Getty Gallery: 3/5
FanDuel Optimal Lineup
– MVP: Carson Wentz ($16,000)
– Josh Adams ($13,500)
– Jordan Reed ($11,500)
– Alshon Jeffery ($10,000)
– Chris Thompson ($8,000)
I mentioned previously my interest in Carson Wentz for a prime bounce-back spot, and I think we see him have a big game at home in what's widely considered as a must-win game. The Redskins have allowed 3,077 yards and 18 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks, but those numbers don't tell the whole story.
This Washington defense has allowed seven touchdown passes in their last three losses and that's part of why I love the idea of pairing Wentz up with Alshon Jeffery. The Redskins have given up 13 touchdowns to wideouts on the season along with over 2,100 yards. This is a plus matchup for Jeffery and if the Eagles are going to right the ship and make their postseason push, they need their No. 1 receiver to step up.
I'm essentially building the optimal lineup off a game script which I believe plays out. I'll take that approach to most lineups, but cover a few different angles with various lines. While I think the Eagles jump out to a big lead behind Wentz and Jeffery, that should lead to a heavy dose of running both throughout the game and late.
Josh Adams is coming off a game in which he was finally given the starter label and proceeded to out-touch backfield mate Corey Clement 22-7. He wrapped up the game with 84 rushing yards and one touchdown while showcasing an impressive level of talent. Along with that, Adams played 62 percent of the snaps compared to 37 percent for Clement and just 2 percent for Wendell Smallwood, per Football Outsiders.
The return of Darren Sproles is worth mentioning, but it's likely the veteran will wind up eating into the pass-catching work of Clement and Smallwood over Adams. The Eagles have no reason to move away from their new starting running back, and he should be busy against Washington.
Sticking with the game script focus, it led me to both Jordan Reed and Chris Thompson. It's worth noting that Reed is listed as questionable, but it seems likely he'll play. That's great news for both fantasy players as well as Colt McCoy, who's looked the tight end's way often in the past two weeks.
Over that span, Reed has hauled in 13-of-19 targets for 156 yards and one touchdown. I expect the Redskins will be playing from behind in this game, which benefits Reed, but also Thompson. If Washington finds themselves in a hole, then the pass-catching extraordinaire will see a lot of playing time and that should equate to quite a few targets.
The 150-max lineup is next and offers more risk and the potential for big-play from quite a few players. There will also be more risk mixed in with this option.