First Look: Week 3 NFL DFS Picks for DraftKings and FanDuel (FREE)

Injuries were a common theme across the NFL in Week 2. We aren’t just talking minor injuries, either. Several players are looking at multi-week absences and some could be lost for the entire season. Let’s examine the ramifications that some of those injuries could have across the DFS landscape for Week 3.

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NFL DFS Week 3 First Look | DraftKings + FanDuel

Quarterbacks

Ryan Tannehill, TEN a MIN (DraftKings: $5,900, FanDuel: $7,400)

Despite having to play without A.J. Brown (knee) versus the Jaguars, Tannehill had a phenomenal game with 239 passing yards and four touchdowns. He had six touchdown passes and no interceptions this season to go along with a 70.1% completion rate, showing that his resurgence last season was no fluke. Even if Brown is sidelined again in Week 3, Tannehill is going to be an appealing option against a Vikings’ defense that has allowed 71 points through two games.

Justin Herbert, LAC vs. CAR (DraftKings: $5,900, FanDuel: $7,200)

One big surprise that came out of Sunday was Herbert getting his first career start for the Chargers. Tyrod Taylor was healthy heading into their matchup against the Chiefs, but breathing problems leading up to kickoff resulted in him sitting out. Herbert not only played well, but he almost led the Chargers to the upset, throwing for 311 yards and generating two total touchdowns in what turned out to be an overtime loss. Chargers’ head coach Anthony Lynn said that Taylor will be their starter when he’s healthy, but if he sits out again, Herbert could once again be productive given that the Panthers have allowed 65 points through two weeks.

Running Backs

David Montgomery, CHI at ATL (DraftKings: $5,700, FanDuel: $6,100)

There was some concern that Montgomery would not be ready for the start of the season after suffering a groin injury during training camp. He was able to play in Week 1, but he was only on the field for 44.6% of the Bears offensive snaps. Week 2 brought another injury scare as he temporarily left the game against the Giants with a neck injury. The good news for the Bears is that he was able to return, and he thrived with 127 total yards and a touchdown. As long as he stays healthy throughout the week, he’s trending in the right direction for this matchup against a Falcons team that may have the worst defense in the league.

Mike Davis, CAR at LAC (DraftKings: $5,100, FanDuel: $6,000)

The Panthers could be in trouble after Christian McCaffrey was unable to return to Sunday’s contest against the Buccaneers because of an ankle injury. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday with the results likely giving us a clearer picture of his prognosis for Week 3. If he is forced to sit out, then Davis could end up seeing the bulk of the responsibilities in the backfield. Although he only had one carry against the Bucs, he caught all eight of his targets for 74 yards.

Dion Lewis, NYG vs. SF (DraftKings: $5,300, FanDuel: $5,500)

The Giants’ season might be over after just two weeks. They are 0-2, have three tough matchups on the horizon against the 49ers, Rams and Cowboys, and have likely lost Saquon Barkley for the season with a torn ACL. After he went down with the injury against the Bears, Lewis received 10 carries and five targets, turning them into 46 total yards and a touchdown. However, Wayne Gallman was a healthy scratch for the game. He should be active in Week 3 and will likely handle the early-down work with Lewis playing on third downs and in passing situations. The Giants could also bring in help from the outside to fill in at running back, so be sure to temper your expectations for Lewis.

Jerick McKinnon, SF at NYG (DraftKings: $4,900, FanDuel: $5,700)

The 49ers’ injury situation is getting out of hand on both sides of the ball. The biggest news at the running back spot is that Raheem Mostert suffered an MCL sprain against the Jets and could miss multiple games. Tevin Coleman also suffered a knee injury, so there is concern that both players could be out against the Giants, who have allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game. If they are forced to sit, this could be an excellent spot for McKinnon, who had 77 yards and a touchdown on just three carries versus the Jets.

Darrell Henderson, LAR at BUF (DraftKings: $5,400, FanDuel: $5,800)

Injuries hit the Ram’s backfield against the Eagles with both Cam Akers (ribs) and Malcolm Brown (finger) having issues. That resulted in a productive afternoon for Henderson, who generated 81 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. He also caught two of three targets for 40 yards. This is a murky situation with three capable players, but if Akers and/or Brown were to miss any time, Henderson could be looking at an expanded role. With that being said, this is a tough matchup against one of the best run defenses in the league, so Henderson might still have difficulties being productive.

Wide Receivers

Jerry Jeudy, DEN vs. TB (DraftKings: $5,000, FanDuel: $5,300)

The Broncos lost two key offensive players against the Steelers. Drew Lock (shoulder) not only had to leave the game, but he’s now expected to miss two-to-six weeks. On top of that, Courtland Sutton suffered a knee injury that could also force him to miss multiple games. Although having Jeff Driskel throwing him passes isn’t exactly ideal, Jeudy could be busy moving forward if Sutton is indeed out. He tied for the team high with seven targets against the Steelers, catching four of them for 62 yards.

Darius Slayton, NYG vs. SF (DraftKings: $4,900, FanDuel: $5,500)

Barkley might not be the only big loss for the Giants. Sterling Shepard also suffered a toe injury that he tried to return from in the third quarter but only lasted one play before returning to the sidelines. If he’s forced to miss Week 3, Slayton is an intriguing option against the 49ers’ injury-riddled defense. He’s been one of Daniel Jones’ favorite options, receiving 15 targets across the first two games.

Zach Pascal, IND vs. NYJ (DraftKings: $4,500, FanDuel: $5,100)

The good news is that despite going down with a knee injury against the Vikings, initial reports indicate Parris Campbell may have avoided a torn ACL. Still, he had to be carted off the field, and it seems like a stretch that he will be ready to play in this matchup against a terrible Jets defense. Pascal caught three of four targets for 19 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings and could once again be in line for an expanded role, making him an appealing option at such cheap salaries on both sites.

Tight Ends

Noah Fant, DEN vs. TB (DraftKings: $5,400, FanDuel: $5,800)

With Sutton going down, Fant was busy Sunday. He received at least five targets for the second straight week, catching four of them for 57 yards and a touchdown. That also marked is second straight game with a score. The talented former first-round pick should be one of the focal points of the Broncos’ offense throughout the season, and any absence by Sutton would only strengthen his case for being a viable DFS option.

Jonnu Smith, TEN at MIN (DraftKings: $5,200, FanDuel: $5,600)

Smith was the main beneficiary of Tannehill’s touchdown prowess against the Jaguars, finding his way into the end zone two times. He finished with an impressive overall stat line, catching four of five targets for 84 yards and those two scores. If Brown is forced to sit out in Week 3, expect Smith to once again be one of the Titan’s top pass-catching options. Even if Brown does play, Smith is still someone to strongly consider adding to your entry based on this favorable matchup.


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Author
I’ve been covering fantasy sports since 2007. Along my journey, I’ve contributed to companies including SportsLine, RotoWire, Sports Illustrated and DraftKings. My passion for fantasy sports began by playing in traditional season-long leagues and has expanded into DFS and sports handicapping. In 2018, I was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. You can contact me by e-mailing [email protected].

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