Fansided

FanDuel NFL: Week 16 lineup

By Joe D'Aloisio

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 23-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 16: Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) scores a touchdown during the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 16, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Frank Mattia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 16: Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) scores a touchdown during the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 16, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Frank Mattia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

FLEX: Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons- $6,400

Last week’s FLEX was occupied by another Atlanta Falcons running back; Ito Smith. He only compiled 34 yards on nine rushes and caught two receptions for five yards. The rookie back had the same amount of touches (11) as Coleman, but left the game in the quarter with a knee injury.

Smith was placed on injured reserve and is set to have surgery to repair the injury. With Smith out and Devonta Freeman still not ready to play, that leaves Coleman as the Falcons’ lone back.

Even though Smith and Coleman had the same amount of touches, Coleman had a very good afternoon against the Arizona Cardinals. He gained 145 yards on just 11 caries and scored a touchdown. Coleman finished the game with 20.5 fantasy points, his second highest total this season.

This was the first time Coleman eclipsed the 100-yard mark since Week 2 and it was the first time he scored a rushing touchdown since Week 7. Coleman and the Falcons travel to Carolina, to take on the  Panthers in Week 16.

Coincidently the last time Coleman played against the Panthers was the last time he reached the 100+ rushing yard total. The Panthers have been stout against the run, but there will be a ton of pressure on their defense because the offense will be struggling without Cam Newton.

Coleman has already shown he is capable of having a big day against a good run-defense.

Defense: Dallas Cowboys- $3,700

It’s hard to believe two member of the Dallas Cowboys make Week 16’s lineup after being shutout against the Colts in Week 15. But, there is plenty to be excited about when looking at their defense against the Buccaneers.

First and foremost, it is hard to pass on this unit when they are valued at $3,700. It is a cheap price for defense that is allowing only 19.2 points per game, fourth in the NFL. They are one of four teams to allow less than 20 points per game this season.

Dallas is also one of the best teams against the run. Opposing teams are averaging 93.4 yards per game against the Cowboys, fifth in the league. They are one of six teams in the league to allow less than 100 yards on the ground.

In their last three games, they have held opposing quarterbacks to 228 passing yards or less. During that stretch, they have faced; Andrew Luck, Carson Wentz and Drew Brees.

The Buccaneers have been able to score points this season, but it will be a daunting task this week. Dallas is fighting for the NFC East Division and will do everything possible to hold off Tampa Bay.