We should start by discussing the difference between the scoring systems used for FanDuel vs DraftKings. Their scoring for MLB (baseball) contests are similar, but not exactly the same. We will need to keep these differences in mind as we build our FanDuel lineup optimizer. And you will need to keep them in mind if you plan to adapt the methods I discuss to use them in DraftKings.
FanDuel Scoring for MLB
As of the time of this writing, the table below shows the fantasy points received for each stat a player records.
| Hitters | Pitchers |
| 1B (Single) = +3 points | W (Win) = +6 points |
| 2B (Double) = +6 points | Quality Start = +4 points |
| 3B (Triple) = +9 points | ER (Earned Run) = -3 points |
| HR (Home Run) = +12 points | SO (Strikeout) = +3 points |
| RBI (Run Batted In)= +3.5 points | IP (Innings Pitched) = +3 points* |
| R (Run) = +3.2 points | |
| BB (Walk) = +3 points | |
| SB (Stolen Base) = +6 points | |
| HBP (Hit by Pitch) = +3 points |
* Fractional scoring per out.
Notes: Quality Start is awarded to a starting pitcher who completes at least six innings and permits no more than three earned runs.
DraftKings Scoring for MLB
| Hitters | Pitchers |
| 1B (Single) = +3 points | W (Win) = +4 points |
| 2B (Double) = +5 points | ER (Earned Run) = -2 points |
| 3B (Triple) = +8 points | SO (Strikeout) = +2 points |
| HR (Home Run) = +10 points | IP (Innings Pitched) = +2.25 points (+0.75 Pts / Out) |
| RBI (Run Batted In)= +2 points | Hit Against = -0.6 points |
| R (Run) = +2 points | Base on Balls Against (Walk) = -0.6 points |
| BB (Walk) = +2 points | Hit Batsman (HBP Allowed) = -0.6 |
| SB (Stolen Base) = +5 points | Complete Game = +2.5 points |
| HBP (Hit by Pitch) = +2 points | Complete Game Shutout = +2.5 points |
| No Hitter = +5 points |
Notes: Hitting statistics for Pitchers will not be counted, and Pitching statistics for Hitters will not be counted.
Which will we use?
For the posts that will follow, we will be using FanDuel scoring. However, feel free to consider how the methods described in these posts can be adapted to the DraftKings scoring. If you are a DraftKings player, or prefer that scoring system, I will do my best to present the topics we use in a way that you can use them yourself.
It is my goal for this series of posts that you will be able to take the methods I use and write about to do your own experiments. This means it should be simple for you to change the points received for each stat category and create your own system for DraftKings or any other Daily Fantasy Sports site.
If you want to play along and enter some FanDuel lineups of your own as we conduct this investigation, you can use my FanDuel referral link here to get a deposit bonus. You should just need to deposit at least $15 within 30 days of signing up, and you’ll get a $15 bonus added to your account if you use that link.
Click here for previous post: Introduction to DFS Picks with Math
Click here for next post: How Scoring Differences in FanDuel vs DrafKings Impact Our Optimizer
Click here to view the Table of Contents for other DFS Picks With Math posts.
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