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: Jameis Winston, TB v. NO ($7,800): His price may be a head scratcher at first but looking at his game logs it makes a ton of sense why it is where it is. Winston has been very consistent, scoring at least 14.86 points in every game since September, with five of those nine above 18.00. He has boosted his scores with his legs, rushing for touchdowns in four of his last six games. Lastly, he gets New Orleans this week, arguably the best defense to pick on. The Saints give up an average of 24.2 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, 4.0 points more than second-place Jacksonville.
RB: Thomas Rawls, SEA at BAL ($7,400): Rawls proved last week he's basically matchup proof, though the Vikings' defense has been hit by the injury bug. He now has games of 17.8, 14.1 and 39.0 fantasy points since taking over the starting role from Marshawn Lynch. Rawls is basically guaranteed 20-plus touches per game and has a great matchup this week against a Ravens team with little to play for. Take advantage of Rawls before his price jumps up over the $8,000 mark.
RB: DeAngelo Williams, PIT at CIN ($7,300): Right now there's a very strong argument that the Steelers boast the best offense in football. With Ben Roethlisberger under center the stats have been jaw-dropping this season and it seems every week the skill positions have big games. Williams has proven to be a great offseason signing and has games of 17.0, 21.2, 7.4 and 37.5 fantasy points over his last four games, respectively. The game against the Bengals doesn't look good on paper but Williams had 110 yards from scrimmage on only 11 touches in their first matchup.
WR: Antonio Brown, PIT at CIN ($9,300): Sticking with the Steelers theme in cash games, Brown has been very consistent with games of 37.1, 32.9 and 33.6 fantasy points in three of his last four. The game thrown out was against Richard Sherman, and while Brown struggled against Cincinnati the first time around, it was likely due to Ben Roethlisberger coming off a four-week injury layoff.
WR: Mike Evans, TB v. NO ($8,000): The juicy matchup with the Saints this week is going to make Evans one of the more chalky plays. He's been Winston's favorite target and given what Ted Ginn did last week, it's should be duplicated by Evans (who also doesn't have the world's greatest hands). Evans has 14.6, 8.9, 14.3, 16.6 and 17.0 fantasy points over his last five games, respectively, showing that he's developed a good rapport with his rookie quarterback.
TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB v. NO ($5,500): It's only his second game back but Seferian-Jenkins showed a lot of promise in Week 1 when he had two touchdowns and is now another week removed from being injured. He's a nice red-zone target, and Winston's tight end tendencies put Cameron Brate on the fantasy radar while ASJ was out. Seferian-Jenkins and Evans should be the main red-zone targets for Winston on Sunday.
K: Sebastian Janikowski, OAK at DEN ($4,500): In a format that rewards long kicks, it makes a lot of sense to take Janikowski in the thin Denver air. The Raiders' offense should be able to move the ball and get into range a few times during this matchup.
DEF Cleveland Browns vs. SF ($4,300): Almost every week there are great defenses and kickers near the minimum price and the Browns fit the criteria this week. They've got a good home matchup against the 49ers, who have played much worse on the road than at home this season.
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.
RB: Ronnie Hillman, DEN v. OAK ($6,400): Hillman is going to be both a great cash and GPP option if C.J. Anderson sits out or is limited in any way. The Raiders are giving up the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Hillman stands to get 20-plus touches if Anderson is unable to play. Throw in Hillman's pass-catching ability and he should easily out-produce his price. Note: Hillman did not practice Thursday, and if both he and Anderson are out, it's Juwan Thompson ($4,800) time.
QB: Johnny Manziel, CLE vs. SF ($6,400): This price is certainly right and this appears to at least be a decent home matchup for Manziel. He's always a threat to run, and while it seems like a while ago, he did throw for 372 yards in his last start in Pittsburgh. Earlier this season he had a good rapport with Travis Benjamin, and Gary Barnidge (provided both are healthy) is a solid safety valve.
