If you’ve tried FanDuel’s one-week fantasy contests, you know just how fun and profitable they can be. This week they’re featuring a $50,000 NFL Sat Bomb that pays out cash prizes to the top 220 entries. Note that there’s a $25 buy-in; those seeking smaller (or larger) stakes can check out FanDuel’s full slate of contests.
Need some advice on which players to target? We’ve asked the most accurate fantasy football expert from 2012 to share his optimal FanDuel lineup. Jody Smith from Gridiron Experts is a 23 year fantasy football veteran who turned to the world of fake football when his own career as a light-blocking, sure-handed tight end was tragically ended by the notoriously unfriendly Memorial Stadium artificial turf. Jody beat out almost 100 other fake football experts this season to win our accuracy competition. Read on to see Jody’s optimal lineup or enter the contest now.
Optimal FanDuel Lineup for Wild Card Weekend
by Jody Smith | follow Jody on Twitter
My general strategy with this playoff matchup was to be top-heavy with the quarterback and running backs, then fill in the receiving spots with the best values I could find.
Jody’s FanDuel lineup as of Thursday night. He has until Saturday to second guess himself.
RB1- Ray Rice– The Ravens have been lights out in their post-season openers and their top priority this week should be to attack Indianapolis’s 29th ranked run defense. Rice also remains one of the best pass-catching backs in the league, making him even more valuable in a .5 point PPR.
RB2- Marshawn Lynch– Washington has a top-five run defense, so it’s not the best matchup. However, Lynch has run for 100+ yards in four straight games, with six total touchdowns. He’s still a top four running back option this week.
WR1- Randall Cobb– Nobody can touch Green Bay’s depth at wide receiver, with four excellent targets for Aaron Rodgers to get the ball to. That being said, it’s a crap-shoot trying to predict which of the quartet will make the biggest impact. Since I think Green Bay wins this game, I’m rolling the dice on their leading receiver.
WR2- Pierre Garcon– Tough matchup with Seattle having both of their cornerbacks back in the lineup. Going against the masses, I think Washington wins this game and Garcon is easily their number one receiving threat.
WR3- Torrey Smith– Not crazy about this pick, but Smith stood out as a pretty good value when compared to the other wide receiver options available for $5200, plus I think Baltimore should win this game fairly easily.
PK- Kai Forbath– Forbath has been a solid option since signing with Washington, with only one miss on the season. He’s the second least expensive kicker available and the cheapest option amongst the team’s that I predict to win.
DST- Houston– Houston has won four straight against the Bengals, including a blow-out in this same scenario last season. The Texans have dropped off as of late, but I think they generate a couple of turnovers here hold the Bengals under 20 points.
Honorable mentions
RB- Alfred Morris– Along with Peterson, Lynch and Ray Rice is a top four option this week. At only $100 cheaper than Lynch, he’s also an excellent value. I elected to pass on Morris due to already having Pierre Garcon and Kai Forbath in my lineup.
WR- A.J. Green– Those choosing to go with elite receivers in their lineups should look no further than Green. Not only has Houston’s defense tailed off, Green is the top scoring fantasy receiver in the playoffs. Since I’m electing to go strong at running back, Green’s too pricey for my squad.
Ready to try your luck? Select your team now and good luck this weekend!
