DraftKings: NFL Week 3 best values
By Joe Romano
Running Backs
Theo Riddick $5100 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Lions have a clear plan for their running backs, and that is not to run the ball. No team utilizes their running back as a receiver quite like the Lions. The beneficiary of that is normally Theo Riddick.
While Riddick only has seen 10 carries in this short season, he is second on the team in targets with 10. His 19 touches are the most on the Lions.
In Week 3, the Lions get to play the Atlanta Falcons. In their first two games the Falcons have given up big pass catching games to opposing running backs. Tarik Cohen had his coming out party in Week 1. He wrapped up the week with 8 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. Ty Montgomery impressed as a receiver against Atlanta in Week 2. The converted wide receiver had six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Riddick is a dynamic weapon for the Lions offense. Since the new coaching staff took over the Lions have gone to a quick strike offense where Matthew Stafford is less afraid to check it down. Riddick will get those chances this week.
The Lions will also likely be trailing against the talented Falcons team. This will lead the Lions to throwing the ball and Riddick being on the field. Any time a pass catching back goes against the Falcons they’ll be slotted into this article.
Runner-up:
Duke Johnson $4200 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The third-year pro saw some actual running back carries in Week 2. Week 1 had Johnson as a wide receiver for almost every one of his snaps. This season he has 11 targets on the season compared to 4 rushes.
The reason he makes this list is because the Colts are another terrible defense. They were absolutely dominated in Week 1 against the Rams offense and struggled against Arizona’s offense last week. As discussed with Kizer’s write-up, Johnson will play a big part of this offense.
Johnson will also see an increased role given the Corey Coleman injury. The Browns will likely start Rishard Higgins at wide receiver opposite Kenny Britt. Neither have impressed this season and Higgins was signed off the practice squad 24 hours before last week’s game.
In PPR formats Johnson has the opportunity to lead this team in targets against the Colts. He also will get some change of pace carries for Cleveland. The Browns are favored for the first time in two years. They have a juicy matchup across the board but it may shape up best for the third year running back.