This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
50/50 or Heads Up
In 50/50s, double-ups or head-to-head 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 the players who are safe and that can be counted on for production.
QB: Tom Brady ($8,800)
There doesn't need to be a lot explained here as Brady and the Patriots' offense have scored at will over their first three games. He has scored at least 22 fantasy points in every game this season and is averaging 371 passing yards and three touchdowns per contest. The Cowboys shouldn't pose a threat to shutting Brady down and the Patriots have had an extra week to prepare for this one.
RB: Le'Veon Bell ($9,000
The Steelers squashed any fears that DeAngelo Williams might continue to have a big role in the offense after Bell returned by giving Bell 54 of the 57 touches between the two over the last two weeks. Bell has scored in both of his two games since returning and gets an extremely favorable matchup Monday night in San Diego. The Bolts have given up a league-worst 4.9 YPC resulting in another league-worst 126.8 rushing yards per game. Bell remains a fixture in the passing game as well, with seven grabs out of the backfield in each game. You can shuffle around your kicker and defense if you feel like spending up another $200 for Jamaal Charles.
TB: Todd Gurley ($6,700)
This seems like the last time this season we'll see Gurley at this price so now is the time to use him. The Rams took off the white gloves last week and he ran for 146 yards and should have had a score had he not made a very intelligent play. This week there's no reason to think he won't get a similar workload and gets a better matchup against the Packers. For the season, Green Bay is giving up 4.8 YPC and a rushing touchdown per game. The Rams should involve him more in the passing game after he caught two balls for 15 yards against Arizona.
WR: Julio Jones ($9,200
One of the great strategies to use in DFS is going back to a stud the week after he posts a dud. Jones disappointed owners last week with a 4-38 performance, his worst fantasy day on FanDuel this season or last. However, the Redskins roll into town in what should be another high-scoring game for the Falcons' offense. The key here is that Washington is giving up only 3.9 YPC (12th in the league) but a 7.3 YPA (21st in the league). Look for Jones to get back on track this week with another 15-plus point performance.
WR: Jordan Matthews ($6,800
There's been a lot of disappointment for Matthews' owners in season-long leagues but that doesn't mean ignoring him in DFS is a smart move. He's received at least eight targets in every game this season and now faces a Saints defense that is allowing a league-worst 9.8 YPA. Sam Bradford is coming off his best game of the season and if Drew Brees can put points on the board this could be the biggest shootout of the day. Look for Matthews to bounce back in a really good matchup.
WR: Kamar Aiken ($5,800)
Going with at least one elite player at QB, RB and WR means that a few cheap, value plays need to be on the roster. With Steve Smith out due to back issues and Breshad Perriman still not on the field, Aiken will be the de facto No. 1 wideout for the Ravens this week. He has a mixed bag of results this season in DFS scoring 16.2, 0, 9.4 and 0.4 fantasy points through four games, respectively. However, this will be the first week Aiken is considered the top option and should see plenty of targets.
TE: Owen Daniels ($4,900)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Opposing tight ends have killed the Raiders this season, scoring at least a touchdown per game and a total of six over span. Daniels has caught touchdowns in both of the last two weeks and teams will let him operate over the middle in order to cover Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on the outside.
K: Cairo Santos ($4,600)
It's odd to pick a kicker widely owned but in cash games expect Santos to be the most popular pick at the position this week. He nailed seven field goals last week on the road and gets a better matchup at home this week. His price is also only $100 above the minimum, allowing owners to spend on more important positions.
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 lineup completely as there is a lower floor here with a lot of players. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options could net the top overall prize.
RB: DeMarco Murray ($7,400)
Remember when Jimmy Graham expressed his displeasure with his role in the offense a couple of weeks ago and had a big game? One has to wonder if Murray could be in line for a similar bounce-back given his struggles and lack of touches so far. Murray will be widely passed on this week given he's still at an upper mid-tier price and has 47 rushing yards through three games. As stated already, the Saints' defense is nothing special and they're allowing 4.2 YPC on the round, 21st in the league. This could finally be the week Murray breaks out.
WR: Mike Evans ($7,500)
An early season injury coupled with a lack of production last week will have many passing on Evans this week against the Jaguars. He looks completely healthy and only two games ago had over 100 receiving yards on 17 targets. After scoring 12 touchdowns last season it will be only a matter of time before he finally scores and this week there's a good chance it happens. Keep in mind he was followed by Josh Norman for most of the game last week and there isn't anyone with that kind of talent on the Jags. Pairing him up with Jameis Winston ($6,400) in a GPP sounds crazy but could really pay off.
