Week 2 saw an early injury to Cooper Kupp strangle my attempts at a massive payday. Predicting and fading an injury from a previously uninjured player is impossible. Kupp certainly wasn’t the only player crushed by injury this week. Several superstars will be missing the next few weeks with semi-major injuries. Heck, even I, too, find myself on the IR with plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, I don’t need my feet to type this article. So, tape up and tap into Week 3 Domination!
Recommended DFS lineups
*Note: Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate
DK Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($5.8k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.5k), RB Zamir White ($5.5k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.6k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.5k), WR Rashid Shaheed ($5.3k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.4k), FLEX Jordan Mason ($6.2k), DST Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3.0k)
FD Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($7.2k), RB Alvin Kamara ($8.4k), RB Zamir White ($6.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.3k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.9k), WR Chris Godwin ($6.6k), TE Kyle Pitts ($6.2k), FLEX Carson Steele ($5.2k), DST Indianapolis Colts ($3.8k)
FB Lineup: QB C.J. Stroud ($7.0k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.3k) RB Jordan Mason ($5.9k), WR Stefon Diggs ($6.4k), WR Chris Godwin ($5.9k), WR/TE Rashid Shaheed ($5.4k), TE Jonnu Smith ($3.3k), FLEX Rashee Rice ($6.5k), SUPERFLEX Patrick Mahomes ($7.1k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $7,500 | $8,800 |
| Patrick Mahomes | $7,000 | $8,700 |
| Jalen Hurts | $7,300 | $8,500 |
| C.J. Stroud | $7,100 | $8,200 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,900 | $8,300 |
| Anthony Richardson | $6,700 | $8,000 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,600 | $7,800 |
| Jared Goff | $6,500 | $7,500 |
| Baker Mayfield | $6,300 | $7,700 |
| Brock Purdy | $6,000 | $7,400 |
| Derek Carr | $5,800 | $7,900 |
| Justin Herbert | $5,700 | $7,300 |
| Kirk Cousins | $5,900 | $7,200 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,700 | $7,100 |
| Caleb Williams | $5,600 | $7,000 |
| Geno Smith | $5,600 | $7,600 |
| Deshaun Watson | $5,500 | $7,300 |
| Sam Darnold | $5,500 | $7,100 |
| Justin Fields | $5,400 | $6,700 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,300 | $6,800 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $5,300 | $7,200 |
| Easton Stick | $5,200 | $6,000 |
| Will Levis | $5,200 | $6,800 |
| Bo Nix | $5,100 | $6,500 |
| Skylar Thompson | $5,100 | $6,600 |
| Malik Willis | $5,000 | $6,800 |
| Andy Dalton | $4,800 | $6,000 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – You might as well spend up at QB this week. There are only two solid plays in the second-tier pricing, Jared Goff and Derek Carr. There are also only two punt options, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields, and I am not overly confident in either of them.
Fantasy four-pack
C.J. Stroud, Texans @ MIN ($7,100 DK, $8,200 FD) Stroud is the safest play because of the sheer volume of his weapons and the sheer mediocrity of the Vikings’ secondary talent. Stack Stroud with Stefon Diggs in the revenge game.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ DAL ($7,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Last week, Dallas struggled with the Saints and is slipping into passing defense mediocrity. That said, you are playing Jackson for his legs (almost 8 YPC) and any passing numbers are gravy.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,900 DK, $8,300 FD) After finishing 2023 as the fourth-worst pass defense, Detroit has improved. Unfortunately, that improvement is only up to fifth-worst. Meanwhile, Murray threw for three scores last week and is averaging over 11 YPC.
Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NO ($7,300 DK, $8,500 FD) Playing without A.J. Brown (hamstring), Hurts only threw for one TD last week. Still, he ran for 85 yards and another score. Those are RB numbers juicing already decent pass numbers in what should be a shootout.
Sleepers
Derek Carr, Saints vs. PHI ($5,800 DK, $7,900 FD) DK continues to price Carr like a 1980s Yugo. Klint Kubiak has completely rebuilt this late model and outfitted him with a new V8 engine. The FD price is more appropriate, especially in what should be a shootout against a Philly defense that has given up an average of 250-2 through the first two weeks.
Sam Darnold, Texans @ MIN ($5,500 DK, $7,100 FD) Darnold has looked like a completely different QB this season. It helps to have talent around you and a coach who doesn’t have his head up his posterior. Minnesota will have to throw a lot to keep up with the Texans. As long as Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) and Jordan Addison (ankle) play, Darnold should be able to keep this one close.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | $7,700 | $8,700 |
| Bijan Robinson | $7,600 | $8,500 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,500 | $8,400 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $7,300 | $8,000 |
| Kyren Williams | $7,100 | $7,500 |
| De’Von Achane | $7,000 | $7,700 |
| Joe Mixon | $6,900 | $8,200 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | $6,800 | $7,900 |
| Josh Jacobs | $6,700 | $7,300 |
| James Conner | $6,600 | $7,400 |
| Derrick Henry | $6,500 | $7,800 |
| J.K. Dobbins | $6,400 | $7,200 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $6,300 | $7,500 |
| Jordan Mason | $6,200 | $8,300 |
| David Montgomery | $6,100 | $7,100 |
| Rachaad White | $6,100 | $7,000 |
| Tony Pollard | $6,000 | $6,800 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| Aaron Jones | $5,900 | $6,600 |
| Jerome Ford | $5,800 | $6,500 |
| Samaje Perine | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Devin Singletary | $5,700 | $6,000 |
| Raheem Mostert | $5,700 | $6,500 |
| D’Andre Swift | $5,600 | $6,300 |
| Najee Harris | $5,600 | $6,400 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $5,500 | $6,100 |
| Zamir White | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Tyler Allgeier | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,400 | $5,700 |
| Javonte Williams | $5,400 | $5,900 |
| Jaylen Warren | $5,300 | $5,500 |
| Ty Chandler | $5,300 | $5,500 |
| Chuba Hubbard | $5,200 | $5,800 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | $5,200 | $5,600 |
| Bucky Irving | $5,100 | $5,200 |
| Carson Steele | $5,400 | $5,200 |
| Miles Sanders | $5,100 | $5,000 |
| Gus Edwards | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Khalil Herbert | $5,000 | $5,700 |
| Justice Hill | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Tyjae Spears | $4,900 | $5,200 |
| Dameon Pierce | $4,800 | $5,100 |
| Rico Dowdle | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Cam Akers | $4,700 | $4,000 |
| Blake Corum | $4,600 | $5,000 |
| Jamaal Williams | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| D’Onta Foreman | $4,400 | $5,600 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | $4,400 | $5,000 |
| Jeff Wilson Jr. | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| Emanuel Wilson | $4,300 | $5,300 |
| Jaylen Wright | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Kyle Juszczyk | $4,000 | $4,300 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – Alvin Kamara has found a fountain of youth. Ride him until his carriage turns back into a pumpkin. Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson make lesser-owned pivots. Derrick Henry and Rachaad White have easy matchups and usage concerns. You also can use Jordan Mason on DK, but his FD price is too high. For RB2, I like Aaron Jones, Tony Pollard, and Zamir White. Punt with whoever starts for Houston if Joe Mixon (ankle) is out.
Fantasy four-pack
Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. PHI ($7,500 DK, $8,400 FD) I thought Philly had a strong run defense. I was wrong. Opposing RBs are averaging 169.5 total yards per game. Kamara is toting the rock like it’s 2020. I’d even consider stacking him with Derek Carr.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $8,500 FD) I didn’t love the extra usage from Tyler Allgeier last week, but you can not ignore the fact that the Falcons are weaponizing Robinson in a much saner manner than last year. He should be a lock for a 20-PPR point floor every week.
Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ NO ($7,700 DK, $8,700 FD) Barkley has averaged 124 combo yards per game. This will be his toughest game of the season, but the Eagles will lean heavily on him with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out.
Derrick Henry, Ravens @ DAL ($6,500 DK, $7,800 FD) Henry had a dud Week 1 because of the game script. He righted the ship in Week 2 and should continue to improve this week, as Dallas was whooped on by Alvin Kamara and Jerome Ford in back-to-back games.
Sleepers
Zamir White, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,500 DK, $6,000 FD) Carolina followed up Week 1’s 172-2 allowed to opposing RBs with an equally putrid 201-1 in Week 2. White may split touches with Alexander Mattison, but he holds a greater than 2-to-1 advantage. Both are playable here.
Tony Pollard, Titans vs. GB ($6,000 DK, $6,800 FD) With Tyjae Spears (ankle) questionable, Pollard will see a boost in touches. This puts him in the safe pivot category, especially against a Packers defense that allowed 144 total yards to opposing RBs in both games.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| CeeDee Lamb | $8,800 | $9,300 |
| Justin Jefferson | $8,600 | $9,200 |
| Tyreek Hill | $8,400 | $9,000 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $8,200 | $9,100 |
| Davante Adams | $7,600 | $7,800 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | $7,400 | $7,500 |
| Nico Collins | $7,300 | $7,600 |
| Mike Evans | $7,200 | $8,300 |
| DeVonta Smith | $6,900 | $8,000 |
| Rashee Rice | $7,000 | $7,300 |
| Zay Flowers | $6,800 | $6,800 |
| DJ Moore | $6,700 | $6,500 |
| Stefon Diggs | $6,600 | $6,900 |
| Chris Godwin | $6,500 | $6,600 |
| Malik Nabers | $6,400 | $7,100 |
| Chris Olave | $6,300 | $6,700 |
| DK Metcalf | $6,300 | $7,200 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $6,200 | $6,500 |
| Drake London | $5,800 | $6,400 |
| Keenan Allen | $6,200 | $6,200 |
| Amari Cooper | $6,100 | $6,000 |
| Xavier Worthy | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $6,100 | $6,200 |
| Calvin Ridley | $6,000 | $6,400 |
| Jaylen Waddle | $6,000 | $6,600 |
| Jayden Reed | $5,900 | $5,700 |
| Darnell Mooney | $4,100 | $5,300 |
| Jameson Williams | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| George Pickens | $5,700 | $6,300 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,600 | $5,200 |
| Brandin Cooks | $5,500 | $5,900 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,400 | $5,300 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $5,400 | $6,100 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | $5,300 | $5,400 |
| Rashid Shaheed | $5,300 | $6,300 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $5,200 | $5,800 |
| Tank Dell | $5,200 | $6,200 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,100 | $5,300 |
| Jordan Addison | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Tyler Lockett | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Adam Thielen | $5,000 | $5,100 |
| Demarcus Robinson | $5,000 | $6,100 |
| Ladd McConkey | $5,000 | $5,700 |
| Christian Watson | $4,900 | $5,400 |
| Diontae Johnson | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Alec Pierce | $4,800 | $5,800 |
| Joshua Palmer | $4,800 | $5,400 |
| Josh Downs | $4,700 | $5,500 |
| Tyler Johnson | $4,700 | $5,800 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | $3,600 | $4,900 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $4,600 | $4,700 |
| Quentin Johnston | $4,600 | $5,600 |
| Greg Dortch | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| Jahan Dotson | $4,500 | $5,500 |
| Xavier Legette | $4,500 | $4,600 |
| Jalen Nailor | $4,400 | $5,900 |
| Josh Reynolds | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | $4,400 | $5,600 |
| Tutu Atwell | $4,300 | $5,500 |
| Tyler Boyd | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Jordan Whittington | $4,200 | $4,600 |
| Rome Odunze | $4,200 | $6,100 |
| Jauan Jennings | $4,100 | $5,200 |
| Michael Wilson | $4,100 | $5,000 |
| Adonai Mitchell | $4,000 | $5,300 |
| Darius Slayton | $3,900 | $4,800 |
| Jalen Tolbert | $3,800 | $4,900 |
| Rashod Bateman | $3,800 | $4,900 |
| Jalen McMillan | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Elijah Moore | $3,600 | $4,900 |
| Kalif Raymond | $3,600 | $4,800 |
| Nelson Agholor | $3,500 | $4,300 |
| Brandon Powell | $3,400 | $4,500 |
| Devaughn Vele | $3,400 | $4,700 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | $3,300 | $4,300 |
| Tim Patrick | $3,300 | $4,200 |
| Van Jefferson | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | $3,200 | $4,200 |
| Mecole Hardman | $3,000 | $4,200 |
| Trent Sherfield Sr. | $3,200 | $4,200 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – CeeDee Lamb, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Amon-Ra St. Brown are the best options for WR1. Also, consider targeting a pair of Tier 2 options: Chris Godwin, Rashee Rice, DK Metcalf (hand), or Stefon Diggs. For WR3, use Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce, or one of the Rams. If you punt WR3, consider Jauan Jennings, Elijah Moore, or Josh Reynolds.
Fantasy four-pack
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. BAL ($8,800 DK, $9,300 FD) The price and perception should keep his ownership down. Still, 65% of the WR receptions and WR yardage against Baltimore has come from their opponent’s WR1.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ ARI ($8,200 DK, $9,100 FD) St. Brown received the squeaky wheel grease last week. Coming off a Week 1 dud, he saw 19 targets. Build a stack with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and St. Brown.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals vs. DET ($7,400 DK, $7,500 FD) Turns out that targeting your stud rookie WR works. Kyler Murray hopefully got the message. Plus, Detroit has allowed the most WR yardage through the first two weeks.
Stefon Diggs, Texans @ MIN ($6,600 DK, $6,900 FD) This may be the easiest revenge game narrative to exploit in the history of the NFL. Diggs was a target hog with the Vikings, and he felt disrespected when they dealt him. He will go ham here.
Sleepers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. MIA ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) The algorithm hasn’t kicked up JSN’s price tag … yet. Earning 16 targets in Week 2 paced his first-ever 100-yard game. This feels like a watershed moment for Jaxon.
Rashid Shaheed, Saints vs. PHI ($5,300 DK, $6,300 FD) He may never top six receptions, but Shaheed has led all WRs in 50-plus-yard catches since the start of 2023, including two TDs of that variety this season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has allowed a WR2 to catch a 40-yard-yard TD in both games.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | $6,100 | $7,200 |
| Trey McBride | $6,200 | $6,800 |
| Sam LaPorta | $6,000 | $7,000 |
| George Kittle | $5,700 | $7,100 |
| Brock Bowers | $5,400 | $6,300 |
| Kyle Pitts | $5,000 | $6,200 |
| David Njoku | $5,100 | $5,700 |
| Mark Andrews | $4,800 | $6,400 |
| Isaiah Likely | $4,700 | $5,600 |
| Dallas Goedert | $4,600 | $5,800 |
| Jake Ferguson | $4,500 | $5,400 |
| Dalton Schultz | $4,300 | $5,500 |
| Pat Freiermuth | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| Cole Kmet | $3,900 | $5,000 |
| Taysom Hill | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Chig Okonkwo | $3,700 | $5,100 |
| Colby Parkinson | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| Juwan Johnson | $3,500 | $5,100 |
| Noah Fant | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| Cade Otton | $3,400 | $5,000 |
| Jonnu Smith | $3,400 | $5,000 |
| Luke Schoonmaker | $3,300 | $4,900 |
| Josh Oliver | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Tucker Kraft | $3,200 | $4,900 |
| Gerald Everett | $3,100 | $4,600 |
| Johnny Mundt | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Jordan Akins | $3,000 | $4,900 |
| Greg Dulcich | $2,900 | $4,500 |
| Hayden Hurst | $2,900 | $4,800 |
| Luke Musgrave | $2,900 | $4,700 |
| Kylen Granson | $2,800 | $4,800 |
| Will Dissly | $2,800 | $4,800 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, Brock Bowers, and George Kittle are all in play up top. Otherwise, spend down for Pat Freiermuth, Colby Parkinson, or Jonnu Smith.
Fantasy four-pack
Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. DET ($6,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Detroit has not seen an elite TE this season, but they allowed the eighth-most yards to the position in 2023. McBride has been tame compared to his output from last year. This could be his breakout game.
George Kittle, 49ers @ LAR ($5,700 DK, $7,100 FD) an injury to Deebo Samuel (calf) eliminates another passing game weapon for San Fran. Kittle (hamstring) saw eight targets last week. That number should climb again against a Rams defense that has allowed the fifth-most TE receptions and the third-most TE receiving yards.
Brock Bowers, Raiders vs. CAR ($5,400 DK, $6,300 FD) Bowers leads all TEs in receptions and receiving yards. Meanwhile, Carolina allowed two TE scores in Week 1. We may see Bowers score his first TD this week.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. KC ($X,XXX DK, $6,200 FD) Pitts averaging 3-23 doesn’t bring joy to his owners’ ears. Still, KC has allowed a far-and-away league-worst average of 12.5-138 to the position.
Sleepers
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs. LAC ($4,000 DK, $5,200 FD) Right out of the Arthur Smith playbook, Darnell Washington vultured Freiermuth last week. Still, Freiermuth trails only George Pickens in targets for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, only three teams have allowed more TE receptions to start the season than the Chargers.
Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ SEA ($3,400 DK, $5,000 FD) Last week, Smith had seven targets and six catches. Looking back at the four games where Skylar Thompson played significant snaps in 2022, Thompson fed his TEs 6.5 targets per game, 4.5 receptions per game, and 55 yards per game. Besides throwing three TDs to the position.