We are entering the third week of the regular season and we’re starting to make determinations on which defenses we can target and which we need to avoid this year. Also, we already have starting running backs who are missing time, which gives way to cheaper backups who will now become the starter for at least one week.
Four games have an over/under of at least 50 total points, but one of them is on Monday night (PIT/TB) and one is on Sunday night (NE/DET). So, if you’re playing the typical main slate, you must omit those rosters from your player pool.
These write-ups are posted every Saturday before the final injury report comes out. If news comes out prior to kickoff, look for updated advice and suggestions on my Twitter page, @CharlieSideHstl.
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Quarterbacks
Carson Wentz (PHI): $7,400 vs. IND
Wentz was producing MVP-type numbers before his knee injury last season. Now, he’s cleared to start and we have the benefit of FanDuel lowering his salary. Wentz tallied at least 20 FD points in four of the last five contests in 2017. His Eagles also led the league with 29 points per game. This Sunday, Philadelphia is projected to score 27 points against the Colts.
Other notables:
- Andy Dalton (CIN): $7,200 @ CAR
- Jimmy Garoppolo (SF): $7,400 @ KC
- Matt Ryan (ATL): $7,700 vs. NO
Running Backs
Gio Bernard (CIN): $6,400 @ CAR
When there is an injury, you must take advantage of the under-priced backup on FanDuel. We were informed after the Thursday night game in Week 2 that Joe Mixon would miss some time due to a knee procedure. Bernard should be able to capitalize as the lead running back. Even with Mixon in the rotation, Bernard caught four passes in Week 2 and notched 27 rushing yards on six attempts (4.5 yards per carry).
Corey Clement (PHI): $5,800 vs. IND
Speaking of injured running backs and their cheap backups, both Jay Ajayi (back) and Darren Sproles (hamstring) are out this Sunday. Now, it’s important to note that Clement was also on the injury report (quad), so there is a slight chance that he misses this game, too. If that’s the case, plug in Wendell Smallwood for the low, low price of $4,500 on FanDuel.
Other notables:
- Matt Breida (SF): $6,200 @ KC
- Aaron Jones (GB): $5,900 @ WSH
- Latavius Murray (MIN): $5,200 vs. BUF
Wide Receivers
Adam Thielen (MIN): $8,200 vs. BUF
With Stefon Diggs also on the roster, DFSers tend to overlook the Minnesota receivers. Kirk Cousins seems to like both options. Last week, his WR duo both notched 13 targets apiece against the Packers. On the year, Thielen has a slight lead with 25 targets (18 receptions) to Diggs’ 19 targets (12 receptions). Thielen is actually $100 cheaper than Diggs. As for their opponent, Buffalo has allowed four TDs to opposing WRs this season, including three touchdowns to Baltimore’s wide receivers (Willie Snead, John Brown, and Michael Crabtree). I think both Diggs and Thielen can do similar damage in Week 3. Vegas tends to agree. Minnesota is projected to score the third-most points in Week 3 (28.5 points).
Tyreek Hill (KC): $8,200 vs. SF
This guy is the ultimate weapon in the NFL. He can catch passes, run the ball, and return kicks. All it takes is the slightest crease and he’s off to the races. This season, Hill has already tallied four touchdowns (three receiving and one punt return). The Chiefs lead the slate with a 30.5 implied score against the 49ers. Even though Hill leads all receivers with 28.1 FanDuel points per game, he’s still the seventh-most expensive WR in the player pool. As for San Francisco, they’ve allowed a WR to notch over 100 receiving yards in each of the first two games (Golden Tate and Thielen).
Calvin Ridley (ATL): $5,000 vs. NO
Ridley is starting to emerge as the No. 2 WR on the Falcons depth chart. Last week, he recorded 64 yards and a touchdown on four catches (five targets) against the Panthers. The Saints currently lead the league with 117.5 fantasy points allowed (PPR-scoring) to opposing wide receivers this season. A huge portion of that total came from Week 1, and the Bucs. Both Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson tallied at least 146 receiving yards and at least one TD. With Ridley’s $5K price tag, I’m willing to roll the dice in Week 3.
Other notables:
- Tyler Lockett (SEA): $6,500 vs. DAL
- John Brown (BAL): $6,200 vs. DEN
- Geronimo Allison (GB): $5,000 @ WSH
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz (PHI): $7,000 vs. IND
Alshon Jeffery will likely miss this week’s game. He led the Eagles with 120 targets in 2017. Just behind him was Ertz with 110 targets. That makes Ertz the most likely favorite target for Wentz in Week 3. Last year, Ertz recorded 74 receptions for 824 yards (both were team-highs) and eight touchdowns. Plus, I like pairing my FD quarterback with his favorite, or a very affordable, target.
Other notables:
- George Kittle (SF): $5,800 @ KC
- Evan Engram (NYG): $5,800 @ HOU
- Jared Cook (OAK): $5,600 @ MIA
Defense
Bears (CHI): $4,300 @ ARI
The Monsters of the Midway are making a comeback. They have a heavily-motivated Khalil Mack and a defense that leads the league with 10 total sacks in the first two games. That is scary news for Sam Bradford and the Cardinals. Arizona has also averaged a grand total of three points per game this season.
Other notables:
- Vikings (MIN): $4,900 vs. BUF
- Rams (LAR): $4,700 vs. LAC
- Texans (HOU): $4,400 vs. NYG
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Adam Meyer is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Adam, check out his archive and follow him @CharlieSideHstl.
