NFL DraftKings Week 3 Cash Picks: Awesome Ekeler + Bucs Stack
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We are entering Week 3, and I believe that DraftKings is continuing to underprice players. While some of these players could be considered chalk in GPP, they add up to make a supreme cash lineup where you can exploit other players who are getting too fancy with their lineups. Stay with these great values, and you should have yourself a fantastic NFL Week 3 when it comes to DraftKings cash plays.
RB Cash Picks
Javonte Williams ($4,900)
Vs. New York Jets
Javonte Williams is splitting carries with Melvin Gordon; however, in both games, Williams got 14 touches. I project that number to steadily increase. Javonte Williams is averaging the second most broken tackles per touch in the league. This means that he is running efficiently, and it is just a matter of time before Williams breaks a big one for a touchdown. Another huge positive we have seen from Williams is his pass-blocking which looks incredible.
The Broncos will have a positive game script this entire game, meaning that Williams’ opportunity will flourish. You combine this with his talent and efficient running, and he looks like a lock-in cash value. For $4,900, he continues to be excellent value at the running back spot.
Austin Ekeler ($7,200)
Currently, the Chiefs are one of the dream matchups for running backs. According to DraftKings, Kansas City ranks 32nd against the run and 20th against the pass. Chubb, Hunt, Williams, and Murray all had chunks of plays and tons of great runs against this KC defense. Meanwhile, Ekeler has received 15 and 18 touches through his first two games, and I expect that number to trend up, not down, as he gets healthier.
Austin Ekeler is my number one running back on the week with this matchup. Ekeler will run efficiently, currently averaging 4.6 yards per carry and going against a defense allowing 6 yards per carry. Then, Ekeler will get plenty of passing work as he saw 9 targets and 9 receptions last week. He needs to be in your cash lineup at $7,200.
WR Cash Picks
Mike Williams ($6,400)
@ Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Williams has evolved in the new Chargers offense. Joe Lombardi, who is coming over from the Saints, was quoted in training camp as saying Mike Williams will have the Michael Thomas role, and that looks true so far. Mike Williams has received 12 and 10 targets in his first two games and looks dominant with Justin Herbert. Simply put, this will not slow down against the Chiefs, and $6,400 for 10-12 Justin Herbert targets is too cheap. I think that Mike Williams is a decent tournament play, but until his price is raised, he’s a constant cash play on DraftKings and on my roster.
Cooper Kupp ($6,800)
Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For those of you who have not been paying attention, Cooper Kupp looks like the number one fantasy wide receiver in football. While some may worry about regression, Kupp has had performances like these prior that only became derailed due to injury. He and Stafford undoubtedly have a special connection. Kupp should be in your tournament lineups, and he should be a staple in all of your cash lineups until he hits $8,000.
However, on top of the great production and price, you have this matchup. The Rams and Bucs game is shaping up to be a barnburner similar to the Cowboys and Bucs game that kicked off the season. The implied point total for the Rams is 27, and that number could rise by kickoff. Not to mention that the Bucs are fantastic at defending the run, and Henderson is currently hurt on the Rams. Stafford is going to pass and pass often, and Kupp will be a top-5 WR on the week.
TE of the Week
T.J. Hockenson ($5,200)
Vs. Baltimore Ravens
Yes, Hockenson is taking on a strong Ravens defense. However, he is the clear number one guy on this team for Jared Goff, and it is not really close. The Hockenson breakout has begun, and he offers cash players an extraordinarily safe floor with a very high touchdown upside. $5,200 is entirely fair and not too difficult to work into a lineup. You can plug Hockenson in and expect 10 targets, 70 yards, and have a very good shot at at least one touchdown on the day.
DST of the Week
Cleveland Browns ($3,200)
Vs. Chicago Bears
Justin Fields looked shaky at best in his game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, Fields will have time to prepare for this game in Cleveland, but the Browns’ pass rush and secondary are both in another league compared to the Bengals’. There is no way that Fields escapes this game without a turnover, and he will likely have multiple. On top of that, I foresee a lot of opportunities for sacks for this Browns team. The Bears will not score many points and are primed to turn the ball over a ton. I love the Browns at $3,200.
Stack of the Week
Tom Brady ($6,800) & Chris Godwin ($6,100)
I could not picture a better stack than Brady and Godwin with the Buccaneers set at 28.5 implied total points by Vegas and Antonio Brown out of the game. Godwin and Brady have been fantastic through two games, and this one may just be the highest scoring yet. However, you then take a look at the price and have to check your eyes. There is no way that Godwin and Brady should be this cheap this week on DraftKings. Nevertheless, they are. So, they need to be in your lineup in cash plays. Brady has a great floor of two touchdowns, and Godwin should lead the team in targets by a wide margin in this matchup.
