DFS: Exploiting the "One-Man Army"

As a "one-man army", certain players are rosterable just about every night they hit the floor. These players log heavy minutes on a nightly basis, lifting their floors among the elite and providing opportunities for high ceilings.

Not only do these players play heavy minutes but they also contribute in a variety of stat categories. Whether it be double-doubles, assists, blocks, or steals, the "one-man army" type of player will do more than just score.

PG Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

The biggest concern in Portland has to be the departures of LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez. The quartet finished second through fifth in team scoring last season, behind only Lillard.

Because of those losses, this year's torn-down Trail Blazers will almost exclusively rely on Lillard. He is the lone proven scorer on a roster that features very few notable players. Aside from Mason Plumlee, none of the players on the Blazers' depth chart are intimidating at all.

Lillard's career numbers include 20.2 points per game, 6.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. With more responsibility this year, Lillard could elevate these numbers if all goes well.

Without his fellow 2014-15 starters, Lillard will be urged to score at will with the ball in his hands nearly every possession. In the preseason, Lillard ranked fourth in usage percentage at 37% compared to last year where he sat at 26.9% (20th). In the Blazers final preseason game, Lillard provided a glimpse into his scoring potential posting 39 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and four steals.

SF/SG Paul George, Indiana Pacers

A gruesome leg injury limited George to six games at the tail end of the 2014-15 season, but he has already put in heavy minutes in what has been a strong preseason.

George returns to a Pacers team that is a shell of what it was when George was his healthy, productive self. The roster no longer features Roy Hibbert or David West, and will rely on George and addition Monta Ellis for offense.

Aside from George and Ellis, none of the starters have averaged more than 12 points in their careers.

Facing a significant workload, expect George to have a fantastic season. He looks ready to return to - or even exceed - his 2013-14 form, where he averaged 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers.

PF Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Fear the brow.

Davis continues to grow into one of the most powerful and dominant players in the league. He is a fantasy monster who collects points, rebounds, blocks, and double-doubles with ease. He is as close to an all-format roster lock as anyone in the league.

As seen below, he has shown improvement with each passing year:

New Orleans features a solid guard rotation, but has little frontcourt depth:

Barring injury, there is no reason Davis should slow down this year. He is a lock to be a league leader in points, rebound, blocks, double-doubles, and minutes per game.

PG John Wall, Washington Wizards

The Wizards are one of the top teams in the East because of Wall and his ability to improve his teammates. Wall may not put up massive point totals but he is a league leader in assists, steals, double-doubles, and minutes.

The Wizards sport solid but unspectacular options at the other positions:

Wall is coming off one of his best seasons, as he averaged 17.6 points and 10 assists in 35.9 minutes per game.

Wall's real-life value does not always translate to the fantasy world, as his positive effect on teammates is not a DFS category. And his propensity for turnovers can be frustrating. But he's a do-it-all guard, and that means a lot to daily fantasy players.

SF Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

When healthy, Anthony is still a top-level talent and scorer. This year, Anthony returns from another injury-plagued season to a Knicks team that should be improved from last year's disaster.

This year's roster includes reliable names like Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez, while also adding rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant.

Melo should comfortably lead the Knicks in most offensive categories, and should get enough from his teammates to avoid constant double-teams.