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: Tom Brady ($9,500)
There's not really much to say here as the Patriots and Brady have established themselves as the elite offense in the NFL. Brady is yet to have a game under 22 fantasy points on FanDuel this season and it's unlikely the Redskins will be the first to stop him. Washington is 24th in allowing 7.8 yards per attempt and they've given up 30, 34, 25, 20 and 32 points over their last five games. Brady should have a field day.
RB: DeAngelo Williams ($6,500)
There's a lot of value at running back this weekend and Todd Gurley finally became the top priced one at $9,000. Williams had success earlier this season when Le'Veon Bell was suspended, scoring 13.7 and 29.2 fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively. He'll get the opportunity to showcase his pass-catching skills and a home matchup against Raiders is, at worst, a decent one.
RB: Jeremy Langford ($6,400)
Granted, Langford is unproved but the Bears drafted him to be a competent backup to Matt Forte. Langford didn't shine until his senior season at Michigan State because he was backing up a guy named Le'Veon Bell. Langford has two rushing touchdowns this season and won't get taken out at the goal line. The key stat here is that the Chargers are still bad against opposing running backs, allowing an average of 22.1 fantasy points per game.
WR: Emmanuel Sanders ($7,600)
Sanders seems to be a forgotten fantasy player, with most owners flocking to teammate Demaryius Thomas, but the former is worth a look this week as Denver takes on the Colts. It's likely that Vontae Davis shadows Thomas most of the game while Sanders is covered by Greg Toler, a much easier cornerback to beat. This game has a over/under that started at 48, with a spread of five, showing it should be a competitive game.
WR: Mike Evans ($7,500)
Evans is coming off a bad game, but he still received nine targets and will easily be the top receiving option for Jameis Winston on Sunday. This week, Evans won't have to worry about Marcus Trufant and company, as they'll face the porous Giants defense at home. Like Washington, New York is allowing 7.8 yards per pass attempt this season, which Evans should be in for a big game.
WR: Amari Cooper ($7,300)
Cooper is another player coming off a bad game when he was shadowed a lot by Darrelle Revis. Derek Carr looks like a reliable passer and this could be the shootout in Pittsburgh everyone was expecting last week. Outside of the Jets and Broncos games, Cooper has fantasy games of 21.8, 12.9, 15.4 and 20.4 over his other four contests. Pittsburgh's defense is in the middle of the pack for most defensive passing statistics, so the matchup for Cooper isn't anything to shy away from.
TE: Antonio Gates ($6,000)
The loss of Keenan Allen leaves behind a handful of targets and it's likely Gates stands to benefit as much as any other receiver. The Chargers continue to play in high-scoring games and their defense causes Philip Rivers to throw a ton every game. The Bears aren't bad against the tight end spot this season but they haven't faced too many who are the caliber of Gates.
K: Nick Folk ($4,600)
Folk has been very consistent this season, scoring at least seven points in every game. Ryan Fitzpatrick will be back under center and the Jaguars have given up 29.6 points per game this season, second-worst this season, behind only Detroit.
DEF/ST: Dallas Cowboys ($4,600)
Sam Bradford has been a turnover machine over his last three games, throwing six interceptions, while the Cowboys have shown an improved pass rush with the addition of Greg Hardy, and playing at home in Dallas doesn't hurt.
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: Dontrelle Inman ($5,000)
Keenan Allen is out for the season, Steve Johnson is banged up and someone is going to have to fill in. While Philip Rivers may spread the ball out to his remaining favorite targets, Inman has shown flashes of potential with minimal targets this season. The Bears won't be paying much attention his way, with Malcom Floyd being a deep threat and Antonio Gates working over the middle. He's a long shot but could easily make value considering his price and the volume of throws Philip Rivers is making.
WR: Dorial Green-Beckham ($4,900)
It doesn't hurt when your new coach announces that you're going to be a bigger part of the offense and it doesn't hurt that your teammate ahead of you on the depth chart (Kendall Wright) is dealing with an MCL injury. At 6-foot-5, 237 pounds Green-Beckham is a massive red zone target who caught touchdowns in back-to-back games already this season. He's had enough time to get the playbook down and the return of Marcus Mariota should help his fantasy prospects.
