Daily Fantasy Football December 5: DFS Stock Up, Stock Down

Week 13's daily fantasy football slate brings a couple of familiar faces to the forefront, while one rookie is set for the first start of his promising career.

T.Y. Hilton should receive plenty of attention in what figures to be a high-scoring game, but he's not the only player to watch for in that contest.

However, not everyone can be so lucky. Other standout players are readying for some of their toughest opponents—both individual and collective—in 2015.

Factors used to compile the list were injuries, recent performances, trends and upcoming matchups. Use this information as a research tool for Sunday on DraftKings.

Stock Up: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers ($6,600)

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Cam Newton is entering the most favorable matchup of the weekend against a soft New Orleans Saints defense, but Ben Roethlisberger must be eager to step onto the field.

After all, Big Ben torched the Indianapolis Colts for 522 yards and six touchdowns in 2014.

Projecting an explosive performance like that would be foolish, but it's equally as silly to say Roethlisberger absolutely cannot throw for 400 yards and four scores.

Roethlisberger recorded 27.04 DFS points in Week 12 despite tossing a single touchdown. He's practically a lock to surpass that number Sunday.

Stock Down: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks ($5,600)

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Russell Wilson has compiled his two most productive outings of the season during the last two games, but the Minnesota Vikings are set to destroy that trend.

Aaron Rodgers managed 19.08—an unimpressive mark for DFSers—in Week 11, and Matt Ryan trudged to 11.1 points in Week 12. Overall, the Vikings rank No. 4 against opposing quarterbacks.

Plus, the game will be played in Minnesota. Wilson is markedly better at home, averaging 22.3 points at CenturyLink Field compared to 16.2 away from the venue.

Wilson is an appealing choice for three straight contests, but that streak starts in Week 14. Avoid him against the Vikings.

David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals ($3,400)

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The Arizona Cardinals placed Chris Johnson on injured reserve/designated to return and ruled out Andre Ellington for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

Rookie running back David Johnson will probably be the most popular low-priced choice, especially in cash games.

Per Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910, head coach Bruce Arians said Johnson could receive up to 25 touches. The most he's handled on offense so far this season is 10, but Johnson was a workhorse at Northern Iowa.

Johnson should also be a factor in the aerial attack, and pass-catching backs have given St. Louis some trouble. In three straight games, the Rams have allowed 48 receiving yards or more to running backs.

Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders ($4,800)

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Latavius Murray is due for a big game, but that's not likely opposite the Kansas City Chiefs.

During the last five weeks, the Oakland Raiders running back has only scored once. Additionally, the Chiefs have surrendered two total touchdowns to the position over a similar time frame.

Oakland hasn't strayed too far from Murray, regularly giving him about 18 touches. Unfortunately for the offense, he's managed more than 60 rushing yards just twice since Week 3.

Murray should be usable soon, but he's a major risk Sunday.

T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts ($5,700)

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Even with the Colts announcing Andrew Luck would be sidelined for their Sunday Night Football clash against the Steelers, the hope of a shootout is alive.

Since Roethlisberger is expected to suit up, Pittsburgh should score early and often. Matt Hasselbeck is likely to be playing catch-up, and his favorite target is T.Y. Hilton.

Prior to a bad matchup with Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant, Hilton averaged six receptions for 77.7 yards with Hasselbeck slinging the football. In Week 12, they connected six times for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers have watched a receiver eclipse 100 yards during five of the last six weeks. Hilton should do the same and score at least once in a high-scoring affair.

Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints ($6,300)

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Resist the temptation to roster speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The second-year target is going to find himself on Josh Norman's island when the New Orleans Saints host the Carolina Panthers.

Thanks to Norman, Carolina consistently allows little success to No. 1 wideouts. Last week, he held Dez Bryant to two catches.

Cooks snagged seven receptions for 79 yards earlier against the Panthers this season, and New Orleans should try to keep him involved on quick passes and maybe a reverse or jet sweep.

However, a player with a $6,300 price tag needs to score a touchdown. Only seven receivers have found the end zone on the Carolina secondary, let alone Norman.

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Follow Bleacher Report CFB and DFS writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.