This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for your FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, one FLEX spot, a kicker and a defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
FantasyDraft is running three headline contests this weekend, each with $12,500 of built-in overlay:
- NFL $50K War Room, $25 entry fee (single entry)
- NFL $50K Ballhawk, $25 entry fee (10 entry max)
- NFL $50K Gunslinger, $25 entry fee (10 entry max)
Without further ado, here are our fantasy football values and picks for Week 15 on FantasyDraft. This may include a top-tier option (star), a value play (value) and a cheap play (punt) at each position.
Quarterback
Star/Value: Ben Roethlisberger $15,400
Roethlisberger is the ninth most expensive quarterback this weekend, but Big Ben is currently behind just Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning in terms of fantasy points per game on FantasyDraft. In addition to Roethlisberger, there are only four other quarterbacks who are scoring 20 fantasy points or more per game this season, and all four of those options cost at least $1,000 more than the Steelers' star. Pittsburgh faces a Falcons defense that has allowed passing touchdowns in all but two games this season. The Falcons are also allowing the most passing yards in the NFL, and Roethlisberger has thrown for less than 340 yards just once in his last six games. With his high-level production and a good matchup, Roethlisberger's value far exceeds his price. Get him into your lineups.
Running Back
Star: Arian Foster $14,000
Foster has been the epitome of a consistent running back this season, scoring an average of 26.34 fantasy points per game. His lowest output of the season was 13.1 fantasy points against Buffalo, when he only touched the ball 15 times. Foster has scored at least one touchdown in seven consecutive games and has caught at least two passes in every game this season. His floor is one of the highest on the market, yet his price won't cripple you. Houston faces off against the Colts, who are ranked near the bottom in allowing fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
Value: Isaiah Crowell $10,800
First things first, Johnny Manziel is listed as the starter for the Browns for Week 15. This gives the Browns' rushing attack a boost, as the opposing front seven has to keep in mind that Manziel has an incredible ability to run the football. This could open up the inside for Crowell, as opposing linebackers will have to respect Manziel's ability to scramble. If the Browns draw up a few options for Manziel with Crowell in the backfield, Crowell's value increases. Earlier this season, Manziel ran a few read-options as a sub-package quarterback, so expect it to happen again this weekend in his first start.
Also, the Browns face the Bengals, who just allowed over 50 fantasy points to Le'Veon Bell and have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Crowell has one of the top matchups at running back this weekend, and he's a value at under $11,000 on FantasyDraft.
Wide Receiver
Star: Antonio Brown $15,400
Brown has scored 13.4 fantasy points twice this season. In every other game, Brown has 17 fantasy points or more, including 20 fantasy points or more in nine games. Brown has been the model of consistency this season, and he completes one of the top stack options on FantasyDraft. The Falcons are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including 20 or more fantasy points in 10 straight games. Pairing Brown with Roethlisberger gives you one of the top stacks in the NFL, but for a cheaper combined price than the others.
Value/Punt: Harry Douglas $6,000
With Julio Jones (hip) questionable to play in Week 15, Douglas comes to the forefront as an option in the Falcons' passing game. Douglas is priced at the minimum, so he becomes an instant value as a starting option. Keep in mind that Roddy White has been battling injuries as well, which could give Douglas the No. 1 role if both White and Jones are out. Douglas will line up opposite one of the worst groups of cornerbacks in the NFL with the Steelers coming to town. Pittsburgh's secondary has allowed a combined 18 touchdowns and a combined passer rating of well over 100.
Tight End
Star: Jimmy Graham $13,500
Graham has just three catches for 25 yards in his last two games. His price has dropped, but his recent production will scare daily fantasy players away. But Graham has the No. 1 matchup of the week for tight ends, as he will face a weak Bears pass defense. The Bears have given up the most fantasy points to tight ends, including a monster game to Rob Gronkowski earlier this season. Lesser tight ends haven't been able to match Gronkowski's output against the Bears, but Graham remains an elite talent at tight end and the only real competition to Gronkowski when arguing about the best player at the position. With Graham's price dropping and his matchup being beneficial, he is the top play on paper at tight end this week, especially with Gronkowski facing the Dolphins.
Punt: Jared Cook $7,500
Each time Cook's name shows up in a column, the word "trap" comes across daily fantasy player's minds. For those who believe in player vs. team, Cook has a pace of 101/1461/16 (catches/yards/touchdowns) while averaging over 17 fantasy points per game against the Cardinals throughout his career. This season, the Cardinals are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Cook has received 76 targets this season, making him the most targets option in the Rams' passing attack. At just $1,500 over the minimum, Cook is a good GPP play on FantasyDraft this weekend.
Kicker
Connor Barth $7,500
Barth is priced at the minimum for kickers and the Broncos face the Chargers, who have given up 15 field goal attempts in the last five games. Barth is 6-for-6 on field goal attempts with the Broncos, and he has a high floor with Denver's ability to move the football. The Broncos are seventh in the NFL in yards per drive, which gives Barth more of an opportunity to see field goal attempts.
Defense
Vikings $4,000
The Vikings have a tougher matchup than some other cheap defenses on FantasyDraft, but there isn't a better value at the minimum price. Minnesota has put constant pressure on opposing signal callers, with 140 quarterback hurries this season. With the Lions offensive line being ranked 24th in the NFL per FootballOutsiders' Adjusted Sack rate, the Vikings are in line to sack Matthew Stafford a few times this weekend, which provides a high likelihood of reaching value for a minimum-priced defense.
Join the fun at FantasyDraft.com and sign up today.
