Open Book: FanDuel fans should bank on Big Ben
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.
CONTEST RULES AND SCORING
FAKE BUDGET: $60,000
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit, QB (FanDuel Price: $8,300) – Usually I like to allocate funds to RB/WR by investing in the services of a cheap passer with a top-notch matchup, but Big Ben's scenario in Week 13 is an exception. The guy can't be caged at home. In five contests at Heinz Field, he's totaled a ridiculous 18:1 TD:INT split and averaged 361.2 yards per game. New Orleans, hitting the skids at the wrong time, is an extremely favorable matchup. Five of the last eight QBs facing the Saints have scored 20 or more FanDuel points. Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant spank Saints DBs Corey White and Keenan Lewis, who both rank outside the top-70 in pass coverage per Pro Football Focus.
Fred Jackson, Buf, RB ($6,400) – The rusher may have witnessed humans inventing fire, but the Bills' elder statesman is sure to sip from the Fountain of Youth against Cleveland. Boobie Dixon and Bryce Brown will continue to play a prominent role in the three-back rotation, but Jackson is a strong bet for at least 15 touches, many coming through the air. His opponent, Cleveland, has allowed 4.36 yards per carry and 148.1 total yards per game to RBs. He won't post earth-shattering numbers, but a 12-14 point output would be more than serviceable at his price.
[Week 13 rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Receiver | Tight End | Kicker | DST]
Andre Ellington, Ari, RB ($7,700) – Backs like Ellington are refreshing to see in this timeshare dominated age. Averaging 22 touches per game, he's an ultra-ware workhorse. Though his 3.3 yards per carry hasn't moved the meter, his steady across-the-board contributions explain why he ranks top-10 among rushers. A matchup against one of the most giving run defenses is positively divine. Atlanta has surrendered the most fantasy points to RBs, giving up a mind-blowing 161 total yards per game and 15 combined touchdowns. On another 20-plus touches, Ellington drives his way to 130-plus total yards and a score.
Martavis Bryant, Pit, WR ($7,000) – The AFC's version of Mike Evans has made immediate waves. Activated in Week 5, he's tallied the 14th-best per game output among wide receivers, netting nearly 17 FanDuel points per game. As detailed above, Big Ben is an animal at home. Of his 18 TD passes in Pittsburgh, five have gone to Bryant. And that was in the rookie's first three games. Given New Orleans' shortcomings on pass D, especially against the deep ball, Bryant has reasonable odds of surpassing 100 yards with multiple TDs.
Josh Gordon, Cle, WR ($8,100) – It didn't take Gordon long to round into his WR1 form. Despite an 11-week layoff, the former car salesman flattened Atlanta's secondary, grabbing eight passes (on 16 targets) for 120 yards. This week, the reunion tour makes a pitstop in Buffalo. The Bills shut down New York in Week 12, but remain a vulnerable defensive unit. Their highest rank corner, Stephen Gilmore, has conceded a 76.2 catch rate and 126.0 QB rating to his assignments. On another 10-plus targets, Gordon again eclipses the century mark and hits pay-dirt for the first time this season.
Keenan Allen, SD, WR ($7,100) – Widely considered one of the biggest busts at receiver, Allen is in the midst of a rebirth. In a PPR setting, he's scored 14 or more points in three of his last four contests. Another profitable effort is likely in the offing. A cross-country trip to Baltimore is a frightening proposition for San Diego, but the Ravens' beleaguered secondary is combustable. Crazily, 16 wide receivers have totaled at least 10 FanDuel points against the unit. Provided Philip Rivers has time, Allen should haul in at least six receptions for 80-plus yards and a TD.
Travis Kelce, KC, TE ($5,300) – He's terribly inconsistent and will probably only see 50-60 percent of the team snaps with Anthony Fasano healthy, but it will likely high-volume game against Denver. Still, the roller coaster ride is sure to provide Kelce investors with plenty of thrills. The Broncos have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Recall in Week 2, Kelce notched a very useful 4-81-0 line against them. Anticipate an even better effort the second time around.
Mason Crosby, GB, K ($4,900) – The Over/Under in Vegas for Rodgers vs. Brady is a massive 58 points. Most importantly, the forecast calls for sunny skies and 29 degrees in Green Bay. Sign me up.
Buffalo Bills D/ST ($5,100) – Gordon will get his, but Brian Hoyer's recent struggles combined with Buffalo's league-leading 44 sacks makes the Bills a very attractive option.
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