All updated projections for the most current NFL season are here: weekly Yahoo projections - weekly DraftKings projections - weekly Fanduel projections.
Last week I had included a lineup that I created using the Fantasy Knuckleheads Optimal Lineup Tool into my DraftKings RB projections. This was a 50/50 lineup only and ended up pulling in 133.02 fantasy points which gave me a 100% winning percentage of the contests that I had placed this lineup in. This is just an example of the kind of help the optimizer can provide to creating a lineup.
As you can see, not all of the selections hit on the right players but overall there were players included with enough upside to make up for the poor performances.
Drew Brees
Why you chose him:
The matchup was very hard to resist especially considering what he did against a similarly poor defense in week 15. In this game it was really hard to imagine him getting anything less than 20 fantasy points and as much as 30+.
What happened:
The Saints have a losing record for a reason and the outcome of that game was always a possibility. Luckily, points were scored in garbage time and he wasn't a complete failure for your lineup. What really helped to mitigate his mediocre performance was the fact that he was the highest used quarterback on DraftKings for the weekend. Being played at around 20% meant that he was a letdown for several of your competitors also.
C.J. Anderson
Why you chose him:
He's been the model of consistency lately and you knew you could count on him getting at least 20 fantasy points. The matchup against the Bengals on Monday night gave you the impression that he could have a sky high ceiling as well.
What happened:
You definitely got your moneys worth here as he performed better than what he needed to for the bargain of $6,900. Anderson was the highest scoring fantasy running back for week 16 on DraftKings.
Fred Jackson
Why you chose him:
You were looking for around 15 or more fantasy points here for the price you were paying. This was a relatively safe choice as Jackson has only had single digit fantasy points during 3 games this season and not since week 12. The price, favorable matchup and consistency were all attractive selling points.
What happened:
This was his third best performance this season and he gave you just what you would have expected from him.
Marques Colston
Why you chose him:
The obvious stack here with Brees would ensure you capitalize on their mutual success. You could have went for Kenny Stills, but he was more expensive and Colston has actually been getting more fantasy points lately.
What happened:
The Saints' offense didn't exactly light up the scoreboard like most thought they would but you still ended up with 14 fantasy points from him and with a price of $4,000 on DraftKings, the numbers are not disappointing.
Mike Evans
Why you chose him:
He's going to get targets every game, especially in the red zone. The matchup wasn't horrible and you knew Tampa Bay would lose the game but there was a good chance to pick up garbage time points.
What happened:
Didn't quite get what you needed here since he didn't get in the end zone but just like predicted, he was guaranteed to get catches because there are very few weapons on that offense other than him. The problem was that this offense couldn't get anything at all going. It could have been worse, you could have chosen A.J. Green who was priced higher and gave you zero points due to an unexpected injury.
Jordy Nelson
Why you chose him:
It was the lowest price for him on DraftKings since week 11. You were looking to pick him up on for a slightly lower price than normal. One of the best in the league from a fantasy perspective on probably the most high powered offense in the NFL. $7,700 seemed well worth it.
What happened:
You certainly got your money's worth and you shouldn't really be surprised. He has posted 25+fantasy points 6 times this season. It's apparent that others saw the value here as well, as Nelson was owned in 41.7% of lineups in DraftKings.
Dwayne Allen
Why you chose him:
With some of the more expensive players in the lineup, it's neccesariy to go searching in the $3,000-$4, rangeto stay in budget. Allen seemed like a calculated risk considering the matchup and what else was available at this price for tight ends.
What happened:
He only had 3 targets in the Colts' nonexistent offense before suffering a knee injury. This game was likely a bit of an aberration on the offensive side and the injury was just bad luck. That happens though.
Pierre Thomas
Why you chose him:
Again, because of some of the other higher priced players included in the linup, a very inexpensive option was needed. Things seemed promising as Thomas has been getting targets and receptions. The matchup against the Falcons really seemed like it would be a high scoring affair and there would likely be several players getting in the end zone.
What happened:
He got a few catches and a few fantasy points and you can't be too disappointed considering he was only priced at $3,800. As stated before, the Saints didn't fully take advantage of the matchup and playoff potential that this game provided.
Steelers
Why you chose them:
This was another opportunity to save a few virtual dollars and find a defense just under $3,000. Compared to other teams similarly priced, the Steelers seemed like a solid option.
What happened:
12 fantasy points for a defense priced at $2,600 is nothing to be ashamed of.