NFL $2k+ Conference Championships Line-Up
Perhaps the best football games of the season are right around the corner as it’s conference championship weekend, pitting the four best teams in the NFL against one another with a Super Bowl spot on the line. Perennial playoff team New England host Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game in a game which poses significant questions for two of the most successful teams in NFL history. In the NFC, Atlanta host Green Bay in what promises to be a shootout between two elite offenses. For Draftstars’ NFL $2k Conference Championships contest, which match-ups will benefit your side?
Here is a team you may consider for the NFL $2k+ Conference Championships competition
Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger ($16,850)
All four quarterbacks competing in the conference championships will likely have statistically pleasing games given the sheer pedigree of each passer. Roethlisberger produced under 10 points in the divisional round against Kansas City, but has thrown upwards of 200 passing yards in all but one of his past seven games. In order to maximise on the talent in other positions, Roethlisberger makes our team given his lower price.
Running Back
Le’Veon Bell ($9,350)
There has been no better running back throughout the second half of this season than Bell, and he’ll play an integral role in the Steelers’ Super Bowl aspirations again this week. Across the past eight games, Bell has averaged 146 rush yards while also recording nine touchdowns in the stretch. With an average of 26.24 points per game this season, Bell is the safest option this week.
Running Back
LeGarrette Blount ($9,350)
In the Patriots’ divisional win over Houston, Blount didn’t see much action having contracted an illness midweek. His low work load in the win has caused a drop in his price, and ripe for the picking this week. While there is some doubt about Blount’s production given the success of Dion Lewis last week, he has been the most consistent weapon on offense for the Patriots and should be considered this week.
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones ($17,650)
In the lead up to the Falcons’ big game against Green Bay, Jones was limited in practice throughout the week, however is expected to play. Jones will see constant attention by the Packers’ secondary, but still has a favourable matchup against LaDarius Gunter who was convincingly beaten by Dez Bryant last weekend. If Atlanta are to progress to the Super Bowl, Matt Ryan will need to expose Jones’ athleticism against the weakened Packers’ defence on his way to a huge day fantasy-wise.
Wide Receiver
DaVante Adams ($11,250)
Adams should play, and frankly, he needs to if the Packers are going to win. He has eclipsed the 15 point mark eight times this season, catching thirteen touchdowns on his way to a career season. Jordy Nelson won’t play with broken ribs, leaving Adams as the Packers’ top receiver on the outside and in the red zone.
Tight End
Jared Cook ($7,750)
The four remaining teams don’t utilise tight ends in their passing game like other teams, meaning it’s slim pickings at this position this week. Jared Cook however, is the safest option at the positions and is only the third-most expensive. Cook had arguably the most important game of his career last week and should see solid production against a Falcons defence which allows the seventh-most points to the tight end position.
Flex
Dion Lewis ($6,000)
Like Blount, it’s not known how Lewis will be used in the Patriots’ offense this week. He is though, a bargain for his price if he does see regular snaps after contributing three total touchdowns in last week’s win. Despite the uncertainty surrounding him, he remains one of the best bottom-priced options this week.
Flex
Geronimo Allison ($5,200)
Allison did enough last week to ensure he sees more snaps this week, and if Adams doesn’t play, will be a regular for the Packers’ offense. Whether he lines up in the slot on the outside, Allison will see increased production given the Falcons allow second-most points per game to slot receivers this year. When Randall Cobb missed the Packers’ Week 17 game – to decide the NFC North – Allison stepped up, with 91 receiving yards, a touchdown and 19.10 points. If Adams does miss, expect Allison to fire.
Defense
Pittsburgh Steelers ($5,350)
Defences this week are few and far between. Both games are likely going to yield a high points total which doesn’t bode well for fantasy defences. New England and Pittsburgh have been the best two defences this season of the four teams competing, and in going for the cheaper option in the Steelers, money can be spent in more worthwhile positions.
The Lineup
QB: Ben Roethlisberger ($16,850)
RB: Le’Veon Bell ($9,350)
RB: LeGarrette Blount ($9,350)
WR: Julio Jones ($17,650)
WR: DaVante Adams ($11,250)
TE: Jared Cook ($7,750)
FX: Dion Lewis ($6,000)
FX: Geronimo Allison ($5,200)
DEF: Pittsburgh Steelers ($5,350)
Cash Remaining: $300
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 from 8am AEDT on Monday with the Packers and the Falcons, followed by the New England and Steelers clash at midday.