Week 3 of the NFL season is already upon us. In the previous two weeks, we’ve seen some surprising play from a variety of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Read on for Ben Davidowitz’s picks for tournament and cash game play. Click here to make your lineup and play on FantasyDraft.
Quarterbacks:
Cash Game / Tournament Play
Jamis Winston
The New York Giants have been an absolute mess on defense over the first two games of the season. With the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, little should change in Week 3. Jamis Winston should have time in the pocket to scout out the field and make several big throws against the Giants young and struggling secondary. If he has no options, he can gain yards on the ground with his legs. Winston is an excellent option in both cash and tournament play for the weekend.
Tournament Play
Deshaun Watson
After a stellar performance in Week 1, Deshaun Watson came back down to earth in Week 2 against a tough Jaguars defense. He will be looking to rev things up in Week 3 against the Chargers. Watson was held to under 200 passing yards last weekend, something that hadn’t happened since Week 7 of last season. He should come back strong in a big gain against the Chargers. Watson should have ample opportunities with the ball in his hand to make big throws and gain yards with his legs. He should be an excellent option for tournament play, especially with some of the players he has around him.
Tournament Play
Phillip Rivers
Opposite Watson is Phillip Rivers. In his first game, he passed for over 300 yards and three touchdowns before coming back down to earth in Week 2. His salary reflects his zero touchdown one interception performance in Week 2 and he is at a prime price to build around in tournament play. He has dangerous receivers and a dual-threat running back that is a plus player in the passing game. Rivers looks primed for a big game in what could easily turn into a shootout.
Cash Play
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan looked excellent last week against the Eagles. He has thrown for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in the first two games of the season. Ryan should be a safe hedge in cash games to throw for big yards and put up touchdowns against the Colts in Week 3. He has thrown just as many interceptions as he has touchdowns, but has topped over 20 fantasy points in his first two outings. If he cleans up the interceptions, his point total will slowly begin to creep up to the near ’30s.
Cash Game / Tournament Play
Dak Prescott
Its beginning to feel like any quarterback going up against the Dolphins should be an easy pick to do extremely well in DFS. With Minkah Fitzpatrick now traded, the Dolphins defense should be even more porous than in the first two weeks. Ezekiel Elliott will draw massive attention on the ground and should allow things to open up for Dak Prescott and the passing game behind him. I would completely comfortable rolling out Prescott in both cash or tournament play this weekend.
Running Backs
Cash Game / Tournament Play
Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott is finally getting back into form after a prolonged holdout from the Cowboys this off-season. He had 23 carries and eclipsed 100 yards on the ground in Week 2 and ran in one score. Elliott nearly doubled his touches from Week 1 and looks to be on an upswing trend regarding his performance. I expect that trend to continue in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. Elliott is one of the more expensive players to build around but has the potential to greatly reward owners who choose to roster him. The Dolphins are quickly falling apart this year and should have a slew of difficulties stopping the Cowboys offense.
Tournament Play
David Johnson
David Johnson has had a somewhat mixed start to the current season. He performed well in Week 1 when he collected over 100 combined yards running and passing. In Week 2, he was forced to leave the game when he injured his wrist. He has rejoined the team in practices and looks to be fully ready for a big workload against the Panthers. He could be in danger of losing some snaps but could easily fall right back into his workhorse status as the Cardinals lead running back. His potential for a big game makes him an excellent tournament play.
Cash Game
Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler has carved out a nice space for himself in the absence of Melvin Gordon. His running attempts per game have been on the upswing and he is a dangerous addition in the passing game. In a game that has the potential to be a high scoring affair, Ekeler has a massive upside to continue his dominate play. With two solid weeks in a row, he should be a massive consideration in cash games going forward.
Tournament Play
Frank Gore
With fellow running back Devin Singletary not yet practicing while dealing with a hamstring injury, the door is once again open for Frank Gore. He had 21 total touches last weekend and had nearly 100 total yards. He has gotten a good amount of touches per game but has yet to completely capitalize on his opportunities. Gore is averaging only 2.9 yards per carry but could have an added workload against the Bengals this weekend. Keep a close eye on Singletary heading into the weekend, but if you need a low-cost option for tournament play that has the possibility to be highly productive, take a look at Gore.
Tight Ends
Cash Games / Tournament Play
Evan Engram
With the benching of Eli Manning and ascension of Daniel Jones, Evan Engram has the possibility of increased targets. The Giants wide receivers corps are struggling with injuries and suspensions. During the preseason, Jones showed off the ability to be accurate and make good reads with the football. Engram has the potential to see increased targets thrown his way as the main safety net for Jones. Add in the massive attention that Saquon Barkley demands, and Engrams could be in line for a big game.
Tournament Play
Jared Cook
Jared Cook hasn’t done much with his opportunities throughout the first two weeks of the season. Even though he had only two catches last weekend, Cook was second in targets for the Saints. With the added benefit of additional practices with Teddy Bridgewater, the two should be much more in sync this weekend. If you’re looking for an option in tournament play with a low price tag but a high ceiling, Cook could be your man.
Tournament Play
T.J. Hockenson
In Week 1, T.J. Hockenson lit up the scoreboards. He had six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, he came back down to earth with one catch for seven yards. Against an Eagles team that has had some trouble with tight ends this season, Hockenson has the potential for a big game. He is a risky boom or bust prospect but could reward those brave enough to roster him with a big game.
Cash Game
Darren Waller
Darren Waller had a team-leading 63 receiving yards in Week 2. He has yet to cash in with a touchdown but had received a heavy workload in each of the first two games of the season. Waller has become an important cog in the Raiders passing game and will look to continue his trend of being highly targeted while putting up good yardage. He is the second receiving option on the Raiders and should break into the endzone sooner rather than later. His consistent production makes him an excellent play for cash games.
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DeShaun Watson’s name is spelled wrong.