If Week 2 of the NFL season showed us anything, it’s that the best way to win big in daily fantasy football is to have a few sleepers capable of coming through with huge days.
DraftKings‘ “perfect lineup” for the week featured Matt Jones, Allen Robinson, Travis Benjamin and the Browns defense/special teams, all of which were owned in fewer than 1 percent of entries. It still helps to have a game-changer like Antonio Brown or Julio Jones, but these cheaper options go a long way.
With this in mind, here is a look at a few value picks with high upside available for Week 3, along with rankings for the top options at each position.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders ($5,300)
Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel get more attention, but Derek Carr is trying to stake his claim as the top quarterback from the 2014 class.
After the second-year player was limited with a thumb injury in Week 1, he came back with 351 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. He wasn’t afraid to throw the ball down the field while finding his top targets in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree (another good value at $4,600).
Considering the Cleveland Browns have a much weaker defense than the Ravens, Carr has a chance to duplicate and possibly exceed these numbers in Week 3.
Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys ($5,100)
The production hasn’t quite been there, but as ESPN.com’s Tim MacMahon explained, the effort has been solid for Joseph Randle:
Perhaps most importantly, the running back remains the top option in a backfield that also includes Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. With the run game even more important in Week 3 with Tony Romo out, Randle has a chance to get a heavy workload.
Extra touches could be big against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs in the league.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars ($4,400)
Week 2 stars like Matt Jones ($4,000), Dion Lewis ($4,200), David Johnson ($4,000) and Danny Woodhead ($4,400) will likely be popular options, but T.J. Yeldon could be a good contrarian pick at this price.
While the rookie only averaged 2.8 yards per carry against the Miami Dolphins, his workload was extremely encouraging, as he totaled 25 carries and three receptions. It’s clear he has become the workhorse in the Jacksonville backfield; now all he needs is a good matchup to take advantage of the opportunity.
This chance comes in Week 3 in the form of the New England Patriots, who have had trouble against the run this season. In two games, the defense has allowed 294 rushing yards and a league-high 5.7 yards per carry. Even if the Jaguars are losing early, Yeldon could have a productive game.
Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans ($5,000)
Donte Moncrief ($4,800) is a steal for the price considering his value within the Indianapolis Colts offense, but an alternative choice could be Kendall Wright.
The slot receiver scored a touchdown and totaled 101 receiving yards in Week 1, showcasing his potential when he gets open. That could happen a lot against a banged-up Colts secondary, as noted by Kevin Bowen of Colts.com:
New York Jets receiver Eric Decker had a lot of success in the slot against this defense on Monday night, catching eight balls for 97 yards and a touchdown. Even if Vontae Davis returns, the inability to defend the middle of the field will lead to a big game for Wright.
Rishard Matthews, WR, Miami Dolphins ($3,800)
Heading into his fourth season in the NFL with little production to show for it, Rishard Matthews came into the year with little fantasy consideration. Bigger names like Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills and first-round pick DeVante Parker were supposed to ensure Matthews would be low on the depth chart.
This hasn’t been the case, as Matthews earned the starting job and is taking advantage of it. He finished with six catches and 115 yards this past week, while his touchdown in Week 1 remains the Dolphins’ only offensive score for a wide receiver this season.
Although his role can change later in the year, for now he is an impact player in what has become a pass-heavy attack.
Note: All prices and fantasy score info courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.
DraftKings is giving away over $10 million in Week 3 of the NFL season. Use this knowledge to help you win some of that cash. The biggest first-place prize ever at $2 million will be awarded. Play now for free at DraftKings.com.
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