This article is part of our Draftster NFL series.
We move on to Week 12 in the NFL season and Draftster continues into Week 7 of its Single-Entry Championship. The Championship already has 18 qualifiers for the final in December and is running buy-ins this week at 5, 10, and 20 dollars. Also moving into its third week is the Terrell Owens Challenge. This week, it is a $25 buy-in with a $500 top prize. Please note the following rankings do not include Thursday's matchup between Kansas City and Oakland.
Quarterback
1. Aaron Rodgers (GB) at MIN - $8,800
2. Andrew Luck (IND) vs. JAX - $10,000
3. Peyton Manning (DEN) vs. MIA - $8,900
4. Drew Brees (NO) vs. BAL - $8,800
5. Tom Brady (NE) vs. DET - $7,000
6. Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. TB - $8,100
7. Tony Romo (DAL) at NYG - $6,500
8. Josh McCown (TB) at CHI - $7,100
9. Mark Sanchez (PHI) vs. TEN- $6,600
10. Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. CLE - $6,300
11. Matthew Stafford (DET) at NE - $6,400
12. Russell Wilson (SEA) vs. ARI - $6,800
Notable Byes: Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton
Aaron Rodgers (GB) at MIN - $8,800
Another week, another dollar for Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday against the Eagles. In Rodgers' last two games, he has a total of 656 yards and nine touchdowns with zero interceptions. This week, the Packers travel to face the rival Vikings, a team Rodgers threw three touchdowns against back in Week 5 in only two-and-a-half quarters.
Josh McCown (TB) at CHI - $7,100
If you are a fan of narratives then this game is for you. Josh McCown and Lovie Smith return to Chicago to face the Bears in Week 12. In McCown's last two weeks, he's averaged 295 yards and two touchdowns per game and is developing a budding connection with rookie Mike Evans. The Bears rank near the bottom in pass defense and you have to think McCown and Smith will have a little extra to play for come Sunday.
Matthew Stafford (DET) at NE - $6,400
With a somewhat favorable matchup and a healthy receiving corps, Matthew Stafford comes in as one of the nicer value plays on the week. Stafford has been a victim of back-to-back tough matchups against the Dolphins and Cardinals, two games in which he has failed to break 20 fantasy points. This week the Lions travel to Foxboro in what should be one of the higher-scoring games of the week.
Running Back
1. Matt Forte (CHI) vs. MIN - $8,800
2. DeMarco Murray (DAL) at NYG - $8,900
3. Arian Foster (HOU) vs. CIN - $4,500 (P - Groin, Expected to play)
4. Eddie Lacy (GB) at MIN - $7,300
5. Marshawn Lynch (SEA) vs. ARI - $7,000 (P - Back, Not practicing, but no danger of missing)
6. Mark Ingram (NO) vs. BAL - $5,900
7. LeSean McCoy (PHI) vs. TEN - $7,800
8. Denard Robinson (JAX) at IND - $5,400
9. Andre Ellington (ARI) at SEA - $6,400
10. C.J. Anderson (DEN) vs. MIA - $6,500
11. Justin Forsett (BAL) at NO - $6,300
12. Alfred Morris (WAS) at SF - $4,500
Notable Byes: Le'Veon Bell
DeMarco Murray (DAL) at NYG - $8,900
After a bye in Week 11, Murray returns to the field with fresh legs to take on the worst rushing defense in the league. There isn't much to say about Murray that you don't already know. He has nine games of over 100 yards rushing and is averaging 123 yards per game. The Giants, on average, allow 145 yards per game on the ground. Murray is my favorite play of the week.
C.J. Anderson (DEN) vs. MIA - $6,500
With Ronnie Hillman sidelined for six weeks with a foot injury and Montee Ball aggravating his groin injury, it appears Anderson is the guy moving forward. Last week against the Rams, Anderson was only able to pile up 29 yards on nine rushing attempt. But Anderson flourished in the passing game, catching eight balls for 86 yards. With no real threat behind him, Anderson is the next guy up and comes at a very friendly price.
Arian Foster (HOU) vs. CIN - $4,500
After missing Week 11 with a groin injury, Foster returned to practice on Wednesday and is on track to play this Sunday against the 28th-ranked rushing defense. On Draftster, Foster comes in at a very discounted price and is an absolute must-play this week, no matter what. A player who should be maximum price comes at a 50% discount.
Wide Receiver
1. Demaryius Thomas (DEN) vs. MIA - $9,000
2. Dez Bryant (DAL) at NYG - $7,500
3. Jordy Nelson (GB) at MIN - $7,900
4. Calvin Johnson (DET) at NE - $7,400
5. Randall Cobb (GB) at MIN - $7,300
6. A.J. Green (CIN) at HOU - $8,000
7. Josh Gordon (CLE) at ATL - $6,700
8. Brandon Marshall (CHI) vs. TB - $7,700
9. T.Y. Hilton (IND) vs. JAX - $7,600
10. Alshon Jeffery (CHI) vs. TB - $8,100
11. Jeremy Maclin (PHI) vs. TEN - $6,800
12. Mike Evans (TB) at CHI - $8,200
Notable Byes: Antonio Brown, Kelvin Benjamin
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) vs. MIA - $9,000
After a shocker in St. Louis, the Broncos may have to move on against Miami without two of their top receivers. Emmanuel Sanders left Sunday's game with a concussion and Julius Thomas exited with an ankle injury. Regardless of matchup, Peyton Manning isn't going to change his game plan and is still going to throw the ball 30-plus times. If you are looking to spend at the wide receiver position, then Thomas may have the best shot at leading the week in targets.
Josh Gordon (CLE) at ATL - $6,700
It's here! Happy Josh Gordon week, everybody! Gordon returns from suspension this week to face the lowly Falcons' pass defense. Last year's fantasy points leader among wide receivers has yet to play a down in 201,4 which makes him a bit of a risk, but this could easily be the cheapest price Gordon is at for the rest of the season.
Mike Evans (TB) at CHI - $8,200
As an avid college football fan, I was excited to see Evans play in the NFL, as I knew the immense talent he possessed. But like all rookie wide receivers, I never expect him to make an immediate splash in the NFL or gain star status in his first year. Apparently, Evans does not care about those expectations. In the last three games, Evans has absolutely erupted, averaging 152 yards per game with a total of five touchdowns. The return of Josh McCown at quarterback has clearly helped pave the way to his success, and a matchup with the Bears this week only opens the door for another big game. Evans' price has skyrocketed with his recent production, but his percentage-owned may be lower than it should be come Sunday.
Tight End
1a. Jimmy Graham (NO) vs. BAL - $8,000
1b. Rob Gronkowski (NE) vs. DET - $7,200
3. Antonio Gates (SD) vs. STL - $4,200
4. Coby Fleener (IND) vs. JAX - $5,300
5. Martellus Bennett (CHI) vs. TB - $4,600
6. Jason Witten (DAL) at NYG - $5,200
7. Larry Donnell (NYG) vs. DAL - $5,400
8. Zach Ertz (PHI) vs. TEN - $3,100
9. Jared Cook (STL) at SD - $3,200
10. Kyle Rudolph (MIN) vs. GB - $3,200
Notable Byes: Greg Olsen
Jimmy Graham (NO) vs. BAL - $8,000
One of the most disappointing Week 11 performances came from an unlikely source. Graham was only targeted three times Sunday against the Bengals, ending the day with 29 yards. Graham's underproduction could be a product of an injury, as he took a big hit early in the game and temporarily departed. Despite his performance, it's safe to go back to the well on Monday night. With the Saints losing rookie wide out Brandin Cooks for the season, Graham should see his normal workload again soon.
Coby Fleener (IND) vs. JAX - $5,300
After Dwayne Allen went down with an injury, the door was open for Fleener to be the No. 1 tight end target. Fleener caught all seven of his targets to the tune of 144 yards. In his last two games, he has 11 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown. If Allen is held out of Sunday's contest, expect Fleener's targets to increase greatly. Tight end is a bit weaker this week, outside of Graham and Gronkowski, so Fleener could be the best mid-ranged option.
Kyle Rudolph (MIN) vs. GB - $3,200
The Vikings eased Rudolph back into the lineup in Week 11, giving him only 14 snaps. It was his first taste of action since Week 3, when he sustained a sports hernia. His workload will only increase from here on out, and the Vikings could use their weapon sooner than later. A matchup against Green Bay would be the best time to let him run free. He comes in as one of the cheapest options this week, so monitor his practice status leading up to Sunday.
Kicker
1. Stephen Gostkowski (NE) vs. DET - $4,100
2. Adam Vinatieri (IND) vs. JAX - $4,300
3. Justin Tucker (BAL) at NO - $3,800
4. Dan Bailey (DAL) at NYG - $4,200
Kicker selection is picked week-to-week based upon the highest over under totals. Originally, you would want to target the cheapest kicker in a high-scoring game. Lately, however, Draftster has evened out kicker prices where it becomes increasingly more difficult to pick against the top, most consistent kickers in the league. That being said, don't be surprised to see Gostkowski, Vinatieri, and Bailey ranked near the top weekly. This week Gostkowski comes in at a cheaper price than normal.
Defense
1. Indianapolis (vs. JAX) - $3,900
2. San Francisco (vs. WAS) - $4,100
3. Green Bay (at MIN) - $4,100
4. Buffalo (vs. NYJ) - $3,900
This week, the Buffalo/New York game comes in with the lowest Vegas total of 40. However, with the recent snowfall, that game could be in jeopardy. The Packers hold the highest upside as their special teams have scored touchdowns in their last two games. For the price, the Colts are the safest play against a weak Jaguars offense.
Salary Saver Plays
QB: Shaun Hill ($4,200)
RB: Arian Foster ($4,500 - Check Status), Jeremy Hill ($4,100 - Check Gio Bernard's Status), Fred Jackson ($4,000)
WR: Kenny Stills ($4,300), Wes Welker ($3,500)
TE: Zach Ertz ($3,100), Kyle Rudolph ($3,200 - Check Status)
Last Week's Lineup:
QB: Brian Hoyer (18.60)
RB: Mark Ingram (16.70)
RB: Alfred Morris (15.20)
WR: Jordan Matthews (24.70)
WR: Randall Cobb (25.90)
TE: Julius Thomas (2.30)
FLEX: Matt Forte (26.50)
K: Matt Bryant (9.00)
D: Atlanta (9.00)
Total: 147.90
Last Week's Lineup
I continued my theme of using a low-priced quarterback this week by playing one of the cheapest starters available in Brian Hoyer. I was leaning toward Shaun Hill because of the volume I knew he would be throwing, but I thought Hoyer's ceiling was a bit higher and worth spending the extra thousand. He had a very respectable day for his low price, providing four times his value.
Moving to running back I wanted to play two cheaper guys who were hot and also had great matchups. Ingram faced the league-worst Bengals' run defense but never really got anything going. Most of his points came via receptions and reception yards. He had a few opportunities to punch it in but never found the end zone. Morris' day mostly revolved around RG3's bad one. The Redskins as a whole never got much going on the ground, or on offense in general. Forte was my flex play, but he was my favorite play last week due to volume. The Bears/Vikings game was closer and more lower-scoring than I expected, but Forte still paid off with a score over 25.
My wide receivers were both guys from the same game. Matthews was coming off of a big game and seemed to have a good rapport with Mark Sanchez. I figured the Packers would hold a decent lead and the Eagles would need to throw, and that is exactly what happened. Matthews' touchdown didn't come until late but resulted in over five times his value. Cobb, on the other side, is just a receptions and touchdowns monster. He leads all receivers in touchdowns with 12, and with the Packers projected to score into the 30's it seemed inevitable. Though he didn't actually find the end zone, he did finish with 10 catches for 144 yards.
Overall, I finished with a respectable score that cashed in most tournaments and easily won any double up.
