NFL Week 13 $17,500 Monday Lineup Tips
We are well and truly in the run in to playoffs at week 13, with plenty of teams fighting for all important home field advantage, or just to make them. With only five matches to go, each and every match has playoff implications. The biggest news this week was that Eli Manning has been benched in favour of uninspiring journeyman Geno Smith. This move is perplexing and no doubt the move of a desperate head coach who is looking for a miracle to keep his job. Manning had the second longest streak of consecutive starts in NFL history, he has not missed a game since 2004, winning two Superbowls along the way. There are a huge 14 matches to pick your lineup from, with the highlights being the high flying Eagles taking on the Seahawks as well as the Saints hosting the Panthers.
Here are our value players for the NFL $17,500+ Monday competition
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo ($8,000)
The Jimmy G era is San Francisco has officially begun with the former New England Patriot named as the starter. Garoppolo has looked unbelievable in his limited game time, which includes a brief taste last week where he played the final two minutes of the game, completing all his passes and throwing for a touchdown. Garoppolo gets a pretty good matchup against the Bears whose season is in freefall. Look for Jimmy to get off to a flyer with his new team.
Running Back
Todd Gurley ($17,000)
Gurley looks like a very safe choice for a premium this week as his Rams take on the Cardinals. The Cards have really struggled this season after their QB went down injured and the Rams are flying high after dismantling the Saints. The Rams should be able to dominate this contest and Gurley looks like he gets a great matchup against a defence that gave up nearly 200 rushing yards the last time these two teams met.
Running Back
Jordan Howard ($12,650)
Howards is a beast who has been carrying an anemic offense throughout this season. Howard often faces defences who are solely intent on stopping him, because Chicago have no other offensive weapons. The good news, is that they are super reliant on him to carry them, meaning that Howard should get 20+ touches in this match. The bad news, is that it is predictable, which means that other teams know he’s going to get that many touches. Howard seems like he is good value against the 49ers who have struggled defensively this season. He looks like a good pick.
Wide Receiver
DeAndre Hopkins ($14,600)
Even though the Texans playoff chances died with the injury to star rookie QB Deshaun Watson, Hopkins has not let that worry him, continuing with his huge season. Hopkins is the NFL leader for Touchdown receptions with nine, as well as averaging over 90 receiving yards per game and he looks as though he can add to that against the Titans.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans ($14,000)
The young Tampa Bay receiver has seen his production drop slightly with the injury to Jameis Winston. Evans looks as though he can bounce back against the Packers. Evans has not caught a touchdown in his past four matches, which is some cause for concern, but the Packer defense is not good against the pass, which sets up for Evans nicely.
Tight End
Jared Cook ($10,000)
If in doubt, pick the Tight End playing the Giants. The Giants have been horrid against Tight Ends all season, and the trend looks to continue against the Raiders. The Giants lost their two starting linebackers early in the season and they have not recovered since. Also, there is good chance of the Giants crumbling due to the controversial benching of their long time QB Eli Manning. Look for the Raiders to target Cook often and record a big win.
Flex
Josh Gordon ($8,200)
Flash Gordon is back! After serving a two year suspension for a series of failed drug tests, Gordon has been activated and will start against the Chargers. Gordon is without doubt one of the most talented players in the game, recording a huge 1,646 receiving yards in his last full season in 2013. Gordon has been training the house down and will look to make a statement. He is a steal at his salary and is the best value pick for this week’s matches.
Flex
Hunter Henry ($7,250)
Promising young Tight End, Hunter Henry has been a little bit up and down recently, but returned a decent score last week against the Cowboys. Henry is now the first choice Tight End for LA, taking over the role from future hall of famer Antonio Gates. Henry is seriously athletic and should prove too good for the Cleveland Browns defense, which has struggled all season.
Defense
Jacksonville Jaguars ($8,000)
The Jaguars defence continues to be one of the best in the league averaging over one interception and nearly four sacks per game. Their pass defence, led by star second year player Jalen Ramsey is holding teams to 168 yards per game which is just ridiculous. They take on the Colt this week in what looks like a blowout. The Jags are clearly the superior team and should be able to rack up a big score.
The Lineup
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo ($8,000)
RB: Todd Gurley ($17,000)
RB: Jordan Howard ($12,650)
WR: DeAndre Hopkins ($14,600)
WR: Mike Evans ($14,000)
TE: Jared Cook ($10,000)
FX: Josh Gordon ($8,200)
FX: Hunter Henry ($7,250)
DEF: Jacksonville Jaguars ($8,000)
Cash Remaining: $200
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.