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FanDuel NFL: Week 17 lineup

By Joe D'Aloisio

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) runs with the football in action during an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 16, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams (30) runs with the football in action during an NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 16, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass over the middle during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass over the middle during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

FLEX: Sterling Shepard, New York Giants- $5,500

The New York Giants have been without Odell Beckham Jr. since Week 13 as he battles a quadricep injury. With the star wideout out, Eli Manning has had to find another receiver to rely on.

Last week’s wideout of choice was Shepard. The third-year receiver caught six passes for 113 yards in the team’s 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was responsible for nearly half of Manning’s passing yards.

Shepard finished the afternoon with 14 fantasy points, and eclipsed the double-digit fantasy total for the first time since Week 10. This was his second game of the season with at least 100 yards, the last one came in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Giants welcome the Dallas Cowboys to MetLife Stadium in the season finale, which on paper seems like a tough matchup for Shepard. In their Week 2 meeting, the Cowboys help him to just 24 yards.

But, with the Cowboys already crowned NFC East winners, there is a good chance Dallas will rest a bunch of their defensive starters, or they may play a limited role in Sunday’s game. There is a chance Odell Beckham plays in this game, but if he doesn’t Shepard will be the number one guy once again.

Defense: New Orleans Saints- $4,500

New Orleans’ defense has been okay this entire season, but their Week 17 matchup could potentially the pick of the week. Opposing teams are averaging just 21.3 points per game, ranked 13th in the league.

Their pass defense is also ranked 13th in the league, allowing just 269.3 pass yards per game. The best part of this defensive unit is their ability to stop the run. Teams are averaging just 78.1 rushing yards per game, top in the league.

They are the only team in the league to now allow at least 80 rushing yards per game. As a unit they have forced 12 interceptions and 12 fumbles.

This week, their interception total should go up at least a couple against the Carolina Panthers. First Cam Newton was shutdown with a shoulder injury and now his replacement, Taylor Heinicke has been played on IR.

With Heinicke out, Kyle Allen is likely to start and the Panthers have signed Blaine Gabbert. The rookie did complete all four of his pass attempts last week against the Falcons. But, expect the Saints’ defense to force the rookie into mistakes.