FanDuel NFL 2018: Week 3 lineup

Each week that passes, things are becoming more clear about all 32 teams. Week 3 is upon us and it’s time to unleash my FanDuel lineup.

Before diving into Week 3’s lineup, let’s reflect on how last week’s lineup performed. The decision to pay for the two most expensive running backs did not pay off as much as the matchups suggested. Todd Gurley didn’t run for 100+ yards, but he was able score three times. He finished the afternoon with 26.50 points, second most at running back position.

On the flip side, Alvin Kamara’s Week 2 performance was not as dominant as his Week 1 showing. The second-year back rushed for 46 yards and caught six passes for 53 yards. Kamara only scored 14.90 points and at his price tag, he certainly under achieved. Austin Ekeler, who was my FLEX play, was efficient running the ball, but wasn’t as involved in the pass game and finished with 11.30 points.

At quarterback, Philip Rivers was the safe play against a lousy Buffalo Bills team, but Melvin Gordon’s success kept the signal caller from throwing more touchdown passes. Rivers finished the game throwing for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interceptions. His point total was 22.74, 10th best at the quarterback position.

Rivers’ number one target, Keenan Allen, didn’t dominate the Bills like he has his entire career. Instead, he only caught six passes for 67 yards. He finished the day with only 9.7 points. Not the production you want to see from last week’s most expensive receiver, in my lineup.

However, Nelson Agholor and Kenny Golladay picked up Allen’s slack and combined for 35.4 points. Both finished in the top-20 in points a the receiver position. Injuries continue to pile up for the Eagles receiver crew, expect Agholor to be the guy moving forward, and his numbers increasing, especially with the return of Carson Wentz.  

After Kittle showcased serious potential in Week 1, he was a dud in Week 2. He only caught two passes for 22 yards, while being targeted four times. Defensively, the Jets were the best play in Week 1 and backed it up in Week 2. They led all defensive units in scoring with 12 points. This lineup combined for 132.54 points.

Here were Week 2’s top performers at each position:

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers – 38.98

RB: Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers – 27.60 & Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams – 26.50

WR: Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings – 31.40; Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings – 25.10 & Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints – 24.90

TE: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – 26.40

FLEX: Juju Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers – 26.40 & Matt Bredia, San Francisco 49ers – 23.40

DEF: New York Jets -12

Once again, the Thursday, Sunday and Monday night game will not be included. All fantasy points discussed are based on FanDuel’s scoring system.

Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Fransisco 49ers- $7,400

The hype surrounding Garoppolo has slowed down in 2018. Especially, after his Week 1, three interception performance against the Vikings and the emergence of Patrick Mahomes.

Garoppolo bounced back in game two against the Detroit Lions. He completed 69% of his passes, while throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers don’t jump off the chart, but he was efficient and finished with 16.64 fantasy points.

This week, Garoppolo has the opportunity to put up big numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in the NFL. Quarterbacks have thrown for 400+ yards in back-to-back weeks against Kansas City.

Garoppolo has never thrown for 400 yards in his career, but will have that chance in Week 3.