This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.
Cash Games
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 safe players who can be counted on for production.
QB: Russell Wilson, SEA at MIN ($8,600): While he's the most expensive quarterback this week, the next three are all $600. Out of any quarterback playing this weekend, Wilson has been the most consistent, scoring at least 20 fantasy points in seven straight games. While the road matchup isn't ideal, remember what he did just a week ago in Arizona. His ability to run is a characteristic the other quarterbacks don't have and third wide receiver Jermaine Kearse has historically played well in the playoffs.
RB: Fitzgerald Toussaint, PIT at CIN ($5,700): Running back is a mess this week with Adrian Peterson banged up and Deangelo Williams (foot) very questionable. Enter Toussaint, who head coach Mike Tomlin praised heavily this week and should see the bulk of the workload for the Steelers. The running back spot in Pittsburgh has been gold this season and Jordan Todman doesn't pose much of a threat to steal touches.
RB: Jeremy Hill, CIN vs. PIT ($6,700): Hill has received 16 carries in five of his last seven and scored double-digit fantasy points in five of his last seven as well. The Bengals will likely look to run the ball to control the clock and not put too much pressure on AJ McCarron. Hill has been used as the goal-line back and seems like the safest option on what's a short list of running backs.
WR: Antonio Brown, PIT at CIN ($9,300): Brown seems like this week's "fade-at-your-own-risk" pick even with his high price. He's capable of going over 29 fantasy points for the fifth time in eight games, but there is some risk: in the two games against the Bengals this season Brown has scored only 12.2 and 13.7 fantasy points, though one of those was Ben Roethlisberger's first game back from injury.
WR: Pierre Garcon, WAS vs. GB ($6,300):Kirk Cousins has been playing at an elite level and getting pieces of the Redskins passing attack has been fruitful lately. Garcon has scored double-digit fantasy points in his last three games, scoring a touchdown in each.
TE: Jordan Reed, WAS vs. GB ($7,400): Before last week's shortened game from the Washington starters, Reed was easily the top tight end the previous three games. He was consistent as well, scoring 29.4, 23.9 and 22.5 fantasy points in those three, respectively, and he has become Cousins' favorite red-zone target with five touchdowns over that span. While the other tight ends are considerably cheaper, Reed has the highest upside.
K: Nick Novak, HOU vs. KC ($4,600): It's tough to differentiate between the kickers this week given the up-and-down nature of the position. Novak has been kicking plenty of late with games of 16, 10, 11 and seven fantasy points in his last four contests, respectively. He's home and kicking indoors, which helps.
DEF/ST: Houston Texans vs. KC ($4,600): The Texans come into the game as the hottest fantasy defense in the league with games of 29, 22 and 11 fantasy points over their last three, respectively. They have home-field advantage and a guy named J.J. Watt on their side.
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 type of lineup completely, as there is a lower floor with a lot of players. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options could net the top overall prize.
QB: Aaron Rodgers, GB at WAS ($8,100): It seems odd to list Rodgers considering the brand name but the fact is he's going to be very under-owned this weekend in GPPs. He hasn't broken 20 fantasy points in his last five games and has had huge issues with the offensive line. That being said, the Packers could have him throw 50 times this week and they will probably need to score points to keep up with the Redskins' offense. Vintage Rodgers could show up this weekend and put up one of his monster stat lines.
WR: Martavis Bryant, PIT at CIN ($6,900): Full disclosure: Bryant was a huge bust the last time he was listed here. Given his recent lack of production, more people will likely be on Darrius Heyward-Bey even though Bryant has much more talent. The Bengals will be keyed in on doubling Antonio Brown, which could allow Bryant to get open for a long touchdown or two.
RB: Marshawn Lynch, SEA at MIN ($7,800): Lynch is going to be quite the mystery this week given that he's been working out away from the team. He put in a full practice Wednesday and still has a pretty big price tag. With the presence of Christine Michael, owners could be worried about a timeshare as well as a tough matchup against Minnesota, which should keep his ownership level low.
