Open Book: Build your bankroll, stack Steelers in FanDuel
Straight cash homie! In his never-ending quest to pay off his kids' college education early, Brad Evans unveils his FanDuel picks for the upcoming week and explains his reasoning behind them. Make that money, #TeamHuevos.
FAKE BUDGET: $60,000
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit, QB (FanDuel Price: $7,700) – I'm convinced the entire Tampa defense is dealing with an incurable case of scurvy. Corners Alterraun Verner and Jonathan Banks have surrendered a combined 126.6 QB rating. Overall, opposing signal-callers have averaged 8.96 passing yards per attempt against them. If Derek Anderson can hang 230-2 against this defense, Big Ben, who's completed 66.3 percent of his throws and notched a 7.7 ypa, is sure to sink the ship. It's entirely feasible the Steeler finishes as the No. 1 QB in fantasy this week.
Le'Veon Bell, Pit, RB ($8,800) – Jenny Craig has done Bell wonders. Lean, still mean and chewing up large chunks of green, the league's most patient runner has quickly proved skeptics wrong. A near lock for 100 total yards each week, he ranks top-seven in elusive rating, breakaway percentage and yards per route run among all rushers per Pro Football Focus. Flourishing in the Steelers' zone-blocking scheme, he should have little difficulty sprinting his way to elite numbers in Week 4. Battered by injuries, the Bucs' interior line has performed marginally against RBs. And that was against the likes of DeAngelo Williams, Zac Stacy and Steven Jackson. There's a shot at 125 combined yards and multiple TDs here.
Donald Brown, SD, RB ($6,300) – On an exhaustive 31 carries in Buffalo, Brown did his best Matt Asiata impersonation, netting a disgusting 62 yards (2.0 yards per carry). Though his Week 3 outing was nothing short of hideous, investors shouldn't be swayed. Blessed with the friendliest matchup imaginable (Jacksonville) and with Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews out of action, he should again shoulder a massive load. Thus far, four RBs have scored at least 13 Fanduel points against the Hello Kitties of the AFC. A final line in excess of 100 total yards and a TD is in my fearless forecast.
Jordy Nelson, GB, WR ($8,300) – With Peanut Tillman out and Chris Conte and Ryan Mundy hurting, the Bears' secondary is a bloody mess. Aaron Rodgers, who's fielded numerous questions about his vapid production, is sure to take out his frustrations on the Packers' biggest rival. Rookie Kyle Fuller has played like a 10-year All-Pro and Chicago has yet to allow a multi-TD passer, but conceding 7.4 air yards per attempt, the secondary, even when healthy, has been vulnerable. The last time Nelson ventured into Soldier Field he schooled Marc Trestman's bunch catching 10 catches and 161 yards. This time around, his final fantasy line is likely to be even better. Cover your eyes Bears fans. Cover your eyes.
DeAndre Hopkins, Hou, WR ($6,400) – A week ago, Hopkins' one-handed grab against the Giants might have been the greatest meaningless catch ever. It's highlight plays like that which have prompted Bill O'Brien to want to feed his young wide receiver. Targeted nine times in Week 3, he may consistently earn 8-10 looks moving forward, particularly this Sunday. Buffalo's Corey Graham has executed at a high level, but his cohorts certainly haven't. Leodis McKelvin, Nickell Robey and Stephen Gilmore have allowed an 84.2 catch rate. Against his old squad, look for Ryan Fitzpatrick to connect with Hopkins early and often. Another 100-yard effort is on the horizon for the fast-rising receiver.
Steve Smith, Bal, WR ($6,100) – Smith promised "blood and guts" weeks ago in this matchup. Given his motivation and exceptional early season play, Panthers defenders better arrive at M&T Bank Stadium dressed in Medieval body armor. On the year, Carolina corners have given up a 69.2 catch rate and have struggled in underneath coverage. For example, last week, Pittsburgh wide receivers accounted for 94 yards on completed receptions within 0-9 yards. Sans Dennis Pitta, Smith, who excels on shallow crosses and quick slants, is set to do a ton of dirty work. Count on seven-plus receptions for 90-100 yards and a score.
Vernon Davis, SF, TE ($6,200) – Earlier this week, Davis admitted his ankle was "feeling way better," a sign, when accompanied with his return to practice Wednesday, he'll suit up against the Eagles. The Niner is essentially a cheaper version of Gronk, a consistently productive tight end who routinely finds the end zone. In his past 20 games, including the playoffs, he's crossed the chalk 15 times. Reliable. Considering the shootout appeal and Philly's average containment of tight ends, he's a steal.
Robbie Gould, Chi, K ($4,600) – I'm banking on Green Bay's improved secondary to bog down Jay Cutler and the Bears inside enemy territory, prompting multiple field goal attempts from the Goulden Boy.
Indianapolis D/ST ($5,400) – With Jake Locker ailing, "Clipboard Jesus" Charlie Whitehurst, who's completed a pedestrian 54.2 percent of his attempts in 13 career games, could be under center for the Titans. Enough said.
Want to bull rush Brad? Find him on Twitter. Also, check out the Yahoo! Fantasy and Rotoworld crew every Tuesday-Thursday on 'Fantasy Football Live' starting at 6:30 PM ET on NBC Sports Network (Find channel here). Additionally, tune into 'FFL' radio on Yahoo! Sports RadioSundays at 9 AM ET.
