This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
50/50 or Heads Up
In 50/50s, double-ups 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, which means you don't have to pick a high-ceiling lineup that shoots for the moon. Rather, build these lineups with the players who are safe and that can be counted on for production.
QB: Marcus Mariota ($7,300)
The rookie went from being Player of the Week to being chased and harassed by the Browns' defense in Week 2. Mariota still managed to score over 16 fantasy points in Cleveland and has a much more favorable matchup this week at home against the Colts, who could be down three of their top corners in Darius Butler, Vontae Davis and Greg Toler. Even if some of them play, it's doubtful they're 100 percent healthy. Dorial Green-Beckham should become more of a producer as he grasps the offense and Mariota is always a threat to gain extra fantasy points with his legs.
RB: David Johnson ($6,000)
Cardinals fans and fantasy owners alike must be scratching their heads as to why Johnson isn't the workhorse while Andre Ellington is out. Still, Johnson has made the most of his limited opportunities and has three touchdowns through two games. Head coach Bruce Arians stated this week that Johnson's workload will increase a little bit each week, so he should be in line for more touches against the 49ers.
RB: Devonta Freeman ($6,500)
This pick is a volume play as the Falcons will be without rookie Tevin Coleman this week. Freeman took over and had the lion's share of carries after Coleman left last Sunday's game, and he should be in line for at least 15 touches this week. Freeman is a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield and should see the goal line work as well. Don't be sold on Dallas as a solid defensive unit; the Eagles offensive line played terribly Sunday.
WR: Antonio Brown ($9,300)
There really doesn't need to be a ton to write about Brown, who has picked up with Big Ben right where they left off last season. The Steelers don't have a great defense and have stated they're determined to score 30 points per game this season. In a 0.5 PPR format you'd have to go back very far to find a game where Brown didn't have at least double-digit fantasy points. The return of running back Le'Veon Bell won't hurt Brown's production as he will help keep opposing defense from doubling the wideout.
WR: Julio Jones ($9,000)
Getting Jones into a lineup with Brown and the other values mentioned almost seems unfair. DFS players who rostered Jones last week had to be disappointed after a touchdown he had appeared to have scored was taken off the board. Jones and Brown are the only two wide receivers who have scored over 20 fantasy points in both of the first two games and they have been target monsters. Don't worry that Jones is sitting out practice this week to rest his hamstring; this is likely a case of a team taking it easy with their star player.
WR: Donte Moncrief ($6,000)
There's no doubt that Moncrief is at worst the second receiving option for the Colts and there's a strong argument he's the top option while T.Y. Hilton is banged up. Moncrief scored for the second straight week Monday night and put up 122 receiving yards as well. The floor seems like it will be double-digits, and for the price tag that's a good value.
TE: Tyler Eifert ($5,900)
While he didn't go nuts like he did Week 1, Eifert was able to put together a nice 12.9-fantasy-point day last Sunday. His price still hasn't jumped too much, and outside of Rob Gronkowski, he appears to have the safest floor among tight ends. A matchup in Baltimore might not seem ideal but the Ravens were just picked apart last week by Derek Carr and the Raiders.
K: Ryan Succop ($4,600)
Kickers are usually pretty random and you should target one playing at home. Succop fits that bill this weekend against the Colts in Tennessee. As mentioned, the Colts' secondary has been hit hard by injuries and Marcus Mariota should be able to move the ball against them.
DEF: Seattle D/ST ($5,300)
Usually it's wise to shy away from paying up for an elite defense but this week is an exception. The Seahawks are 0-2, finally heading home and going against a weak quarterback in Jimmy Clausen. Kam Chancellor is back in the fold and Tyler Lockett is a threat to score every time he touches the ball on special teams. Expect Michael Bennett and Bruce Irvin to have a field day with a quick pass rush off the deafening crowd noise.
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 could net the top overall prize.
QB: Drew Brees ($8,400)
Obviously pay attention to the reports leading up to Sunday's game to see if Brees even plays. If he does, he's probably the biggest contrarian pick on the board given that he hasn't done much and is banged up. The cost is still very high, and even in tournament formats it is hard to imagine he'll be owned in anything more than 2-3 percent. The more you think this is a crazy pick, the more you should be inclined to think about using him.
TE: Jimmy Graham ($6,300)
Graham is coming off a one-catch outing and that alone is likely to keep his ownership at a minimum. However, the price has come down to the lowest it has been in years and if this game is a blowout as most predict, the Seahawks will have someone getting into the end zone. It probably doesn't hurt that there are reports that Graham isn't happy with his role in his new offense and Russell Wilson could target him more to keep the big man happy.
RB: C.J. Anderson ($7,300)
Owners came into this season with big expectations for Anderson, who has yet to live up to them. Coming into Week 3, Anderson has had some extra rest coming off the Thursday night game and the Broncos have a plus matchup this weekend. The Lions return home for the first time this season but have alrady allowed 59 points in two games. Anderson doesn't need a ton of touches to be effective, provided he gets the goal line work, and if he is healthy, this could be his biggest workload of the short season.
