Fantasy Football: Week 3 Draft Kings and FanDuel advice

Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles to pass against the San Diego Chargers in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

We’re to provide you with the best matchups and players as you set your Fantasy Football DFS lineups for Week 3.

Last week we were able to hit big on players sectioned off by specific price tiers. Players like Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, and Panthers D/ST were well worth the money in the high-tier.

Meanwhile, Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, and Delanie Walker delivered at their mid-tier pricing.

If you had the guts to play Isaiah Crowell and Sterling Shepard in the lower-tier, they ended up paying big dividends.

However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

Plenty of popular players around the NFL suffered significant injuries (Danny Woodhead, Doug Martin, Adrian Peterson, and Arian Foster to name a few). Chances are, if you had any one of these players in your lineup, your week was essentially ruined. Not to mention, the most anticipated high-scoring game of the week (Saints at Giants) turned out to be a dud.

But hey, that’s how it goes sometimes. You take the best information you have and play the odds. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.

If you’re not familiar with the “tiers” that I mentioned above, here is a quick breakdown:

1. High-tier – These are your “heavy-hitters”. If you play season long fantasy football, they more than likely the players who went in the first few rounds. They will cost you a pretty penny but in the end, it’ll be worth it.

2. Mid-tier – This is where a majority of the players will be located. The key is finding the players with the most favorable matchups and in turn, exceeding the dollar amount placed upon them.

3. Low-tier (value) – These are your bottom-of-the barrel players in terms of pricing, but not necessarily in ability or situation. Not only should these players outperform their salary; they should crush it.

At the end, I’ll provide you with two lineups (one for FanDuel and one for Draft Kings). These lineups should be used for you to use as a base while you plug in some different players you may prefer.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

High-tier

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings (FD $9,200/DK $7,800): It shouldn’t be a surprise Newton is one of the most expensive players because as he showed last week, he’s worth it. The Vikings defense has played well over the last couple weeks but by no means are they invincible. Marcus Mariota was able to throw a couple touchdowns on them in Week 1 and Aaron Rodgers had two total touchdowns against them in Week 2.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $9,000/DK $7,900): If you played Brees in DFS last week, he didn’t live up to the bill. However, you shouldn’t expect that outcome to happen again for the second week in a row. The Falcons defense in back-to-back games has been beaten badly to the tune of seven passing touchdowns and 580 yards through the air (that’s total and not on a per game basis. Come on, they’re not that bad).

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $8,500/DK $7,400): Ryan is closer to the bottom of the “high-tier” category but he’s still expensive. I guess you can label him the “cheap cadillac” for the week. As a whole, Ryan has arguably been the best QB in the NFL after two weeks. I expect this game to be a shootout just like the one we saw in Week 1 with the Raiders against the Saints. The reason is because both defenses in this game are bad unlike last week where the Giants defense and special teams was solid.

Mid-tier

Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $8,000/DK $6,700): Last week Rivers was able throw four touchdowns without WR Keenan Allen and RB Danny Woodhead on the field. He gets another great matchup against the Colts who have a lot of injuries especially in their secondary. The passing yards haven’t been there so much for Rivers in the first two weeks but his 5:1 TD to turnover ratio is tremendous.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $7,700/DK $5,900): In case you didn’t know, Mariota has thrown two touchdown passes in back-to-back games. The Raiders defense gave up four touchdown passes in Week 1 and three in Week 2. I would be surprised if Mariota didn’t get multiple touchdowns in this game. Not to mention, his running ability always gives him the upside you want in fantasy football.

Low-tier (Value)

Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets (FD $6,800/DK $5,800): Smith has the ability to put up some solid games just like he did in Week 1. He also has the ability to throw in a clunker just like he did in Week 2. The Jets defense isn’t hard to figure out. Their run defense is borderline elite and it’s tough to run on them. Their secondary isn’t nearly as good as we’ve seen throughout the years. So if you want to beat them, you got to throw. Smith’s sneaky running ability also helps. Last season he had 30+ rushing yards in eight out sixteen games.

SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: Melvin Gordon

Running Backs

High-tier

DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $8,800/DK $7,500): The concern with paying big for some guys is the fear they won’t produce. There should be no concern if you decide to pay up for D-Will. In two games, he is averaging 152 total yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. He’s as solid as it gets.

David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills (FD $8,400/DK $7,700): After two weeks he’s averaging 17.5 touches and 138 yards per game. He’s getting the opportunities in the Cardinals explosive offense and he’s producing. The Buffalo Bills are falling apart at the seams and a Rex Ryan defense doesn’t instill fear like it did in the past.

Mid-tier

DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $7,700/DK $6,300): This is another situation where a good player is in an even better matchup. Murray is averaging 18.5 touches and and 111 yards per game. The Raiders defense hasn’t been good so far in 2016 and last week Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 139 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts (FD $7,100/DK $5,800): Gordon has be solid through two weeks and the injury to Danny Woodhead only makes his value go up. He shouldn’t get all of the touches Woodhead was getting but he’ll certainly get some. Running backs have been slapping around the Colts defense through the air and by the ground after two weeks.

Low-tier (Value)

This week is a bit of an odd situation because there are A LOT of low-tier guys that I love. I’m going to rattle off some guys but not in the typical paragraph style because I know you don’t want to read a novel (Okay fine I don’t feel like writing a novel. You got me).

Charles Sims (FD $6,300/DK $4,900) vs. L.A. Rams, Theo Riddick (FD $6,400/DK $4,900) vs. Green Bay Packers, Isaiah Crowell (FD $6,900/DK $4,700) vs. Miami Dolphins, Frank Gore (FD $5,700/DK $5,000) vs. San Diego Chargers, Jerick McKinnon (FD $5,300/DK $3,800) vs. Carolina Panthers, Matt Asiata (FD $4,600/DK $3,000) vs. Carolina Panthers

Sims is now the starting RB with Doug Martin expected to miss three weeks. Riddick will see an uptick in touches with Ameer Abdullah put on IR. Crowell has been solid through two weeks and with a rookie QB playing on Sunday, they’ll lean on the running game. Gore has been underwhelming but at his price against the Chargers, he’s worth the gamble. McKinnon is now the starting RB with Adrian Peterson basically out for the season. Asiata isn’t the “starting” RB but he’ll see some touches and especially when they enter the redzone.

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

High-tier

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints (FD $9,300/DK $9,500): Not much to say here. Arguably the best WR in the game against arguably the worse secondary in the NFL.

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (FD $9,500/DK $9,600): Brown didn’t have a great game last week but the Bengals always play him tough. Every time Brown has a subpar game, he’s more likely to go off the next week. He can’t be contained for too long.

Mid-tier

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. L.A. Rams (FD $8,000/DK $7,000): He has 70+ yards and a TD in back-to-back weeks. Evans will continue to get his targets (25 on the season) every week. QB Jameis Winston had an awful game last week and if he wants to bounce-back he knows he’s got to feed his No.1 WR.

Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Baltimore Ravens (FD $7,900/DK $7,000): He’s off to a slow start in 2016 but it’s only a matter of time before he goes off. I’m going to keep plugging him in because it’s going to happen and when it does, it’s going to be glorious.

Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons (FD $7,500/DK $6,500): Drew Brees continues to target him so I’m going to continue to use him in lineups. He’s a steal at his price.

Low-tier (Value)

Just like with the slide before, there are a lot of players I love at their cheap price tag. I’m going to rattle them off and then give you a quick breakdown why.

Mike Wallace (FD $6,500/DK $5,000) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Stefon Diggs (FD $6,400/DK $5,100) vs. Carolina Panthers, Sterling Shepard (FD $6,500/DK $5,500) vs. Washington Redskins, DeVante Parker (FD $6,200/DK $4,900) vs. Cleveland Browns, Quincy Enunwa (FD $6,000/DK $4,800) vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Phillip Dorsett (FD $6,000/DK $4,400) vs. San Diego Chargers, Cole Beasley (FD $5,100/DK $3,200) vs. Chicago Bears

Wallace has three touchdowns in two games and the Jaguars have a generous defense. Stefon Diggs put on a show during Sunday Night Football and I’m confused why he’s so cheap. If Josh Norman is going to shadow Odell Beckham Jr., Shepard should be open early and often. When Parker is close to 100% healthy and actually playing, he’s solid. The Browns on the other hand, are not. Enunwa has stand alone value as it is. If Brandon Marshall misses this game, he’s going to have double-digit targets. With Donte Moncrief out Dorsett should see a boost in playing time and targets. Beasley I like more so in Draft Kings where you get a point per reception. Beasley is tied for sixth in the NFL in receptions among all wide receivers.

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) runs after a catch and is tackled by Buffalo Bills strong safety Bacarri Rambo (30) during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends

High-tier

Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders (FD $6,900/DK $5,000): Walker had himself a game last week (6/83/1) and the Raiders got destroyed by tight ends last week (10/180/1).

Mid-tier

Dwayne Allen, Indianpolis Colts, vs. San Diego Chargers (FD $6,100/DK $3,800): Allen is now the biggest redzone threat for the Colts with WR Donte Moncrief sidelined for, 4-6 weeks. The Chargers haven’t been great at covering tight ends through their first two games (14/182/1).

Low-tier (Value)

Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (FD $5,000/DK $3,400): Pitta has been dealing with a devastating hip injury he suffered a couple years ago. Last week, he looked completely healthy when he hauled in 9 receptions for 102 yards. QB Joe Flacco likes Pitta and if he can stay healthy he could be a target monster from here on out.

Trey Burton, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (FD $4,500/DK $2,500): He’s not going to sneak up on Pittsburgh like he did with the Bears last week (5/49/1). However, if Zach Ertz misses this game he should be involved in the offense. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Eagles playing from behind in the second half of the game forcing them to throw a lot.

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: Free safety Darian Stewart

D/ST

High-tier

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers (FD $5,400/DK $4,100): The Seahawks offense hasn’t been that good but at least their defense has been. They’ve allowed on average 9.5 points per game so far in 2016. The 49ers are playing on the road in a suspect offense with suspect players.

Mid-tier

Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals (FD $4,800/DK $ 3,500): As we saw all throughout last season and even last week, the Broncos defense can score touchdowns.

Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns (FD $4,600/DK $3,000): The Browns are down to their third-string QB, Josh Gordon is still suspended and rookie WR Corey Coleman broke his hand on Thursday. The Dolphins can’t screw this one up right?

Low-tier (Value)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahwks (FD $4,000/DK $2,400): There’s always a risk when you go cheap. The Seahawks offense could come to life against the 49ers or they could continue to look really bad. The 49ers did give up 46 points to the Panthers last week but they also forced four turnovers. There’s some optimism here…..some.

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) signals to wide receiver Willie Snead (83) during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Lineups

Fan Duel

QB – Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons ($8,500)

RB – DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers ($8,800)

RB – Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers ($7,100)

WR – DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins ($6,200)

WR – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($8,000)

WR – Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets ($6,000)

TE – Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts ($6,100)

K – Josh Lambo, San Diego Chargers ($4,500)

D/ST – Denver Broncos ($4,800)

Remaining Salary – $0

Draft Kings

QB – Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans ($5,900)

RB – DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans ($6,300)

RB – Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions ($4,900)

WR – Stefon Diggs, Minnesotta Vikings ($5,100)

WR – Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals ($6,900)

WR – Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars ($7,500)

TE – Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens ($3,400)

FLEX – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($7,000)

D/ST – Miami Dolphins ($3,000)

Remaning Salary – $0

Stacks

Atlanta Falcons (Matt Ryan, Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Jacob Tamme)

New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees, Mark Ingram, Willie Snead, Brandin Cooks, Coby Fleener)

Tennessee Titans (Marcus Mariota, DeMarco Murray, Delanie Walker)

Indianapolis Colts (Andrew Luck, Frank Gore, T.Y. Hilton, Phillip Dorsett, Dwayne Allen)

San Diego Chargers (Phillip Rivers, Melvin Gordon, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, Antonio Gates)

I don’t recommend starting all of the players in the same stack, but instead recommend you use a combination of them at your own discretion.