This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
50/50 or Heads Up
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 the players who are safe and that can be counted on for production.
QB: Aaron Rodgers ($9,200)
Rodgers has posted some insane numbers at home, but even on the road this is too good of a matchup to pass up. The 49ers have been terrible since Week 1 and have been torched by Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer over the last two weeks. There are enough other values on the board to pay up for someone that's a lock for at least 20 fantasy points. If you feel better about Andrew Luck ($9,100) at home against the Jaguars, you can use him instead.
RB: Karlos Williams ($6,300)
LeSean McCoy is expected to miss Sunday's game and even if he plays, it's probable that Williams has a bigger role. Williams has scored a touchdown in each of his first three games and will be in a good spot to make it four in row. He is averaging 7.8 yards per carry in a limited sample and would likely see his role as a pass-catcher increase if McCoy sits out.
RB: Melvin Gordon ($6,800)
It's tempting to go with Latavius Murray ($7,500) but the reasoning behind using Gordon is why Murray had such a great game last week: The Cleveland Browns. By saving $800, using Gordon allows exposure to a defense that's allowed 158.3 rushing yards per game at a 4.9 yards per carry clip. Gordon has been getting more touches than Danny Woodhead of late and his final line has the upside to be something close to what he did at Wisconsin.
RB: Julio Jones ($9,400)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. There's no need to rehash the numbers Jones has put up this season, and he's poised to finish as the best receiver in the league and it may not be close. The Texans haven't been a good defense this season and Matt Ryan has always played better at home in the dome. Just watch the injury reports to make sure Jones' nagging toe and hamstring are nothing serious.
WR: Amari Cooper ($7,200)
This price seems like a steal and probably at least $1,000 below what it should be considering Cooper has two 100-yard games with Derek Carr fully healthy. Getting some exposure on a team playing against the Bears is a good idea, and Cooper should have no trouble getting open against their secondary. The Bears are allowing a touchdown every 9.6 pass attempts this season, suggesting at least one score for Cooper is a good possibility.
WR: Jordan Matthews ($7,000)
No one expected a big game out of Matthews against the Jets tough secondary yet he still finished with six catches for 49 yards. While that's not a staggering stat line it's worth noting he now has at least eight targets in each of his first three games. The Eagles' offense should get going at some point and putting up 24 points on the road against the Jets may be an indication that they've turned the corner. The Redskins don't have anyone to cover Matthews and are coming off giving up big games to Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle.
TE: Martellus Bennett ($5,500)
Have you heard anyone in fantasy discuss over the last week how bad the Raiders are against tight ends? Bennett is likely the second receiving option in the offense with Kevin White out, and he should see plenty of targets. Jimmy Clausen should be more comfortable with another week of working with the starters under his belt and an easier home matchup. The return of Alshon Jeffery should help open the middle of the field for Bennett, who has at least four catches in each of the first three games.
K: Josh Lambo ($4,500)
He's home, he's cheap and his team is facing the Browns. The Chargers should have no trouble moving the ball in this game and Lambo is at the minimum price.
DEF/ST: Tampa Bay ($4,000)
To pay up for the other players in this lineup it'll be necessary to go cheap at both kicker and defense. It works out nicely that the Buccaneers are at the minimum and at least have home field advantage in a divisional game.
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 with a lot of players. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options could net the top overall prize.
QB: Russell Wilson ($8,200)
Everyone will likely be off Wilson this week after he posted a mediocre game in what should have been a big fantasy day at home against the Bears. Wilson now gets another home matchup, this time against the Lions on Monday Night Football. It's another favorable matchup and the difference this week is that the Lions should be able to score and keep the game closer. That means Wilson be called on to score more points. He's always a threat to run and it's only a matter of time before he scores a touchdown on the ground.
RB: Mark Ingram ($8,100)
Most owners will look at this price and immediately pass on Ingram. However, he's going against a defense that just got lit up by Devonta Freeman, and he has been a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield this season. The Saints should go with a run-heavy attack even if Drew Brees (shoulder) does play. Don't be surprised if Ingram pays off his price easily here as the Saints use him as their bell cow.
WR: Nelson Agholor ($4,900)
He's done next to nothing this season, though head coach Chip Kelly acknowledged Monday that Agholor has been getting open and the Eagles need to get him the ball. It's hard to imagine a high ownership with Agholor given his production but this is still an offense with a lot of upside. With DeAngelo Hall sidelined, Agholor will be up against a softer corner all game.
