Week 3 of DraftKings brings us many clear plays. Picking from the Cowboys and Bears game that will likely see 55+ points, with both defenses stopping nothing. Or Kenneth Walker III at a clear value with Zack Charbonnet not playing.
This week offers some free spaces, as these players are almost guaranteed to outpace their salaries. This aspect of playing DraftKings and daily fantasy will become more prevalent as the season progresses and more injuries occur. The risk comes from not playing these guys, because if they crush like they are set up to, your lineup is probably done right then and there. However, if you fade said player and they struggle, you now have a significant advantage over the rest of the field.
More Week 3 Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Weekly Rankings | Dynasty Risers and Fallers
It is not a bad idea to eat some chalk, as I mentioned earlier. The winner of the million dollars on Sunday will likely have a piece of the Bears and Cowboys game. So, I will highlight that more than usual in this article, but I will still give alternate plays because the game will be challenging to ignore completely.
Week 3 DFS: DraftKings Main Slate Picks
Quarterback
Favorite Play: Caleb Williams (5.6K), Chicago Bears
As I mentioned, it is tough to ignore this game on DraftKings, and it all starts with Caleb Williams. Williams has finished QB9 and QB20 during the first two weeks of the season. A rushing touchdown in Week 1 significantly propped up that finish.
However, Caleb has not been playing that badly to start the season. And the Dallas Cowboys have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Everyone saw Russell Wilson’s masterclass in the 1 P.M. window, throwing for over 450 yards last week.
Trevon Diggs found himself on the injury report after Saturday’s practice. With Daron Bland already scheduled to miss this game, the Cowboys’ secondary could be extremely thin against the Bears. Caleb Williams is a candidate for a QB1 finish on the week, which would guarantee him a spot in the optimal lineup.
Contraian Play: Michael Penix Jr. (5.6K), Atlanta Falcons
The majority of lineups will likely gravitate towards Dak Prescott and Caleb Williams. So, the logical idea is to play someone in the same salary range as both of them.
Michael Penix Jr. fits that bill. He threw for over 300 yards in his final game of 2024 against the Carolina Panthers. And the lefty quarterback is poised to do it again.
The Panthers are giving up the third-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks so far this season. However, I expect that number to rise after this week. Travis Etienne did the heavy lifting for the Jaguars in Week 1, while the Cardinals struggled a bit on offense in the win against the Panthers. Penix should put up a big week 3, which allows differentiation at the quarterback spot.
Check out all of our Week 3 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings
Running Back
Favorite Play: Saquon Barkley (7.8K), Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley is poised to have a big game tomorrow. It is easy to say, considering he totaled 460 yards and four touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams in two games last year. The Rams still have a weakness against the run and are currently tied for 17th in rushing yards allowed.
One of the biggest reasons to play Barkley is concern over the tush push. Officials have raised false start concerns about the play, and if there is even a chance Barkley can get goal-line touches, he is a must-play on DraftKings. Expect another RB1 performance from Barkley tomorrow at home.
Contrarian Play: Tony Pollard (5.7K), Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard is a fantastic play in DraftKings lineups, and he is going under the radar. Without Tyjae Spears, Tony Pollard is seeing 91% of the backfield opportunities for the Tennessee Titans.
The offense has been struggling to produce against two solid defenses as Cam Ward finds his footing. That has dropped Pollard’s stock to start the season. Now, Pollard gets the Indianapolis Colts in what should be a softer matchup. Pollard should see 25 touches today in what should be a high-scoring matchup.
Wide Receiver
Favorite Play: Nico Collins (7.3K), Houston Texans
This whole section could be summarized by looking at Ja’Marr Chase’s box score from last week. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass defense is once again not the greatest.
Now, enter Nico Collins, a receiver who has historically dominated the franchise. Collins has three straight 100-yard games against them. The Texans have been struggling with calling plays in the first two weeks, but Jacksonville is the chance to right the ship and lean on their star receiver.
Contrarian Play: Calvin Austin (4K), Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers did not perform up to standards against the Seattle Seahawks last week. However, this is an excellent spot for the passing game to bounce back against the New England Patriots.
The Patriots are giving up the most passing yards per game in the league. And they have given up the most passes of 20+ yards as well. That bodes very well for Calvin Austin, who has an average depth of target of 17.4 yards. Add in that star corner Christian Gonzalez will miss this contest, and Austin shapes up to be quite the play.
Tight End
Favorite Play: Juwan Johnson (3.9K), New Orleans Saints
I am surprised that Johnson has not eclipsed the $4,000 mark for salary on DraftKings. 21 targets in the first two weeks of the season, and first in expected fantasy points per game at 18.7.
He also gets the dream matchup this week against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have allowed the most fantasy points to the position through the first two weeks. So, it is okay to eat the chalk sometimes, because I don’t understand how Johnson doesn’t see the optimal lineup at his salary tomorrow.
Contrarian Play: Kyle Pitts (3.9K) Atlanta Falcons
The best way to get differential on sites such as DraftKings is to play someone at the same salary. And Kyle Pitts accomplishes that mission.
Pitts has been effective in the first two weeks of the season. He has seen 13 targets in the first two weeks, catching 11 of them. The game against Minnesota was rough, but there was no scoring to be found in that contest. That will not be the case tomorrow.
Pitts and the Falcons should find success against the Carolina Panthers today. The Panthers have given up the third-most fantasy points to the position on the season. So if I were to pivot from Juwan Johnson, Pitts would be the player I would pivot with.
Week 3 Main Slate Final Take
This week on DraftKings, the majority of players are leaning towards the afternoon game between Chicago and Dallas. The best way to play that game is with D.J. Moore and George Pickens.
Everyone will be looking towards Rome Odunze and CeeDee Lamb, so it is just another opportunity to get different. It is much easier to get different at running back this week. There are so many great plays that you can not fit them all into your lineups. Don’t be afraid to make bold plays, and best of luck this week.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
