuracy off the tee and strong short-game metrics. While historically known as a long hitter, Finau has deliberately dialed back distance to hit more fairways, significantly improving his total driving accuracy. Over the past year, Finau's greatest strengths have actually been his approach play and short game around the green—two key skills for TPC San Antonio. Despite inconsistent play lately, Finau still boasts nine top-20 finishes in his last 16 starts, and Farnsworth argues this mediocre run has created real betting value in the outright market this week.

Derek Farnsworth likes Keegan Bradley (+2800 odds) to contend at the Valero Texas Open based on his excellent recent form and strong driving abilities. Bradley has gained 13.4 strokes on approach over his last three events, demonstrating elite ball-striking ability. He is under pressure to secure Ryder Cup points, sitting 19th in standings, and needs a strong run of events to qualify as a player/captain. Farnsworth emphasizes Bradley's underrated around-the-green skills and occasional hot putting streaks. Additionally, Bradley has performed well historically at this event, achieving two top-10 finishes in six starts at TPC San Antonio.

Derek Farnsworth encouraged considering Mac Meissner as a potential DFS target at the Valero Texas Open, highlighting his recent solid form. Farnsworth indicated he sees Meissner as an under-the-radar play due to recent improved results, suggesting Meissner may represent a strong value option for fantasy roster differentiation this week.

Derek Farnsworth expressed interest in Harry Hall as an intriguing DFS option for the Valero Texas Open, noting his solid and consistent performance over approximately the past six to eight months. Farnsworth didn't dwell extensively on statistics, but he clearly considers Hall a viable consideration in DFS lineups given the extended stretch of positive performances, suggesting steady momentum that makes Hall an appealing lower-cost investment this week.

Derek Farnsworth endorsed Tom Hoge as a low-key DFS selection at the Valero Texas Open based on his Texas connection and elite iron play. Hoge attended TCU, providing the familiar Texas angle for added appeal, and he ranks as the number one iron player in the field over the last 150 rounds. Farnsworth emphasized that Hoge has consistently placed within the top-six in iron play regardless of the time frame considered. Although Farnsworth noted other aspects of Hoge's game have generally struggled, he expressed confidence that Hoge's exceptional iron performance could carry him through by consistently hitting greens, making Hoge a viable and attractive DFS tournament play.

Derek Farnsworth pinpointed Victor Perez as a standout DFS value pick in the lower-priced range. Perez has demonstrated excellent recent momentum, recording three straight top-25 finishes and having made the cut previously at this course. Farnsworth highlights Perez's appealing recent form and proven competence in San Antonio, clearly positioning him as the preferred low-cost option for DFS rosters looking to efficiently allocate salary elsewhere.

Derek Farnsworth voiced caution in rostering Ben Griffin at this week's Valero Texas Open despite Griffin's urgent motivation to win and secure a Masters invite. Farnsworth expressed legitimate worry given Griffin is participating in his 13th consecutive event, warning of potential fatigue contributing to diminished performance. While acknowledging Griffin's general strength in approach play, scrambling, and putting, Farnsworth warned specifically that a slow start could quickly sap Griffin's motivation and performance due to the increased stakes and accumulated fatigue, posing noteworthy downside risk for DFS lineups this week.

Derek Farnsworth underscored the value of playing Tony Finau this week, highlighting Finau's tendency to perform significantly better outside of Florida, including in Texas tournaments. Though Finau has intentionally dialed back his driving distance slightly over recent years, Farnsworth noted that his iron play remains elite, complemented by his outstanding short game. Despite recent struggles on shorter putts, Farnsworth retains high confidence in Finau's overall game and performance upside this week at $8,800, considering him a very strong option in DFS contests.

Derek Farnsworth advocated strongly for Corey Conners due to his extensive history of success at the Valero Texas Open. Conners, a previous two-time winner here, consistently performs well at this course and similar ones during this stretch of the golfing calendar. Farnsworth specifically referenced Conners' historical excellent form at this event as well as other crucial events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players. Farnsworth plans to continue rostering Conners this week and next week at Augusta, citing his tendency to peak during this portion of the PGA Tour schedule.

Derek Farnsworth sees tremendous DFS value in Hideki Matsuyama at $9,900 this week at the Valero Texas Open. Matsuyama ranks second overall in Farnsworth's model and boasts the highest top-5% finish rate in this week's field. Farnsworth acknowledges Matsuyama's recent form has been somewhat inconsistent but pointed out he's delivered back-to-back top 15 finishes at this specific event, adding confidence in his suitability and upside for DFS lineups this week.

Derek Farnsworth strongly recommended Keegan Bradley for this week's Valero Texas Open. Bradley has an impressive track record in Texas and on long Par 72 courses. His recent form is excellent, having made 12 consecutive cuts marked by consistently strong approach play. Farnsworth highlighted Bradley's significant improvement with the putter over the past couple of years, adding further confidence to his DFS appeal. Bradley has back-to-back Top-25 finishes at this course and projects well according to Farnsworth, who sees Bradley as viable in both cash games and tournaments, indicating he could become a cornerstone ('core play') of Farnsworth's own lineup constructions this week at $9,500.