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 over 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 that are essential to winning regardless of their price.
Russell Wilson, SEA, $8300 – By now it should be very obvious that Washington has a terrible pass defense. The Redskins benefited from playing against Chad Henne and Ryan Fitzpatrick the first two weeks before getting torched for a combined 82 points by Eli Manning and Nick Foles the past two weeks. This week, Wilson will be in a great spot to put up a monster fantasy game. Washington is missing DeAngelo Hall, their top corner, and Wilson has the ability to score extra fantasy points with his legs.
DeMarco Murray, DAL, $9000 – There's little explanation needed here given Murray's explosive start to the season. He has at least 100 rushing yards and one touchdown in each of his first four games and he's already over half way to 1,000 rushing yards. Houston was just torched on the road by Rashad Jennings, and Murray has developed one of the best floors at the position.
Rashad Jennings, NYG, $7200 – Jennings is a little bit of a curious pick after only amassing 52 yards from scrimmage last week against Washington. However, this week's game should be much closer and Jennings should have more than the 14 touches he had against Washington. Jennings had at least 20 touches in each of the first three games of the season and scored at least 10 fantasy points in each of those outings. This week he gets an Atlanta defense that has given up nine rushing touchdowns, 4.5 yards per carry and over 150 rushing yards per game.
Antonio Brown, PIT, $9000 – With at least five catches in 20 straight games, Brown has firmly established a high floor. He's scored over 25 fantasy points in each of his last two games and gets face the lowly Jags this week. Even though he's the most expensive wide receiver, Brown still provides value at this price.
Brian Quick, STL, $6000 – Wide receivers have been torching the Philadelphia secondary, and Quick seems to still be flying under the radar given his cost. Quick has scored double-digit fantasy points in each of his first three games and his team should be throwing a lot to keep up with the Eagles.
Marques Colston, $5500 – Selecting Colston is a great way to work in a player from the New Orleans offense, which will benefit from playing in the friendly confines of the Superdome this week. Colston, as well as Drew Brees, have always played better at home during their careers together. New Orleans should win this game easily and Colston has a good chance to be a part of the scoring spree.
Travis Kelce, KC, $5300 – If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Kelce had a nice game Monday night and he is quickly developing into Alex Smith's favorite target. The matchup against San Francisco isn't ideal, but Kelce's price is still way too low for his upside.
Robbie Gould, CHI, $4600 – The Bears have effectively moved the ball up and down the field the first four weeks of the season and get a nice matchup this week. Carolina has allowed 75 points the past two weeks, lining Gould up for a nice fantasy day.
Cleveland Browns D/ST, $4800 – The Browns have had two weeks to prepare for their matchup against the Titans, and Cleveland has had some early season success across the board on the defensive side of the ball. Look for Cleveland to take advantage of a Tennessee offense led by either Charlie Whitehurst or Jake Locker, who is not 100 percent.
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. Instead, use a mix of studs with a few of the cheaper options listed below, which could net the top overall prize.
Wes Welker, DEN, $6900 – With his suspension and a bye week, Welker should be well over any concussion issues and be relatively fresh for this week. It's likely Patrick Peterson shadows Demaryius Thomas, which should lead to Peyton Manning giving Welker plenty of targets on their patented Denver crossing routes. Plus, Welker is a red zone target, with nine targets inside of the five and 10 touchdowns last season.
Bishop Sankey, TEN, $5900 – Sankey should be extremely under-owned in most tournament formats given his lack of a workload this season. That's started to change over his last two games, as the rookie has had 19 touches for over 120 yards and a touchdown. Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt indicated Wednesday that Sankey was going to be used more this Sunday. The Browns have given up 5.2 yards per carry and over 150 rushing yards per game, which makes this an enticing matchup for Sankey.
Zach Ertz, PHI, $5400 – With just six catches for 57 receiving yards over his last two games, Ertz's price has seen his price drop and most DFS players will avoid him this week. The game flow (Philadelphia scored three non-offensive touchdowns) effectively ruined the offensive players fantasy value last week, something that is unlikely to be repeated. Look for a bounce-back effort from Ertz.
