DraftKings NFL Daily Fantasy Cash Game Picks Week 3

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray ($6,800) vs Lions- Kyler Murray has been superb for fantasy owners over the first two weeks of the season showing off his arm and what he can do in the run game which makes him so dynamic. He has 3 rush TDs this season and has 158 rushing yards through 2 games. I love this matchup for him vs a mediocre Lions defense. He should be able to throw to Deandre Hopkins early and often and I expect him to be able to escape the pocket with ease like he has shown thus far. $6,800 is more than fair for his services this week.  

Philip Rivers ($6,000) vs Jets- Rivers has been turning over the ball still but I like this matchup vs a very poor Jets defense. He has been completing the ball at an over 76% rate and with a banged up backfield I think there is some opportunity to put up some nice numbers in this matchup. With his offensive line getting more healthy he should be able to sit back and pick this defense apart, even without Parris Campbell in the lineup anymore. There isn’t “huge” upside here but Rivers should be able to put up some solid numbers.

Running Backs

Austin Ekeler ($6,800) vs Panthers- The Chargers have committed to the run game and even though Ekeler and rookie Joshua Kelley are sharing time, Ekeler has been able to rack up more yards and is more effective in the passing game. He had 148 yards from scrimmage last Sunday and he averaged almost 6 yards per carry. The Panthers have allowed the most points to opposing running backs this season and with the Chargers committed to using their backs I see no reason for Ekeler to not have a huge game this week.

Jerick McKinnon ($4,900) vs Giants- McKinnon signed a big deal with the 49ers a couple years ago and with the injuries in the Niners backfield he finally has a shot to prove his worth. He has been solid this year putting up 13 FPTS in each of the first two weeks with limited touches. McKinnon may not get 20+ carries in this game but he is explosive and any time he touches the ball he can go a long way. At this price I think there is just too much upside to pass up on vs the Giants.

Wide Receivers

Deandre Hopkins ($7,900) vs Lions- Hopkins is the most expensive WR in this slate of games, but it’s for good reason. He has racked up 25 targets through 2 weeks and is looked at often by QB Kyler Murray. Hopkins has been huge for PPR fantasy players and he has been putting up the yards to make him easily one of the best players in all of fantasy. He will likely receive around 10 targets again this week and if it’s anything like last week he will find the endzone again. The price is intimidating but he has proven his worth so far this season.

Darius Slayton ($4,900) vs 49ers- Overall, the Giants defense hasn’t been inspiring but with the injury to Sterling Shepard I think Slayton could be in line for some more targets in the passing game for New York. Slayton was great in week 1 when he caught 6 passes for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. He fell a bit back in week 2 only catching 3 of 6 targets but we should see that increase if Sterling Shepard is forced to missed time. Slayton is Daniel Jones favorite deep ball target and with the 49ers banged up on the defensive side we could see some openings for big plays.

Tight End

Zach Ertz ($5,100) vs Bengals- Ertz hasn’t been showcased a lot so far this season but I think he can still turn it around vs a Bengals defense that had trouble stopping the Browns last Thursday night. I think this is the week the Eagles offense gets it going and even though Dallas Goedert has come on strong this year, I believe there is room for them to coexist in this offense that lacks playmakers at WR. With his price almost dropping $1000 since week 1 I think Ertz is worth the risk this week.

Defense

Indianapolis Colts D/ST ($4,100) vs Jets– The Colts defense looked spectacular last week vs the Vikings only allowed 95 pass yards and 80 rush yards the entire game. They also added on 3 sacks, a safety, and 3 interceptions vs Kirk Cousins. They will take on the Jets offense this week that has struggled to do anything this season and have looked outmatched at times. They are the highest priced defense of the week but they should return value unless Sam Darnold turns into Mahomes for a week.