This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
50/50 or Heads Up
In 50/50 or Heads-Up contests, always aim for a lineup that has a higher floor over a higher ceiling. In 50/50 contests, the top half of all entries finish in the money, meaning you don't have to pick a high-ceiling lineup that shoots for the moon. Build these lineups with the players that are essential to winning regardless of their price.
Andrew Luck, $10,200 – Not much of an explanation is needed here, as Vegas has Luck and the Colts as a slight favorite in the game with the highest over/under total. Luck has gone over 19.88 fantasy points in every game this season and he has eclipsed the 28-point mark in five of nine games. This is one of those rare occasions when it won't be recommended that you pair up a wide receiver, as T.Y. Hilton's too expensive ($8600) and Reggie Wayne ($6900) has been too inconsistent.
Jeremy Hill, $6,500 – Hill is coming off a dud, but he will continue to be the workhorse with Giovani Bernard (hip) most likely out again. Hill should have an easier time finding running lanes against the Saints, who have given up 4.2 yards per carry and a whopping 10 rushing touchdowns. The game flow and falling behind to the Browns saw Hill only get 12 carries for 56 yards, numbers that should increase this week.
C.J. Anderson, $6,500 – Anderson is coming off a career day, totaling 163 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown last week. Ronnie Hillman (foot) should miss this week's game, which leaves Anderson to handle a good portion of the workload. Montee Ball (groin) is expected to make his return, but Broncos head coach John Fox said whoever is the healthiest will head the team's rushing attack. Watch to see if Fox gives out any more information leading into Sunday and prepare to use Anderson if it looks favorable for him.
Martavis Bryant, $7,000 – The price isn't cheap here but it's hard to argue with Bryant's production over his last four games. He's scored 22.8, 22.3, 18.2 and 11 points over those four games and has become the Steelers No. 2 receiving option behind Antonio Brown. Bryant has a nice matchup this week against the Titans, who have given up 7.4 yards per attempt this season.
Keenan Allen, $6,400 – The price is a decent bargain, as Allen has become a bigger part of the San Diego offense with nine, 13 and 11 targets in his last three games. The Raiders were torched by Peyton Manning last week, and the Chargers, who are coming off a bye, have had an extra week to prepare.
Jordan Matthews, $5,500 – This price is dirt cheap for a player coming off a monster performance on Monday. Matthews has scored in back-to-back games and appears to have some chemistry with Mark Sanchez. The Eagles will have to put up points to try to keep up with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, which should lead to plenty of targets for Matthews. Also, Matthews' price point allows you to plug in studs like Luck and Rob Gronkowski.
Rob Gronkowski, $8,100 – It seems like every week you should have either Gronk, Julius Thomas or Jimmy Graham in your lineup. This week it appears Gronkowski has the best setup with a road game against the Colts. He has two straight nine-catch, 100-yard games and has four touchdowns over those two contests as well. The Patriots have plenty of other weapons to keep the Colts defense honest and it's not crazy to think another 100-yard day with a score is in the works.
Nick Novak, $4,500 – It's pretty simple here - the Chargers should put up a lot of points and Novak will have a hand in that. He'll be home without any weather concerns and he's a perfect 14-for-14 on field goal attempts this season.
San Diego Chargers D/ST, $5,300 – Sticking with the Chargers theme, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has looked like a rookie often this season, and the Chargers should be good for a couple of turnovers. There's also a good chance that San Diego holds Oakland to a low point total, which will earn you extra fantasy points.
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. Instead, use a mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options listed below, which could net the top overall prize.
Donte Moncrief, $5,700 – Moncrief is only two games removed from a seven-catch, 113-yard and one touchdown performance. Again, this should be a high-scoring affair and the Patriots are notorious for taking away the opposing team's biggest threat. In this case, Hilton is the Colts biggest threat and should draw the heaviest coverage, leaving the other receivers in single coverage.
Jerick McKinnon, $5,500 – The bad news is that Matt Asiata is still around to vulture away touchdowns, but McKinnon still possesses more upside of the two. The Bears are a dumpster fire on defense right now, and McKinnon has the ability to score from distance. He has received at least 17 touches in four consecutive games and has been productive as a pass-catcher as well.
Zach Mettenberger, $6,000 – There are a few different cheap options at quarterback this week. Mettenberger is the most interesting, as he's coming off the bye with a home matchup against the Steelers. He's has weapons in Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright and Delanie Walker (if he passes the concussion protocol), and this should be one of the higher scoring games of the day. Pittsburgh has given up 7.5 yards per passing attempt and allowed 17 passing touchdowns on the season.
