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 rather than 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 who are essential to winning regardless of their price.
Ben Roethlisberger, $8,100 - Ben is coming off a rare bad fantasy game from a week ago when he scored less than 13 fantasy points. However, the body of work this season has been outstanding, and he's already had a big game against this week's opponent, the Bengals. Ben has had 27.2 or more points in four of his last eight games and has played better at home than on the road this season. This game will determine the divisional winner, so there's no chance he's benched at any point of the game.
Matt Asiata, $6,400 - It's too difficult to ignore Asiata anymore after scoring 23.2 and 18.1 fantasy points over his last two games. It's apparent the Vikings will lean heavily on him and Ben Tate is only used to spell Asiata occasionally. For a big running back Asiata is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield, helping him in this .5 PPR format. This week's matchup is excellent as the Viking welcome a decimated Bears defense that looks like they've quit on this season.
Jonathan Stewart, $6,600 - DeAngelo Williams is listed as probably this week but it appears Stewart will handle the bulk of the carries for the Panthers this week. Stewart has gotten over 20 touches in each of his last three games and scored two touchdowns over that span. He comes with some fleas as both Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert can vulture work at the goal line. Still, it's a decent matchup going against the Falcons and the volume of work Stewart should get puts him in play.
Odell Beckham Jr., $9,200 - There really doesn't need to be an explanation here, does there? Beckham has been the best fantasy player over the last three weeks with games of 30.8, 36.3 and 25.4 fantasy points. He's basically been uncoverable and getting a ton of targets from Eli Manning. This is a good matchup too as the Giants look to end the season on a high note. The Eagles have given up big games recently to DeSean Jackson and Dez Bryant setting up OBJ for another big game.
Antonio Brown, $8,900 - It's really tough to look at the wide receiver landscape and find a player who has been more consistent this season than Brown. Outside of a dud against the Jets where he fumbled, Brown has scored at least 15 fantasy points in each of his last nine games. Earlier this month he had nine catches for 115 yards against the Bengals and pairing him up with Roethlisberger has worked out on many occasions this season. Sunday should be another nice game for the duo.
Paul Richardson, $4,900 - If you're going to go heavy at the first two wide receiver spots, the third should be an outstanding value. Richardson fits that bill this week with Jermaine Kearse already ruled out for the Seahawks. Richardson is a burner who has seen more snaps and been involved in the offense as of late. He had a touchdown two weeks ago against San Francisco and last week had five catches for 52 yards. This week he should be the second option in the passing game for the Seahawks and it's a good matchup at home against the Rams who were just shredded by Eli Manning. If Richardson gets to double-digit fantasy points, he's earned his value.
Antonio Gates, $6,400 - Tight end is a tough position this week with Rob Gronkowski unlikely to play the whole game and Julius Thomas banged up. Gates will play in a very meaningful game as the Chargers need to win to ensure they make the playoffs. He's scored 24.7 and 14.4 fantasy points the last two weeks and it probably isn't a coincidence that his four red zone targets over those games coincide with Keenan Allen being out. There's a pretty safe floor here considering the Chiefs' secondary.
Phil Dawson, $4,900 - Both of these offenses have struggled lately and this game could end up being something along the lines of 12-9. Dawson is home this weekend and weather shouldn't be an issue.
New York Giants D, $4,900 - The Giants defense has turned the corner fantasy-wise and strung together four games of eight, 13, 27 and 11 fantasy points. They're home this week going against the Eagles and Mark Sanchez has thrown at least one interception in three straight games. If it's possible to fit them into your lineup, the Ravens ($5200) are a great play at home against the Browns and Connor Shaw.
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. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options listed below could net the top overall prize.
Chase Daniel, $5,000 - Daniel is an intriguing option for several reasons. First, his price is rock bottom after the surprising announcement that Alex Smith is out with a lacerated spleen. At the minimum salary, Daniel allows a lot of flexibility at the other positions. For his price it would be an incredible value if he replicated last season's Week 17 stats when he had 17.9 fantasy points. To put that in perspective, Aaron Rodgers ($9800) would need over 35 fantasy points to provide the same value, a feat he hasn't accomplished over his last six games.
Brandon Bolden, $4,500 - It's nearly impossible to predict the running back carousel in New England and this week is even tougher with the Patriots playing a meaningless game. The good news is that Jonas Gray has already been ruled out and both Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount are banged up themselves. That could leave Bolden to handle the bulk of the carries and goal line work. James White could work his way into the mix but it appears Bolden is ahead of him on the pecking order.
