INDIANAPOLIS — "OK, we won a game yesterday. If we win today, it's called 'two in a row.' And if we win again tomorrow, it's called a 'winning streak' ... It has happened before!"
Those are the wise words of Cleveland Indians skipper Lou Brown in one of my favorite movies, Major League. That underdog role is something I've relished all season picking FanDuel fantasy lineups each week against the powerhouse that is Kevin Bowen (AKA, Clu Haywood, the New York Yankees' slugger in the same movie).**
So, two weeks ago, I won quite convincingly over Kevin. Last week, I won once again, which is called "two in a row." And, if I can claim yet another victory this week, it's called a "winning streak."
I like the way that sounds.
My lineup this week is packed full of guys playing on Thanksgiving. I'm pairing the ultra-hot Kirk Cousins with his favorite target, Jordan Reed, against the Dallas Cowboys, while I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers' skill guys will give the Indianapolis Colts fits. I also, like I try to do every week, have the GOAT, Adam Vinatieri, as my kicker, and tried to find the best defensive matchup I could with the money I had left.
My only real gamble was my third receiver, where I picked Torrey Smith. It's just one of those gut feelings. Hopefully, like last week, it pays off.
Here's my entire Week 12 FanDuel lineup, sleepers and passes, as well as the full results from last week's action.
As always, send me any chatter, questions, "LOL"s or anything else to @AWalkerColts on Twitter using #FanDuelFF.
Also, be sure to catch this week's FanDuel Fantasy Focus show LIVE around 3:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) on Colts.com and/or on the Colts Mobile App, as Caroline Cann, Kevin and myself discuss the upcoming week in fantasy football
Andrew's Week 12 FanDuel Lineup:
QB: Kirk Cousins ($7,400; at Dallas): When you shout "How do you like me now?" to your general manager after a huge performance (and after getting the franchise tag instead of being signed to a long-term deal), it shows you have some real stones. I think Kirk shows up against the Cowboys in a big way — especially finding Jordan Reed, who is also in my lineup.
RB: Le'Veon Bell ($9,500; at Indianapolis): He had a huge game last week, and, unfortunately, I see him doing his thing on primetime tomorrow night against the Colts, who have been much improved on defense — especially against the run — but Bell could break that.
RB: Rob Kelley ($5,700; at Dallas): This guy was on fire on Sunday against the Packers, going for 100 plus yards and scoring three touchdowns. You can't expect that production every week, but at just $5,700 for a starting running back, this remains a steal.
WR: Antonio Brown ($8,800; at Indianapolis): Yes, Brown didn't too all that well for me last week. But you can imagine the Colts are going to try to stop Bell and the running game first, opening up some chances for Brown all over the field.
WR: DeAndre Hopkins ($7,000; vs. San Diego): He was victimized by a bad call on Monday night against the Raiders in Mexico City — I see him playing inspired ball. Plus, the Texans are at home, and Brock Osweiler is simply a different — and better — quarterback at home.
WR: Torrey Smith ($4,700; at Miami): This was a toss-up for the money that I had left after I paid for the guys with higher values. I think Smith can have a nice day against the Dolphins — or he can do nothing. That's why his salary is so low. Taking a chance here.
TE: Jordan Reed ($7,400; at Dallas): He's the best route-running tight end in football, and he's obviously Kirk Cousins' favorite target. I think this will be somewhat of a national introduction to Reed, who doesn't often get the love I think he should get among players at his position.
**
K: Adam Vinatieri ($4,800; vs. Pittsburgh):** GOAT. He missed one, but started a new streak right after it. Next.
DEF: Tennessee Titans ($4,500; at Chicago): The Bears are a mess — on offense and on defense. They really don't have a solid quarterback to go out and play against a Tennessee defense that you know is ticked off after Sunday's loss to the Colts.
Andrew's Guys To Pass On:
RB David Johnson ($9,500; at Atlanta): He had a great performance against a good Minnesota defense last week, but I think the Cardinals will be a little more pass-happy against the Falcons this week. Johnson, like always, will be productive, but probably not $9,500 productive.
QB Tom Brady ($9,100; at New York Jets): Brady, like Johnson, will get his. But he traditionally doesn't put in his best performances against the Jets, at least not in the past few years (save a game or two here and there).
RB LeSean McCoy ($8,100; vs. Jacksonville): $8,100 for a guy who is undergoing thumb surgery this week, but still might play? No thanks.
WR Dez Bryant ($8,000; vs. Washington): I think Josh Norman will be locked in on Bryant the whole game, and I think the officials will let them go at it a little bit more than usual, giving Norman the edge. Norman can also get in Bryant's head a little more than the average star receiver (not named Odell Beckham Jr.).
Andrew's Sleepers ($6,000 or less):
RB Darren Sproles ($5,400; vs. Green Bay): The Green Bay defense is in shambles right now, and they were down to their third or fourth guy at middle linebacker on Sunday night against the Redskins. Now, Sproles can be a wildcard — and he's dealing with a rib issue — but I think he has a big game running and catching the ball.
WR Will Fuller ($6,000; vs. San Diego): Fuller really wasn't much of a factor at all against the Raiders. I think a home game will be just what the doctor ordered for all the Texans receivers, however.
WR DeSean Jackson ($5,900; at Dallas): Jackson has worked his way back from a shoulder injury, and caught a touchdown on a nasty route on Sunday night against the Packers. DeSean likes to show off in primetime, so maybe he'll catch a couple deep balls thrown his way on Thanksgiving night against the Cowboys.
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Week 11 Results
Andrew's Week 11 FanDuel Lineup:
QB: Andrew Luck ($8,100; vs. Tennessee): 19.68 points (20.25 minimum value; -0.57 total value)
RB: DeMarco Murray ($8,500; at Indianapolis): 15.4 points (21.25 minimum value; -5.85 total value)
RB: C.J. Prosise ($4,900; vs. Philadelphia): 15.1 points (12.25 minimum value; 2.85 total value)
WR: Antonio Brown ($8,900; at Cleveland): 11.6 points (22.25 minimum value; -10.65 total value)
WR: Mike Evans ($8,000; at Kansas City): 13.5 points (20 minimum value; -6.5 total value)
WR: Jamison Crowder ($6,300; vs. Green Bay): 17.7 points (15.75 minimum value; 1.95 total value)
TE: Martellus Bennett ($5,200; at San Francisco): 1.9 points (13 minimum value; -11.1 total value)
K: Adam Vinatieri ($5,000; vs. Tennessee): 7 points (12.5 minimum value; -5.5 total value)
DEF: Minnesota Vikings ($4,500; vs. Arizona): 20 points (11.25 minimum value; 8.75 total value)
= 121.88 total points (-26.62 in total FanDuel value; -2.96 per player)
**
Kevin's Week 11 FanDuel Lineup:**
QB: Ben Roethelisberger ($8,400; vs. Cleveland): 8.68 points (21 minimum value; -12.32 total value)
RB: Theo Riddick ($6,700; vs. Jacksonville): 12.3 points (16.75 minimum value; -4.45 total value)
RB: C.J. Prosise ($4,900; vs. Philadelphia): 15.1 points (12.25 minimum value; 2.85 total value)
WR: Odell Beckham Jr. ($9,000; vs. Chicago): 7.1 points (22.5 minimum value; -15.4 total value)
WR: Antonio Brown ($8,900; at Cleveland): 11.6 points (22.25 minimum value; -10.65 total value)
WR: Allen Robinson ($7,300; vs. Detroit): 9.3 points (18.25 minimum value; -8.95 total value)
TE: Martellus Bennett ($5,200; at San Francisco): 1.9 points (13 minimum value; -11.1 total value)
K: Matt Prater ($4,600; vs. Jacksonville): 9 points (11.5 minimum value; -2.5 total value)
DEF: Miami Dolphins ($4,800; vs. Los Angeles): 7 points (12 minimum value; -5 total value)
= 81.98 total points (-67.52 in total FanDuel value; -7.5 per player)
WEEK 11 WINNER: Andrew (4-7)
WEEK 11 PICK OF THE WEEK: Minnesota Vikings defense, Andrew (20 points; 8.75 in total value)
WEEK 11 JOKE OF THE WEEK: WR Odell Beckham Jr., Kevin (7.1 points; -15.4 in total value)
REVIEW: Week 11 Guys To Pass On
Andrew:
RB Ezekiel Elliott ($8,700; vs. Baltimore): 14.7 points (21.75 minimum value; -7.05 total value)
TE Rob Gronkowski ($8,400; at San Francisco; DNP): 0 points (21 minimum value; -21 total value)
WR A.J. Green ($8,200; vs. Buffalo): 0 points (20.5 minimum value; -20.5 total value)
RB Spencer Ware ($7,700; vs. Tampa Bay): 9.5 points (19.25 minimum value; -9.75 total value)
ANDREW'S RECORD: 4-0
ANDREW SAVED YOU: 58.3 in total value
Kevin:
QB Tom Brady ($9,300; vs. San Francisco): 28.4 points (23.25 minimum value; 5.15 total value)
RB David Johnson ($8,300; vs. Minnesota): 31.5 points (20.75 minimum value; 10.75 total value)
RB: Jay Ajayi ($7,600; vs. Los Angeles): 9.9 points (19 minimum value; -9.1 total value)
WR: Mike Evans ($8,000; vs. Kansas City): 13.5 points (20 minimum value; -6.5 total value)
KEVIN'S RECORD: 2-2
KEVIN SAVED YOU: -0.3 in total value
REVIEW: Week 11 Sleepers
Andrew:
RB: C.J. Prosise ($4,900; vs. Philadelphia): 15.1 points (12.25 minimum value; 2.85 total value)
TE: Martellus Bennett ($5,200; at San Francisco): 1.9 points (13 minimum value; -11.1 total value)
RB Rob Kelley ($5,400; vs. Green Bay): 31.7 points (13.5 minimum value; 18.2 total value)
ANDREW'S RECORD: 2-1
ANDREW COULD'VE GIVEN YOU: 9.95 in total value
Kevin:
RB: C.J. Prosise ($4,900; vs. Philadelphia): 15.1 points (12.25 minimum value; 2.85 total value)
WR Cameron Meredith ($5,600; vs. New York Giants): 6.9 points (14 minimum value; -7.1 total value)
TE: Martellus Bennett ($5,200; vs. San Francisco): 1.9 points (13 minimum value; -11.1 total value)
KEVIN'S RECORD: 1-2
KEVIN COULD'VE GIVEN YOU: -15.35 in total value
