Every Friday, this article provides several FanDuel stacks. Most of these positively correlated combinations are best suited for tournament play. But some of the safer duos with high floors can be used in cash games. We'll discuss highly-owned stacks, dig deeper to find less common stacks, identify potential shootouts, and create strong lineup anchors with defensive stacks.
Highly-Owned Stacks
Kirk Cousins ($8,000) + Jordan Reed ($7,400) = $15,400
This pair may be the highest owned at their positions, but they've been on a ridiculous run as of late. I think Washington pulls an upset of the Packers in this one, and the Cousins-to-Reed connection will be the key to their victory. If you use this stack, be sure to find differentiation at other positions.
Twist: The Packers' secondary is solid, but I could see DeSean Jackson ($7,000) getting loose for a deep touchdown. This trio makes for a reasonably priced triple-stack, and Jackson should have lower ownership than his teammates.
Ben Roethlisberger ($8,400) + Antonio Brown ($9,500) = $17,900
The Steelers implied total of 24.25 points may not sound like much, but it's the highest of the week. Roethlisberger and Brown are two of the safest plays at their positions, but they'll be highly owned and cost you a pretty penny. With DeAngelo Williams unlikely to play and Martavis Bryant getting called out for his lack of effort, Pittsburgh's top pair will be relied on heavily. Just make sure you find differentiation elsewhere.
Twist: Also playing Heath Miller ($5,600) makes for an affordable triple-stack. Miller had 10 receptions in each of his games against the Bengals this season.
Less Common Stacks
A.J. McCarron ($6,400) + A.J. Green ($8,300) = $14,700
Pittsburgh's pass defense makes for one of the best matchups on the slate. Unfortunately, Andy Dalton is unlikely to play. But that will lower ownership of the Bengals' AJs. Green will still see decent ownership, but rostering McCarron should help separate you from the field. Playing from behind at home in the game with the highest over-under is a recipie for fantasy success.
Twist: The Steelers play well against the tight end, so fading Tyler Eifert ($6,400) to play Marvin Jones ($5,500) is the shrewd fantasy owner's triple-stack.
Shootout: To lean into the shootout gamescript, tack on one or two of the Steelers for the reasons stated in the high-owned section.
Aaron Rodgers ($8,100) + James Jones ($5,700) = $13,800
On paper, playing against the Washington defense is the easiest matchup of the week. But can you count on the Packers offense to turn things around? The ownership will be low enough to be worth the risk. Rodgers' upside against the Redskins' terrible defense can't be ignored.
Twist: I'd rather play Richard Rodgers ($5,200) than Randall Cobb ($6,500) in a Packers triple stack. Cobb has only scored two touchdowns since Week 3. At least Rodgers has three in his last five games.
Shootout: Use Jordan Reed and/or DeSean Jackson for the reasons stated in the high-owned section.
Defensive Stacks
Seattle Seahawks ($5,100) + Tyler Lockett ($6,200) = $11,300
With all the running back committees and injuries, it's a tough week to find high-floor rushers this week. Pete Carroll claims that Marshawn Lynch ($7,800) will resume his full-time role on Sunday. But I'm skeptical in his first game back from injury since Week 10. The safest pairing for the chalk defense is Lockett. If he scores a return touchdown, you get double the points.
Austin Lee hang-glided in Rio, climbed The Great Wall, and caught passes from both Dan Marino and Joe Montana. For more of his DFS insights, listen to The Audible's FanDuel podcast. Also check out his Normalized Strength of Schedule tool or hit him up for advice on Twitter.