This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
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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.
Peyton Manning, $10,000 – This is a good week to pay up for a stud quarterback, as there are six quarterbacks on bye and nine more priced within $2000 of Manning's salary. This game has the highest over/under total of the week and the Patriots have had no problem scoring over the last few games. Manning has had less than three touchdown passes only once this season (two at Seattle) and should continue throwing in the fourth quarter if the Patriots keep it close.
Jerick McKinnon, $6300 – All the prices seem inflated this week after one of the highest scoring fantasy weeks by the league collectively. McKinnon didn't have the greatest outing with 83 rushing yards, but he has some upside this week against the Redskins. Washington is on a short week and just got gashed for over 200 yards by DeMarco Murray. Add into the equation that McKinnon is the 25th highest-priced running back and it's apparent why he's a deal in cash games.
Chris Ivory, $6700 – Watching Ivory run this season rightfully draws comparisons to Marshawn Lynch with his physical style of play. Ivory has clearly taken over as the Jets' lead back, as he has posted 16.3 and 20.5 fantasy points in his last two games. He faces a Chiefs defense that has given up 4.7 yards per carry, and the presence of a running quarterback (Michael Vick) should open up more running lanes for Ivory.
Mike Evans, $6000 – Evans has shown some consistency over his last three games, finishing with 9.8, 13.5 and 14.5 points. The Buccaneers have played from behind a lot this season and Mike Glennon has thrown for over 40 times in two of his last four games. Evans may get some extra looks this week, especially if the Browns put Joe Haden on the opposite side to match up against Vincent Jackson. Don't be surprised if Evans springs for a long touchdown this Sunday.
Rueben Randle, $6400 – Andrew Luck is on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards and the Colts have put up a ton of points as a result. Randle has received a ton of red zone targets (13) from Eli Manning, and the young receiver has seen 9-10 targets in each of the last five games. The Giants should have their offense clicking again coming off a bye and playing at home.
Doug Baldwin, $6700 – By now it's safe to say the departure of Percy Harvin has helped Baldwin's fantasy value. Baldwin has seen 19 targets combined in his last two games, which he has turned into 13 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown. Baldwin is a good option again this weekend with a matchup at home against a Raiders defense that has given up 8.2 yards per attempt through the air.
Greg Zuerlein, $4500 – Zuerlein is the lowest-priced kicker for the week, which provides some salary relief needed for the other options in this lineup. He has one of the biggest legs in the league and the weather in San Francisco isn't usually an issue.
Seattle Defense, $5500 – The Seahawks defense have largely been a disappointment this season, but this should be the week they turn things around. Seattle has always been a better defense at home with the 12th man behind them and that should be enough to elicit a few mistakes from Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
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.
Michael Vick, $6900 – Vick has taken over as the starter for the ineffective Geno Smith. The veteran quarterback makes his first start as a Jet in Kansas City this week. Vick's fantasy value comes from his potential to accumulate points with his legs, and as already stated, the Chiefs are giving up a whopping 4.7 yards per carry. Vick has two good receiving options in Percy Harvin and Eric Decker and tight ends Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland provide good red zone targets.
Julian Edelman, $6800 – With the emergence of Brandon LaFell and the resurgence of Rob Gronkowski, Edelman has become a forgotten man in the Patriots offense. Edelman is coming off a season-low four targets. Because of his poor showing last week, Edelman will likely be avoided, making him a great play in GPPs.
Bobby Rainey, $6200 – Doug Martin was walking around with a boot on his foot during practice Wednesday and appears to be doubtful for this weekend. That should open the door for Rainey to start against the Browns. Cleveland has been terrible against the run this season, giving up the second-worst mark in the league with 4.8 yards per carry. The only pause for concern here is that Charles Sims should be active, but there's a good chance that Tampa Bay eases him into the offensive game plan.
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