Devonta Freeman once again spurred Week 4 winner in Million Dollar Baller
Week 4’s winner of the “NFL Million Dollar Baller” contest scored far fewer points (178.64) than previous champs, but in a week that saw scoring down league wide, it was good enough to take home the $100,000 prize.
Andy Dalton put up a solid 18.44 points, but the QB in the midst of a career year actually underperformed compared to what he’s been doing, as four Bengals rushing touchdowns limited Dalton’s production. The winner made an interesting choice using a tight end (Ladarius Green) at the flex position, and neither he nor Tyler Eifert exceeded expectations (in fact they totaled less than their FPPG on the season).
While this week’s winner didn’t hit on every pick, they did make a major profit elsewhere, starting with Detroit’s defense. The Lions cost just $10 yet produced the most fantasy points (22.00) among all defenses thanks to six sacks and three fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a score. The Lions were owned by just 0.5% of the 76,215 entrants, which isn’t exactly surprising considering they were 10-point underdogs in Seattle.
The winning lineup got plenty of production from its wideouts, as Jeremy Maclin got 20.30 points and was owned by just 6.8% of participants. Allen Hurns was an even bigger profit, as he put up 23.10 points and cost only $15. DeAndre Hopkins continues to produce and even though it came mostly in garbage time, it all counts the same for fantasy teams. Hopkins is on pace to finish this season with a whopping 240 targets. To put that into perspective, Demaryius Thomas led the league last year with 184 looks. Volume was a big reason why this week’s MDB winner succeeded at the wide receiver position, as the three totaled 50 targets.
As with last week’s winner, Devonta Freeman appeared on the team that took home the big prize yet again. Despite scoring three times in Week 3, he was owned on just 8.6% of teams in Week 4. Freeman’s huge sophomore campaign continued, as he became the first back since the merger to score three rushing touchdowns during the first two starts of his career. Curiously, his price tag remains the same in Week 5 ($27) as it was last week, although it’s worth noting he’s facing a Washington defense that’s allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this season.
This week’s optimal lineup would’ve totaled 225.62 points, which is the lowest total so far this season. Moreover, that lineup would’ve cost $183, highlighting how low scoring Week 4 was, with the highest priced players being the main culprits. The winner entered Monday night as a big underdog to take home the top prize, but the Lions returning a lost fumble for a defensive score midway through the fourth quarter proved to be the difference (that single play accounted for nine points, and second place finished with just 6.20 fewer) in what amounted to a photo finish.
