This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire provides picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
To roster some top-tier players in tournaments or in cash game lineups, you need some lower-priced sleeper options with upside. That's what we aim to bring you in this column.
Here are our fantasy football value picks for Week 15 on FantasyDraft.
QUARTERBACK
Blake Bortles, $11,400 vs. ATL
Bortles has been an incredible DFS quarterback this season, throwing for 30 touchdown passes on the season. He does turn the ball over a lot, with nine fumbles and 13 interceptions, but those don't take a huge toll on DFS scoring. Bortles has had at least 26 fantasy points in three straight games. At just $11,400, he's priced as QB10 on the slate. In terms of production this season, Bortles is QB5 behind Big Ben, Carson Palmer, Cam Newton and Tom Brady. Not a bad list! He faces the Falcons in Week 15, who have allowed at least one touchdown pass in all but two games this season. Considering the discount at which his production comes, Bortles is worth using on FantasyDraft.
Kirk Cousins, $10,200 vs. BUF
Cousins is just $200 above the minimum on FantasyDraft, making him an interesting option in tournaments as a cash-saving pick. Cousins has some of the most severe splits in the NFL at quarterback, but those splits benefit him in Week 15 against the Bills. At home (where the game takes place on Sunday), Cousins averages 21.2 fantasy points per game as opposed to just 14.5 on the road. The matchup is better than you'd imagine as well, as the Bills have allowed nine touchdown passes in the last five games and have given up at least one touchdown pass in all but two games this season.
RUNNING BACK
James White, $9,100 vs. TEN
With injuries to the other Patriots' running backs, White becomes the No. 1 for the time being. He will split snaps with Brandon Bolden among others, but for Week 15's game against the Titans it's a perfect White kind of game because of this matchup. The Patriots are a team that always adjusts its game plan based on its opponent. With the Titans being among the league's best in defending opposing running backs, the Patriots are expected to pass. This means more snaps for White, and the running game becomes short passes to the running back position. At $9,100 it's worth taking a shot on White, as FantasyDraft is a full PPR scoring system that heavily rewards those players with catches.
Theo Riddick, $7,800 vs. NO
Riddick has been a cash game floor play all season on FantasyDraft, as he's scored at least 10.7 points in eight games. His floor is very high as a pass catching back for an offense that usually throws often to get back into games. Week 15 is a perfect game script for Riddick, as the Lions/Saints game is expected to be very high scoring. Riddick has had at least five catches in four straight games, and has done so against solid linebacking corps. He won't have that matchup issue against the Saints, who have slower linebackers who will struggle to defend the running back. The matchup as a whole works in Riddick's favor as well, as the Saints have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
WIDE RECEIVER
Tyler Lockett, $8,400 vs. CLE
With everyone on Doug Baldwin (and rightfully so), the "other" Seahawks receiver will go low owned. Lockett at just $8,400 is a bargain in tournaments, as he has had three games of 16.7 fantasy points or more in the last four weeks, including 21.3, 16.7 and 31.4 in three of the last four weeks. He has a great matchup in Week 15 against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, including 16 touchdowns. Lockett's targets were up in the last four games with the Seahawks throwing more often, so take advantage of Lockett as a playmaker for a cheap salary.
Ted Ginn Jr., $9,100 vs. NYG
Ginn is a tournament play each and every week because of his game breaking ability. He has had seven catches in the last two weeks, but four of them have gone for touchdowns. Eight of his 37 catches have been for touchdowns, and he's averaging well over 17 yards per reception. As a big play threat, he's worth using in a stack with Cam Newton (as proven with back to back 25- and 29.9-point weeks) and as a big play option. Ginn always goes lower owned because he does only have 37 catches and is highly touchdown-reliable. But in a good matchup against the Giants, who have given up the fourth-most yards to opposing wide receivers, he's worth playing in tournaments.
TIGHT END
Antonio Gates, $8,600 vs. MIA
Gates' price has fallen too low to ignore on FantasyDraft, at $8,600. There are eight more expensive options than Gates, but only six tight ends have averaged more fantasy points per game. He has been the model of consistency, registering at least 11 fantasy points in all but two games. Those two games were against the Chiefs and Ravens, who both defend the tight end very well. Gates has had 16 catches in the last three games for 179 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 15, Gates faces the Dolphins, who have been among the leagues' worst passing defenses. They have allowed just four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season but have struggled in tough matchups. The Redskins, Bills, Titans, Patriots, Eagles, and Giants have all succeeded against the Dolphins as far as tight end production, and each features their tight end in the game plan. With Gates undoubtedly being part of the Chargers' game plan, he has an excellent matchup at a low price on FantasyDraft.
DEFENSE
Minnesota Vikings, $4,900 vs. CHI
The Vikings defense has struggled in the last two weeks without Harrison Smith, Linval Joseph and Anthony Barr. Keep an eye on their respective status' for Sunday's game against the Bears, as that will dictate the play. With those three active, the Vikings are an excellent value defense at just $4,900. The Bears have allowed at least one sack in every game this season, and have turned the ball over and/or allowed a touchdown in all but one game this season. Opponents have scored seven DST touchdowns against Chicago this season, which bodes well for the Vikings' value on FantasyDraft. In the first meeting between the two teams, the Vikings defense scored eight fantasy points against Chicago.
