Underdog Picks That Surprised Everyone in August 2025

A lot of great picks for daily fantasy this August are from players who are doing way better than anyone thought they would. This article discusses three compelling underdog selections, breaking down the specific reasons why they have become smart plays for your fantasy lineups this month.

The “Pick’em” format in Fantasy Football betting has become very popular. It’s a simple game, but it requires smart analysis. Having a solid edge is all about spotting those moments when a player’s recent game or a specific matchup gives them a better chance than you might think. The picks for August 2025 really show off this kind of mindset.

The Underdog in the WNBA

Finding hidden player value extends to utilizing an Underdog promo code when signing up. Making smart picks in Fantasy Football is about connecting all the dots. It’s about spotting a trend, understanding the context, and making an educated decision. You need to watch the numbers and watch the games themselves.

Paige Bueckers’ rookie season with the Dallas Wings has been amazing, despite her team’s difficult record. She has been a consistent bright spot, putting up strong numbers across the board. Her assist numbers, in particular, have climbed this August. Her last ten games show a clear, upward trend in her playmaking. She recently broke the Wings’ rookie assist record and became the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 100 assists.

The Paige Bueckers Playmaking Surge

The 9.5 assist line is a high barrier for a rookie. But Bueckers has shown she can not only meet but exceed this number, with several recent games in August where she has reached double-digit assists. The fascinating element here is that her projection might not fully account for her recent playmaking. As the season has progressed, she has become more comfortable as the team’s primary facilitator. 

The Wings have struggled to find consistent offensive production from anyone else. Bueckers has a high usage rate, leading to many assist opportunities. If her teammates make their shots, her stats can significantly improve. How much of a boost can a hot hand provide in a single game?

Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Dominance Continues

Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in two-way dominance. He has emerged as a top-tier starting pitcher this August. The 1.5 earned runs projection is a tribute to his elite status, and the “Lower” pick relies on his incredible efficiency and a favorable matchup. Ohtani has maintained a very low ERA this August. 

His pinpoint control and devastating arsenal of pitches have made him one of the hardest pitchers to score on. The projection of 1.5 earned runs is already low. But Ohtani has continued to deliver shut-down performances. He has been pitching exceptionally well in his recent outings. The interesting aspect of this pick is based on the idea that Ohtani’s current form is so good that even a small number like 1.5 is a difficult hurdle for opposing offenses to clear.

The specific opponent makes a huge difference. If Ohtani is facing a lineup that is struggling to hit or has a high strikeout rate, the chances of him giving up more than one earned run are slim. Ohtani’s season ERA is a key measure of his success. A sub-2.00 ERA suggests he gives up less than two earned runs per game on average. His high strikeout-to-walk ratio means he is not putting many runners on base, which is a major factor in preventing earned runs.

Julie Allemand’s Unassuming Value

Julie Allemand is a very skilled point guard known for her court vision. While she may not be a household name like Bueckers, her role and recent play with the Los Angeles Sparks make her a compelling pick for a high assist total in August. Allemand is the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the Sparks. Her job is to set up her teammates for success, and she has been doing it with remarkable consistency.

Allemand has been on a pretty good streak when it comes to assists. Her recent game logs show multiple outings in August where she has either hit or exceeded the 10.5 assist mark. The unlikely hero angle is that her projection might be a bit low based on her recent increase in production. The Sparks have been playing a fast-paced and efficient style of offense, which is perfect for a pass-first guard like Allemand. 

If the team’s shooters are hot, Allemand’s assist total will climb with every made shot. She has had games where she has easily gone over the 10.5 assist line, including an 11-assist game against Connecticut and a 10-assist game against Dallas in August.

What Drives Player Performance?

The strategy behind these picks is not a random guess. They are based on several factors. Statistical analysis is the first. These picks are often supported by advanced analytics. They identify a statistical edge against the public’s perception. Recent form is another major one. A player’s recent performance often matters more than their season average. 

These picks focus on the players who are currently in a good rhythm. But what about the less obvious details? Game context also plays a huge part. The specific matchup, team dynamics, and injuries all contribute to making a pick a smart one.