Fantasy Football: Week 5 DraftKings and FanDuel advice

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) congratulates wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) after Cooper made a second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

We’re to provide you with the best matchups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 5.

As always we will be breaking down each position into three separate tiers in order to create the best possible lineups.

If you’re not familiar with the “tiers” that I mentioned above, here is a quick breakdown:

1. High-tier – These are your “heavy-hitters”. If you play season long fantasy football, they more than likely the players who went in the first few rounds. They will cost you a pretty penny but in the end, it’ll be worth it.

2. Mid-tier – This is where a majority of the players will be located. The key is finding the players with the most favorable matchups and in turn, exceeding the dollar amount placed upon them.

3. Low-tier (value) – These are your bottom-of-the barrel players in terms of pricing, but not necessarily in ability or situation. Not only should these players outperform their salary; they should crush it.

At the end, I’ll provide you with two lineups (one for FanDuel and one for Draft Kings). These lineups should be used for you to use as a base while you plug in some different players you may prefer.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

High-tier

Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $8,700/DK $7,500): Brady is back and just like with Le’Veon Bell last week, you don’t need a week to see if there’s rust before plugging him in. You know Brady is coming back plenty motivated and he gets a tremendous matchup against the Browns.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets (FD $8,600/DK $7,200): Last week was the third time in four games Big Ben threw three touchdowns or more in a game. He’s a dangerous QB in a pass-heavy offense. It wasn’t a coincidence he threw for the most touchdowns in a game this season in Le’Veon Bell’s first game back. His presence opens up so much more for this offense. The Jets defense has given up three passing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in two out of four games this season.

Mid-tier

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $8,300/DK $6,900): Rivers has been a pretty good fantasy QB and he has a pretty good matchup. The reason I like him this week more than others is the Chargers play the Raiders. The Raiders offense has the ability to put up massive points. If/when they do, Rivers and company will be force to throw early and often. A potential game stack could be in play here.

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $8,100/DK $6,800): Earlier this week this matchup looked like a good one for Carr. Yesterday it was announced Chargers CB Jason Verrett was out for the season with a torn ACL so now it’s a great matchup. Carr has thrown three or more touchdowns in two out of four games this season and the Chargers defense have allowed multiple touchdown passes in three out of four games this season.

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions (FD $7,500/DK $6,400): The rookie has been dealing so far in 2016. He has multiple touchdown passes in two out of three games this year and he gets a dream matchup against the Lions. Detroit has given up two or more touchdown passes to opposing QBs in every game this season. Don’t forget, the Eagles had their Week 4 bye week to prepare for this game. Wentz should be more ready than ever.

Low-tier (Value)

Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $6,800/DK $5,200): If Lynch gets the nod as Denver’s starting QB he is a good option against a Falcons defense that has given up three or more touchdown passes to opposing QBs in every game this season. If Trevor Siemian gets the nod, he makes for a good option in Draft Kings because he’s the same price as Lynch ($5,200). However, in FanDuel Siemian is $7,600 so he isn’t a value play. Keep that in mind and keep an eye on the injury report.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 02: Jordan Howard

Running Backs

High-tier

Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets (FD $8,600/DK $7,500): In his first game back last week he totaled 178 yards. It’s safe to say there’s no rust with Bell. The Jets are a tough matchup but Bell should see around 20 total touches, 3-4 receptions and over 100 total yards. You can pretty much expect that every week.

Mid-tier

Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $7,700/DK $7,000): Gordon has scored six touchdowns in four games and is one of the most productive fantasy RBs up to this point. On average the Raiders have given up over 141 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown over the last three weeks.

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $7,200/DK $5,200): In FanDuel Howard’s pricing is mid-tier while in Draft Kings he’s a value play. Either way, I love him at his pricing. In his first NFL start he had 26 total touches and 132 yards. He should be a workhorse once again against a Colts team that apparently doesn’t believe in defense.

Low-tier (Value)

Terrance West, Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Redskins (FD $6,400/DK $4,800): West was the lead back in Week 4 after the coaching staff benched Justin Forsett. He responded well and rushed for 113 yards and 1 TD. He should get that role once again against the Redskins who have given up seven rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs so far in 2016. Keep in mind West is more towards the mid-tier range in FanDuel while he’s a value play in Draft Kings.

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans (FD $6,200/DK $4,000): I know you heard this before but McKinnon is a mid-tier play in FanDuel but a great low-tier player in Draft Kings. He’s the lead back in Minnesota and the Texans defense is certainly beatable without J.J. Watt. I like him a lot more in Draft Kings where his pricing is dirt cheap.

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates as he scores the game winning touchdown during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

High-tier

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets (FD $9,600/DK $9,800): Let me make this short: Brown is amazing and the Jets secondary is atrocious. They also might be without Darrelle Revis on top of it. AB is going to do AB type of things on Sunday.

,Mid-tier

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $7,900/DK $7,500): Evans currently leads the NFL in targets (50) and the Panthers were just smoked by Julio Jones for 300 yards. This is a match made in heaven.

Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans (FD $7,500/DK $7,000): Landry is going to be a mainstay in my recommendations. He is a target and reception monster and in Draft Kings’ full PPR setting, I like him a lot more there than in Fan Duel. Landry is tied for the third-most targets in the NFL and hasn’t had a game under seven receptions yet in 2016.

Amari Cooper (FD $7,200/DK $7,200) and Michael Crabtree (FD $6,900/DK $6,900) vs. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers just lost their best CB this week to a torn ACL and their secondary wasn’t that good to begin with. Both of these players will have the opportunity to go bonkers in this potential shootout.

Julian Edelman, New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $7,000/DK $6,700): Tom Brady is back. Rob Gronkowski isn’t 100%. They are playing the Browns. You got all that? Good now lets move on.

Low-tier (Value)

Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $6,200/DK $4,600): There’s a good chance the Steelers hang at least 28 points on the Jets. This will force them to throw and with Eric Decker likely out, Enunwa should see double-digit targets.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) leads his team onto the field during player introductions before action against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends

High-tier

Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FD $8,000/DK $6,300): If I’m a guessing man, I’m saying Cam Newton plays on Monday Night Football. If not, Derek Anderson is more than capable of getting the ball to Olsen as he showed last week when they hooked up for a touchdown.

Mid-tier

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions (FD $5,600/DK $3,500): Ertz might fall through the cracks this week because he’s been injured. However, he’s coming back this week against a Lions defense that has given up a touchdown to an opposing tight end every game this season.

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (FD $5,400/DK $2,900): Brate has quietly been one of Jameis Winston‘s favorite targets this season. The Panthers have given up four total touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the last three games.

Low-tier (Value)

Will Tye, New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers (FD $4,800/DK $2,600): Larry Donnell should miss this game and Tye will get all the tight end snaps to himself. The Packers are below-average when it comes to stopping opponents tight ends. He should return value at his price but make sure you keep an eye on the injury report.

Jan 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

D/ST

High-tier

Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans (FD $4,800/DK $3,400): The Vikings have a stellar defense and their dome is a tough place to play in. I would be shocked if Brock Osweiler didn’t add to his six interception season total in this game.

Mid-tier

Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams (FD $4,600/DK $3,100): The Bills defense has been one of the best in the NFL over the last couple weeks and the Rams 3-1 record has nothing to do with their offense.

Low-tier (Value)

Chicago Bears vs. Indianpolis Colts (FD $4,200/DK $2,2000): The Bears were able to shutdown Matthew Stafford last week and Andrew Luck is always a good bet to turn the ball over. There is a lot of risk here because Luck could throw for three touchdowns. Then again, he could give up a touchdown or two like he did in Weeks 2-3

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) after catching a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Lineups

FanDuel

QB – Ben Roethlisbger, Pittsburgh Steelers

RB – Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

RB – Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

WR – Julian Edelman, New England Patriots

WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR- Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders

TE -Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

K – Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

D/ST – Minnesota Vikings

Remaining Salary – $0

Draft Kings

QB – Tom Brady, New England Patriots

RB – Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

RB – Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings

WR – Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

WR – Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins

WR – Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets

TE – Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles

FLEX – Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

D/ST – Minnesota Vikings

Remaining Salary – $100

Stacks

Pittsburgh Steelers

New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders

San Diego Chargers