Week 3 DraftKings and FanDuel Strategy: Top Picks by Position
Last week, I discussed general rules to follow on both DraftKings and FanDuel. If you’re unsure on how to play DFS successfully, look back to last week’s DFS article to get tips on some good practices, techniques, and guidelines. This week, with the sudden increase in roster-devastating injuries, I want to focus on the picks that will help you keep up a good winning momentum.
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As always, there’s two ways to go when deciding who will make the lineup cut. You can choose the mid-price vet who out performs his salary, and is less likely to be a popularly owned player, or you can choose the cheap youngster like Marcus Mariota and T.J. Yeldon, who bring a solid return with their youth, skill, and speed.
Let’s breakdown who you should pick to fill those holes left by the injuries for Week 3. Remember, there’s always a calculated risk with each choice, and you should always select players based on the team they’re playing that week, player matchups, team strategy, and health.
Kristen’s top picks for FanDuel
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QB Cam Newton- $7,900
In the Panthers’ last two games, they’ve racked up double digit attempts, which will be effective against a Saints defense that gave up a rushing touchdown to Jameis Winston alone in Week 2. Cam probably won’t put up huge passing numbers, but he could keep running balls in himself, which will increase his fantasy value exponentially.
QB Marcus Mariota- $7,300
Neither the Jets nor the Bills have a stellar offense, but both managed to bank off of a struggling Colts defense. The Titans are likely to have similar success against a secondary that was pulverized during Week 2, and lost its top corner Vontae Davis to a concussion late in the game.
RB Jonathan Stewart- $6,500
Although Stewart’s numbers haven’t exactly been amazing, he’s managed 35 carries out of 40 team attempts in the last two weeks. The Panthers will create more holes against the Saints defense and are easily the favored team to win.
RB Le’Veon Bell- $8,800
Bell is off suspension, so this pick might seem obvious with his typical production. The Rams just failed against the Redskins on the ground, which means the Steelers are going to run the ball more than normal. Not only is Bell a threat on ground, but he can act like an actual receiver. He’s likely to have a huge debut, which will render owning DeAngelo Williams as nothing more than a hazard.
WR Donte Moncrief- $6,000
Moncrief is slated to see a high ownership increase after he caught a touchdown for a second straight week. He’s the Colts’ best option at receiver with T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson who still looked questionable at times against the Jets. Moncrief leads the Colts with 13 receptions, and costs less than Johnson ($6,800) and Roddy White ($6,100). Consider him a bargain gift to your team.
TE Jimmy Graham- $6,300
It’s likely that Graham will be ignored after last week’s poor performance, and it would be more than understandable. However, team owners must remember that Graham went six out of eight targets in Week 1 (same as Rob Gronkowski), which included one catch for a score. Chicago has trouble stopping anyone, and Vegas expects the game to be a blowout in the Seahawks’ favor. I’d take your chances.
TE Greg Olsen- $5,900
Olsen was targeted 14 times in Week 2, making Cam Newton and Greg Olsen a solid stack. It will likely be the case again this week, when the Panthers face the Saints, who can’t stop anyone.
D/ST Patriots- $4,700
The Patriots are facing a Jaguars offense. That’s really all that needs to be said.
D/ST Seahawks- $5,300
I would have appreciated this pick more, if Jay Cutler was actually playing. Cutler always proves himself an interception-throwing machine. However, with backup Jimmy Clausen up to bat, it’s likely the Bears will play it safe. However, Seattle’s defense will still make its mark on Chicago.
Kristen’s picks for DraftKings
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QB Carson Palmer- $6,600
The show that the 49ers defense put on in Week 2 is likely what we will see for the remainder of the season. Ben Roethlisberger managed 369 yards with three scores against the 49ers, so Palmer is a strong option against the struggling 49ers defense. Palmer could cross that 300-yard mark again, which would make him ideal for sites with bonus formats like DraftKings.
RB T.J. Yeldon- ($4,400)
Denard Robinson is sidelined with a knee injury, and Toby Gerhart has yet to play this season. Yeldon will get as many snaps and touches as he can against the struggling Patriots’ run defense. Yeldon will prove to be a sneaky PPR contributor with his abilities in the pass game, as well.
RB Jamaal Charles- $7,400
Charles is a solid choice for PPR. Don’t let his two fumbles in Week 2 throw you off. The Chiefs will be forced to run against the Packers, and top Packers defense performer Clay Matthews is not a great open-field tackler. All of this will make Charles a perfect target for Alex Smith.
WR Allen Robinson- $5,200
The Jaguars have misused Robinson by trying to feed him straight verticals. However, the Jags altered that plan in Week 2, and Robinson responded with six receptions, 155 yards, and two touchdowns. Robinson is one of my favorite bargains for the week.
WR Larry Fitzgerald $5,800
In his last seven starts, Fitzgerald as caught an average of eight catches for 94 yards, and a total of five touchdowns. He scooped up 14 of 17 targets through two weeks of play, and faces an offense that has troubles against players like Darrius Heward-Bey. Fitzgerald should maintain his high percentage of team targets, and the PPR format of DK makes him an enticing grab.
TE Vernon Davis- $3,200
Davis has been largely neglected. However, he’s be reintroduced to Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense by catching eight out of 13 targets in his first two weeks. The Cardinals allow tight ends an average of 4.5 receptions and 40.5 yards per game. He’s a great bargain, as he’s on the same level as players like Martellus Bennett, and better than any tight end the Saints ran out in Week 1.
TE Eric Ebron- $3,300
Ebron has had a great start in 2015, despite a disappointing rookie season last year. He’s registered 15.3 points in both games, so I would claim him as a safe bet.
D/ST NY Jets- $3,000
Andrew Luck struggled against the Jets, and the Jets didn’t allow Indianapolis to bounce back. They managed to snatch three interceptions with two recorded fumbles. They’ll put plenty of pressure on Sam Bradford, who has already committed five total turnovers. Look for plenty of sacks, interceptions, and even a possible defense touchdown from this crew.
D/ST Falcons $2,900
This is going to be a shocking choice for some readers. But, the emergence of the pass rush behind the rookie defensive end Vic Beasley has changed some perceptions in the DFS world. Tony Romo is out with a broken clavicle, which means the Falcons won’t have to face him or Dez Bryant. Weeden also tends to make things a bit easier for defenses.
Games to watch
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. kickoff E.T.)
Luck is looking for a rebound after two horrible weeks and will turn his aggression against the Titans. If Travis Benjamin can catch three passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns, T.Y. Hilton could easily replicate the numbers. Now it’s important to monitor Hilton’s health throughout the week, but if healthy, Hilton could have a big game on Sunday. Tennessee surrendered 72 yards and a touchdown to Isaiah Crowell last week. Frank Gore will be looking to make up for that unfortunate fumble.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots (1 p.m. kickoff E.T.)
Brady is on an absolute roll and is facing a mediocre, if improving, Jaguars secondary. The Jaguars rank 17th against opposing tight ends and did a great job of shutting down Greg Olsen in Week 1, which means Gronkowski shouldn’t have much trouble at all. Dion Lewis is a sleeper at running back. He caught six passes for 98 yards last week against Buffalo, and the Patriots will probably continue using him during the passing game. I’d recommend stacking the Patriots against Jacksonville.
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I think you are missing some spots….