Header Image - PICK LIKE THE PROS
PICK LIKE THE PROSLineup Lab is an advanced MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL daily fantasy lineup optimizer for Fanduel, Draftkings, and Yahoo. Pros use a DFS optimizer, so why don't you? Pick like the pros. Use the worlds most advanced projections and optimization techniques. Join today, and start winning!
start winning

Tag Archives

33 Articles

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 1 – Quarterbacks

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Early bird special! Use code EBIRD15 at checkout to save 15%.

The NFL season is finally here! Along with it comes another exciting year of daily fantasy football. We’ll be doing things a little differently as we look to help you fatten your wallet. We’ll be churning out four articles a week, including one each for quarterbacks, runnings backs, wide receivers and a combined piece for tight ends and defenses/special teams.

In each article, we’ll highlight some players that work for cash or GPP contents. We’ll also highlight some players to avoid as your craft your lineup. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

CASH CONTEST OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 1 - Quarterbacks

Tom Brady vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $7,200

Brady had another stellar campaign in 2017, finishing with 4,577 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. It marked the sixth time in the last seven seasons that he finished with at least 4,100 yards with the only time he didn’t reach that plateau being the 2016 season when he played only 12 games due to a suspension. He also threw just eight interceptions, marking his fourth-straight season with less than 10 picks.

There has been a lot of talk heading into Week 1 about the Patriots lack of wide receivers with Julian Edelman suspended. Chris Hogan will lead that unit for now, but Brady still has star tight end Rob Gronkowski at his disposal. He also has excellent pass-catching running backs in James White and Rex Burkhead. He’ll get a favorable matchup right out of the gates against a Texans defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points per game last year to opposing quarterbacks. They did add safety Tyrann Mathieu during the offseason, but their secondary is still ranked 25th by Pro Football Focus. Brady is a safe bet to have a productive Week 1.

Drew Brees vs. Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $6,800

The Saints turned to a more run-heavy offense last season, which resulted in a down performance from Brees. He had a stellar 72% completion percentage, but his 536 pass attempts were his lowest mark since 2009. He also threw just 23 touchdown passes, breaking a streak of nine consecutive seasons with at least 30. On a positive note, he only threw eight interceptions, his fewest since 2004.

The Saints’ running game last year was led by the two-headed monster of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Ingram will be suspended for the first four games of the season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Saints relied a little more on the passing game to help spell Kamara. The Saints not only have star wideout Michael Thomas, but they also added Cameron Meredith to go along with Ted Ginn Jr. A healthy Ben Watson could be a sneaky valuable weapon at tight end, as well. The Buccaneers have the 31st ranked secondary according to Pro Football Focus, leaving Brees with a high floor for this contest.

Cam Newton vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – Bank of America Stadium
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $6,900

Although Newton’s 59.1% completion percentage last year was a significant improvement from 2016, it still resulted in his fourth straight season with a completion percentage under 60%. His 3,302 passing yards were his lowest total since 2014 and he threw 16 interceptions compared to 22 touchdowns. He was a tremendous weapon in the rushing attack, though, gaining a career-high 754 yards on the ground. He also finished with six rushing scores and has at least five rushing touchdowns in every season of his career.

Part of the reason for Newton’s poor passing numbers last year may have been due to his lack of weapons. Greg Olsen missed much of the season due to injury and the Panthers were very thin at wide receiver. Olsen enters this season healthy and they added Torrey Smith and rookie D.J. Moore to go along with the emerging Devin Funchess at wide receiver. While Newton might not have as high of a ceiling as Brady and Brees, his ability to run the ball gives him a high floor most weeks.

GPP TOURNAMENT OPTIONS

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 1 - Quarterbacks

Philip Rivers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,400

Rivers is still posting big numbers as he enters his 16th season in the NFL. He finished 2017 with 4,515 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. He also attempted at least 570 passes and had a completion percentage of at least 60% for the fourth straight season. If you play season-long fantasy, he’s one of the more underrated safe bets to provide valuable numbers at the quarterback position.

He enters this season with plenty of weapons around him. Keenan Allen has been one of the best wide receivers in the league and promising young wide receiver Mike Williams is finally healthy heading into this year, providing Rivers with another big red zone target. The Chargers lost Hunter Henry to a torn ACL, but just brought back Antonio Gates, who has developed a great relationship with Rivers over their long careers together. The Chiefs were tied for the eighth-most fantasy points allowed per game to opposing quarterbacks last year and might be even worse in 2018 after trading star cornerback Marcus Peters to the Rams.

Andy Dalton vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Lucas Oil Stadium
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,800

Dalton had what may have been the worst season of his career last year. He averaged a career-low 207.5 yards per game and his 59.9% completion percentage was his worst mark since his rookie campaign. He only had 15 combined interceptions in 2015 and 2016, but he threw 12 picks last year.

The Bengals offense could be better this season with Joe Mixon looking to break out in his second season in the league. They still have star receiver A.J. Green to go with an emerging John Ross, who opened some eyes in the preseason. Don’t be surprised if they have a huge Week 1 against the Colts, who have the league’s worst secondary according to Pro Football Focus. At this cheap price, Dalton has the potential to provide significant value.

Case Keenum vs. Seattle Seahawks
Stadium – Broncos Stadium at Mile High
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,100

Keenum earned a starting role with the Vikings last year and helped lead them into the playoffs. Although his 3,547 passing yards wasn’t off the charts, he had a 67.6% completion percentage to go along with 22 touchdown passes and just 7 interceptions. The Vikings made a big splash bringing in Kirk Cousins during the offseason, which ultimately resulted in Keenum joining the Broncos.

Keenum had two extremely talented pass catchers with the Vikings in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. He’ll see a downgrade at that position with the Broncos, but Demaryius and Emmanuel Sanders are still a formidable duo. They also drafted the very promising Courtland Sutton and should have a solid rushing attack with Royce Freeman and Devontae Booker. The “Legion of Boom” era is a thing of the past in Seattle as their secondary looks susceptible this year, especially with Earl Thomas still holding out. Even if Thomas does return to the team before this game, Keenum still has some upside in tournament play.

PLAYERS TO AVOID

NFL Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 1 - Quarterbacks

Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Minnesota Vikings
Stadium – U.S. Bank Stadium
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $5,700

Jimmy Garopplo started off his career with the 49ers in style. He only played in six games, five of which were starts, but he averaged 260 yards per contest. His seven passing touchdowns weren’t great, but he had a 67.4% completion percentage and showed a glimpse of what many believe is a bright future in the NFL. However, he draws a tough matchup this week against a very stout Vikings defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year.  There will be plenty of weeks that you want to roll with Garoppolo for your entry, but this might not be one of them.

Patrick Mahomes II vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Stadium – StubHub Center
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,000

The Chiefs dealt Alex Smith to the Redskins to replace Cousins, handing over the reins to Mahomes. Selected 10th overall in the 2017 draft, it was only a matter of time before Mahomes took over the starting quarterback job. He has a big arm with talented playmakers around him including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt, which should serve him well. However, he could be turnover prone and may go through some growing pains. Although cornerback Jason Verrett has already been lost for the season with a torn Achilles, the Chargers still have an extremely talented secondary and an excellent pass rush anchored by Joey Bosa. I’d much rather take a chance on someone like Dalton rather than Mahomes if you want to go with a cheap quarterback in tournament play.

Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations for Week 8

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

Daily Fantasy Football Recommendations – Week 8

Get our NFL Seasonal package for 50% off for a LIMITED TIME using code "NLA5017"

Get our NFL Seasonal package for 50% off for a LIMITED TIME using code “NLA5017”

Week 8 looked like a week that was going to be missing several key players with six teams on a bye, including the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. However, with Aaron Rodgers, David Johnson and Odell Beckham Jr. out for most (if not all) of the season with injuries, the damage was already done. Luckily DFS gives you the opportunity to still come away a winner even with some of the best players in the game unavailable. Put your favorite daily fantasy football recommendations from the article below in our lineup optimizer and hit calculate. You can let it fill in the rest of the spots for you or choose your personal favorites from the NFL Player Lab.

**QUARTERBACKS**

Carson Wentz vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $7,200
FanDuel = $7,900

To say Wentz is on fire is an understatement. Over his last three games, he has thrown 11 touchdown passes compared to only two interceptions. He already has 17 touchdowns passes this season, passing his total of 16 for all of 2016. Not only is he throwing for more touchdowns, but he only has four total interceptions compared to 14 last year. This a great matchup Sunday against a 49ers defense that has allowed 259 net passing yards per game and 12 touchdown passes, both of which are towards the bottom of the NFL.

Jameis Winston vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
DraftKings = $6,100
FanDuel = $7,600

Winston entered Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills coming off of a shoulder injury, but he showed no ill effects as he threw for 384 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. That’s impressive on the road in Buffalo. If you exclude the previous Week 6 contest where he left early with the injury, he has thrown for at least 328 yards in each of his last four full games. Expect him to throw a lot again Sunday and put up valuable numbers against the Panthers.

Josh McCown vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
DraftKings = $5,600
FanDuel = $7,300

Don’t look now, but McCown has thrown for at least two touchdown passes in each of his last three games. Although he only threw for 209 yards last week against the Miami Dolphins, he threw a season high three touchdown passes and also had a rushing touchdown. The Falcons defense doesn’t create a lot of turnovers as they only have two interceptions to go along with nine passing touchdowns allowed this season. With only a few elite options this week, McCown has the potential to put up valuable numbers at a reasonable price.

**RUNNING BACKS**

Le’Veon Bell vs. Detroit Lions
Stadium – Ford Field
DraftKings = $9,300
FanDuel = $9,400

The key for Bell this season has been volume as he has rushed for at least 134 yards in all three games where he received at least 32 carries. The good news is that all three of those game have come over the last four weeks as the Steelers have been making a concerted effort to stick with the run. It hasn’t hurt Bell’s involvement in the passing game though as he has received at least six targets in four of the last five games. Look for him to put up big numbers again Sunday.

Mark Ingram vs. Chicago Bears
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
DraftKings = $7,400
FanDuel = $7,200

Ingram has become more involved in the rushing attack since Adrian Peterson was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. He has not let the opportunity go to waste as he has rushed for at last 105 yards and one touchdown in both of his last two games. He’s also been involved in the pass catching side of things as he has received at least five targets and hauled in at least four receptions in both of those games as well. Look for him to continue to get plenty of volume Sunday, making for a solid play against the Bears.

Wendell Smallwood vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $4,900
FanDuel = $5,500

Smallwood returned from injury Week 7 to rush for 25 yards on eight carries and catch two passes for 14 yards. While those numbers aren’t impressive, LeGarrette Blount struggled in the game as well as he only had 29 yards on 14 carries. Week 8 brings a matchup against a 49ers defense that has allowed the fourth most rushing yards in the league this season. He’s cheap enough to take the risk on this week if you need to save money at running back.

**WIDE RECEIVERS**

A.J. Green vs. Indianapolis Colts
Stadium – Paul Brown Stadium
DraftKings = $8,600
FanDuel = $8,500

Green is coming off of a tough game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as he hauled in only three catches for 41 yards. Don’t be overly concerned though as the Steelers have allowed the fewest net passing yards in the NFL. His overall production this season has been solid as he has 35 receptions on 57 targets for 545 yards and three touchdowns. Week 8 brings a great matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the second most net passing yards this season. This is the week to pay up for Green.

Michael Crabtree vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – New Era Field
DraftKings = $6,300
FanDuel = $7,200

Simply put, Crabtree is a touchdown machine. He has scored in each of the last three games and has six touchdowns on the season overall. He’s heavily involved in the passing attack in general as he is averaging just under seven targets per game. While the Raiders successfully got Amari Copper more involved in the offense last week, Crabtree still received seven targets in the game. After Winston and the Buccaneers receivers lit up the Bills last week, Crabtree could be in for another strong performance.

Kelvin Benjamin vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
DraftKings = $6,400
FanDuel = $6,600

The Panthers offense has been inconsistent this season, resulting in only 29 receptions on 44 targets for 436 yards and one touchdown for Benjamin. He had scored at least seven touchdowns in each of his first two seasons in the NFL, so his inability to reach the end zone has been a disappointment. There is potential for him to succeed this week though against the Buccaneers as they have allowed the third most net passing yards per game in the NFL this season. Benjamin posted 163 receiving yards and a touchdown against them in two games last year and I expect him to be productive in their first meeting this year.

Marquise Goodwin vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $3,900
FanDuel = $4,900

With so many teams on a bye, there aren’t many intriguing cheap options at wide receiver. Goodwin hauled in four of eight targets for 80 yards last week against the Dallas Cowboys and has at least 80 receiving yards in two of his last three games. The Eagles might be up big early in this game, resulting in the 49ers needing to throw a lot. The Eagles defense has allowed the fourth most net passing yards per game this season, so be willing to take the risk on Goodwin if you want to spend money elsewhere this week.

**TIGHT ENDS**

Zach Ertz vs. San Francisco 49ers
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $7,000
FanDuel = $7,300

Ertz has scored at least one touchdown in four of the last five games and his five touchdowns on the season have already established a new career high. He has 58 targets this season and if he stays healthy, he should easily receive at least 100 targets for the third consecutive season. With an emerging young quarterback in Wentz having a lot of trust in him, Ertz should be another excellent play this week.

Kyle Rudolph vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Twickenham Stadium
DraftKings = $4,500
FanDuel = $5,800

Rudolph’s numbers don’t jump off the page as he only has 26 receptions, 244 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has been more involved in the offense over the last three games though, hauling in 16 receptions on 25 targets for 135 yards and a touchdown. Week 8 brings a favorable matchup against the Browns as they have allowed 487 receiving yards and five touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season.

**DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS**

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns
Stadium – Twickenham Stadium
DraftKings = $4,000
FanDuel = $5,300

The Browns offense is an absolute mess as they continue to struggle to find a competent starting quarterback. As a result, they are averaging an NFL-worst 14.7 points per game. The Vikings defense has been excellent at getting to the quarterback as they have 16 sacks over the last four games. Expect them to shut down the Browns in this contest.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $3,500
FanDuel = $4,900

It’s been a struggle for the Broncos to score points this season as they are only averaging 18.0 points per game. If you think that’s bad, they are averaging a paltry 8.0 points per game on the road. That doesn’t bode well for playing in the unfriendly confines of Arrowhead Stadium. Expect this to be another struggle for them to score, making the Chiefs a solid play at this price.

Fantasy Football Season Preview: Tight Ends and Defenses/Special Teams 2017

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

**Mike Barner**

Fantasy Football Season Preview Tight Ends and Defenses/Special Teams 2017

The long journey through the NFL season is rapidly approaching, meaning it’s one of the most exciting times of the year: drafting your fantasy football team. While you need your players to stay healthy and have a little luck go your way, having a strong draft can go a long way to determining the fate of your season.

Lineup Lab is here to help you come away a winner. In the fourth and final of our season previews, we’ll break down tight ends and defenses/special teams. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers get most of the attention, but having a quality tight end on your roster can help elevate your squad to a championship level.

While most owners wait to select defenses/special teams until the final rounds of your draft, that doesn’t mean it’s a throwaway position. Finding one that can create turnovers, accumulate sacks and throw in the occasional return touchdown can provide plenty of valuable points for your team.

Let’s examine some tight ends and defenses/special teams to target and avoid as you navigate your way through your draft.

Martellus Bennett - Fantasy Football Season Preview Tight Ends 2017

Old Faces In New Places

Martellus Bennett – Green Bay Packers

You can put Bennett into this category just about every season as the Packers will be his fifth different team in the last seven seasons. He had the best season of his career in 2014 as a member of the Chicago Bears as he recorded 90 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns. The Patriots signed him to be their second tight end last season, but he ended up with a larger role than expected as Rob Gronkowski was injured yet again. Bennett played all 16 games and finished with 55 receptions, 701 yards and seven touchdowns.

Bennett will be the undisputed starter in Green Bay, becoming possibly the most talented tight end that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had the pleasure of playing with. Last season’s tight end duo of Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers combined for 60 receptions, 648 yards and three touchdowns.

Bennett is certainly a better player than either Cook or Rodgers and should present a better red zone target as well. The Packers have a great receiving trio of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams as well Ty Montgomery to catch passes out of the backfield, which could limit Bennett’s receptions a bit. With that being said, Bennett is still likely to be a top-10 fantasy option at tight end.

Julius Thomas – Miami Dolphins

Thomas had his breakout campaign as a member of the Denver Broncos in 2013 when he posted 65 receptions, 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. Although he only had 43 receptions and 489 yards in 2014, he still provided a ton of value as he again scored 12 touchdowns. It appeared he was going to be one of the elite red zone targets among tight ends in all of football for years to come.

His success was short lived though as he moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. Injuries limited him during his tenure with the team as he missed 11 games over the last two seasons. 2016 was a complete disaster as he only had 30 receptions, 281 yards and four touchdowns.

Now a member of the Dolphins, Thomas is looking to rejuvenate his career under the eye of coach Adam Gase. It’s important to note that Gase was on the Broncos’ staff when Thomas was playing at his best. Even though that would appear to be in Thomas’ favor, I’d still stay away from making him your starting tight end.

Tyler Eifert - Fantasy Football Season Preview Tight Ends 2017

Overrated Players

Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals

Eifert’s best season came in 2015 when he had 52 receptions, 615 yards and an impressive 13 touchdowns in only 13 games. To put that into perspective, Gronk had 11 touchdowns that same season despite playing in two more games and Eifert. That excellent season vaulted Eifert towards the top of the tight end position for fantasy owners last season, but he couldn’t cash in as he was limited to only eight games due to injury.

Eifert supporters will point to the fact that he has 20 touchdowns in 37 career games. That is certainly elite production, but what is more important to note is that those 37 games have come over four seasons. Playing less than 10 games a year on average is a killer for his fantasy value. While he could be a top-5 tight end when healthy, the odds of him staying healthy for an entire season are not great. If you want to take a risk and draft him based on his upside, be sure to not overpay for him on draft day. Based on his current ADP though, you’ll likely have to.

Denver Broncos

To make this clear right off the bat, the Broncos are an excellent defensive team. They allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL last season and had more interceptions (14) than passing touchdowns allowed (13). Their 42 sacks were tied for third most in the league. Even though they weren’t as impressive against the run, they were still around the middle of the pack in rushing touchdowns allowed at 15.

The reason I believe the Broncos defense/special teams is overrated is because it’s likely going to cost you a pick that is higher than either of your last two selections, which is where you should be selecting your defense/special teams and kicker. Looking at ESPN standard scoring last season, the Broncos actually scored the second most fantasy points behind the Minnesota Vikings. The difference between the highest scoring defense/special teams and the tenth highest was only an average of three fantasy points per game.

A difference of three fantasy points per game is not worth reaching for the Broncos. I’d rather take a running back or wide receiver with upside at that point in the draft and worse case scenario, stream my defense/special team throughout the season based on weekly match ups.

Fantasy Football Season Preview Tight Ends 2017 - Zach Ertz

Undervalued Players

Zach Ertz – Philadelphia Eagles

On an Eagles team that lacked talented wide receivers last season, Ertz played a major role in their passing attack as he had 78 receptions for 816 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 74% of the passes thrown his way and averaged 10.5 yards per reception. Among fellow tight ends, Ertz ranked fifth in both receptions and receiving yards.

Ertz has been very consistent in his career, recording at least 702 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons. The last two seasons have been even better as he has at least 106 targets and 75 receptions in both years. He has also averaged at least 10.5 yards per reception in all four of his seasons in the league.

Although the Eagles are much improved this season with the additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, Ertz is still going to be a very important part of their offense. Quarterback Carson Wentz also looks primed to improve his game, which could provide a boost for Ertz. He might not score a ton of touchdowns, but his consistency and yardage provides a lot of value.

Austin Hooper – Atlanta Falcons

Hooper was selected in the third round of the 2016 draft, but he had a quiet rookie season last year as he had 19 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He only received 27 targets, so he really wasn’t that involved in the offense in general. One of his best games of the season though actually came in the Super Bowl as he had three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and a touchdown.

Hooper didn’t have great numbers last year partially because he was in a time share with Jacob Tamme. Tamme finished the season with 22 receptions, 210 yards and three touchdowns. As a unit, Falcons tight ends finished the season with 788 yards and 10 touchdowns. With Tamme now gone, Hooper is lined up to take over the starting job in only his second season in the league.

The Falcons passing offense was one of the best in the league last year, finishing third in passing yards, tied for second in passing touchdowns and first in yards per pass attempt. With a more prominent role in the offense, Hooper is going to have a chance to establish himself as a viable fantasy option this year. I think at worse he is a top-15 tight end who has the potential to finish in the top-10. Considering how late he is going in drafts, he could be one of the best value picks at the tight end position.

Fantasy Football Season Preview Tight Ends 2017 - Houston Texans

A Look At The Fantasy Playoff Schedule

Another key part of your research is to know who has favorable match ups during the fantasy football playoffs, generally weeks 15 and 16 in most leagues. Let’s dive in and see where you can gain that edge.

Favorable Schedules

Houston Texans

The Texans defense/special team starts off the fantasy playoffs by taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 15. While the Jaguars drafted promising running back Leonard Fournette, they are just a mess at quarterback as Blake Bortles has regressed significantly. They certainly do not have the makings of a potent offense. Week 16 brings a match up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would appear difficult on the surface, but is more favorable when you consider the game is being played in Houston. As noted in our quarterbacks season preview, Ben Roethlisberger struggles significantly on the road. Things are looking up for the Texans fantasy value at the right time this year.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs face the Los Angeles Charges in Week 15, a team that does have some fire power. However, this is a home game for Kansas City and they allowed only 16 points per game at home last season. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is prone to throwing interceptions as well as he has at least 18 in two of the last three seasons. Week 16 brings another home game, this time against the Miami Dolphins. Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler also turns the ball over a lot as he has thrown 34 interceptions in his last 35 games. Getting two turnover-prone quarterbacks at home is a major win for the Chiefs during the fantasy playoffs.

Difficult Schedules

Jordan Reed – Washington Redskins

I mentioned this before when talking about Tyrelle Pryor in the wide receivers preview, but the Redskins have a brutal schedule when it matters the most. Week 15 brings a contest against the Arizona Cardinals who allowed the fourth fewest passing yards and were tied for the eighth fewest passing touchdowns allowed. Week 16 brings the stingy Broncos who allowed the fewest passing yards and fewest passing touchdowns last season. Reed certainly has his work cut out for him.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are faced with two road games during the fantasy playoffs. Week 15 will be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have added wide receiver DeSean Jackson and tight end O.J. Howard to go along with Mike Evans and Cameron Brate. Entering his third season in the NFL, quarterback Jameis Winston is poised to take the Bucs offense to the next level. Week 16 brings the nightmare match up against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Last season, the Saints scored 32 points against the Falcons when they met them at home as Drew Brees threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns. While I’m not high on the Falcons defense to begin with, you definitely want to avoid them down the stretch.