This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
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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.
Matt Ryan, $7,800 – There are a lot of attractive options with good matchups at quarterback this week, but for this price Ryan looks like one of the best. Tampa Bay has given up 8.0 yards per attempt through the air and an average of 285 passing yards per game. The Falcons defense has been bad this season and hopefully the Buccaneers can put some points up to keep Ryan throwing. Julio Jones and Roddy White should be the healthiest they've been all season while Harry Douglas and Devin Hester provide adequate third and fourth receiving options.
LeSean McCoy, $7,700 – By now everyone should have heard that McCoy has had four straight 80-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. While he's still stuck on one rushing touchdown for the season, he's seen 21 carries in each of his last four games and it's a matter of time until he finds the end zone again. With Mark Sanchez under center, the Eagles should run a lot and Carolina's run defense has given up 4.8 yards per carry on the season.
Ronnie Hillman, $7,400 – It can be depressing as a Hillman owner to watch Juwan Thompson vulture away touchdowns, and it's a little worrisome that Montee Ball (groin) could be active this week, but Hillman should still see the bulk of the work in the backfield this weekend. He has been extremely consistent since getting the starting job, posting at least 13.1 points and as many as 24.3 over his last four games. That shows the floor he's established no matter who is in the backfield.
Roddy White, $6,600 – It's tempting to go with Julio Jones here, but I couldn't resist the $1,400 savings White provides . White has looked like his old self over the last two games with 14 catches for 166 yards and a score. As always, try and match up your quarterback with one of his two main targets.
Kelvin Benjamin, $6,700 – Benjamin is coming off a disappointing performance last Thursday, as he dropped a touchdown and would have had another score if he was a foot taller. The fact is Benjamin has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league this season. He has touchdowns in five out of nine games and scored at least 10 fantasy points in six of those contests.
Percy Harvin, $6,600 – It appears that the Jets are going to use Harvin as much as possible after giving him nine and 13 targets his first two games. Harvin also has five carries over those two contests, and he has been used in the red zone with two targets. The heel issue that popped up Wednesday at practice is something to monitor the rest of the week, but Harvin is a solid option if healthy enough to play.
Jimmy Graham, $7,500 – It's hard to find anyone beyond Graham or Julius Thomas at tight end for your cash game lineups. Thomas has disappeared the last few weeks due to the emergence of Emmanuel Sanders, while Graham appears to be getting healthier every week. He's scored in each of his last two games and was able to practice fully Wednesday.
Chandler Catanzaro, $4,700 – Catanzaro is yet to miss a field goal this season, going a perfect 16-for-16. He's at home where the weather shouldn't be a factor and the Cardinals shouldn't have any trouble putting points up on the Rams.
Detroit D/ST, $5,000 – This game should turn into a defensive battle. Detroit and their stellar defensive front four are coming off a bye week and should be ready for the Dolphins. The Lions have nine interceptions and 23 sacks on the season, both above the league average.
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.
Colin Kaepernick, $7,500 – Kaepernick and the 49ers offense struggled last week, giving up eight sacks at home against the Rams. They should have addressed any issues on the offensive line and probably have a few extra plays ready to move the pocket for Kaepernick heading into this weekend's matchup against the Saints. This could lead to more rushing attempts from Kaepernick, and the 49ers are going to have to put up points to keep up with the Saints.
Justin Forsett, $6,500 – Forsett continues to be a little underrated given that he's recorded 85 yards from scrimmage in each of his last six games. Lorenzo Taliaferro has seemingly taken over the goal line role, which has scared some away from using Forsett in their lineup, but he still has the ability to score from distance. The Ravens will look to bounce back from their embarrassing loss against Pittsburgh with have a nice home matchup against the Titans.
Odell Beckham Jr, $6,600 – It's likely that very few consider any of the Giants' receiving corps this week after their dreadful performance Monday night. The lone bright spot for the Giants has been ODB, who has the biggest playmaking ability for New York. Owners this week are going to be worried that he might be matched up with Richard Sherman, but it's also possible Sherman covers only one side of the field.
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