Welcome to RotoBaller's Daily Fantasy football DraftKings lineup picks for Week 3 of the NFL season. In this article, I, Jason Bales, will be taking you, the reader, through the best DraftKings DFS plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday.
These DraftKings lineup recommendations are based on matchups, recent performances, overall upside/talent levels, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more. With Week 1 and Week 2 in the books, playing time and roles are a little more defined. There are still quite a few great value plays available, so read on to find out which players are the best for Week 3. Good luck with your DraftKings DFS lineups!
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DraftKings Quarterbacks - Week 3 DFS Picks
Brian Hoyer (at DAL, $5,000)
On Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears suffered quite a few significant injuries. Those injuries included Jay Cutler, the long-time starting quarterback, who could possibly need a procedure done on his finger. As of right now, Cutler's season is in jeopardy, but he could avoid surgery, as there is no structural damage to his finger. Either way, Brian Hoyer is likely going to start Week 3 for the Bears. Hoyer has experience in the National Football League, and in limited time last week, he completed nine of 12 passes for over 75 yards. The Dallas Cowboys have one of the worst pass defenses in the league, and even Brian Hoyer can pick them apart. With weapons like Alshon Jeffrey and Kevin White at his disposal, it could be a big fantasy week for the backup.
DraftKings Running Backs - Week 3 DFS Picks
Melvin Gordon (at IND, $5,800)
Danny Woodhead recently landed on the injured reserve list, so Melvin Gordon is going to have to step up this season for the San Diego Chargers. Woodhead is one of the best fantasy options in the league at the running back position due to his pass-catching tendencies, and those targets are now going to shift over to Gordon. Gordon is no slouch in the pass-catching category, as he has three targets this season and three successful receptions. Last week, he ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown, posting 24 fantasy points. This is going to be a big season for the Chargers' young running back, and he is ready to take over. His price tag is going to skyrocket quickly, so take advantage of how low it is right now, especially against the Indianapolis Colts' weak defense.
Theo Riddick (at GB, $4,900)
Speaking of running backs that are going to benefit due to injury, Theo Riddick is going to take over a majority of the carries and targets with Ameer Abdullah also landing on the injured reserve list. His foot is not broken, but for the time being, he will be on the bench. That will open up even more playing time for Theo Riddick, along with a couple of snaps for rookie Dwayne Washington. Riddick is a Danny Woodhead-like back with huge upside, even against the tough Green Bay Packers' defense. On the season, he has 10 targets and nine receptions. He should see around 20 carries and at least five targets, resulting in four or five receptions, on his way to a fantastic outing. Use him in all leagues this week, especially with how low his price tag is.
DraftKings Wide Receivers - Week 3 DFS Picks
Quincy Enunwa (at KC, $4,800)
The New York Jets are dealing with multiple injuries at the wide receiver position this week. Brandon Marshall twisted his knee on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, and he is questionable to play this week against the Kansas City Royals. Eric Decker, even though he missed no time on Thursday, is currently dealing with a shoulder injury. If Marshall, Decker, or both sit out this week, Quincy Enunwa is going to have to step up. He has 14 targets this season, resulting in 13 receptions, which leads the Jets' receiving core. Unfortunately, Enunwa is also dealing with an injury right now, but it does not seem as serious. If he does sit out, Jalin Marshall, Charone Peake, and Robby Anderson will all see bigger roles. This is a situation that needs a little bit more time to develop.
Travis Benjamin (at IND, $5,200)
Travis Benjamin remains too cheap, especially in a game that could easily turn into a shootout. He is the primary target for Philip Rivers, and the San Diego Chargers' offense absolutely needs him. Week 1, he had eight targets and seven receptions, but only 32 yards total. Last week, he caught all six of his targets for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. This week, against the Colts, he should continue to see a large number of targets. Finding the end zone will eventually happen. Benjamin has WR1 upside for a WR3 price tag.
DraftKings Tight Ends - Week 3 DFS Picks
Jordan Reed (at NYG, $6,500)
With all the value on the board this week, forget about punting at the tight end position. Jordan Reed, with Rob Gronkowski scheduled to play - or sit - on Thursday, is the best tight end on the slate Sunday. On the season, Reed has 18 targets, 12 receptions, and 134 yards. That is solid, but it is not his ceiling by any stretch of the imagination. Kirk Cousins is struggling right now, and Reed is going to eventually find the end zone. This is almost a must win game for the Washington Redskins, so Gruden and company will open up the playbook. If Cousins can finally pull it together, Reed is going to flourish. Roster him, even with his high price tag.