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Building the Perfect FanDuel Lineup For Week 8

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By @chrisbreezy91

Building the Perfect FanDuel Lineup For Week 8

Russell Wilson FanDuel
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Believe it or not, there is a huge difference between a season-long fantasy league and weekly challenges. In weekly leagues such as FanDuel, it’s all about maximizing matchups and player/positional value. With Week 8 of the NFL right around the corner, this lineup is a solid blueprint to follow in your weekly challenges. If you find success with my help, you’re welcome in advance. If not, well, don’t trust your money with a stranger.

Quarterback -- Russell Wilson $8, 900

Russell Wilson Seahawks
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback -- Russell Wilson $8, 900

Russell Wilson Seahawks
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Normally, I’m a strong advocate against going after the high-priced quarterbacks in fantasy games. But Wilson’s matchup against the porous Carolina defense is too good to pass up. The third-year quarterback rarely has bad games, and should torch this defense that has allowed 15 passing touchdowns so far this year. Let’s not forget about what he adds on the ground.

Running Back -- Jerick McKinnon $5, 800

Jerick McKinnon Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back -- Jerick McKinnon $5, 800

Jerick McKinnon Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

I picked up Jerick McKinnon in Week 2 only to see Matt Asiata take the majority of the handoffs. Now, weeks later, McKinnon is the official starter and looks to build off his 103-yard performance in Week 7. With a matchup against the Bucs, who haven’t stopped anyone on the ground, the rookie should shine, and while only costing you $5,800, he’s a must-start.

Running Back -- Joique Bell $7, 300

Joique Bell Lions
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back -- Joique Bell $7, 300

Joique Bell Lions
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Joique Bell is a player who has proved he has the talent to be a go-to guy. Unfortunately, a crowded backfield has prevented that. With Reggie Bush listed as “doubtful,” Bell figures to get the majority of the snaps in Week 8 against the Falcons, who have allowed more fantasy points to opposing backs than any other team. This is a no-brainer, as Bell will get you elite running back production at second-tier back price.

Wide Receiver -- Jordy Nelson $8, 800

Jordy Nelson Packers
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver -- Jordy Nelson $8, 800

Jordy Nelson Packers
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Jordy Nelson is where you put all your eggs this week. Sure, he is the most expensive receiver, but he’s been every bit as good as Antonio Brown and has the best matchup this week. The Saints' defending against the pass this year has been like Rick Grimes (Walking Dead) messing around this season ... it hasn’t happened! The reason you save money on your running backs is so that you can make this play right here.

Wide Receiver -- T.Y. Hilton $7, 900

T.Y. Hilton Colts
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver -- T.Y. Hilton $7, 900

T.Y. Hilton Colts
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Since Week 3, T.Y. Hilton has caught at least 80 yards each game, including two 100-plus yard performances and one game with over 200. His lack of touchdowns has slightly hindered his fantasy value, but as long as he keeps moving the ball the way he has, he’s worth the play.

Wide Receiver -- Doug Baldwin $6, 800

Doug Baldwin Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver -- Doug Baldwin $6, 800

Doug Baldwin Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

When making your Week 8 lineup, there’s no way to leave Doug Baldwin off. With Percy Harvin out of town, Baldwin emerged as a legitimate threat for the Seahawks, catching seven passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Next up is a matchup with the Panthers, who have allowed 12 touchdowns to opposing receivers and the fourth-most total fantasy points. This is the perfect combination of good value and a great matchup.

Tight End -- Jared Cook $5, 400

Jared Cook Rams
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End -- Jared Cook $5, 400

Jared Cook Rams
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The tight end spot is not very important this year in weekly games. The top few options have high upside but are also inconsistent. Thomas, Olsen and Gates each have too many low-scoring games to warrant their high cost. What’s important is that you get something here without paying a lot. Jared Cook has caught 40 yards in all but one game, and a matchup against the Chiefs, who’ve allowed six touchdowns to tight ends might prove beneficial.

Kicker -- Billy Cundiff $4, 800

Billy Cundiff Browns
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker -- Billy Cundiff $4, 800

Billy Cundiff Browns
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t break the bank on a kicker. These guys will never win you a fantasy game, but a dud performance sure can lose you one. Focus on getting someone who will guarantee you at least seven points, but with upside for more. Billy Cundiff has scored at least seven points in each game except one, and the Raiders have allowed at least seven points in every game to opposing kickers. He’s as safe as they come.

Defense -- Tampa Bay $4, 800

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defense -- Tampa Bay $4, 800

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It’s less important how many points a unit allows than how many turnovers they create. The Bucs are allowing more points than my calculator can process, but over the last four weeks, they have four interceptions, five fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. In the last three weeks, the Vikings have been sacked 19 times, thrown seven interceptions and allowed one defensive touchdown. The Bucs will give up points, but it will be worth it.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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