The DLF advice column is open for business and ready for the playoff stretch run!
As promised, part of your Premium Subscription comes with access to this column each and every week. If you’d like a second opinion on your lineup for the week, simply comment down below on this post with your question.
We’ll answer every single lineup question that’s submitted in a timely fashion as an exclusive service for our Premium Content members.
Just remember to keep things short, but also let us know if your league is PPR, non-PPR or if there are any unusual scoring rules that would affect our advice.
Let’s get to it!
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
Okay, I’m in a 12 team standard keep 3 league. Two questions: One… I lost McGahee as my RB2 so do I stick with MTurner and/or Knowshon or trade them for Bradshaw?
Also, HUGE keeper question for off season: My current keepers are LeSean, AJ Green and Gronk. Would you give up Gronk and Cruz (who I’m not keeping) for RGIII?? Basically, is RGIII better keeper than Gronk? Thanks!
I’d stick with Turner and Moreno. Moreno has a real chance to revitalize his career and he has fresh legs.
Man, that is a tough question but a great problem to have. Yes, I would give them up for RGIII. You need to have a top 5 QB to be consistently competitive in fantasy and RGIII is young and studly. It’s not guarantee that he’ll stay that way, but he sure looks good now.
pick 3, Maclin, Britt, Gordon, Bryant…
pick 2, Martin, ADP, Trent
Pick 1 Martellus Bennett or Gates..
thanks
I’d sit Britt. He’s not playing all the snaps and is very inconsistent. Maclin isn’t much better right now but he’s a full time player.
I’d sit Martin in a VERY difficult decision
Play Gates in another tough decision.
Geez, I need to go take a nap now. The risk factor on these plays is very high …. go with your gut if you don’t agree with them.
Marshall AJG Julio Nicks. I need 3.
I still sit Nicks here right? His 27 targets in the last two and non stop redzone targets can’t be ignored however.
Good problem to have but very annoying as well.
1/2 PPR, need any two of the following players.
Denario Alexander
Kenny Britt
Ryan Mathews
Mikel LeShoure
LeSean McCoy / Bryce Brown
Mathews and Brown, as long as McCoy is still out. Alexander is a tough sit but I’ll take the guaranteed touches of the RBs.
Non-PPR
I need one receiver(Already have AJ Green as one): Crabtree, Fitzgerald, Bess, L. Moore
Then one flex: All receivers listed, Mendenhall, Vereen, Ballard, Vereen
I’d play Lance Moore but it’s risky. If you want to be a bit safer, Crabtree should have a more defined role.
Crabtree.
Fitz is a tough sit and he could very easily break out again this game as they HAVE To get him involved. I look for a
lot more crossing patterns and such this week. But I’d still start Crabs.
if i win i make playoffs. if i lose i don’t. i’ve got a great squad and a great path if i get there. i just need to squeak by. need 1RB, 1FLEX out of: bryce brown, jaquizz, jon dwyer, daryl richardson, miles austin, greg jennings.
i am playing dez bryant, so the austin / dez bryant combo has worked well in the past since one of them has always loaded up.
I have Jennings as well and would like to get him in there vs. BUF, but I opted for Dwyer over Jennings. Jennings has just been too disappointing when given opportunities.
Geez, no pressure there Pete. I’m in the same situation in one league with some of the same variables for players.
As long as McCoy doesn’t play, I don’t think you can sit Brown. He looked great! I also have now moved Dwyer into my starting lineup because they are giving Dwyer the starting nod and want to establish a single back. So I’d play both RBs this week. Austin and Jennings could score but I want the guaranteed touches of the RBs over gimpy WRs.
Pick 2: Foster, Charles, Forte (assuming he plays) or Bryce Brown (assuming Shady remains out)?
Non PPR/Standard Scoring…while you’re at it pick 3: Megatron, VJax, Decker, DX, Shorts, LaFell.
Thanks!
Megatron, VJax and Shorts. The third play is a coin flip but Shorts keep showing up and they play the Bills. Something tells me that Decker is going ot have a nice game but they have a lot of weapons there. Shorts is the play.
Standard Scoring, NON-PPR, 4 Points Passing TD, 6 Point Rushing TD
Pick 1 QB: Romo or Dalton
Pick 1 WR: Brandon Lloyd, Danario Alexander, A. Brown, Broyles, Heyward-bey, Josh Gordon
Thanks in advance. Good luck to anyone in a make or break game this week!
Romo
I’m playing Gordon in a high risk, high reward play as my last flex player, but wouldn’t advise it over Alexander or Broyles. If it were PPR I’d go Broyles, but play Alexander.
I can’t believe it’s come to this, but Fitz or Broyles?
Non ppr, 12 team
TE: Gates or Rudolph
DST: Cardinals or Rams
because of injuries at RB i have Martin slotted as my RB1, then i have to pick an RB2 and Flex from the following options:
2 of: Sproles, Jaquizz, Broyles, J Stewart, Mendenhall, Maclin,i have hillman and a claim in on morneo and david wilson.
at this point im leaning Quizz and Sproles in that thursday game, expecting alot of points.
QB is brady
WR are decker and green
im in a must win spot again thanks to the advice last week i got a 2 point victory.
thanks again for all the help this season.
TE: Gates. Rudolph’s shoulder is still an issue.
DST: Cards
Sproles and Broyles. If you get Moreno, I’d go with Sproles and Moreno. Non PPR being the difference.
Glad we could help. We only give out advice though, so the thanks goes to the owner that makes the choices and the fantasy gods who listen to the prayers. 🙂
Good luck.
20 return yards= 1 point and PPR if McFadden returns
pick 1
Marcell Reece
Knowshon Moreno
Chris Givens
Jonathan Dwyer
Kendall Wright
I think you have to go with Dwyer. TB’s run defense is good and Dwyer is now THE guy and is going to be given a chance to carry the load the rest of the way. He’ll get a ton of touches. PPR makes this a bit risky over Moreno but I’d stick with Dwyer.
I’ve never used this feature, but I need help in my crazy scoring league. Work league, first year in it, redraft, win $750 if I get high points and there are four of us fighting for high points.
It is basically a TD and bonus league, non ppr. So if you get 99 yards, you score 9 points, but if you get 100, you score 15. A TD is worth 12 (8 for passing TD) with bonuses for being over 20 yards, over 40 and over 60. I want either someone explosive or someone who can get the bonuses (100 yards, 125, 150 for rushing/receiving and 280, 315 and 350 for passing).
Eli v. WAS or Freeman v. DEN?
Definitely starting Richardson v. OAK and Julio v. NO. So I have to choose 2 of the following:
Danario v. CIN
LeShoure v. IND
Blackmon v. BUF
Harvin v. GB
T. Smith v. PIT
I am leaning against Harvin due to injury and Smith due to Ike Taylor, but Smith is explosive. Thoughts?
First time for everything Cy. Let’s see if we can get you those high points … if we do, make sure you stick with us as premium subscriber next year … heck, give a couple out as gifts. 🙂
Alexander is in for sure. Watch the news on Harvin … he’s iffy. If he plays, he’s in your lineup. He’s got an early game so you’ll have time. Without him, your next play is Blackmon. Leshoure is dinged right now. PIT’s defense is good enough to limit Smith.
DX and Harvin ….. or DX and Blackmon if Harvin sits.
Good luck
Thank you. I had been starting Danario and Leshoure but with news of LeShoure’s ankle, I independently started Blackmon in his place.
Appreciate your insight and it makes me feel better about my decision. If I win high points I will not only join again but I will sign up my brother to join.
As for Blackmon v. Harvin, it is tough… but unless Harvin can make cuts, I prefer the explosiveness of Blackmon. I am not expecting anything, but over 100 yards and a TD would be awesome.
In my league the rosters were locked at week 12. I failed to get a good defense and am stuck with the Dolphins vs Pats. Should I sit the dolphins because they could very well give up negative points or should I roll with them hoping to get 5 points?
The game is in December in Miami. That is always bad news for the Patriots, and I am a Patriots fan.
I expect to win, but Miami won’t be embarrassed. I would start them and get 5-10 points.
I’d ride the Dolphins and hope for the best. It’s not a great matchup but as Cy says below, it’s going to be a tougher game. That MIA team is scrappy tough, especially at home …. more especially vs. the Pats.
Tale as old as time
Eli or Dalton
Love it Will. Sorry about the -1 … hit the wrong button with my finger (iPad).
I can’t sit Eli on Monday night vs. the Redskins. Start him …. pray …. maybe sacrifice a small goat to the gods.
PPR league which one of these would you sit
Donnie Avery
Joque Bell
Shonne Greene
Thanks
I’d sit Bell unless Leshoure is out … in which case I’d sit Avery.
What are the odds that D. Murray is back this week? I really want to play him over Michael Turner but Turner plays on Thursday night so I have to decide before then.
Also Mike Williams vs. Den or Fitz vs. the Jets?
It looks like Murray is going to be back. He’s still limited in practice and we won’t know for sure until Fri. or Sat. Even then he’s likely to have a Q tag. As much as I hate to recommend it, the safe play is Turner.
Mike Williams unfortunately.
Division Title on the line, and need to figure out the RB2 spot.
Mikel “Row Your Boat” Leshoure vs Indy
or
Ahmad Bradshaw vs Skins
Thanks!
Both are a bit gimpy and both are equally rated this week in my mind. I’d play Bradshaw on Monday night.
Good luck!
Ten man Standadard Scoring non PPR
Vincent Jackson or Randall Cobb?
Should I be worried about the possibility of Jennings coming back?
This is a risky play but I’d go with Cobb. Champ Bailey will be shadowing VJax all day. Non PPR means you need a TD and hopefully you get special teams points. Cobb is ag ood bet this week.
I don’t worry about Jennings coming back. THat makes Cobb even better in my mind as the third receiver.
Yardage heavy format non PPR with TE yardage bonus and milestone bonuses (TD value reduced). Can only roster 2 TE’s max one is Gronk. Win and get week 14 bye.
Roll with Dwayne Allen one more week or swap him out for Tamme, Dallas Clark, Moeaki, Paulson (or deeper)? Must give some consideration to week 14 but especially week 15 hoping Gronk plays in 16.
Gronk out is killing me too in one league. I like Dallas Clark this week but it’s a risky play. Champ Bailey will be shadowing VJax which should open up Clark a bit more. This is truly a coin flip between 3-4 of these TEs. I’d play Clark with Tamme a close second and Allen a very close third.
Go with your gut and cross your fingers.
Need a W this week to get into the playoffs. Been a struggle as of late. Team is good but under performing.
I need 1 RB to go along with Spiller and also 1 Flex.
BJGE
Shorts
DX
Fitz
DHB
Demarco Murray
McFadden
Bryce Brown
Appreciate it! Thank you.
Tough to get the right combo here … all are high upside plays. Murray is going to be Q this week. I’d definitely start Brown, he looked fantastic last week. DHB and Fitz are out of the equation do to other issues. I’d love to play McFadden but it’s hard to know what he can do in his first week back. Last play comes down to BJGE, Shorts and DX.
I’d play Brown and Shorts. Shorts has really come on of late and the emergece of Blackmon and Henne has helped. He’s a beast or bust play, but worthwhile. If you want to play it safer, DX is neck and neck with Shorts.
PPR format (with points for return yardage/scores):
RB: With McCoy out, second RB (along with Ridley) is between Ivory and Turbin, or one of the serious long-shots left on the waiver wire (inc. W Powell, Peerman, K Smith, Snelling, Kuhn, Cadet, Casey, Gerhart, Royster, Ball, L Washington)
WR: Third WR (along with Cobb and R White) is between Wallace, Mike Williams, Kendall Wright or Sanu.
I’d go with Ivory … he’s looked like the best runner and you get to watch him tonight.
They’ve really been working Kendall Wright into the game plan, I’d roll with him in a game where the Titans are going to need to pass a lot. WIlliams is a sneaky good play with VJax being shadowed by Bailey.
Need to start 2 of the 3 RBs in a non-PPR league (10 yards rush or receive = 1pt, TD = 6pt)
Lynch, M at Bears
Spiller, C vs Jaguars
Bradshaw, A at Redskins
WR core has been a mess all year and just lost DJAX for season. Need to start 3 of the 5 (scoring is same as RB)
Britt, K vs Texans
Brown, A at Ravens
Crabtree, M at Rams
Fitzgerald, L at Jets
Smith, S at Chiefs
Last question is planning to start Ryan over RG3. That a mistake? (10 yards pass or rush = 1pt, TD = 6pt)
Thanks in advance.
Spiller and Bradshaw. Lynch against CHI is not a recipe for success.
Britt, Crabtree and Smith. Coin flips. Fitz isn’t playable with LIndley at the helm. Brown is a question mark unless Roethlisberger plays. If Ben does play, swap out Crabtree for Brown.
Non-PPR, pick 3:
Torrey Smith vs PIT
Cobb vs MIN
Garcon vs NYG
Shorts vs BUF
D Alexander vs CIN
Cobb
Shorts
Alexander
Garcon could be an interesting play here in Non PPR but I’ll stick with these three.
12 Team PPR
Need 3 of Rice, Martin, Ridley, SGreene, and Bryce Brown
Need 1 of
GTate, Edelman, ABrown, GJennings
Rice, Martin and Brown. Ridley has a tough matchup vs. MIA. Greene is an emergency, last flex play at best.
PPR
Leshoure vs Sea
or
M. Bush vs Indy
Thanks I appreciate your help
I’d go with Leshoure. He’s back and practicing now and it looks like Forte’ will play on Sunday. Yay Sorry, got carried away with the rhyming. Good luck.
Need to start 2 of the following in a 12 team PPR:
Britt, Gordon, Rice, Sanders and Mike Williams.
Williams and Gordon for me. Gordon is a fest or famine play but I’m starting him over Bowe and Fitz in a must win situation this week. So my money is where my mouth is. If you want to play it safer, go with Rice.
Maclin or Britt? Standard scoring & starting Bryce Brown, if relevant. Thanks.
I don’t trust Britt yet. He still appears to be limited and getting fewer snaps. Don’t like playing two offensive players from a struggling system, but I’d start Maclin.
Need 1 RB, PPR league (+1 for reception)
D. Brown vs Detroit
B. Powell vs Arizona
L. James vs STL.
I am tempted by LaMichael’s talent but I feel I need to go safe with Powell.
thanks for your help
Ppr….pick one
Ryan Bryoles, garçon, danario Alexander
Leaning towards Bryoles, although I would also be starting Calvin J
I’d play DX over Broyles but Broyles could surprise … he’s been looking great. May want to go with your gut but I’d start DX.
Rank these RBs, no ppr. Thanks Jeff.
BJGE @ SD
Mathews v Cin
M Bush v Sea
Moreno v TB
Vereen @ Mia
No PPR … okay.
Mathews
BJGE
Moreno
Bush
Vereen.
If Forte’ is out, Bush is my #2. Bush may be a great play regardless but I don’t like playing strictly goal line back situations.
Got a tough decision:
if DeMarco Murray is healthy do i roll with him or cecil shorts in flex position in a non-ppr
I just don’t think you can sit Shorts right now. Murray is still Q this week but my feeling is that he’ll play. Even still, I wouldn’t risk it.
Should I drop Stephen Hill for Ryan Broyles?
Yes.
Not easy to do but I have liked Broyles for a long time and I think he’s a better PPR receiver. Even in Non-PPR, I’m liking Broyles more and more.
Big weekend for me in two separate dynes….
Question one pick one who you start… [email protected] or R.Mathews home against cincy? Half point per there.
Question 2… Forte against the hawks or Mathews against the bengals? Forte has me worried about his ankle but Mathews has the worst handcuffing HC in the league.
Thanks as always
I’m in a must win and am sitting Lynch in most leagues this week. I’d start Mathews.
I’d still go with Mathews vs. the Bengals. I’m a bit concerned about Forte’s health as well and Bush has been garnering more carries.
Playoffs on the line here….
I can start 3 of these 4….which one sits?
Colston
Harvin
Torrey Smith
Chris Johnson
Thanks guys
Harvin looks very questionable this week so you may not have a decison to make. If he does play, sit Smith.
Non PPR
QB-1- Brady or RG3
RB-2- Forte (he’s practicing and looks fine), Ridley, F. Jackson and Mareno
WR-3-Cobb, T. Smith, A. Brown, Welker, Edelman, J. Wright, A. Roberts, M. Williams and Avery. Should i drop any of these for Manningham?
TE-1- Pitta, Bennet, Keller or Olsen
For your thoughts, K-1- Gould or Graham
Thanks for the Help
QB: I have the same decision. I’m starting RGIII
RB: Forte if he plays and Moreno
WR: Cobb, Welker and Mike Williams.
No, I wouldn’t drop any of them for Manningham
TE: Olsen for me.
Maclin, Broyles, Britt, Givens
Pick 1
.5 ppr
0.5 PPR: Lloyd, Britt, or E. Sanders?
4 points passing td, 6 points rushing td
Need 1 QB:
Cam Newton
Matt Ryan
Matthew Stafford
Wow … this play could keep you up at night because you have a 33% chance to get it right. Ryan rocked the Saints last time they played and I think he will again. I’d play Ryan.
Newton looks like he’s got his groove back but I have to go with that Ryan matchup.
PPR
Need 4:
Jordy Nelson
Reggie Wayne
Jeremy Maclin
TY Hilton
Percy Harvin
Larry Fitzgerald
Victor Cruz
Jordy, Reggie, Victor and Percy. If Percy doesn’t play …. move in Fitz.
PPR, Bonus for long TDs (6,9,12)
Need 3:
Crabtree
Hilton
Maclin
Britt
Blackmon
Sidney Rice
Blackmon
Maclin
Britt
Rice is a tough sit but Britt has better big play ability
PPR
Need 1:
Cobb
Broyles
Britt
Crabtree
PPR
Need 1:
Mendenhall
Lamichael James
With questionable options:
Felix Jones
Peerman
Thank you in advance for all these questions!
James – Mendy won’t see many touches.
If you’re saying that you can only choose one of all those listed, I’d go with Jones.
Start Stevan Ridley or Bryce Brown in PPR league?
Brown is the easy choice here. Ridley against a touch MIA defense in Miami. Brown looked too good to sit.
Ok I’m goin w schaub Martin and Bradshaw. PPR to keep playoff hopes alive need big win. Need to start 3 recievers. Goin w Cobb n Shorts. Need 1 more out of:
Wallace
Brown
Hartline
Eldleman
Kendall Wright
Donnie Avery
plus at te
Moekai or Randolph
pick 1.
Geez Alan … that’s a coin flip choice. If Ben plays, start Wallace. If not, I’d look at Wright.
I know I haven’t been able to get the right combo of recievers all year long. Def cost me a better record.
Luck or Kaepernick?
Been completely hammered by injuries at RB but still in first place but need to win this week to get the bye which I despartely need to get McCoy and possibly MJD back for playoffs. Have to start two our of these there….J Rodgers, Vereen, and B Powell…..Rodgers seems like an obvious choice as he is becoming a bigger and bigger part of a good offense and Turner looks completely done but Vereen and Powell are close……HELP!!!! Really need this one….
I’d play Powell over Vereen. MIA’s run defense is good enough to make the Pats pass early and often. Vereen will do more damage out of the backfield in the short passing game, but Powell has a chance for material touches.
Need one as flex 1pt ppr….Ballard, d. Williams, lafell, Maclin, finley
One qb stafford/romo…6pts passing td.
Thanks
I think you risk the play of DWill but he burns me every time. He looks like he’s going to be THE guy again this week … but he has before too. High upside and low floor. If it’s your last flex play, he’s a good one to have. Otherwise, if you don’t want as much risk, play Maclin. But I’d feel pretty good with DWill this week. Feel free to flame me for not learning my lesson if he stinks again.
Romo for me.
Tough calls this week and a win makes me regular season champ. no ppr.
1) If Rudolph plays @ GB this week would you start him over Davis @ Stl?
2) Do you like Colston @ Atl or Shorts or Blackmon @ Buf this week?
3) Would you start BJGE over all of the WRs listed above?
I always appreciate your insights Jeff.
Oops missed you on my first pass….
1) Rudolph is a surer bet for points but has a lower ceiling than does Davis. I’d stick with Davis myself.
2) Coin flip play for the most part. I couldn’t sit Colson for either JAX receiver … but if I did, it would be for Shorts.
3) No, I think I’d start BJGE last over all of them.
ok, pick two for week 13…..Jacquizz Rodgers, Beanie Wells, and Danario Alexander…………non ppr
or would you feel comfortable putting Demarco Murray in your lineup week 13 as I hear he has returned to practice
I think he plays but I don’t trust him yet.
I’d start Wells and DX in Non PPR
1/2 PPR, pick 4- Cruz, Cobb, Harvin, Garcon, Stevie J, Amendola, Broyles, Blackmon.
1/2 PPR, pick 1- Ridley or Trich
PPR, pick 1- DMC, Forte, Reece
PPR, pick 4- Nicks, Amendola, Demaryius, Danario, TY Hilton, Martellus Bennett.
1/2 PPR- with Harvin likely out, pick 1- Harvin, Denarious, Britt
Thanks for all your advice this season.
Cruz, Cobb, Harvin and Garcon. Tough choice sitting Broyles. If Harvin doesn’t go, swap him out for Broyles.
Trich. MIA Defense is really good against the run and Trich has a nice matchup
Forte – DMC is back but likely will split carries with Reece
Nicks, Thomas, DX and Bennett. If Amendola is said to have a big role … swap him in for Bennett
I think Harvin plays but if he doesn’ty, I’d start Moore.
