This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
In 50/50 - also known as "Heads-Up" - contests, always aim for a lineup that has a higher floor over a higher ceiling. Since the top half of all entries finishes in the money, you don't have to pick a high-ceiling lineup that shoots for the moon. Build these lineups with the players that are essential to winning, regardless of their price.
Week 3 Value Plays
Drew Brees, $9,100 – It's pretty remarkable how stark the home and away splits for Brees have been recently. Luckily, he's back at the Superdome this week against a team that will once again be missing its best offensive player in Adrian Peterson. Jimmy Graham continues to be the best tight end in the league and rookie Brandon Cooks looks to be the explosive playmaker they thought he was when they drafted him 20th overall. Don't be surprised if the seemingly forgotten Kenny Stills comes up with a big play or two either. With Peyton Manning heading into Seattle at a more expensive price, Brees makes a lot of sense.
DeMarco Murray, $8,700 – Like Brees, there's really no explanation necessary, as Murray has been one of the best overall fantasy running backs in FanDuel formats. The NFL's leading rusher has been a workhorse, tallying 51 carries and averaging 5.6 yards per carry with a rushing touchdown in each of his first two contests. This week, he gets a juicy matchup against the Rams, who just gave up 144 rushing yards to Bobby Rainey.
Darren Sproles, $6,000 – Given his performance Monday night, it's very likely that Sproles is heavily owned in cash games. Sproles has fit into Chip Kelly's offense seamlessly and has 26 touches over his first two games, essentially serving in the same role that vaulted De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner to college stardom at Oregon. Those touches have translated into 263 yards from scrimmage (26.3 fantasy points), 11 catches (5.5 points), and two touchdowns (12 points) - that's an average of 21.9 fantasy points per week.
Julian Edelman, $6,900 – Edelman has been one of the most consistent performers in PPR formats, recording at least six catches in 10 straight games dating back to last season. This season, he's added to his value with some running plays (like the jet-sweep) and already has more rushing yards (30) than he did all of last season (11). Starting with an expectation of 4.5 fantasy points (3.0 for catches, 1.5 for rushing) before adding receiving yards, and roughly a 50 percent chance of a touchdown, is rare for a receiver at this price.
Brandin Cooks, $6,300 – After a rough game against the stout Cincinnati defense, Cooks will probably be overlooked this week. Pairing your quarterback with a viable option is always a good idea and the price is more than reasonable. In FanDuel's half-point PPR format, look for Cooks to have a fantasy floor in double-digits.
Brian Quick, $5,200 – Despite two solid fantasy games to start the season, Quick's price has not inflated yet. Quick has seven catches in each of his first two starts, scoring 13.4 and 10.9 fantasy points, respectively. As the primary receiving option for the Rams, Quick is in line for another solid performance with a decent chance of finding the end zone for the first time.
Billy Cundiff, $4,600 – He's 4-for-4 to start the season and has always been a reliable kicker. This type of game has a smash-mouth, low-scoring feel and the kickers should see plenty of action. There's a good chance for 10 points through three field goals and an extra point here.
Cleveland Browns, $4,700 – The Browns defense didn't completely stop Drew Brees and Col, but it certainly slowed down one of the best offenses in the league in Week 2. This week, they're at home again and face a division rival with a weaker offense.
Tournaments
For tournament lineups, you have to look at upside and use some wild card picks if you want to cash. Don't use this exact lineup, as a number of these players have fairly low floors. A mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options listed below could net the top overall prize.
Kirk Cousins, $6,800 – There is no issue with the price here in any format, as Cousins' dollar value is almost $3,000 less than the elite options. Cousins looked completely comfortable when pressed into relief duty last week and actually threw a touchdown on his first pass. He'll have had the whole week to work with Pierre Garcon, and the two combined for some impressive fantasy performances last season. Cousins has a good rapport with fellow-backup Niles Paul and might have speedster DeSean Jackson to throw to as well.
Eddie Lacy, $8,200 – A concussion and two subpar games from Lacy will likely turn off GPP players from spending this kind of money. However, Lacy has arguably had the two toughest matchups to start the season, going against the Seahawks and Jets - two of the top run defenses in the league - in consecutive weeks. Lacy is primed for a breakout game against the Lions, who will be zeroed in on slowing down Jordy Nelson and Green Bay's aerial attack.
Reggie Bush, $7,300 – Bush is much like Sproles in that he always seems to have a high ratio of catches to carries. He's typically been a boom-or-bust player week-to-week and has done little over the first two games. He was much better at home than on the road last season and has a favorable matchup against the Packers in what should be a high-scoring game.
Keenan Allen, $6,900 – Like Lacy, Allen had two of the toughest matchups to begin the season, squaring off with elite defensive backs Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman. Going up against Stephon Gilmore this week may not be the easiest task, but Allen is still going to have 20-point upside and will be minimally owned. Plus, Antonio Gates' hot start should open up passing lines down the sidelines for Allen.
