FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 4

Welcome back for the fourth week of FanDuel NFL Lineups.  We’re a Daily Fantasy Football column focused on top picks and best value for your weekly FanDuel NFL lineups.  We arm you with information for a big FanDuel NFL payday each week.

Last week, we had several disappointing performances, with Derek Carr ($8,400) only landing 7.22 FanDuel NFL points in Washington, but Matthew Stafford ($7,900) had a respectable 16.46 points.  Still, considering we decided to fade Kirk Cousins ($7,600), who piled up an incredible 26.8 FanDuel NFL points against Oakland, we should consider the week a failure at quarterback.  But as we’ve discussed before, the first four weeks of NFL football is often a trial and error period, preparing us to dominate the rest of the season.

For only $6,100, Lamar Miller provided 6.8 points, but that’s disappointing compared to his history against the Pats and he season so far.  Contrary to popular belief, I still think Lamar is a viable play the rest of this season.  Le’Veon Bell ($8,700) finally had the game we were expecting, dropping 18.8 FanDuel NFL points into our lineups.

But Todd Gurley II ($7,900) was the top-dog at running back last week, laying down 35.4 FanDuel NFL points in one game.  Gurley and the Rams offense are something all NFL DFS players should continue to watch early in the season.  The new coaching staff in L.A. may have figured out the right solution for their young, talented, players.

At wide receiver, Antonio Brown ($9,000) paid off with 22 FanDuel NFL points, but there were better and more affordable options as a result of the week.  Brandin Cooks ($7,500) had 29.6 points and Stefan Diggs ($6,500) was the biggest play of the week with 33.3 points on a very low salary.  We talked about the woes with Carr, and any Raiders wide out play was very disappointing.

PLAY FANDUEL: New users win first contest or get credited up to $120!

We did well with Zach Ertz, once again, scoring 13.5 points on a $6,500 salary.  Ertz has been a consistent top-five play at tight end this season and considering his target average, we may look at Zach again this week.  Our kicker for the week was rookie fill-in Jake Elliott, who just happened to hit a 61-yard field goal to beat the Giants at the end of the game, and total 12 FanDuel NFL points, a top-ten option for only $4,600.

The biggest disappointment of the week was picking the Baltimore Ravens on defense.  In the first two weeks, our targets were the Jaguars in week one, and Buccaneers in week two.  In each of those weeks, we picked the top defense.  The Ravens seemed like another logical choice for week three, but they quickly unraveled in London on Offense, putting pressure on their defense.  I still think the Ravens have a great D, but their team needs to figure some things out before we use that option again.

Once again, FanDuel is offering several slate options, including a Thursday through Monday slate covering all 16 games.  We’re going to focus our lineup options on all 16 games, and you can pick and choose as you like, to build your top lineups for each slate.  Hopefully this helps you cover the slates you’re targeting this weekend.

Now, let’s get starting with the Quarterbacks…

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 4 – Quarterbacks

Top Picks

Tom Brady ($9,500) is the hottest FanDuel NFL quarterback and will consistently be a top play.  But for $9.5K against a Carolina defense doing very well against the pass in the first three weeks of the season, look for better options.  Bradberry and Worley are each playing about average at cornerback, but they’re getting a lot of help from their high quality to elite status linebacker corps. Brady is hot and one of the best options this week and may be able to test the safeties, but the short game is in question.

For a better deal, look at Aaron Rodgers ($9,100).  Like last year, Rodgers consistently yields around, or above, 20 FanDuel NFL points-per-game.  Rodgers has faced the Seahawks strong backfield, the super bowl runner-up Falcons, and a tough Bengals defense, only to provide six touchdowns, 300+ yards per game, although with an INT in each game.  That’s solid production for $9,100).

This week, the Packers are staying at home in Green Bay, welcoming the Bears who are doing well against the run, but struggling against the pass.  Unfortunately for the Packers, Prince Amukamara is playing well at left corner this season and will likely lineup against Nelson.

PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: The best in football stats just got better. Elite packages now on sale!

However, in three-wide sets, it’s more likely Amukamara moves over to defend Adams, and we could see Nelson get a lot of passing attempts.  Also, we know the Pack like to move Nelson around the field.  There’s some risk here, but Rodgers is likely to get another 20 points for your lineup this weekend.

Other Top Options

After stumbling out of the gate in Green Bay, Russell Wilson ($7,900) is starting to get his feet under him, literally.  After only 27 passing attempts, and two rushing, Russell averaged over 40 passing attempts against the 49ers and Titans, and ran the ball almost ten times per game.

Last week in Tennesee, Wilson threw for 373 yards, four touchdowns, and had no interceptions.  Russell did run seven times for only 26 yards, and had two fumbles, but totaled 33.52 FanDuel NFL points against the Titans.  Wilson is showing progression toward his strong play we’ve seen in the past.  And this week, Wilson is playing at home against the Colts.

The Colts are giving up around 284 passing yards per game, fourth worst in the NFL.  That’s due mostly to big plays, giving up 20 passing plays with 20+ yards, more than any other team including the horrendous Saints secondary.  The Colts have played the run well, and do have four interceptions.  So, ball protection will be important for Wilson, but the veteran should handle the Colts very well.

Drew Brees ($8,500) is playing at an elite status, along with Brady, heading into week four.  Last week, the Saints matched up poorly against the Panthers in Carolina, but Brees completed 22 of 29 passing attempts, had 220 passing yards, and three touchdowns.  Most importantly, Drew isn’t making mistakes.  For $8.5K, you’re getting a consistent 20+ FanDuel NFL return, regardless of the Saints winning or losing.  Also, Brees is a consistent lock this season, regardless of opponent.  In London on Sunday morning, Drew should continue to roll.

If you’re looking for a cheap FanDuel NFL option at quarterback, look directly at Trevor Siemian ($7,500) and grab him.  The Broncos passing game struggled against a surprisingly solid Bills secondary and pass rush last week.  However, Siemian and the Broncos piled up six total touchdowns against the Chargers and the Cowboys.  And this week, Trevor gets the Raiders in Denver.  Last week, we saw how terrible the Raiders are becoming when defending the passing game.  This one could actually be a shootout in Denver.

Fades

Matthew Stafford ($7,700) – I’ve liked Stafford every week so far, and love him this season.  But in Minnesota against arguably one of the best corners in football, Matthew will struggle, and he’s not even worth a pick with such a cheap salary.

Jameis Winston ($7,300) – Winston threw three picks against the Vikings in Minnesota (another reason to hate Stafford this week).  Now, Jameis is facing a tough Giants passing defense hungry for a win.  The Bucs are better off with the run game against the G-men.  That game-plan worked well for the Eagles and I’m sure the Bucs took notice.

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 4 – Running Backs

Top Picks

Andy Reid clearly found his next top back in Kansas City.  Kareem Hunt ($8,900) is already hitting elite status and is a must-have if you’re looking to win cash games this week.  After three games, the rookie is averaging over 30 FanDuel NFL points-per-game.  Only Gurley is close, and not by much.

Surprisingly, Kareem is only getting around 16 carries a game, but is averaging over 133 rushing yards per game.  Also, Hunt is seeing about three passing targets each game, and has managed over 10 yards per catch, along with two passing touchdowns.  The Redskins have done well against the run this season, but so has Philly and they allowed 24.4 FanDuel NHL points to Hunt two weeks ago.  He’s expensive, but there are plenty of ways to force Hunt into your lineup comfortably.

Ezekiel Elliott ($8,500) is still allowed to play football in the NFL, and he’s a great option this week.  The Cowboys are hosting one of the worst rushing defenses so far this season.  The Rams allowed Hyde to have a fantastic Thursday last week, and Elliott is better.  Zeek only has one 100-yard rushing game so far this season, but after Sunday afternoon, he should have two with at least his second and even third touchdown of the year.

Other Top Option

Dalvin Cook ($7,500) is getting over 20 carries and around five targets for the Vikings each week.  Cook is becoming the primary offensive weapon for Minnesota and outside of a great corner in Slay, the Lions won’t have many weapons who can stop him in Minnesota this weekend.

Ty Montgomery ($7,400) only had 35 rushing yards on 12 carries last week against a good run-stopping Bengals defense last week.  But Montgomery also had 12 targets and eight receptions, although for only 15 receiving yards.  Still, Ty was able to provide 9 FanDuel NFL points.  This week, the Pack have the Bears in Green Bay.  The Bears have a decent set of linebackers who have performed well against the run, but not as great as the Bengals.  And the passing game is wide-open for the Packers.  Ty will do better on the ground, but has even greater opportunity in the air on Thursday night.

The Eagles focused on their run game last week against the Giants.  The game plan made sense as the Giants have struggled against the run but are getting great play from their corners and safeties this season.  While Smallwood was on the field for more snaps, LeGarrette Blount ($6,100) had 27 of the running snaps, six more than Smallwood, and 12.7 FanDuel NHL points on 67 rushing yards and a touchdown.  This week, the Eagles should continue to focus on their run game, and Blount will get the majority of the carries.  Blount is only a fade when the Eagles will air the ball more, like they did against the Chiefs.

The Cincinnati Bengals replaced their offensive coordinator and we immediately saw an improvement in rookie Joe Mixon ($5,600) last week.  Mixon had 18 carries, double his previous two weeks attempts, and 62 rushing yards.  In the air, Joe had three targets for three catches and 39 receiving yards.  In Cleveland this week, Mixon’s production should increase and this is an opportunity to land 15+ FanDuel NFL points on a very cheap salary.

Fades

Marshawn Lynch ($6,500) – Beast Mode only had 18 rushing yards on six carries and one reception for eight passing yards last week.  The Raiders likely have a similar shootout scenario this week, making Lynch a terrible play at running back.

Frank Gore ($5,900) – It’s tempting to pick a lead back in your lineup for $5,900.  But the Colts will likely need to air the ball out most of the time in Seattle, trying to catch up to the Seahawks.  Gore has only seen four targets with two receptions this season, and won’t get nearly as many touches as he did against the Browns last week.

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 4 – Wide Receivers

Top Picks

We love Aaron Rodgers on Thursday night, so we have to look at Jordy Nelson ($8,400) as well.  In two games, Nelson has been consistently dominate for the Packers.  Jordy is averaging over one touchdown per game he plays, is getting around nine targets per game for around seven receptions, and around 60 yards per game.  That’s an average of around 19 FanDuel NFL points-per-game.  This week, as we already mentioned when talking about Rodgers, Nelson will move around the field for the Packers and should be able to avoid the Bears top corner often.  Aaron loves to target Jordy near the end zone, and he should have another touchdown on Thursday.

Another benefactor to the change in offensive coordinators was A.J. Green ($8,000) last week.  With a season high of 13 targets, Green had ten receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown.  In Cleveland this week, A.J. has an even better scenario and could have the best game of his season this week.

We talked about how we like Siemian earlier, and Trevor has been targeting Demaryius Thomas ($6,900) over eight times a game, for around sec receptions and over 70 yards per game.  That’s nearly 10 FanDuel NFL points-per-game without a touchdown this season.  With an end zone grab, Thomas will have a big game, and that should develop against the Raiders in Denver this Sunday.  As we’ve seen in the first three weeks, the Raiders are struggling to control receivers on the corners and quarterbacks are getting plenty of time to throw the football.  Siemian and Thomas should have a big game on Sunday.

Other Top Picks

The Eagles have stopped the run game well this season, but they’re forcing teams to throw the ball more, and that will benefit receivers like Keenan Allen ($7,300).  Even though Manning threw two picks to the Eagles last week, we saw the Giants continue to target the Eagles young corners and Beckham and Shepard eventually had great games.  Rivers may continue to struggle, but he should target Allen all game.

Alshon Jeffery ($7,100) was quietly a hero for the Eagles last week, pulling in the 19-yard reception to set up Elliott’s 61 yard field goal for the win.  Alshon was Wentz’s favorite target last week, in what appears to be a growing relationship on the field. The Eagles likely try to run the ball more, again, in L.A. this week, but Carson is going to target Jeffrey the most, and the Chargers defensive backs aren’t as talented as the Giants.  Alshon could hit the 100 yard mark and see the end zone this week.

For the same reason I like Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders ($6,900) is set up for a great game this weekend.  While he didn’t have a touchdown last week, Sanders still saw the most targets from Siemian, 15, and hauled in seven receptions for 75 yards against the Bills.  This week, Sanders should continue to see a high-level of targets and could see the end zone a few times.

Jarvis Landry ($6,800) is a target machine for the Dolphins.  Landry is averaging 13 targets per game, nearly ten receptions per game, but only around 60 receiving yards and no touchdowns yet this season.  But, the Dolphins host the Saints this week, one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL.  This should be the week Jarvis has a big game.  For the same reason, you can also consider DeVante Parker ($6,500).

The Jags are looking to roll back into the U.S. after a great outing in London.  Marqise Lee ($6,200) is getting the most targets each game, and is one of the cheapest high-target options on the board this week, and against the Jets secondary.

Fades

Stefon Diggs ($7,200) – It’s probably not popular to fade Diggs after his tremendous 173 receiving yards and two touchdown performance last week.  But Stefon is facing Darius Slay this weekend, one of the leagues best corners.  The Vikings likely have to lean more on Cooks this week.

T.Y. Hilton ($7,000) – Another popular receiver from last week, Hilton should take a step back this week facing the Seahawks passing attack in Seattle.  No thanks!

FanDuel NFL Lineups: Week 4 – Tight End / Kicker / Defense

After a quite start to the season, Rob Gronkoswki ($8,500) has nearly ten targets, per game, over the last two games, over 200 receiving yards on 14 receptions, and two touchdowns.  Gronk is consistently a good play, but this week he’s very expensive against a good Panthers passing defense.  Travis Kelce ($7,400) should be a solid play in K.C. hosting Washington, but he’s not nearly as consistently as Zach Ertz ($6,900).

With nearly ten targets per game, around eight receptions per game, and around 80 yards per game, Ertz is becoming one of the most consistent tight end plays in the NFL.  For under $7K, Zach is still a bargain.  The Eagles will likely lean on the run game this week, but even when they do, Wentz is constantly looking at Ertz.  I’m going to continue to ride Zach as long as he’s producing this well, consistently, and at this price.

There are plenty of great kickers on the board this weekend, and from a price perspective they’re nearly the same.  But we know the Saints, regardless of how bad their Defense has been this year, will continue to put up points as long as Brees is on the field moving the ball.  Wil Lutz ($4,700) has produced at or above 10 FanDuel NFL points each week, and he should against in Miami this week.

For our defense pick, I’m going back to a more reliable option, the Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,200). The Jags were a top pick in week one against the Texans, mostly because of the likely poor offensive production from Houston that week.  We faded the Jags against a solid Titans offense, and unfortunately should’ve played them against the struggling Ravens offense last week.  Sticking with the theme of playing the Jags against struggling offenses, they play the Jets this week, so we’re going with the Jags again.

So after reviewing all the options, we put together our favorite lineup for the week.  Here’s a look at our Final FanDuel NFL Week 4 lineup:

QB – Siemian (DEN $7,500)

RB – Hunt (KC $8,900)

RB – Mixon (CIN $5,600)

WR – Nelson (GB $8,400)

WR – Parker (MIA $6,500)

WR – Lee (JAC $6,200)

TE – Ertz (PHI $6,900)

K – Lutz (NO $4,700)

D – Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,200)

This leaves us with $100 left, maximizing our picks using value in two receiver positions, defense, and kicker and loading up on some big point potential at quarterback, running back, and receiver.

Note: This is a recommended lineup after discussing our top options for the week.  You should use this as a guide, and provide your own input when building FanDuel NFL lineups.  We are not telling you, or selling you, to use this lineup.

Next: DraftKings NFL Week 4 Bargain Plays

Good luck with your FanDuel NFL plays week 4, and stay tuned to Fantasy CPR on Twitter for all the late breaking lineup news and roster updates!