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.
Shaun Hill, $6,500 - This probably seems like a peculiar pick but let's look at the bigger picture. Elite quarterbacks have disappointed lately with Peyton Manning banged up and Andrew Luck playing with T.Y. Hilton at less than 100 percent. Going cheaply here with Hill allows money to be spent in other spots where it's probably going to help a cash game more. As for Hill, outside of a tough matchup last week he had games of 16.4 and 21.4 fantasy points the previous two weeks. This week, it's a decent matchup against the Giants who have been hit pretty hard by injuries. Hill likes to spread the ball around, so for cash game purposes there isn't an obvious reason to pair him up with one of his wide receivers.
Jeremy Hill, $7,300 - True to their word, the Bengals gave Hill the lion's share of carries, and he didn't disappoint. His price is much lower than the elite running backs and many of those players have tough matchups this week. Hill should see plenty of touches as the Bengals try to slow the game to keep Peyton Manning off the field. Hill is the bigger back between him and Gio Bernard and should see any goal-line work. The price is too low to ignore, and he'll likely be one of the more owned running backs this weekend.
Fred Jackson, $6,700 - Quietly, Freddie has turned in some consistent performances without totally going off for fantasy purposes. Over his last four games he has had 11.3, 12.2, 11.2 and 12 fantasy points, establishing a nice floor. This week, he gets a favorable matchup against the Raiders who have given up four yards per carry but more than 125 rushing yards per game. The latter stat is likely a result of playing behind for most of the season, a scenario that could play out Sunday. Jackson is also a big contributor in the pass game as the Bills will look to screen to him multiple times to slow the pass rush.
Calvin Johnson, $9,200 - Remember having the ability to spend if you put Shaun Hill into your quarterback spot? That'll open money to put Calvin into your lineup against a cupcake matchup in the Bears. The Bears defense has been hit by a slew of injuries, and there isn't anyone who can cover Johnson. Last week, Drew Brees shredded their secondary to the tune of 375 yards, and if Matthew Stafford has a 300-yard day it'll be likely Calvin is well over 100 yards with at least a score.
Harry Douglas, $6,600 - Douglas has stepped up and will see increased targets the last three weeks with teammates Roddy White and Julio Jones banged up. Both are still on the mend and Julio might miss a second straight week. Even if both are active this week, Douglas should see a heavy dose of targets. He's dealing with a foot injury himself, but it isn't supposed to be serious. The Falcons should be in for a shootout with the Saints, and Matt Ryan has always played better in a dome, helping Douglas' fantasy prospects for the weekend.
Kenny Stills, $6,100 - Sticking with the Falcons/Saints matchup this week, Stills is definitely in play for the Saints. Over the last month he's looked like their best wide receiver with the ability to get open downfield or hold up for a time out with the corner thinking he's going long. While he was a little of a letdown two weeks ago, he's scored 9.2 to 24.7 fantasy points in four of his last five games. The price is right on target to make his value if he gets at least 10 fantasy points this week.
Rob Gronkowski, $7,800 - Gronk has been incredibly consistent this season at a position with a lot of injuries and uncertainties week in and week out. This week, the Patriots get the Jets, a team that has consistently been torched through the air. Gronk has had seven consecutive games of double-digit fantasy points and should put together another stellar performance. There's no problem paying for the highest-priced tight end this weekend given the matchup and floor Gronk has.
Greg Zuerlein, $4,700 - There's no reason to over analyze here. Greg "The Leg" is home, which is a dome and has a nice matchup against the Giants. The extra points for distance kicks could come into play here as Jeff Fisher is never afraid to gamble.
Buffalo Bills Defense, $5,100 - Granted, the Raiders play much better at home, but it's hard to ignore what the Bills have done this season on defense. It's a good matchup against rookie Derek Carr, and the defense has more than 13 fantasy points over its last eight games. Considering not all special teams points count in the Fanduel format, that's an even more impressive number.
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.
Jamaal Charles, $8,900 - Charles is coming off a dismal 5.4 fantasy point game last week and is banged up dealing with a knee and ankle injury. Those two factors likely will push his ownership below five percent this week, making him a great pot odds play. Pittsburgh's defense isn't very good giving up more than 4.5 yards per carry either. Before last week Charles had 20-plus fantasy points in three of his previous four games and should have similar production this week.
Nick Toon, $4,900 - The price is right here for Toon as all of the wide receivers seem to be at their right value or maybe even a little expensive. Toon likely will be a boom or bust player this weekend who has received four targets in each of his last two games. Most fantasy owners will be zeroed in on the other receiving options leaving Toon under the radar. Like Josh Hill last week, Toon could be the player that benefits from playing with Drew Brees.
