How was your second week in DFS? Mine was again a mixed affair, where I won nothing again thanks to another week where I got nothing from my QB/WR stack as Dak Prescott managed just 8.48 points and Amari Cooper 5.4 points in the Cowboys’ road victory. There were some highs as I nailed the Derrick Henry bounce-back, as well as K.J. Osborn, Courtland Sutton and the New England Patriots. We’re getting closer. Here is my best DraftKings NFL DFS lineup for the Week 3 Sunday slate of games, breaking down my reasoning for selecting those players and hopefully helping you with your DFS selections for the week ahead.
I’m leaning heavily on two games on Sunday where I’m banking on the offenses to dominate. If this carries too much risk for you, hopefully a couple of the roster will make enough sense that you can slot them into your roster this Sunday.
Note: I’m setting my lineup based on the standard nine player, $50k salary cap setup for the Sunday slate of games, excluding Sunday Night Football.
Quarterback: Daniel Jones vs Atlanta Falcons ($5,800)
You’ll see from this list that I’m hitting the New York Giants vs Falcons game hard this week as I like what I saw out of Daniel Jones last time out against Washington and like this match up even better. Jones is the QB5 in fantasy after two weeks and the Falcons have been the joint worst defense with the Titans per my NEFF ratings. Jones looks like becoming a real dual threat quarterback and I’m hoping for another breakout game in Week 3.
Running Back: Austin Ekeler @ Kansas City Chiefs ($7,200)
The other game I’m focusing on this week is in Kansas City, where I’m hoping that Ekeler’s all round ability will cause some of the same issues that the Baltimore Ravens caused for the Chiefs last week. Ekeler is the RB7 through two weeks and in a potential shootout, will be a major weapon on keeping the Los Angeles Chargers in the game.
Running Back: Saquon Barkley vs Atlanta Falcons ($6,500)
Barkley has been eased back into action so far this season, barely cracking the top-50 running backs through Week 2. The Falcons are the perfect get right game and we can see the old Saquon tearing up the struggling Atlanta defense. It’s a boom or bust play but in a one week game, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Wide Receiver: Tyreek Hill vs Los Angeles Chargers ($8,400)
Not much to say here. Hill had a quiet Week 2 but should get back on track against the Chargers. He’s a potential WR1 every week so he’s in my lineup with no hesitation.
Wide Receiver: Sterling Shepard vs Atlanta Falcons ($5,900)
If Hill is a no brainer pick because of his talent, the Shepard is because of his form. He’s the WR11 after two weeks, and has 16 receptions to lead the Giants by far. He has the connection with Jones and should make for a useful stack option this week.
Wide Receiver: K.J. Osborn vs Seattle Seahawks ($3,500)
Osborn did exactly what you wanted from a value DFS play last week, connecting with Kirk Cousins on a 70-yard touchdown reception. He actually leads the Minnesota Vikings in receiving yards through two weeks and has more receptions that Justin Jefferson. He clearly has a role and while his price remains low, remains a high upside WR3/Flex play every week.
Tight End: Kyle Pitts @ New York Giants ($4,900)
With Russell Gage set to miss Week 3, Pitts has the opportunity to have the breakout game we’re all waiting for. He should she see double digit targets this week and push for his first 100 yard receiving game against the Giants. The Falcons will need to pass and Pitts will be one of the main beneficiaries.
Flex: Cordarrelle Patterson @ New York Giants ($4,600)
It looks like Arthur Smith has a planned role for Patterson and should see increased touches in both the run and pass game this week against the Giants. He’s a match up nightmare and I’m hoping the increased workload will lead to more yards and touchdowns to round out a successful DFS week.
D/ST: Cleveland Browns vs Chicago Bears ($3,200)
This ticks all the boxes for me this week despite the Browns’ defense not really living up to it’s pre-season billing so far. The Bears have named rookie Justin Fields the starter for this week as Andy Dalton sits with a (non-serious) knee injury and I love picking against rookies in their first starts. The talent is off the scale but Fields has definitely been the weaker of the two Bears quarterbacks so far and I expect the Browns to dominate the game and force Fields to do more than he’ll be able to cope with. Look for multiple turnovers and some lovely points for your DFS lineup.
Who are you rostering in your DFS lineups this week? Drop your top plays in the comments.