NFL Week 12 $17,500 Monday
The NFL season keeps rolling and it is getting towards the point end of the season. The Thanksgiving games have been played, which is always the time to start talking playoffs. The Patriots lead the AFC, with the Eagles leading the NFC. There are twelve matches to choose your lineup from with the highlight being the showdown between the Rams and the Saints. Both of those teams look playoff bound and the winner of this match could have the all-important home field advantage. Kick-off is at 5.00am AEDT on Monday, so make sure your teams are in by then.
Here are our value players for the NFL $17,500+ Monday competition
Quarterback
Tom Brady ($16,250)
The 40 year old QB has gone to new heights this season, leading the Patriots to a conference best 8-2 record. The remarkable thing about Brady is that for most of the year, the Pats had the league’s worst defense, yet they were still winning. Brady’s ability to maintain consistent levels of performance separates him from every other QB in the league. He lines up against the Dolphins this week who are a team that Brady has traditionally dominated. The Dolphins are in free fall at the moment, so expect another dominant display from TB12.
Running Back
Leonard Fournette ($15,250)
The star rookie rushed for 111 yards last week against the Browns, but did not return a massive score due to not being able to get into the endzone. Fournette can get back to his scoring ways this week against the depleted Cardinals defence. Fournette is also a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching at least two balls in all bar one of his matches this season. Look for Fournette to run all over the Cardinals and for the Jags to win again.
Running Back
DeMarco Murray ($7,400)
Murray has been a little bit inconsistent this season, scoring as high as 29.10 two weeks ago, but also only scoring single figures on six occasions this season. Murray is an explosive running back who has maybe suffered due to the improved play of Titans young QB Marcus Mariota. Murray gets a great match up this week against the Colts, who have struggled this season. The Titans should be ahead for most of the game, which means they should be more inclined to run the ball, bringing Murray into the contest. Murray is a great value pick for this week’s matches.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Green ($16,350)
Star Wide Receiver A.J. Green is a must pick this week, as he is up against the Browns. The browns pass defence is horrid, which means that Green is primed for a huge day. Add to the fact that the Bengals and the Browns are heated rivals, which should provide ample motivation for Green to have a massive day.
Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas ($14,150)
The Saint’s star receiver has been at his best in recent weeks, averaging over 85 receiving yards in his past three weeks. The Saints have been known for years as a high octane passing team, but this year they are relying on the defence and strong running game and they are having great success with it. They come up against the rams this week in what looks like a playoff preview. The rams are very strong against the run, so the Saints will be forced to pass the ball more often, which sets up Michael Thomas for a huge game.
Tight End
Delanie Walker ($8,800)
The Titans Tight End has a great matchup this week against the Colts, whose defence has struggle this season against Tight Ends. Walker has been very consistent in recent weeks, averaging six receptions per game across his past four matches. He is a great security blanket for young QB Marcus Mariota and is explosive enough to catch balls for big gains. Walker looks like a safe option for your Tight End position.
Flex
Marquise Goodwin ($9,050)
The former Olympic sprinter is a bit of a hit and miss option, but he is undoubtedly becoming one of the best deep threat receivers in the game. In a sport where everyone is fast, Goodwin is next level fast, he can outrun just about anyone in the league. Goodwin and his 49ers take on Seattle this week, whose secondary has been decimated by injuries. Goodwin is not a receiver that will get a lot of catches, but if he can catch one or two deep balls, he has the potential to score very highly.
Flex
Dion Lewis ($6,850)
Lewis is back in his 2015 form where he was one of the most explosive receiving backs in the league. Lewis is an electric receiving threat out of the backfield, who makes defenders miss for fun. The Patriots have a lot of depth in the running back position, meaning that Lewis will not play every snap, but he should be on the field enough to score well.
Defense
Cincinnati Bengals ($5,400)
The Bengals come up against the winless Browns this week in what should be an easy win. The Bengals are still in the playoff hunt, so they will be motivated to win by a large amount. The Bengals defence is good at forcing takeaways, led by the league’s dirtiest player, Vontaze Burfict, they should be able to dominate the Browns.
The Lineup
QB: Tom Brady ($16,250)
RB: Leonard Fournette ($15,250)
RB: DeMarco Murray ($7,400)
WR: A.J. Green ($16,350)
WR: Michael Thomas ($14,150)
TE: Delanie Walker ($8,800)
FX: Marquise Goodwin ($9,050)
FX: Dion Lewis ($6,850)
DEF: Cincinnati Bengals ($5,400)
Cash Remaining: $500
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 Super Bowl action live on ESPN Channel 508 from 10am AEDT on Monday with the Patriots and the Falcons.