This is going to be a very lucrative kind of weekend for a lot of people playing the big fantasy competitions across all the major sites. The entry fees vary but there is plenty of room for payouts to be on the high side. Players much choose a squad of nine with a salary cap of $50,000 so the average salary is $5,555. Each roster of players must include a quarterback, three wide receivers, two running backs, a tight end, and a flex player.
Offensive players earn points from touchdowns, passing yards by play and game, interceptions, rushing yards by play and game, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, receptions, receiving touchdowns, punts and kick-off returns leading to touchdowns, lost fumbles, conversions and offensive fumble recovery. Defense and special teams will earn points for sacks, interceptions, fumble recovery, return touchdowns, blocks, safeties and number of points allowed. Points will also be awarded for scoring plays. Player and team statistics are included for the last game, home games, away games and the complete 2014 season. All selections must be made by 1pm EST on Sunday.
This Week’s Roster – Total Salary of $49,600
QB – Matthew Stafford Detroit @ San Diego ($7,000)
Stafford has finished in the top 10 for most passing yards in the last three seasons despite a dip in form in 2014. He had been third and second in the previous two years so dropping down to ninth was a major disappointment. He can get his career back on track and Detroit can build on an encouraging campaign last time.
RB – Frank Gore Indianapolis @ Buffalo ($5,400)
Gore has been a top ten player for most rushing yards over the last three seasons but has moved on from San Francisco to Indianapolis. The Colts have invested in several veteran free agents including Gore in their bid to win the big one. They have an easy schedule and Gore can figure this weekend.
RB – Matt Forte Chicago hosting Green Bay ($7,800)
Matt Forte had the second most rushing yards in 2013 but his Chicago side have concerns on both sides of the ball. The bears have kept faith with Jay Cutler despite his 24 turnovers last season and the onus will be on Forte to recapture the form of two seasons ago when he had nine touchdowns and 1,3339 rushing yards.
WR – Miles Austin Philadelphia @ Atlanta ($3,000)
Austin is expected to have some decent games during the regular season. He caught two passes for 41 yards in Sunday’s win over the Colts. He had a kidney injury last season and fully recovered he can make an impact this time for a team that has not had a winning home record in four of the last five seasons.
WR – Randall Cobb Green Bay @ Chicago ($8,000)
Cobb has had a consistent four seasons at Green Bay but last year was his best to date when he achieved 1,287 receiving yards. He had 12 touchdowns including a 70 yard effort. He did have five fumbles but can compensate somewhat for the loss of wide receiver Jordy Nelson who won’t play before 2016.
WR – Jeremy Maclin Kansas City @ Houston ($6,900)
Maclin finished ninth for receiving yards last season playing for Philadelphia, with 1.318 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is one of Kansas’s major signings for the new season and he is an exciting new option in their offence. Not a single touchdown pass was caught by a Chiefs wide receiver last season and Maclin can put that right.
TE – Jason Witten Dallas hosting New York Giants ($4,000)
Witten can help Dallas build on a solid defence from last season when they went 12-4 in the regular season. DeMarco Murray will be missed but Witten can again bring something to the side in terms of experience gained from playing for Dallas for the last 12 seasons during which time he has made 57 touchdowns.
FLEX – Kenny Stills Miami @ Washington ($4,700)
In Ryan Tannehill Miami have one of the best quarterbacks in the league and Stills can also make a contribution. He made 931 receiving yards for New Orleans last season and made 8 touchdowns from limited appearances including efforts over 69 and 76 yards.
DST – Dallas hosting New York Giants ($2,800)
Dallas have lost the league’s leading rusher in Murray but they have the defensive line to cope with his departure. They were better defensively last season than expected and will be stronger when Greg Hardy takes his place in the team after a four-match ban. Dallas have a great quarterback and excellent receiver in Dez Bryant.
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