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Week 3 in DFS is here and we are starting to have enough data to make educated decisions when constructing our lineups. Throughout the season, I will identify cash game options and tournament plays at each position so you can set a winning lineup.
Quarterbacks
Cash Game Option:
Houston Texans Deshaun Watson ($11,400) – The second-year quarterback has not looked hesitant running through the first two games after undergoing ACL surgery last November as he has totaled at least 40 rushing yards in each contest. The passing yards were lacking in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, but he threw for 310 yards in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans now face a New York Giants defense that has allowed each of the quarterbacks they have faced through to the first two games to rush for at least 40 yards. It’s huge for DFS players to pencil it four points already for a quarterback before we even get the production through the air. Watson’s strong price along with the high floor makes him a nice building block.
New Orleans Saints Drew Brees ($11,500) – Brees is currently third in the NFL in passing yards yet is the tenth highest priced quarterback in Week 3. Vegas has projected the Saints to score 25 points this week in a game against the Atlanta Falcons that has an over/under of 53. If the Saints are going to win this game it will be because the veteran Brees is having a great day.
Tournament Option:
Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz ($12,700) – The third-year quarterback is returning from ACL surgery and despite not taking a snap yet, he is priced as the fifth highest quarterback and over $1,000 more than the quarterbacks mentioned above. However, the upside is just as high as Watson and Brees and the ownership will be low as many will be scared off because of the unknown as he returns from injury and the price. Vegas has the Eagles projected to score 27 points which is fourth highest on the slate. A stack consisting of Wentz, wide receiver Nelson Agholor and tight end Zach Ertz could be profitable in Week 3.
Tight Ends
Cash Game Option:
San Francisco 49ers George Kittle ($8,400) – The second-year tight end was the chalk play in Week 2, but let fantasy owners down as he only caught two passes for 22 yards. However, Kittle is in another great spot in Week 3 and I’m not afraid to go right back to him. The 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs with the over/under set at 55 1/2 which is easily the highest this week. The Chiefs defense is horrendous as they rank 31st in defense DVOA according to Football Outsiders. The Chiefs also rank second to last in football against the tight end position according to Football Outsiders. Kittle saw nine targets in Week 1 and I can easily see that type of volume again this week.
Tournament Option:
Atlanta Falcons Austin Hooper ($5,600) – If paying down at the position, but looking for upside, Hooper is your guy. The tight end caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and has been targeted nine times through the first two games. As mentioned previously, the Saints-Falcons game has an over/under of 53 so there should be plenty of points to go around. Many people will stack quarterback Matt Ryan with wide receiver Julio Jones, but a Falcons stack including Hooper will be lower owned and have upside potential.
Defense
Cash Game Option:
Minnesota Vikings ($7,800) – The Vikings are the most expensive defense on the slate and for good reason as they are facing a Buffalo Bills team at home that is second to last in the league in total yards on offense through the first two games. The Bills are also projected to score an abysmal 12 points with rookie quarterback Josh Allen making his first career start on the road. The Vikings are ranked in the top 10 defensively in many categories and make a nice safe option for cash lineups.
Tournament Option:
Dallas Cowboys ($3,900) – Fading chalk defenses in tournaments is a sound strategy as it’s difficult for defenses to pay off their value as many times a team that is getting blown out will score a late touchdown or two which can turn a great day into an average one. This is especially the case when the chalk defense is expensive like the Vikings this week. If wanting to differentiate and pay down at defense, the Cowboys could make an interesting target. Dallas ranks second in the league in sacks with nine and faces a Seahawks offense that has allowed the most sacks in the league with 12. The Cowboys are also allowing the third fewest points in the league. The combination of price and the Cowboys ability to get to the quarterback along with the Seahawks willingness to give up sacks makes this a nice tournament option.
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