Draftkings NFL Week 3 Picks Daily Fantasy Football

Nov 29, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants wide receiver /

Draftkings NFL Week 3 Picks

Week 2 was chock full of injuries across the NFL that are likely to shake up more than a few depth charts. Probably the most impactful injury was Adrian Peterson, who will be having surgery to address a torn meniscus and will likely be out for several months; if not the whole season. Along with Peterson’s injury, Week 2 brought a plethora of other injuries as Jonathan Stewart, Danny Woodhead, Doug Martin, Jimmy Garoppolo, and several others went down…including Josh McCown meaning the Browns will be throwing out Cody Kessler their 3^rd Q.B. in 3 weeks.

All of these injuries should make for an interesting Week 3 with several players moving up in their respective depth charts and getting a chance to shine with increased attention. In the next few sections I will offer my favorite DraftKings NFL Week 3 Picks. Each section will contain both high and low salary options at each fantasy football position to hopefully help you in your quest for that perfect Daily Fantasy lineup.

"Nov /

Quarterbacks

$7,400-Matt Ryan-(Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints)

Matt Ryan has been slinging the ball with great precision over the first two weeks with 730 passing yards and 5 touchdowns (earning him DraftKings fantasy scores of 27.36 and 31.84 respectively). This week he gets a tasty match up versus one of the worst secondary’s in the NFL. New Orleans was able to stop Eli Manning from passing for any touchdowns last week, however they’ve still conceded well over 300 passing yards per game this year. As one of the highest priced quarterbacks you will have to find low-salary options elsewhere to make him fit; luckily, with all the injuries I mentioned above there are several players too choose from. (I will mention my favorites in the next few section).

$7,200-Carson Palmer-(Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills)

Palmer is probably my favorite option for this week’s slate. Not only has he been playing very well the first two weeks but he gets a match up versus a weak defense that made Ryan Fitzpatrick look like an elite quarterback in Week 2. With so many options at wide receiver, coupled with a pass catching R.B., I believe Palmer can rack up some major yardage in this game and is more than likely to throw for at least a few touchdowns (he already has 5 passing T.D.’s this year). Overall, Palmer is well worth the price in my book as he should easily be one of the top options in Week 3.

$6,700-Phillip Rivers-(San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts)

With all the injuries the Chargers have been facing Rivers may seem like a surprise, however he is part of a pass happy offense that could exploit a vulnerable Indianapolis defense. The Colts have allowed a staggering 63 points through the first two games and I expect that trend to continue as a rag-tag Chargers team looks to show they still have some strength after losing two of their best offensive weapons. Rivers should sneak away with enough Draftkings fantasy points to justify his mid-range price tag in what I anticipate to be one of the highest scoring games of the weekend .

$5,900-Marcus Mariota-(Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans)

When looking toward the lower priced options Mariota jumped out at me not only because he has proven to be a solid option (with 18.74 and 17.62 Draftkings fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2 respectively), but because of the matchup. Oakland has shown a complete inability to stop quarterbacks this year, already having allowed a staggering 819 passing yards and 7 passing touchdowns. With Mariota’s ability to create plays it should be easy for him to earn more than enough Draftkings fantasy points to be considered one of the elite options for Week 3. Overall, there is definitely some risk when selecting Mariota due to a lack of receiver depth in the Titans lineup; however, with his consistent play through the first two weeks, and with such a favorable matchup, (not to mention his lower Draftkings salary) he could be the perfect fit for any lineup.

$5,000-Brian Hoyer-(Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys)

Hoyer is my tossup for the week. Filling in for an injured Jay Cutler the journeyman gets yet another chance to show fans what he’s got. Even with his reputation, his price (set at the Draftkings minimum for quarterbacks) is almost too good to pass up. At such a low price he would not have to score too many fantasy points to be worth selecting. Luckily for him he gets a fantastic matchup versus a Cowboys defense who have struggled this year. Overall, Hoyer is risky no if ands or buts; however his price, coupled with a potentially potent offense, leads me to believe he will earn enough Draftkings points to justify a selection. In my opinion Hoyer is most useful in lineups where you’re looking to utilize some of the high salaried players at other positions because his price should open up your remaining salary to choose at least one or two elite options at RB or WR.

Sep 18, 2016 San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs past Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Running-Backs

$7,100-Todd Gurley-(Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Gurley hasn’t run the ball all too well this year, but I believe he is ready to breakout against a less than impressive Buccaneers rush defense. Tampa Bay’s defensive line has done well stopping rushers; however, they have been miserable at defending pass catching backs allowing roughly 16 yards a reception to opposing R.B.’s. With this in mind Gurley becomes an enticing Draftkings option (as we all know Draftkings scoring gives a full point per reception). Overall, as one of the highest priced R.B.’s you’re going to have to pay up to fit him in your lineup…but he should be well worth the price.

$7,000-Matt Forte-(New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs)

Matt Forte has been playing incredibly well to start this season and he should continue rolling against a beatable Chiefs rush defense. Forte has been the Jets workhorse back with 52 carries in the first two weeks where he earned Draftkings scores of 20.5 and 33.9, respectively. Although he is listed as questionable this week reports say that he is still expected to play and I anticipate he will excel, especially with his pass catching ability. In the end, Matt Forte has been running the ball with a passion these first two weeks and given the matchup I expect him to once again find success.

$5,800-Melvin Gordon-(San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts)

Gordon seems to be the running back to own right now and I am right there on the bandwagon. I have never been that high on Melvin Gordon as an elite option; however, with all the injuries the Chargers have suffered he should be a lock this week. Without Danny Woodhead, Gordons usage could be off the charts and it comes at the perfect time against a porous Colts defense. In just the first two weeks of the season Indianapolis has conceded 229 rushing yards and 5 total touchdowns to opposing running backs along with allowing them roughly 10 yards per reception. Overall, considering how heavily the Chargers may lean on Gordon offensively, and how bad the Colts have been at stopping the rush, Gordon is my top option for this week.

$5,100-Rashad Jennings-(Washington Redskins @ New York Giants)

Although he has the questionable tab Jennings could be a strong option in this week’s slate against a Redskins rush defense who has been beat badly by opposing rushers this season. Washington has allowed 2 touchdowns each week to R.B.’s and I believe Jennings, who is in my opinion the top dog in the Giants two back system, could sneak in for a touchdown. Washington has not only allowed rushers into the end zone, but they have also been beat for some major yardage giving up 143 rush yards Week 1 and 90 in Week 2. I fully believe if Jennings is healthy enough to play he will exploit the Redskins defense and be able to easily obtain enough DraftKings fantasy points to justify his middle of the pack pricing.

$3,000-Josh Ferguson-(San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts)

Ferguson is my sleeper pick of the week. He has shown an ability to be a viable pass catcher with roughly 7.9 yards per reception (and may see an uptick in usage with the injury to Donte Moncrief last week). One of the main things hindering his production is Frank Gore, however I believe that given an opportunity Josh Ferguson could produce quite a few Draftkings fantasy points against an exploitable Chargers rush defense. This year the Chargers have been burnt by pass catching backs, giving up a staggering 129 yards on 7 catches to Spencer Ware in Week 1. Overall Ferguson has a ton of potential this week and could end up being quite a useful sleeper (especially when looking to save money to pay up for players elsewhere)…but don’t get me wrong he is still an extremely risky play with just a few rushing attempts in his first two games, however he has been targeted 7 times and made 7 catches (with 5 of them coming in Week 2).

"Dec /

Wide Receivers

$9,100-Odell Beckham Jr.-(Washington Redskins @ New York Giants)

OBJ gets another crack at Josh Norman this week and I believe he will exploit a Redskins secondary who has failed to contain Wide Receivers this season. Washington has allowed over 100 receiving yards to opposing #1 receivers in both games this season and I expect that trend to continue especially after Eli Manning was held without a passing touchdown last week. There isn’t much more that needs to be said to advocate for Odell, so if you’re looking to pay up he should be well worth the price.

$7,300-Randall Cobb-(Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers)

Cobb is the other top-end receiver I like this week. Throughout the first two games he has remained relatively quiet scoring just 12.8 and 9.3 DraftKings fantasy points respectively. This match up may not seem like a lock, however after being held quiet I believe he is due for a big performance. His production could also see an uptick as Rodgers looks to air it out to show what the Packers can do after they were held in check by a stout Vikings defense in Week 2. Overall Cobb may seem risky at his price, however I really like his chances to score this week and I believe he will easily justify his higher-end price tag.

$5,700-Mohammed Sanu-(Atlanta Hawks @ New Orleans Saints)

Sanu is one of my favorite lower priced W.R. options this week as he get a juicy matchup versus one of the most beatable secondary’s in the league (who will have their hands full trying to contain Julio Jones). The Saints have allowed roughly 268 receiving yards in each of their first two games and Mohammed Sanu could cash in for significant yardage. Sanu has proven capable of being a reliable target after he earned 21.9 Draftkings fantasy points in Week 1 and despite letting down owners Week 2 with a measly score of 4.9 I believe he is due for another explosive outing.

$4,700-Tajae Sharpe-(Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans)

Sharpe could be a great selection this week especially with his prominence in the Titans attack (he has received 18 targets in the first two weeks) and at his modest price of just $4,700 he’s a bargain. Along with his spot as one of the top threats for Tennessee, Sharpe also gets a great match up against a Raiders team that has arguable the worst secondary in the NFL. Oakland has already allowed 3 W.R. over 100 yards receiving in the first two weeks and could get gashed again by the young and talented Shape. Also benefitting Sharpe is the fact that the Raiders have allowed 5 touchdowns to opposing receivers. In the end, there is always a risk in selecting rookie players; however he should be able to capitalize in this fantastic matchup for more than enough Draftkings fantasy points to warrant a pick.

$4,100-Tavon Austin-(Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Tavon Austin is one of my favorite players and this week he gets a tasty matchup. The Buccaneers defense has been beat badly this year already having conceded 5 receiving Touchdowns to opposing W.R.’s. Adding to Austin’s potential is his usage in the running game especially when considering how bad the Buc’s have been versus the run this season. Overall, Tavon is definitely a risky play, but I believe he could potentially have a great game and at his price he could be a solid option especially when trying to balance out a lineup.

$3,900-Eli Rodgers-(Pittsburg Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles)

Eli Rodgers has proved to be a reliable target for Ben Roethlisberger this year. (having reeled in 7 of his 10 targets in the first two weeks). Although this matchup does not seem great on paper as the Eagles have held W.R.’s to minimal production so far this season, I believe Rodgers has a shot to slip through a defense that has their hands full with Antonio Brown, Sammie Coates, and DeAngelo Williams. The Eagles have shown a strong Defensive-line meaning Rodgers, being a slot receiver, could benefit from quick out-passes from Roethlisberger. Overall, Rodgers should be able to earn enough Draftkings fantasy points to justify his price of just 3,900.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback /

Tight-Ends

$5,000-Delanie Walker-(Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans)

Delanie Walker dominated in Week 2 with 6 catches on 6 targets for 83 yards and a Touchdown and could continue his success Week 3. As I mentioned before in my analysis of Mariota and Sharpe, the Raiders defense has been beat badly this season. Oakland’s also been burnt by T.E. this season, last week they allowed Atlanta’s T.E. combo a combined 8 catches for 159 yards and 1 Touchdown. With this in mind I anticipate a solid performance from Walker, the Titans clear cut #1 tight end. Overall, he should be able to earn more than enough Draftkings fantasy points to be worth his top tier price.

$3,700-Eric Ebron-(Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers)

Ebron has stepped up these first two games of this season and seems to be one of Matthew Stafford’s favorite targets this year. This week he gets a generous matchup versus a Packers defense who have allowed a touchdown to opposing T.E.’s in each of their first two games this season. Although there is an injury concern with Ebron I believe if he plays he could be one of the top options this Week and at a price of just $3,700 he could be well worth the money.

$3,400-Dennis Pitta-(Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars)

Finally back from constant injury, Pitta (who has proved time and again to be one of Joe Flacco’s favorite targets) could very well become one of the top T.E.’s this year. Throughout the first two games of the season Pitta has been targeted 16 times reeling in 12 catches for 141 yards. Although Flacco has not found him in the endzone yet their chemistry has been incredible with Pitta coming up big at key times of the game (especially in third down situations). Overall I expect Dennis Pitta, if he remains healthy, to continue to improve week to week and potentially move up to the top of the T.E. rankings.

$2,900-Jordan Cameron-(Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins)

Cameron did not show up week one, however he burst out onto the scene Week 2 with 5 catches on 7 targets for 49 yards and a Touchdown. There is no doubt that Cameron has the talent to be a top-tier T.E. and with an increased role in the offense he may just find his chance in Miami. Benefiting Cameron even more is his matchup Week 3 against a beatable Browns defense who allowed 15 catches and 160 yards to opposing T.E.’s already this season. Overall, Jordan Cameron is a risky play this week as his usage in the offense is still a little unknown; however, he has great potential and could easily be one of the best options in Week 3.

$2,500-Jack Doyle-(San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts)

Doyle has surprised many this season and seems to be fitting in well in the Colts offense. Over the first two games he has amassed 9 targets and reeling in 7 for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns. In Week 2 Donte Moncrief, one of Andrew Lucks top targets, was injured and with his absence some anticipate a bigger role for Doyle. This could be coming at the perfect time as Doyle gets a juicy matchup versus one of the worst T.E. defenses in the league. The San Diego Chargers have already allowed 182 yards and 1 touchdown to tight ends through the first two weeks. Overall, Doyle would not have to earn too many points to warrant picking him at his bottom of the barrel price of just $2500; and I believe he has the potential to greatly outshine expectations.

"Aug /

Defense/Special Teams

$3,500-Broncos-(Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals)
The Broncos Defense has carried its 2015 dominance through the first two weeks of this season and should continue its shut down pressure against a beatable Bengals defense. The Bengals definitely have some weapons; however, they have had trouble protecting the Quarterback this year (already having conceded 8 sacks in two games). Although Cincinnati has only turned the ball over a few times in the first two games; under the heavy pressure the Broncos Defense brings, they may be more susceptible to turnovers. Overall the Broncos have had a very impressive start to this season and should continue to produce this week.

$3,000-Dolphins-(Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins)

Draftkings Week 3 Daily Fantasy Football Picks

By Aaron Ziskin | Sep 22, 2016

Draftkings NFL Week 3 Picks