After a rough Week 1 in DFS, our Week 2 XFS DFS lineup came through, as Roughnecks QB Brandon Silvers (16.22) and Dragons WR Jahcour Pearson (16.0) were our leading scorers in the main slate. We also got double-digit performances from Houston RB Max Borghi (12.70) and the Brahmas D/ST (10), which led us to score 66.22 DraftKings points in our GPP tournament. We'll look to carry this momentum in Week 3, which should be a better week of action across the XFL, as we have a couple of top matchups to look forward to.
The main slate begins Saturday at 7 p.m. ET between the Dragons and Vipers, who are both looking for their first wins. After that, Week 3 continues with a tripleheader on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. ET between the Battlehawks and Defenders, who are undefeated through the first two weeks.
Before we break down all of our picks, here are the most notable scoring rules for XFL DraftKings contests: four-point passing TDs, six-point rushing touchdowns, three-point bonuses for 100 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards, and 300 passing yards.
DraftKings Picks Week 3: XFL DFS lineup for GPP tournaments
Week 3 main slate (Saturday-Sunday), $50,000 budget
QB Brandon Silvers, Roughnecks vs. Brahmas ($9,500). Silvers continues to be the best quarterback in the XFL through the first two weeks. The former Troy standout led the Roughnecks to their second-straight win, defeating the Renegades 23-14. Silvers completed 14-of-28 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns for 16.2 DraftKings points. Silvers has scored 16 or more DK points in back-to-back weeks, as he has one of the better offenses in the XFL. He has a somewhat tough matchup against a Brahmas defense that can create turnovers and get after the quarterback. However, we like Silvers to find a way to get Deontay Burnett, Max Borghi, Cedric Byrd, and Jontre Kirklin involved in the offense and throw at least two touchdown passes in Week 3.
RB Abram Smith, Defenders vs. Battlehawks ($8,200). The No. 1 overall pick in the XFL draft was one of the bright spots at running back in Week 2, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown for 11 carries and adding a 15-yard reception (14.6 DraftKings points). The Defenders will be leaning on Smith again heading into this weekend's matchup against the Battlehawks. The Battlehawks are undefeated (2-0), but we've seen through the first two weeks that their run defense isn't the best. Sea Dragons RB Morgan Ellison went off 50 yards on 10 carries last week, while Brahmas RB Kalen Ballage had 84 yards on 24 carries. Do not be surprised if we see a lot of Smith, Ryquell Armstead, and QB D'Eriq King, who is a weapon inside the red zone.
WR/TE Jahcour Pearson, Dragons @ Vipers ($9,000). After a stellar Week 1 performance (12 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown) against D.C., Pearson followed it up with four receptions (eight targets) for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Battlehawks in Week 2. The former Ole Miss wide receiver has been one of the stars in the XFL and is a playmaker within the Sea Dragons' offense. Even though his DFS salary has increased from $7,300 to $9K, we will still get Pearson into our lineup, as he'll get his numbers (11 targets per game) against the Vipers' defense.
WR/TE Jontre Kirklin, Roughnecks vs. Brahmas ($7,700). Our QB-WR stack for Week 3 will be Silvers and Kirklin, who has filled in nicely as the Roughnecks' No. 2 wide receiver alongside Deontay Burnett. Kirklin did not have a touchdown in last week's win over the Renegades, but he recorded two receptions (six targets) for 56 yards and 9.6 DraftKings points. Kirklin will try to score a touchdown against a San Antonio defense that has allowed two touchdowns to wide receivers this season. If Silvers can get some protection from the O-line, we like Kirklin's chances to hit on a couple of big plays with his speed and playmaking ability.
FLEX Hakeem Butler, Battlehawks @ Defenders ($6,100). Butler has emerged as one of the Battlehawks' best-receiving options after his outing in Week 2. The former NFL pass-catcher led St. Louis with four receptions (seven targets) for 61 yards and a touchdown against the Sea Dragons. Butler has now scored a touchdown in the first two games and will be depended on against the Defenders. DC's defense did an excellent job of keeping the Vipers' WRs in check, which isn't easy. However, if St. Louis can get some consistency on offense -- something that's been an issue to start the season -- Butler could be a go-to option for A.J. McCarron.
FLEX Morgan Ellison, Dragons @ Vipers ($4,600). The Sea Dragons' offense finally had some balance on offense Week 2, and Ellison played a notable role in that. The former Southeastern Louisiana standout shined on the ground and through the air, with 74 total yards on 14 touches. Last week, we saw Smith have success against this Vipers' defense, so there could be a chance for a repeat performance from Ellison. However, DFS players must remember that the Sea Dragons love to throw the ball around with QB Ben DiNucci and their talented wideouts. At $4,600, Ellison is worth taking a flier on, as he provides more versatility than Brendan Knox.
DEF Renegades vs. Guardians ($4,800). Orlando continues to struggle on offense as they could not strike gold with Paxton Lynch or Deondre Francois. This was great news for a Brahmas' defense that had two sacks and two interceptions. We should expect Dallas' defense to do the same thing to Orlando, as it's stacked at all three levels. Dallas did not force any interceptions against Silvers in Week 2, but it caused and recovered three fumbles. Look for the Renegades' defense to get after whoever is starting at QB for Orlando and hopefully force a couple of interceptions.
