This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.
Here's a look at some recommended plays on FanDuel for Week 15:
Quarterback
Josh Freeman, TB, $7900 – You have to like Freeman at this price in standard FanDuel formats, considering there are 12 other quarterbacks who cost more. Freeman has an excellent matchup this week heading into New Orleans, a team he torched for 420 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Freeman's price has likely dropped as a result of three mediocre games although he's been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league in terms of touchdown passes. He only has one game without throwing a score and has at least two touchdown passes in eight of his last nine games since his bye. New Orleans has been terrible against the pass all season with a league-worst 8.2 YPA and has little motivation being eliminated from the playoffs already.
Running Backs
C.J. Spiller, BUF, $8000 – Any week I've discussed Spiller in this column he's returned at least the value of his price, if not more. I expect this week to be the same now that Bills head coach Chan Gailey doesn't have an excuse to inexplicably use Fred Jackson instead of Spiller. The Bills' game technically is home but will be played in Toronto, which is a benefit considering Seattle won't be at home where they play much better (2-5 on the road). Additionally, while everyone thinks of Seattle as an elite defense, the Seahawks' numbers against the run say otherwise. The Seahawks give up an average of 4.4 yards per carry, which ranks 21st in the NFL. Look for Spiller to eclipse the 20-touch mark this week and turn in a big game.
David Wilson, NYG, $6600 – Wilson was the hot add in most season-long fantasy leagues this week and he also makes for a great play this week in the FanDuel games. Wilson accumulated 327 yards from scrimmage Sunday, including 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on only 13 carries. Ahmad Bradshaw has officially been diagnosed with a sprained knee, which could result in Wilson getting the bulk of the carries. Wilson has looked explosive all season in the return game and he's going up against a weak Falcons' run defense that's giving up a second-worst 4.9 yards per carry this season.
Bilal Powell, NYJ, $5300 – It's a surprise that the Jets are only one game out of the Wild Card considering how terrible Mark Sanchez has been. As a result of their erratic QB play, the Jets have gone back to Rex Ryan football: Playing fairly good defense while focusing on the running game. Shonn Greene continues to see more carries, but Powell has been equally effective and has been scoring as many fantasy points as of late. Powell has scored touchdowns in three of his last four games while averaging 12.7 fantasy points on FanDuel during that stretch. The Jets will fight to stay alive for a playoff spot this week against a weak Tennessee run defense, which is giving up 127 rushing yards per game.
Wide Receivers
Miles Austin, DAL, $6000 – We've seen Dez Bryant put in an awkward situation this week after owner Jerry Jones said it would be up to the wideout to decide on playing through a potentially season-ending finger injury. Bryant's injury should open the door for Austin to be the main target in the passing game, even if Bryant gives it a go. Austin was targeted a team-high 10 times last week as opposing teams have keyed in on stopping Bryant, who has scored in five straight games and has seven total touchdowns during that span. Dallas faces a tough Pittsburgh pass defense, but the Steelers will be without one of their best defenders in Ike Taylor. Without Taylor in the lineup last week, San Diego's Philip Rivers was able to throw three touchdowns against the Steelers, which could mean good things for Austin and Tony Romo this week.
Kris Durham, DET, $4500 – Are you looking for a dark horse this week? It's a good time to take a gamble on Durham, who finds himself near the top of the Lions' wide receiver depth chart, second to only Calvin Johnson. At 6-6, Durham makes for a giant red zone target and he saw nine targets during his first NFL start last week. Defenses will be keyed in on doubling Calvin Johnson, putting Durham in a similar role that teammates Titus Young and Ryan Broyles had success in earlier this season. Seattle had no problem carving up the Cardinals defense last week and Matthew Stafford averages over 44 pass attempts per game. As a result, a cheap player in Durham could pay off big.
Tight End
Antonio Gates, SD, $4900 – It's amazing how the mighty have fallen. Gates was one of the highest-priced tight ends at the beginning of the season but after a disappointing campaign by both Gates and Philip River, the tight end's price has plummeted. However, there is a silver lining for using Gates this week given his matchup against the Panthers. In each of the last two games Gates has gotten eight targets, which shows he's still an integral part of the San Diego passing attack. Plus, Carolina has to travel across the country to play the Chargers, bringing a defense that is giving up the 12th most fantasy points against opposing tight ends. Given his price, Gates is a good player to plug into your lineup this week. Just remember to keep your fingers crossed.
