Tag: Week 3

Daily Fantasy: The one Jaguars player you need to start in Week 3 on DraftKings

Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole could be a smart play in DFS this week.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) will host the Miami Dolphins (0-2) at EverBank Field on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season. The AFC showdown will feature several intriguing daily fantasy football options, including Jags wide receiver Keelan Cole.

Cole, a fourth-year receiver out of Kentucky Wesleyan, is off to a hot start this season. He caught six passes for 58 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, bringing his season totals to 11 receptions for 105 yards and two scores.

Cole has reached the end zone in each of Jacksonville’s first two games and seven of his 11 catches have gone for first downs. He has two catches for 20-plus yards through two weeks of play.

Cole’s scoring threat makes him an intriguing fantasy option, especially with a reasonable price of $4,100 in DraftKings’ salary cap challenge (roster limit: $50,000). With an average of $5,556 available to spend on each player on DraftKings, Cole would leave you with an extra $1,456 to spend on other positions.

Through two weeks of play, Cole has scored 33.5 fantasy points, which ranks 16th among wide receivers. He’s started the season with better totals than star WRs including Mike Evans, Julio Jones, Keenan Allen and Odell Beckham Jr., among others.

This week, Cole will face a Dolphins defense that was torched by Buffalo Bills (2-0) quarterback Josh Allen on Sunday. Allen threw for 417 yards and four touchdowns against Miami and three of his receivers ended the day with at least 70 receiving yards.

Gardner Minshew should have a big day against the Dolphins’ secondary and Cole figures to benefit as one of the Jaguars’ top wide receivers.

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Daily Fantasy: The one Rams player you need to start in Week 3 on DraftKings

There’s one Rams player that you need to start in DraftKings in Week 3.

The one Los Angeles Rams player you need to start in Week 3 on DraftKings is RB Darrell Henderson Jr.

The Rams are using a committee approach this season, but right now the committee is hurting due to injuries. Rookie RB Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown both were injured during Week 2, which means the Rams will likely lean on Henderson, just as they did last week as the injuries mounted. Even before the injuries, Henderson was expected to take a larger role after having recovered from a lingering hamstring injury himself.

In Week 2, Henderson notched 12 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. He added two pass receptions for another 40 yards. He received just 42% of the snaps for Los Angeles but was the most efficient running back with his touches.

This week, the Rams will face a fundamentally sound Buffalo Bills defense. It’s a unit that has allowed just 151 yards on 37 carries, but they’ve also allowed two scores. It’s also worth noting that both of their opponents through their first two weeks, the Jets and Dolphins, are 0-2 on the season. They both aren’t exactly known as offensive powerhouses either. Los Angeles should be their first true challenge of the 2020 NFL season.

The Bills have also allowed 11 receptions for 84 yards to opposing running backs. Sean McVay has recently found ways to get the running backs involved in the passing game. Right now, the Rams’ backs are averaging 12.5 yards per reception.

At $5,400, Henderson falls just outside of the top 25 players in terms of cost on DraftKings. He should outplay that cost handily even against a tough Buffalo squad in Week 3. 

Daily Fantasy: The one Colts player you need to start in Week 3 on DraftKings

Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox could be a big bargain in DFS this week.

The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) will host the New York Jets (0-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:05 p.m. ET in Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season. The AFC showdown will feature several intriguing fantasy options, including Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox.

Alie-Cox has a price tag of $3,800 on DraftKings’ daily fantasy football competition this week (roster limit: $50,000). That’s a great value for a tight end who is coming off a great performance in Week 2.

Filling in for an injured Jack Doyle (ankle/knee), Alie-Cox tied for the team lead in targets (six) and led Indy’s offense in receptions (five) and receiving yards (111) on Sunday. Doyle might sit out again in Week 3, putting Alie-Cox in line to start again.

Even if Doyle does return this week, he will likely see limited snaps. The Colts have also lost wide receiver Parris Campbell to injured reserve. Indy needed a pass-catcher to step up in Week 2 and Alie-Cox answered the bell.

This week, Alie-Cox will be going up against a Jets defense that allowed San Francisco 49ers (1-1) tight end Jordan Reed to catch seven passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. Coming off a big performance of his own, Alie-Cox is poised to cause problems for New York’s secondary.

Indy is considered a big favorite against the Jets this week and all of the team’s offensive weapons could be in for big games.

With an average of $5,556 available to spend on each player in DraftKings’ salary cap challenge, Alie Cox could represent a super bargain this week, leaving you with an extra $1,756 to spend on other positions.

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Daily Fantasy: The one Texans player you need to start in Week 3 on DraftKings

Texans tight end Jordan Akins could be a smart play in DFS this week.

The Houston Texans (0-2) will go on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Heinz Field on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:00 p.m. ET in Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season.

The AFC showdown will feature several intriguing fantasy football options, including a pair of Texans tight ends. Jordan Akins and Darren Fells have both been involved in Houston’s offense this season — Akins scored in Week 1 and Fells scored in Week 2.

So, which one is a better start in DFS this week?

Akins ($3,400) is slightly more expensive than Fells ($3,300) in DraftKings’ daily fantasy football competition this week (roster limit: $50,000). Akins is still a good value, though, and he should be worth the extra $100 in Week 3.

Against the Baltimore Ravens (2-0) last week, Akins ranked second on the team with seven targets and he caught all seven of those passes, totaling 55 receiving yards. Akins didn’t score against the Ravens but he was much more involved than Fells, who only had two catches.

Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks was the only Houston player who had more targets (eight) than Akins on Sunday. You probably shouldn’t expect Akins to get that many targets every game, but he proved in the season opener than he can be a threat to score in the red zone, adding to his value.

This week, Akins will face a Steelers defense that allowed Denver Broncos (0-2) tight end Noah Fant to catch four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Akins could be poised to have a good game and his low price tag makes him an enticing start in DFS.

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Broncos injuries: 5 players held out of practice Wednesday

Broncos defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker and running back Phillip Lindsay were among the players held out of today’s practice.

The injury-riddled Denver Broncos were back on the practice field Wednesday with five players sidelined. After placing wide receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones on injured reserve, Denver has 13 players on the active roster nursing injuries this week.

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ injury report from Wednesday:

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
QB Drew Lock (shoulder) DNP
RB Phillip Lindsay (toe) DNP
LB Mark Barron (hamstring) DNP (IR) IR IR Out
DL DeMarcus Walker (calf) DNP (IR) IR IR Out
CB Davontae Harris (hamstring) DNP
DB Trey Marshall (hip/wrist) Limited
WR Jerry Jeudy (ribs) Limited
DL Jurrell Casey (elbow) Limited
DL Shelby Harris (neck) Limited
OT Garett Bolles (elbow) Full
TE Jake Butt (hand) Full
WR Tyrie Cleveland (hip) Full
TE Albert Okwuegbunam (hip) Full

Here’s a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first injury report:

Player Wed Thur Fri Game Status
WR Chris Godwin (concussion) Full
WR Scotty Miller (hip/groin) Limited
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) Limited
OT Donovan Smith (knee) Limited
WR Justin Watson (shoulder) DNP

Denver and Tampa Bay will practice again on Thursday and Friday before releasing final injury reports with game statuses for Week 3.

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Seahawks rookie LB Jordyn Brooks to start Week 3 against Cowboys

Seattle Seahawks rookie linebacker Jordyn Brooks will start Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys now that Bruce Irvin is on injured reserve.

Seattle Seahawks rookie linebacker Jordyn Brooks will get the start Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys now that Bruce Irvin has been placed on injured reserve. Irvin sustained an ACL tear against the Patriots and is finished for the season.

Coach Pete Carroll made the announcement during his Wednesday press conference but would not say whether or not Brooks would be at the SAM or WILL spot on Sunday.

“What’s going to happen this week, this is an opportunity for Jordyn Brooks to start,” Carroll told reporters. “We’ll see how that works out. He is going to take the opportunity to step up and be a part of the three-linebacker situation, so we are looking forward to it.”

The Seahawks are slated to kick off against the Cowboys Sunday afternoon at 1:25 p.m. PT from CenturyLink Field.

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Detroit Lions Wednesday Week 3 injury report: Kenny Golladay returns to practice

Examining the Detroit Lions injury report for Week 3 as the team prepares to take on the Arizona Cardinals.

The Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, they got some good news on Wednesday with Pro Bowl wide receiver Kenny Golladay returning to practice for the first time in the 2020 regular season.

The Lions deep ball has suffered during Golladay’s absence, allowing teams to roll coverage to Marvin Jones Jr., and forcing Matthew Stafford to lean on rookie Quintez Cephus and his running backs. Getting Golladay back would help open up the Lions passing attack.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ injury report, with the updated changes in injury status listed in bold.

Injured reserve/PUP list

No Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Desmond Trufant Hamstring No Practice

Trufant continuing to miss time isn’t ideal with Coleman on injured reserve, but the Lions are comfortable with Amani Oruwariye and rookie Jeff Okudah holding down the fort for now. Trufant’s injury was reportedly not longterm — and he avoided a three week IR stint — so he is expected to return this week or next.

Limited Practice

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Kenny Golladay Hamstring Limited Practice
Hal Vaitai Foot Limited Practice
Nick Williams Shoulder Limited Practice
Hunter Bryant Hamstring Limited Practice

Golladay is on the path to return and his return today, even in limited form, is an encouraging sign for the Lions offense.

Vaitai made a run at returning for last weekend’s game, before being declared inactive just before kickoff. While Tyrell Crosby has filled in respectfully in his absence, getting Vaitai back in the fold would be a boost for the Lions offensive line.

Williams’ absence was felt in last week’s game and if he is able to play this weekend, the defensive line would be able to get back to its regular rotation.

No injury designation

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Designation
Full Practice

No players listed in this section at this time.

Pete Carroll on $100k fine: ‘Sometimes you’ve got to get coached up’

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll admitted his faults when discussing how he took his mask off during the team’s Week 2 matchup.

The NFL fined Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll $100,000 for violating league protocol by taking off his mask throughout the team’s Week-2 matchup against the New England Patriots.

Carroll expressed disappointment in himself and said he was particularly ashamed because he constantly had a coach in his ear about the situation.

“I had a coach who was reminding me about it throughout the game, Chad Morton was on my ass the whole night. He was reminding me the whole time,” Carroll said via the team’s website Tuesday. “I even changed masks at halftime to find one that worked better. Sometimes you’ve got to get coached up. Sometimes you have to admit that you screwed up and have got to do better.”

However, Carroll stressed that apart from his disregard for mask protocol during the game, the Seahawks players and coaches have taken COVID-19 very seriously, wearing masks whenever they are around each other in practice and in the team facility.

“We wear masks all day at practice, we wear them around the building,” Carroll stated. “I know it’s extremely important to wear masks. Sometimes you’ve just got to be reminded. Sometimes you’ve got to get coached up.”

Carroll will hopefully not repeat this mistake Sunday when the Seahawks square off against the Cowboys at CenturyLink Field.

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