This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
Cash Games
In 50/50s, double-ups or heads-up contests, always aim for a lineup that has a higher floor rather than a higher ceiling. In 50/50 contests, the top half of all entries finish in the money, which means you don't have to pick a high-ceiling lineup that shoots for the moon. Rather, build these lineups with safe players who can be counted on for production.
QB: Tom Brady at NYG ($9,100)
There are two really chalk quarterbacks this week that combined will likely be owned in over two-thirds of all cash game lineups. The Lions have the worst YPA allowed mark this season, making the case for Aaron Rodgers, while the Giants defense has looked terrible over the last few games by allowing at least 18 points in each of their last five, with three of those coming against weaker offenses (San Francisco, Tampa Bay and the Romo-less Cowboys). Most notably is what Drew Brees did against them two weeks ago, which is where Brady's ceiling can be expected. The Patriots rarely take their foot off the pedal and the "revenge" narrative could be in play with Brady/Belichick thinking about the two extra rings they could have had.
RB: Todd Gurley vs. CHI ($9,200)
There's less of a decision to make this week among the elite running backs, with Devonta Freeman on bye and Gurley at home with a good matchup against the Bears. Last week, Gurley still managed over 18 fantasy points in a bad matchup but a positive takeaway from that game was that he caught at least three passes for the third game in a row.
RB: James Starks vs. DET ($6,000)
As mentioned earlier, the Patriots and Packers are the two teams to have exposure to this week. Starks has been the more productive running back between he and Eddie Lacy, and he was named the starter Wednesday. It makes a lot of sense to go with Starks if Brady is your quarterback, getting two main pieces of each offense. The Packers shouldn't have any trouble moving the ball on the Lions, and Starks isn't priced like he's the starter who stands to get the most touches in the offense.
WR: A.J. Green vs. HOU ($8,300)
Going with a few mid-priced receivers last week (Amari Cooper, Mike Evans) paid off nicely but those players are in tougher matchups this week. Green, however, gets a nice one Monday night against Houston. The Texans, outside of their last game before the bye, have been terrible against the pass this season and the Bengals should be able to exploit them at home. The emergence of tight end Tyler Eifert should keep opposing teams honest in the red zone and Green should bounce back from a sub-par performance.
WR: Alshon Jeffery at STL ($7,600)
It isn't the greatest matchup for Jeffery and the Bears on the road in St. Louis but it's hard to ignore the volume of passes that have been coming his way. He's had at least 20 fantasy points in each of the last three games, surpassing the 100-yard mark in each, and gotten 11, 15 and 16 targets, respectively. Running back Jeremy Langford should keep the defense semi-honest and the Bears' offense does a good job of keeping double-teams off Jeffery.
WR: Davante Adams vs. DET ($5,800)
Like Starks, getting a piece of the Packers' passing attack seems like a good idea and Adams is still priced as a bargain. Often a third-round pick in most season-long leagues, Adams has dealt with an ankle/foot injury for most of the season but finally looked healthy last week. With the Packers playing from behind he had a seven catches for 93 yards and a two-point conversion. He could easily be the second receiving option to Randall Cobb going forward and this price won't kill a lineup if he only replicates what he did last week.
TE: Ben Watson at WAS ($5,500)
One of the sneakier games to get a piece of this weekend will be the Saint traveling to Washington. Watson seems to have established a nice floor with Drew Brees, posting an average of 15.3 fantasy points per game over their last five. Vegas has this as an even spread with a total of 50, suggesting a close game with both offenses finding the end zone multiple times.
K: Greg Zuerlein vs. CHI ($4,500)
Sticking with the cheap kicker theme as this column has done most of the season, Zuerlein fits the bill this week. He's home, indoors and his team should put up points against the Bears' defense. Throw in the added bonuses for long kicks that head coach Jeff Fisher is willing to let him try and you've got your minimum priced kicker this week.
DEF/ST: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. DAL ($4,000)
Another minimum priced option this week, Tampa Bay isn't a name brand defense but has a decent matchup. This shouldn't be a high-scoring game and the defense has three double-digit fantasy efforts over their last seven.
Tournaments
For tournament lineups, you have to look at upside and use some "outside-the-box" picks if you want to cash. Don't use this type of lineup completely, as there is a lower floor with a lot of players. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options could net the top overall prize.
QB: Kirk Cousins vs. NO ($6,500)
This price and matchup are so good it's feasible to use Cousins in your cash games this week despite the upside of Rodgers and Brady. Looking at the Saints on defense, they've given up the following stats in yards and touchdown passes in the last five games:
Marcus Mariota: 371-4
Eli Manning: 350-6
Andrew Luck: 333-3
Matt Ryan: 295-2
Sam Bradford: 333-2
Cousins just got deep threat DeSean Jackson back, Pierre Garcon is still a serviceable weapon and Jordan Reed is a good red zone target. Again, he's in play for cash games as well this weekend.
WR: Kamar Aiken vs. JAC ($5,400)
Coming off the bye there's a good chance people are forgetting Steve Smith is out for the season and Aiken the de facto No.1 wide receiver for the Ravens. Jacksonville has been terrible against the pass all season and is coming off a game when allowed receiving touchdowns to both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Aiken has the upside to score at least 15 fantasy points this week and would pay off nicely considering the low price tag.
