As we head into the first weekend of May, DFS players are eyeing the Friday Main Contest on FanDuel with sharp focus. With a solid mix of elite pitchers and value bats on the board, May 3rd offers several intriguing matchups. This slate includes some interleague battles and pivotal divisional games, but value-hunting and matchup exploitation will be key to climbing the leaderboards. Let’s break down a top FanDuel lineup built around savvy picks for the Main Contest, including stars like Nick Lodolo, Mookie Betts, and Gunnar Henderson.
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🔥 Pitcher Target – Nick Lodolo ($9,300) vs. Nationals
FPPG: 32.66 | Thrown: 6 Games
Nick Lodolo has quietly emerged as one of the most dominant lefties early in the 2025 season, averaging over 32 fantasy points per start. His home matchup against a struggling Washington Nationals lineup positions him as a top-tier pitching option. The Nats rank near the bottom in OPS vs. lefties, and Lodolo’s strikeout upside makes him a high-ceiling play in all formats. With temperatures favorable in Cincinnati and low wind projection, he’s a strong anchor for cash and GPP lineups alike.
💣 Catcher/1B – Cal Raleigh ($3,300) @ Texas
FPPG: 14.13 | Played: 31 Games
Raleigh continues to be an underrated DFS catcher. With 8 HRs already on the year, he brings switch-hitting power to a hitter-friendly Globe Life Field. Facing a Texas staff that has been vulnerable to lefty bats, Raleigh is an ideal mid-tier play with home run upside. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate adds versatility, and he’s been hot lately with a .290 AVG over his last 10.
🔑 2B – Mookie Betts ($4,000) @ Braves
FPPG: 11.76 | Played: 29 Games
Though his average has cooled recently, Mookie remains an elite multi-position asset. His matchup against Atlanta, while not a cakewalk, offers potential if the Dodgers can get into the Braves' bullpen early. Betts’ blend of speed, power, and walk rate makes him a strong high-floor contributor. At $4,000, he's slightly underpriced for his potential to fill up the stat sheet.
📈 3B – Jorge Polanco ($3,300) @ Texas
FPPG: 14.48 | Played: 23 Games
Polanco is quietly producing excellent DFS value. With back-to-back multi-hit games and a good matchup against a hittable Texas rotation, he’s a solid mid-range option at third base. Polanco’s switch-hitting bat gives him an edge against both starters and relievers, and his recent bump to the top of Seattle’s lineup increases his at-bat volume.
🔒 SS – Gunnar Henderson ($3,100) vs. Royals
FPPG: 8.57 | Played: 24 Games
Henderson is still finding his rhythm this season, but the tools are all there. He’ll face a Kansas City staff that’s bottom-tier in xFIP and WHIP. With his elite hard-hit rate and ability to swipe a bag, Gunnar is a classic tournament play at this price point. He’s due for a breakout and offers a lot of ROI at just $3.1K.
📢 OF Options
Marcell Ozuna ($3,600) vs. Dodgers
FPPG: 10.92 | Played: 28 Games
Ozuna has been red-hot, smashing 7 HRs in his last 15 games. Facing a Dodgers rotation that’s had inconsistency from the back end, Ozuna's power and spot in the heart of Atlanta's order make him a strong tournament bat.
Jake Fraley ($2,400) vs. Nationals
FPPG: 7.32 | Played: 25 Games
Fraley is your value OF play of the day. At just $2,400, he faces a right-hander in a ballpark that plays well for left-handed power. Even if he’s batting sixth or seventh, he’s shown the ability to deliver extra-base hits and add stolen base value.
Alex Verdugo ($2,900) @ Braves
FPPG: 10.19 | Played: 11 Games
Verdugo’s production with the Dodgers has quietly ticked up in recent games. He’s slashing over .300 in the past week and often benefits from hitting ahead of or behind Betts. He’s a solid floor play with moderate upside in multi-entry formats.
🧪 UTIL – Matt McLain ($3,100) vs. Nationals
FPPG: 10.12 | Played: 24 Games
McLain is a consistent contributor and a great way to get additional exposure to the Reds’ offense. While not flashy, he fills up the box score with doubles, walks, and the occasional steal. He's also quietly heating up, posting 3 multi-hit games in his last 5.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The 5/3/25 Main Contest offers a balanced slate where investing in a dominant SP like Lodolo and building around affordable bats in good matchups (Raleigh, Polanco, Fraley) is a strong path to upside. Mookie Betts and Ozuna add the star power, while McLain and Verdugo are your ticket to differentiation. Target weather conditions, confirm lineups, and monitor late injury updates to solidify this core.
💡 Suggested Stack:
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Cincinnati Reds (Lodolo, McLain, Fraley)
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Seattle Mariners (Raleigh, Polanco)
Good luck in your DFS contests and may your bats stay hot!
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