NFL $5,000+ Sunday Line-Up Suggestions
With just two weeks left of football left in the regular season, the stakes have continue to grow for teams in the playoff hunt. Cleveland enter the week still without their first win of the season, and their inefficiencies on defence have been reflected in this week’s NFL $5k Sunday Draftstars team, which features two players who will face the Browns in Week 16. Two Rams have also made the cut given their favourable matchup against San Francisco.
Quarterback
Philip Rivers ($16,750)
Rivers has thrown at least two touchdowns in every game since Week 8 and should flourish in Week 16 against the winless Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ defence allows a league high quarterback rating of 104.0 to opposing quarterbacks this season and are the second best team to score points against.
Running Back
LeSean McCoy ($16,350)
When fit and on the field, McCoy has been arguably the best running back in the league this season, averaging over 20 points per game. He has over 100 scrimmage yards across all of his last four games and after an incredible 31.90 points last week, should continue his hot streak against Miami’s defence which allows 132.5 rushing yards per game – the third most in the NFL.
Todd Gurley ($12,000)
It’s no big surprise that Gurley has been one of fantasy football’s biggest disappointments this season after a stellar rookie season. However, a favourable matchup this week could ensure the Rams’ running back produces his best performance of the year. Los Angeles plays San Francisco in Week 16, the team who has given up the most fantasy points and most rushing yards per game to opposing running backs this season.
Wide Receiver
Brandin Cooks ($14,500)
Cooks enters Week 16 with a hot hand, having caught 19 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns across his past three games. While New Orleans struggled in their earlier encounter against Tampa Bay – their Week 16 opponent – where Cooks had 11.10 points, his lowest total since Week 4, his form suggest this week’s encounter will be different.
Kenny Britt ($9,100)
While Gurley has regressed this season, Britt has taken the mantle of Los Angeles’ top prospect in fantasy football, albeit a feat not so special. Week 16 presents an opportunity for Britt to catch 50 yards or more for the 11th time in his last 15 games, boosted by the proposition of facing the floundering San Francisco defence which has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to the wide receiver position.
Tight End
Hunter Henry ($7,300)
Although Henry has caught a combined 125 yards across the last seven games; an average of just 17.85 per game, his scores have remained somewhat steady having found the end zone in four of those games. With San Diego making the trip to Cleveland this week, Henry’s upside is at a season-high, as he’ll face the Browns’ defence which has allowed a league-worst 12 touchdowns to tight ends and allows the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Flex
Jonathan Stewart ($9,350)
After producing a season high 132 rushing yards last week, Stewart will likely enjoy similar success against Atlanta this week. The Falcons have struggled in the pass rush this season, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to running backs this season. With 49 carries over the past fortnight, Stewart will be given an excellent opportunity to reward his owners.
Cameron Meredith ($8,350)
Meredith has emerged as one of Chicago’s best receivers this season and has eclipsed 19 points in both of the past two weeks. He could reap the rewards in Chicago’s matchup against Washington if Josh Norman covers Chicago’s top receiver, Alshon Jeffery. The Redskins have allowed over 300 passing yards in five of their last six games, which suggest even if Meredith is given the luxury of lining up against Washington’s second cornerback, he should still produce ample numbers to warrant a selection.
Defense
New England Patriots ($6,150)
The Patriots defence came up big last week, recording one interceptions, four sacks and two fumbles, all while restricting Denver to just three points. It was their second highest score of the season and the team has now hit double figures in two of their last three games. Week 16’s matchup against the New York Jets provides another opportunity for the defence to produce against rookie quarterback Bryce Petty.
The Lineup
QB: Philip Rivers ($16,750)
RB: LeSean McCoy ($16,350)
RB: Todd Gurley ($12,000)
WR: Brandin Cooks ($14,500)
WR: Kenny Britt ($9,100)
TE: Hunter Henry ($7,300)
FX: Jonathan Stewart ($9,350)
FX: Cameron Meredith ($8,350)
DEF: New England Patriots ($6,150)
Cash Remaining: $150
NFL SCORING SYSTEM:
OFFENSE
Pass TD = 4 pts
1 Pass Yard = 0.04 pts
Interception = -1 pts
1 Rush Yard = 0.1 pts
Rush TD = 6 pts
1 Receiving Yard = 0.1pts
Reception TD = 6 pts
Reception = 1pt
Return TD = 6 pts
2 pt Conversion = 2pts
Lost Fumble = -2pts
DEFENSE
Sack = 1 pt
Interception = 2 pts
Fumble Recovery = 2 pts
Touchdown = 6 pts
Safety = 2 pts
Blocked Kick = 2 pts
Kickoff/PR Touchdown = 6 pts
Points allowed – 0 = 10 pts
Points allowed – 1-6 = 7 pts
Points allowed – 7-13 = 4 pts
Points allowed – 14-20 = 1 pt
Points allowed – 21-27 = 0 pts
Points allowed – 28-34 = -1 pt
Points allowed – 35+ = -4 pts
Catch all the NFL action live on ESPN Channel 508 and wake up with the NFL Redzone team on Christmas morning from 5am AEDT.
What is Draftstars?