This week, I’ll profile another first-round talent who’s fallen out of favor, as well as a lefty that’s finally putting it altogether. 

MORE: Fantasy Alarm DFS Playbook Pro

As always, we’re here trying to spot the best values and fades for the upcoming week, so here are the trends, matchups and information you need to know for Week 12 in the world of DFS.

FanDuel and DraftKings strategy

PLAYER AT PEAK SALARY:

Wil Myers, 1B, SD ($5.5K Draft Kings)

I don’t care what ballpark he’s playing in, how tasty the matchup, or if he’s been solid of late. Myers is not worthy of a $5.5K investment on DK – ever! There’s simply too much talent priced beneath him, and Myers frankly has too much of a track record of throwing up zeros. Myers is without a doubt enjoying his best season, and we should celebrate that accordingly. But that party should not cost more than five grand! Jose Abreu is tearing the cover off the ball for $700 less and, historically, has far better on-base skill. That kind of floor is worth the premium price. Myers is just too volatile for that company. 

PITCHER PRICED BELOW VALUE:

James Paxton, SEA ($8.1K DraftKings/$7.5K FanDuel)

Since returning to the rotation, James Paxton has thrown six innings or more in all three of his starts  and has 22 Ks in a little over 18 innings. This lefty fireballer has always had the talent, and his high-90s fastball has tantalized fantasy owners before. It’s simply been a matter of health for Paxton, and right now he looks locked and loaded. His first start this week against Detroit is winnable, as is his second versus the Cardinals at home. He’s more of a tournament play based on the fact his innings and pitch count will limit him a tad. That means a longer bridge to the ninth inning should he have a lead, and we all know those late innings can get tricky. 

HITTER PRICED BELOW VALUE:

Andrew McCutchen ($2.9 FanDuel/$2.8K FanDuel)

I know McCutchen has been a disappointment this year; I also know this is the second year in a row we’re attaching that label to him. But this is daily fantasy, not season-long. Although he has some daunting matchups at first glance (Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzjia, Clayton Kershaw), Cutch has excellent numbers in a large sample sizes against those big names. He’s a .290 hitter with four HR’s vs. Cueto, .406 hitter vs. Samardzjia, and a surprising .375 hitter with a homer for his career off the great Kershaw. His stock is rock bottom and his matchups will likely kill his ownership percentage. That makes for a great opportunity. 

MORE: Fantasy Alarm DFS Playbook Pro

Daily fantasy baseball hitter strategy

The Brewers and Angels will look to get fat off a bad Oakland staff this week. Sluggers like Chris Carter and Ryan Braun will be worth a target, and Kole Calhoun could be a sneaky value. The Rangers face a Reds rotation early this week that’s given up the most home runs in baseball. Meanwhile, the Royals are another staff that’s been homer-prone despite their spacious park. Give some attention to those Astros hitters this weekend as a contrarian play.

The Yanks will get the lowly Twins for the second time in a week. However, this time they’ll be at home, which could really have the Bronx Bombers bashing. The Rays are falling apart at the seams, and it won’t get easier this week. The Cleveland staff should have no trouble mowing them down, and they could get a beat down in Baltimore over the weekend to boot. I’d be willing to pay up for Indians and Orioles, both on the mound and at the bat. They’ll be worth the investment. 

Daily fantasy baseball lineup picks

Finally, here’s a look at Tuesday’s Relative Position Value per Dollar Lineup (RPVPD) for DraftKings. RPVPD is the Fantasy Black Book’s DFS player evaluation tool, which is only available to Fantasy Alarm subscribers . For more optimal lineups, DFS tools like RPVPD, and season-long rankings and advice, head to FantasyAlarm.com for the DFS Playbook and much more!

Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the seven-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series  for baseball and football. He hosts Fantasy Sports Tonight on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and the Dear Mr. Fantasy Podcast.