First things first: Carolina plays on Thursday night, which means no Christian McCaffrey on the main Week 3 daily fantasy football slate. If you’re one to force him into your DFS lineups -- and who can blame you? -- this week could be a gift. There’s often enough room to field a strong lineup around McCaffrey, but it becomes difficult as his price climbs into the five-figure range. Even without CMC, there are a number of studs for our FanDuel tournament picks.
Before we get into the picks, we should highlight the basic rules for FanDuel contests. Everything is pretty standard, with the only notable settings being four-point passing TDs and half-point PPR.
WEEK 3 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | Yahoo
FanDuel Picks Week 3: NFL DFS lineup for GPP tournaments
Sunday main slate, $60,000 budget, no more than four players from one team
QB Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Chiefs ($7,500). This game opened with a total of 55.5, so we’re anticipating a shootout (we won’t be alone there). Herbert has the talent and the weapons to keep pace with Patrick Mahomes, though, and provides massive upside at a reasonable price.
RB Chris Carson, Seahawks @ Vikings ($7,700). We needed a Dalvin Cook sub, so why not just look to the same game? Carson still has monster upside in Seattle's high-powered offense, and they should have no trouble moving the ball against the Vikings. Carson is versatile enough to do damage on the ground and through the air, and he should be good for a TD or two.
MORE WEEK 3 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
RB David Montgomery, Bears @ Browns ($6,900). Montgomery has handled a healthy dose of volume through two games. That shouldn’t change in Week 3. Something that could change, however, is the quarterback from whom he’s receiving handoffs and targets. If QB Justin Fields gets the start for Andy Dalton (knee), the Bears offense will receive a shot of adrenaline -- in theory, at least.
WR Chase Claypool, Steelers vs. Bengals ($5,800). Air yards may not be everything, but it can often be an indicator of good things to come. Claypool leads the Steelers in this department and might also be in line for more targets if Diontae Johnson (knee) is limited on Sunday. Claypool was more efficient as a rookie than he’s been through two weeks in 2021, so it’s reasonable to expect improvement on that front.
WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
WR Mike Williams, Chargers @ Chiefs ($6,000). The Chargers finally decided that they should use their 6-4, 220-pound first-rounder. Williams leads the team in targets (22) -- yes, even ahead of Keenan Allen -- and has scored a touchdown in each of his first two contests. Williams has enjoyed dates with the Chiefs. He’s delivered 19.8- and 33.0-point performances against his division foe.
WR A.J. Brown, Titans vs. Colts ($6,800). There are instances when you toss out the numbers and bet on talent, especially when it's at a modest price tag. A 7-92-1 line was supposed to be a light day at the office for Brown, not his season stats through two games. He’s eclipsed 20 FanDuel points 10 times through 32 career games, though, so it’s only a matter of time before we see an eruption. Remember, even though they have a lot of the same pieces in place, the Titans are getting used to a new offensive coordinator.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
TE Darren Waller, Raiders vs. Dolphins ($7,400). Waller ceded the lead role last week, but we don’t expect that to be the case very often. While the emergence of Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards will allow the Raiders to take what defenses give them more frequently, this passing game still revolves around Waller. After all, he is only one game removed from a staggering 19 targets.
FLEX (RB) Antonio Gibson, Washington @ Bills ($6,000). If you’re not willing to bank on Saquon Barkley ($6,100), a player we strongly considered here, then Gibson is going to be a voluminous player all season. He’s coming off a game that was frustrating for fantasy owners, as they watched J.D. McKissic snake a touchdown and enjoy success in the passing game. Gibson, though, as we’ve seen, has 20-30-point upside against anyone and comes with an attractive price.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
DEF Denver Broncos @ Jaguars ($4,600). The Dolphins will either start backup Jacoby Brissett or a banged-up Tua Tagovailoa. Either way, those odds favor a Raiders defensive unit that has been a thorn in the sides of the Ravens and Steelers in consecutive weeks. Not to mention, Miami’s quarterback shuffle won’t help them find a rhythm offensively under their new co-offensive coordinators.