This article is part of our DraftKings Call of Duty series.
Games (EDT)
- 4:00 p.m. Atlanta FaZe vs. Los Angeles Guerrillas
- 5:30 p.m. Dallas Empire vs. Florida Mutineers
ATL (17-2) vs. LAG (5-12)
The biggest storyline entering this matchup is "what could of been", as Saturday's early-slate results seemed to set the stage for 2020's first matchup between FaZe and the Chicago Huntsmen, only for the latter to completely choke away the opportunity, losing the lower-bracket matchup to the Guerrillas.
Instead we get two overwhelming favorites in a two-game slate, starting first with the side of FaZe. From a DFS standpoint, it's quite possible both of these contests end up being 3-0. However, let's play out the logic that at least this one makes it to a fourth game. We know Atlanta is a merciless band of slayers, with Cellium and Simp playing at a different level of pace than what feels like the rest of the CWL. But the Guerrillas tactical approach can be a bit of a buzzkill when it comes to slaying -- look no further than Friday's matchup against the Ultra for affirmation of that point -- which would hinder FaZe's output in a four-game series. That, of course, would also apply in the event this winds up being an Atlanta sweep.
Of course, there's the faint possibility the Guerrillas are competitive against FaZe. After all, it's taken two reverse sweeps for Atlanta to get to this point. But even in a five-game series, the lack of intentional engagements by the side of the Los Angeles ultimately
Games (EDT)
- 4:00 p.m. Atlanta FaZe vs. Los Angeles Guerrillas
- 5:30 p.m. Dallas Empire vs. Florida Mutineers
ATL (17-2) vs. LAG (5-12)
The biggest storyline entering this matchup is "what could of been", as Saturday's early-slate results seemed to set the stage for 2020's first matchup between FaZe and the Chicago Huntsmen, only for the latter to completely choke away the opportunity, losing the lower-bracket matchup to the Guerrillas.
Instead we get two overwhelming favorites in a two-game slate, starting first with the side of FaZe. From a DFS standpoint, it's quite possible both of these contests end up being 3-0. However, let's play out the logic that at least this one makes it to a fourth game. We know Atlanta is a merciless band of slayers, with Cellium and Simp playing at a different level of pace than what feels like the rest of the CWL. But the Guerrillas tactical approach can be a bit of a buzzkill when it comes to slaying -- look no further than Friday's matchup against the Ultra for affirmation of that point -- which would hinder FaZe's output in a four-game series. That, of course, would also apply in the event this winds up being an Atlanta sweep.
Of course, there's the faint possibility the Guerrillas are competitive against FaZe. After all, it's taken two reverse sweeps for Atlanta to get to this point. But even in a five-game series, the lack of intentional engagements by the side of the Los Angeles ultimately cuts down on the opportunities FaZe would have to pick up additional kills. That also kills any sort of desires I'd have trying to start someone from the Guerrillas. It's good to be contrarian at times, especially in a slate this small, but it's just too difficult to pick out who from LAG would benefit if somehow they find an unexpected win condition. Especially in a slate as lopsided as this one, picking the correct player for the 1.5x multipler will be critical, and it's simply more likely someone from Dallas ultimately gets more kill opportunities than anyone on the likes of FaZe. Start the likes of Simp/Cellium, just be wary of putting them in the captain spot.
Prediction: ATL 3-0
ATL Players to Target: Simp ($9,000), Cellium ($8,800), FaZe Team ($2,800)
DAL (15-7) vs. FLA (5-13)
I've loved the way Florida has played this tournament, as Owakening has completely changed the dynamic of this team for the better. It's just hard to imagine a way in which the Mutineers pull off the upset here, particularly with Shotzzy playing as well as he's been throughout the weekend.
Of the two series, I feel more confident saying this could go past three games, particularly if Florida gets a favorable Search and Destroy map in picks and bans. And it's possible they could steal a respawn too, particularly with the teamwork that seems to be budding before our eyes from the Mutineers.
But you're still talking about an Empire team that spots a noticeable advantage in Domination, has the likes of Shotzzy who can completely change the outcome in a given Hardpoint, and also has world-champion Clayster, or burgeoning star, Huke, who could carry the secondary load if need be.
Both Shotzzy and Owakening are going to be close to 70-80 percent plays in all competitions Sunday, and yet there just isn't enough other options available that make me think you can fade the field. I suspect Shotzzy will see some huge numbers when it comes to captain play, so maybe somebody like Huke, or even the aforementioned Owakening, could be longshot options at the 1.5x multiplier if you're trying to differentiate yourself. Simply put, getting the captain spot right Sunday will be the difference when it comes to cashing, as it's hard to see a way in which a heavy Mutineers/Guerrillas lineup would be anything but a waste of money.
Prediction: DAL 3-1
DAL Players to Target: Shotzzy ($9,600), Huke ($8,400)
FLA Players to Target: Fero ($8,600), Havok ($7,400), Owakening ($7,000)
