If you've never played weekly salary-cap fantasy games, you’re missing out on what’s quickly becoming the hottest new trend in fantasy football and a great way to make some quick cash. No longer are you locked into a team for an entire season (or longer) and subject to the pain of injuries and poor performance. Instead, each week you pick a new set of players to fill your lineup. This is an exciting format that takes away a lot of the stress that goes with season-long fantasy leagues.
For those not familiar with DraftKings’ format, you are awarded a total budget of $50,000 to fill a roster of nine players (QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, FLEX (RB/WR/TE), K and DST). You must pick players from at least two different NFL teams that represent two different games that week. The scoring rules are similar to most PPR scoring leagues, but you can check out the details over at DraftKings for more information there.
Now that we've gotten the introductory information out of the way, here’s the most valuable DraftKings lineup for Week 3.
Quarterback
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs ($7,200)
Smith is a good value as the 19th most expensive quarterback this week. He’s going up against an Eagles’ defense that ranks 31st overall with a -21.3 grade and has the 30th ranked pass defense and 29th pass coverage with a -12.3 and -12.5 grade, respectively. They’re also giving up over 360 passing yards per game, which is currently second worst in the NFL. While Smith has never been a gunslinger, hes an accurate and efficient quarterback who will have a field day against Philadelphia’s defense. We have him projected to finish the day with 18 fantasy points on 265 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Running Back
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks ($9,000)
Lynch had a huge week against the San Francisco 49ers highly-talented defense, so it’s safe to say he’s going to clean up against Jacksonville’s 29th ranked run defense. We have him projected to finish the week with 18.2 fantasy points and ranked fifth.
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers ($4,800)
Williams might be the best running back value currently available. He’s the only No. 1 running back under $5,500 and there are numerous No. 2 guys ahead of him. Williams has been doing quite well in his first ever stint as a true featured ‘back and should have a solid day once again, with a projected 13.5 fantasy points.
Wide Receiver
Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers ($6,800)
Boldin was completely shut down against the Seahawks this past week, but things should look more like they did in Week 1 against Green Bay this week against the Indianapolis Colts’ poor pass defense. Plus with Vernon Davis hampered by a hamstring injury, Boldin will get the bulk of the targets from Colin Kaepernick. Look for him to put up at least 14 points this weekend.
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs ($6,200)
Bowe hasn’t had the breakout game we’ve all been waiting for quite yet, but that should all change against the Eagles’ lowly defense. Look for Alex Smith to target Bowe frequently, en route to a 16-plus point day.
Tight End
Charles Clay, Miami Dolphins ($4,200)
Clay finished last week as the third-best fantasy tight end and has emerged as a legitimate third target for Ryan Tannehill. This week Clay has quite the mismatch against the Falcons’ 28th ranked secondary and lackluster linebacker core. Tannehill will likely exploit this mismatch over the middle all game long, which will allow Clay to finish with at least nine fantasy points on Sunday.
Flex
Joique Bell, Detroit Lions ($4,600)
Reggie Bush hasn't practiced all week, and is bothered by a balky knee. Even if Bush can play, he likely won’t be the primary guy and will be limited, which will allow Bell to step into the No. 1 role for the day, and have quite the impact — and could finish as a RB1 on the day. We have him projected to do just that, with 15.5 fantasy points.
Kicker
Steven Hauschka, Seattle Seahawks ($3,600)
Seattle is going to pour it on all game long against an awful Jaguars team, which will mean a ton of PAT and field goal chances for the Seahawks kicker. He’s a lock to finish as a top-five kicker with seven-plus points.
Defense and Special Teams
Miami Dolphins ($3,300)
The Dolphins have quietly had the ninth-best defense in the league so far this season, with a +12.3 grade. They’re also the third-best pass-rushing unit and tied for fifth in pass coverage. This is bad news for the Atlanta Falcons, who will likely go pass-heavy with Steven Jackson out with an injury. But on the flip side, this is great news for Dolphins’ defense owners this week. They’re also a great value at $3,300, as they’re the seventh cheapest defense on DraftKings.
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