RotoWire Fantasy Soccer Podcast · RotoWire.com

DraftKings DFS UCL Strategies for Tuesday, Sept. 16: The Champions

·42 min·3 clips
Mo reveals why Mbappe's crazy price tag might still be worth it in this new Real Madrid system.
Ryan and Mo host this episode focused on DraftKings DFS strategy for a four-game Champions League slate. They analyze player pricing, matchups, and lineup construction for the Tuesday contests. The slate features Benfica, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Tottenham as the main favorites. Benfica are the biggest favorites at home against Karabag with an 80% win probability and a moneyline around -450. Real Madrid are approximately -300 favorites at home against Marseille, while Juventus versus Dortmund is the most competitive match by the odds. Pricing forces difficult decisions, as top players like Kylian Mbappé ($12,600) and Vinícius Júnior ($12,000) absorb significant salary. Pavlidis ($10,400) has strong goal odds but lacks a reliable fantasy floor. The hosts debate the value of set-piece takers like Juventus's Kenan Yıldız ($7,700) and Benfica's Arthur Cabral ($5,400), who often plays only 60 minutes. They note Mason Greenwood ($6,800) takes penalties for Marseille against Real Madrid. In midfield, Arda Güler ($11,200) is preferred over Xavi Simons ($10,800) due to matchup, while Mohammed Kudus ($6,800) is highly recommended for his ball-dominant role at Tottenham. A key discussion centers on the uncertain roles in a rebuilt Benfica midfield, with potential value in newcomer Georgiy Sudakov ($6,600). For defenders, options include Trent Alexander-Arnold ($6,300), Raphaël Guerreiro ($5,800), and Dortmund's Julian Ryerson ($3,500), though none are considered a clear "smash" play. Goalkeeper recommendations favor Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario ($5,200) and Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois ($5,800) for their save upside. A surprising claim is that Mbappé is now the undisputed focal point at Real Madrid, taking around seven shots per game. They highlight the high risk and reward of punt plays like Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall ($3,100) after a breakout performance. The hosts express skepticism about Juventus striker Loïs Openda starting given his poor recent form. The tone is conversational and analytical, with both hosts exchanging detailed opinions and data. The style is educational, aimed at providing actionable advice for daily fantasy soccer players. This episode is ideal for DFS players seeking a deep dive into Champions League roster construction and player analysis. Listeners looking for general soccer commentary or narrative storytelling should skip this strategy-focused discussion.

As heard by us

A tidy first-Champions-League-slate DFS preview with useful player detail.

Ryan and Mo return for the first soccer podcast of the season, and the focus stays tight: the first Champions League slate, the biggest favorites, the pricier Real Madrid pieces, the Juventus-Dortmund matchup, and Spurs at home to Villarreal.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Need a Champions League DFS edge?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on