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: Drew Brees, NO vs. DET ($8,000): The Saints' offense has come to life in recent weeks and Brees has been a much better fantasy quarterback at home in New Orleans. Over his last three home games he has 23.48, 32.38 and 46.3 fantasy points. This defense hasn't gotten magically better in one week, so they should allow the Lions to score some points and keep it competitive.
RB: Adrian Peterson, MIN vs. CHI ($8,600): This seems like a good spot to pay up for Peterson despite the abundance of replacement players at the position that are starting and cheaper. Peterson has scored touchdowns in five of his last six games and is going against a Bears defense surrendering 4.7 yards per carry. The Vikings have done little in the passing game and have had some extra time to prepare for a Bears team without much to play for.
RB: David Johnson, ARZ at PHI ($6,500): The price seems way too cheap for Johnson, who has games of 14.8 and 19.0 fantasy points since taking over as the starter. Along with the Saints/Lions game, Johnson's matchup in Philadelphia is tied for the highest over/under at 50.5, suggesting a shoot out. Johnson has at least 90 yards from scrimmage and 21 receiving yards in both of his starts, showing his solid floor.
WR: Julio Jones, ATL at JAX ($8,600): Jones hasn't hit value in a few weeks and the Falcons look like they've given up completely on the season. However, this is a good matchup for the passing game and should be the spot Jones gets back on track. The Jaguars have been good against the run -- allowing 3.6 yards per carry (fifth in the league) -- but give up 7.4 yards per passing attempt, which is 20th. Jones is still an elite receiver and has gotten at least 10 targets in nine of his last 10 games.
WR: Doug Baldwin, SEA vs. CLE ($7,400): At this point it seems like a really bad idea to leave Baldwin out of your lineup. He's become more involved in the passing game since Jimmy Graham went down, and while everyone is focused on his recent three-game stretch, he's been very productive in four of his last five. Baldwin has scored 29.2, 23.9, 35.5 and 22.9 fantasy points in those four, and a home matchup against a Joe Haden-less Browns seems very appealing.
WR: Brandin Cooks, NO vs. DET ($7,000): It seems like a good idea to pair Brees up with his favorite target in their matchup, and unsurprisingly his home success correlates with Cooks'. The wideout has 19.4, 15.1 and 23.5 fantasy points in his last three games in New Orleans, and the matchup with the Lions and their 7.7 yards per pass attempt mark (25th in the league) is very favorable.
TE: Will Tye, NYG vs. CAR ($4,900): Paying up for the other positions already mentioned requires some bargains the rest of the way. Tye is a good value this week after the loss of Larry Donnell, as he has established a good rapport with quarterback Eli Manning. While the matchup isn't good, the Giants will have to throw and likely do so away from Josh Norman. Tye comes into the game with 11.5, 8.5, 10.4 and 8.1 fantasy points over his last four games, respectively. While the ceiling isn't high, the floor is.
K: Matt Prater, DET at NO ($4,500): Going cheap with both the kicker and defensive spots seems to be the way to go the last few weeks, so this week will be no different. Prater, before a two-point dud last week, had scored 14, 10, 13 and nine fantasy points and has made all 17 of his field goal attempts this season.
DEF/ST: Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU ($4,100): The Colts have been a decent fantasy defense of late and get a good home matchup against a backup quarterback. They've scored nine, zero, 11 and 15 fantasy points over their last four games, respectively, though it's worth noting that the zero was in Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Again, the key is to have the defense playing at home, and in this case T.J. Yates makes for a good target to fade.
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.
WR: Amari Cooper, OAK vs. GB ($6,900): Cooper is well overdue for a big game and hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 9 in Pittsburgh. Throw in that he posted a zero last week and you've got a player who isn't going to be heavily owned. This game could turn into a shoot out, as both Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr are capable of having big games. Cooper's low ownership and upside make him the perfect GPP play this week.
QB: Philip Rivers, SD vs. MIA ($7,400): Like Cooper, it's been a while since we've seen a good game out of Rivers after he got off to a torrid start. In three of his last four games Rivers has scored 9.92, 7.08 and 6.92 fantasy points, but this week puts him in a good spot. The Dolphins have to travel across the country on a short week and were just burned by Eli Manning and Odell Beckham. Dontrelle Inman returned to full practice this week and Steve Johnson could play as well. There is no run game to speak of in San Diego, so Rivers should have to throw the ball 40-plus times, as usual.
