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Fantasy Football: Week 15 DraftKings and FanDuel advice
We’re here to give you the best match-ups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 15.
Each position will be broken into three separate categories:
1. High-tier – These are your “heavy hitters.” If you play season-long fantasy football, they more than likely are the players who went in the first few rounds. They will cost you a pretty penny, but in the end, it’ll be worth it.
2. Mid-tier – This is where a majority of the players will be located. The key is finding the players with the most favorable match-ups, and in turn, exceeding the dollar amount placed upon them.
3. Low-tier (value) – These are your bottom-of-the-barrel players in terms of pricing, but not necessarily in ability or situation. Not only should these players outperform their salary, they should crush it.
At the end, I’ll provide you with two lineups (one for FanDuel and one for Draft Kings). These lineups should be used for you to use as a base while you plug in some different players you may prefer.
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks
High-tier
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $8,500/DK $7,300): Ryan has been one of the most productive fantasy quarterbacks this season. He currently is second in the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards, and on Sunday, he plays at home against one of the worse defenses in the NFL. He hasn’t thrown fewer than 269 yards at home in any game this season.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (FD $8,500/DK $7,100): Over the last eight games, Rodgers is averaging nearly three touchdowns per game. In five out of those eight games he has 297+ passing yards. He has an injured calf, but unless they decide to amputate it, it’s hard to bet against him.
Mid-tier
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $7,700/DK $6,400): He’s been disappointing this season, and there’s no real debate about it. Yet his rushing ability gives him a good ceiling in majority of weeks. Combined that with the fact four out of the last five quarterbacks who played against the Redskins have thrown for 300+ yards and you have a good play this week.
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,600/DK $5,700): Everything is coming together for Taylor this week. Both Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods are getting healthier, and he’s playing against the Browns. There have only been two times this season where an opposing quarterback hasn’t had multiple touchdowns against the Browns.
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $7,500/DK $6,800): Since Week 8, Cousins has multiple touchdown passes in five out of six games while averaging 342 passing yards. The Panthers have given up multiple touchdown passes in three out of their last four. Note: Cousins is “high-tier” in DraftKings.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $7,500/DK $5,800): The Falcons should route the 49ers, and this will give Kaepernick a great opportunity to get garbage time fantasy points when he attempts to bring them back. Note: Kaepernick is “low-tier” in DraftKings
Low-tier (value)
Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots (FD $6,600/DK $5,200): The Broncos have no running game, and it’s forcing Siemian to throw early and often. As a result, he is averaging 311 passing yards and two touchdown passes per game over his last four games.
Running Backs
High-tier
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $9,800/ DK $10,100): Johnson had a “down game” last week when he totaled 121 total yards on 25 touches. The only reason it was a “down game” was because he was held out of the end zone for the first time since Week 8. Don’t expect that to happen two weeks in a row.
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $9,400/DK $9,800): He put on one of the best fantasy performances of the year last week when he finished with 298 total yards and three touchdowns. At the same time, nobody is all that surprised because he’s that good.
LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $9,000/DK $8,900): McCoy is getting overshadowed by Bell and Johnson, and it’s a shame because he’s having an amazing season. Going into Week 15 he has 1,293 total yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s poised for another good game against the D1AA Browns.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $8,500/DK $8,200): The NFL’s leading rusher has a semi-tough matchup. With that said, he’s running behind the best offensive line in the league and they can swallow up most (if not all) defensive fronts in the NFL.
Mid-tier
Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons vs. San Fransisco 49ers (FD $7,700/DK $6,700): Freeman has two rushing touchdowns in two out his last three games. The 49ers, on the other hand, have given up five rushing touchdowns in their last two games. His floor should be around 90 total yards and one touchdown.
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $7,000/DK $5,900): The only player that remains consistent in the 49ers offense is Hyde, who is averaging 20 touches and 126 total yards over the last four games. The Falcons offense is really good, but their defense is equally just as bad. The 49ers have a good chance at 21+ points on Sunday, and Hyde should be a big part of that process.
Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $6,800/DK $5,800): He now has 20+ touches and at least one touchdown in three straight games. With Derek Carr nursing a finger injury, the Raiders should lean heavily on Murray with rushing attempts and checkdowns in the passing game.
Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $6,600/DK $5,600): There’s nothing flashy about Hill’s game, but there isn’t a bonus for style points. What you can be sure of is Hill will flirt with with 20 touches, as he now has 18+ in four straight games. He’ll disappoint if he doesn’t score a touchdown, but keep in mind he does have a touchdown in five out his last seven games.
Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $6,500/DK $5,000): The Falcons “backup” running back has three total touchdowns over the last three weeks. He faces the 49ers who have given up five rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs over the last two games.
Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $6,400/DK $5,900): Seattle’s running backs have been getting injured all season long, but Rawls is currently one of the healthy few. He should see around 15-18 touches against a struggling Rams defense.
Low-tier (value)
Bilal Powell, New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins (FD $6,200/DK $5,600): Matt Forte left last week’s game with an injury, and as a result, Powell finished with 34 touches, 179 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be in line for 20+ touches if Forte misses Saturday’s game. If Forte is active, all bets are off.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $6,100/DK $5,200): Stewart doesn’t rack up a ton of yards, but he does see a healthy amount of touches almost every week. He has four total touchdowns in the last four games and gets a favorable matchup this week.
Kenneth Farrow, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $6,000/DK $4,400): Melvin Gordon‘s backup should see 15+ touches in a good matchup. He’s nothing more than a decent running back, but he’s also not expensive either.
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers
High-tier
Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions (FD $8,600/DK $8,000): He’s coming into the game with 94+ receiving yards and/or a touchdown in seven out of the last nine games. As we saw last week, he can be held in check for most of a game but only needs one play to explode.
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $8,500/DK $8,400): Brown is third in the NFL in receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns. He was held in check by his standards last week and didn’t do much against the Bengals back in Week 2. Still, this guy has the ability to win you a week.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys (FD $8,200/DK $8,300): Weeks 13-14 have been the worst two-game stretch for Evans this season. I don’t think this is a trend but more of a fluke. Look for him to bounce back in a big way on Sunday Night Football.
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (FD $7,700/DK $7,300): Nelson has been nothing short of spectacular over the last seven weeks. In that time he’s averaged seven receptions, 85 yards and one touchdown per game. It’s going to be freezing in Chicago this week, but Nelson should remain on fire.
Mid-tier
Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots (FD $6,700/DK $6,300): The Broncos and their offense has been underwhelming in 2016. Yet Thomas still remains top-10 in the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Look for the Broncos to throw a ton with no real running game in their arsenal.
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $6,700/DK $6,000): He returns from his suspension and reclaims his spot as the Bears best receiving weapon. If the Packers continue to put up a ton of points, it’ll force the Bears to throw a lot in this game. Jeffery should be heavily involved.
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans ($6,400/DK $5,700): The kid is a freak who is capable of taking one to the house any time his hands are on the ball. If you want to double down with Hill and the Chiefs D/ST, I couldn’t blame you.
Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals (FD $6,300/DK $6,200): Drew Brees has been struggling, and as a result, so has his wide receivers’ production. With that said, the Saints offense is always capable of putting up 28+ points any given week.
Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $6,100/DK $5,900): He’s healthy, and when healthy, he’s one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the NFL. His price is a major discount as he gets a tremendous matchup this week.
Low-tier (value)
Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $6,000/DK $5,900): Derek Carr’s favorite red zone target has produced top-15 fantasy points for a wide receiver this season. He should avoid Casey Hayward this game, which means he could have a monster week.
Taylor Gabriel, Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $5,800/DK $5,600): Any time the playmaker steps on the field, he is the fastest guy out there. If either Mohamed Sanu or Julio Jones misses this game, he’ll see an uptick in playing time. If that happens, the probability of him booming is high.
J.J. Nelson, Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $5,000/DK $3,900): The Cardinals cut Michael Floyd, and John Brown is less than 100%. Nelson will see a ton of playing time, and with his speed, he’s as dangerous as it gets.
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Tight Ends
High-tier
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $7,200/DK $5,600): He’s a monster in the red zone and has a touchdown in three straight games. Defenses know it’s coming but still can’t stop him.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $6,900/DK $5,900): Kelce has 100+ receiving yards in four straight games and five in out of his last seven. There’s no reason to believe he won’t see be heavily involved in the Chiefs offense yet again.
Mid-tier
Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $6,400/DK $5,300): The Seahawks offense has been hot and cold this season, but Graham has a shot for a touchdown any given week. Even in a difficult matchup, he can still take over a game.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins (FD $6,300/DK $5,000): Olsen’s 87 receiving yards was the most he’s had in a game since Week 6. He gets a good matchup this week, so there’s a strong chance he follows up his solid performance with another one.
Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $5,800/DK $4,300): He’s top five among all tight ends in targets, receptions and receiving touchdowns. He won’t put up a ton of yards, but he’s a strong bet for at touchdown any given week.
Ladarius Green, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $5,600/DK $3,700): He’s one of the most athletic tight ends in the NFL in an explosive offense. He’s in a favorable matchup this week and has a massive ceiling.
Low-tier (value)
Jermaine Gresham, Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $4,500/DK $2,500): After last week, he now has five receptions in three straight games. He has upside in a good matchup but be aware he’s dealing with a knee injury. Be sure to check out the injury report before plugging him in lineups.
Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Mike Morgan (57) returns an interception against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
D/ST
High-tier
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $5,200/DK $4,000): Jared Goff has to travel to Seattle on a short week and attempt to deal with the 12th man. It could get ugly real quick.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $5,100/DK $3,700): D/ST’s playing against the Browns have scored double-digit points in three out the last four games.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $5,000/DK $3,800): Blake “pick-six” Bortles is playing on the road. That’s all you really need to know.
Mid-tier
Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $4,700/DK $3,100): A banged-up Eagles offense will have to play against one of the best defense in the NFL on the road. It’s not a promising situation.
Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $4,600/DK $2,700): Philip Rivers has 12 turnovers in his last four games and there will be no Melvin Gordon.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (FD $4,500/DK $3,200): The Bears have been playing at a respectable level with a bunch of backups. Still, they are playing a bunch of backups.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $4,500/DK $3,400): The Chiefs are playing at home, and with Tyreek Hill returning punts, there’s always a chance for a special teams touchdown.
Low-tier (value)
Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants (FD $4,100/DK $2,600): Eli Manning has five turnovers in his last two games. The Lions shut down Drew Brees a couple weeks ago, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they shut down Eli and the Giants offense.
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) hands off to running back LeSean McCoy (25) during the game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Lineups
FanDuel
QB – Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
RB – David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
RB – Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers
WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR – Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
WR – J.J. Nelson, Arizona Cardinals
TE – Ladarius Green, Pittsburgh Steelers
K – Kai Forbath, Minnesota Vikings
D/ST – Oakland Raiders
Remaining Salary – $100
DraftKings
QB – Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
RB – Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
RB – Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders
WR – Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
WR – Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills
WR – J.J. Nelson, Arizona Cardinals
TE – Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
FLEX – Kenneth Farrow, San Diego Chargers
D/ST – Detroit Lions
Remaining Salary – $200
Stacks
Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills
Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers
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