FanDuel Fantasy Football: Week 3 Value Plays

FanDuel Fantasy Football: Week 3 Value Plays

This article is part of our FanDuel Fantasy Football series.

Quarterbacks

Ryan Tannehill, MIA vs CLE ($7,400) – The Dolphins look like they'll be without Arian Foster this weekend and their other two options, Kenyon Drake and Jay Ajayi, aren't threats to establish a formidable running attack. Tannehill has plenty of weapons at his disposal with the return of DeVante Parker while Jarvis Landry runs a lot of quick-hitting routes and Jordan Cameron is still a decent red zone target. The Browns defense is a unit to target in DFS and the Dolphins shouldn't have a problem scoring in this one. Tannehill has also rushed five and six times over his first two games, adding some fantasy value with his legs.

Brian Hoyer, CHI at DAL ($6,000) – It looks as if Hoyer will make his first start of the season Sunday night in Dallas in place of Jay Cutler who injured his thumb on his throwing hand against the Eagles. Hoyer has shown some fantasy upside in the past throwing multiple touchdowns in seven of his 11 starts last season. He'll have the week to work with Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White and the key here is the price. Considering the elite options this week are priced around $9,000, all Hoyer has to do is reach 17-20 fantasy points to meet or exceed his value.

Running Backs

Mark Ingram, NO vs ATL ($6,900) – The sub-$7K price is nice for a running back that will get double-digit touches in a game that should have plenty of fantasy goodness. He's better suited for GPPs this week and will have a low ownership after not doing much the first two weeks, so some multiple-score upside could be found here at a discounted price. While it's a small sample, the Falcons have given up 4.6 yards per carry on defense and gave up 20 rushing touchdowns last season, tied for the most in the league.

Christine Michael, SEA vs SF ($6,900) – Thomas Rawls is banged up again and even if he suits up this weekend, the Seahawks will most likely take it easy with him and turn to Michael. This should be the game to put the Seahawks back on track and they're a big favorite in what should be a blowout. Michael has been more than stellar this season with 25 carries for 125 yards (5.0 YPC) and has five catches for 31 yards as well. If Michael gets 15-plus touches and at least one score in this one (a very likely scenario if Seattle is running out the clock in the second half) he should be in for a big game.

Wide Receivers

Phillip Dorsett, IND vs SD ($6,000) – The injury to Donte Moncrief is going to give Dorsett a bigger role in the Colts' passing attack, a good place for any wide receiver. Between injuries to both him and Andrew Luck, the two didn't see a lot of time on the field together last season so it's tough to tell from any stats what their chemistry is going to be like. That being said, Dorsett has a solid pedigree as evidenced by running a 4.33 forty at the Combine (4.25 at the Miami Pro Day) and was a late first-round pick. Chuck Pagano stated Wednesday that Dorsett will now have a greater role and with a bad defense, the Colts should be in a lot of high-scoring affairs.

Terrelle Pryor, CLE at MIA ($5,800) – Pryor is the last man standing right now for the Cleveland wide receivers with Josh Gordon still suspended and Corey Coleman now out with a broken hand. Having rookie Cody Kessler under center doesn't help the situation although there is likely going to be a good opportunity for garbage time production in the fourth quarter. Pryor has received seven and 10 targets over his first two games and showed he could be a deep threat during the preseason. The other sneaky aspect to Pryor is his ability to throw the ball and with Kessler under center, the Browns may use a gadget play or two and allow him to gain extra points through the air.

Tight Ends

Jacob Tamme, ATL at NO, ($5,400) – A smart strategy in DFS is to remember to target the underdog in what are expected to be high-scoring games. The Falcons and specifically Jacob Tamme fit that bill this week and are used to playing their games in a dome. Tamme has received eight targets in each of the first two games for Atlanta and has a lot of room to work over the middle with Julio Jones commanding extra attention on the outside. While he's never been a big red zone guy, it was encouraging to see him score last week so that may change this season if Matt Ryan continues to target him.

Dennis Pitta, BAL at JAC ($5,000) – After a slow game against Buffalo in Week 1, Pitta went off last week in Cleveland with nine catches for 102 yards on 12 targets. Pitta and Flacco are good friends off the field and when Pitta has been healthy he's typically seen around six targets per game from Flacco. It helps that there isn't a dominant receiver in this offense and that the Ravens' running game has been anemic to this point. In addition, the Jaguars aren't a defense to fear in this matchup, so Pitta will make fora good target in the red zone.

Kicker

Wil Lutz, NO vs ATL ($4,500) – Vegas has this one as the highest-scoring game of the week, putting Lutz in play – especially at the minimum price. He'll be home and in a dome where the weather won't affect his kicking, so save the money for elsewhere and roll the dice on the rookie kicker.

Defense

Miami Dolphins vs CLE ($4,600) – This will likely be the chalkiest play this week and don't overthink using them in cash games. Cody Kessler, a rookie who many think isn't close to ready, will take over under center for the Browns and has to go on the road as well. The Miami defensive line – Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell and Mario Williams – is one of the better units in the league and they should meet up often in the Browns backfield.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Kevin Payne plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: Fanduel: kevinccp, Draft Kings: kevinccp, Yahoo: kevinccp.
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only NFL Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire NFL fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Payne
Kevin has worked for RotoWire over a decade and has covered basketball, baseball and football. A glutton for punishment, he roots for his hometown Bills, Sabres and the New York Yankees. You can follow him on Twitter @KCPayne26.
Ryan Grubb and the History of College Coaches Headed to the NFL
Ryan Grubb and the History of College Coaches Headed to the NFL
10 Sneaky Tricks For Your Upcoming Rookie Draft (Video)
10 Sneaky Tricks For Your Upcoming Rookie Draft (Video)
NFL Draft Decisions: Navigating Make-or-Break Moments
NFL Draft Decisions: Navigating Make-or-Break Moments
Dynasty Startup Draft LIVE! Superflex; ROOKIES Included! (Video)
Dynasty Startup Draft LIVE! Superflex; ROOKIES Included! (Video)
NFL Reactions: Breaking Down the Stefon Diggs Trade for Houston and Buffalo
NFL Reactions: Breaking Down the Stefon Diggs Trade for Houston and Buffalo
Payne's Perspective: Players To Avoid This Season
Payne's Perspective: Players To Avoid This Season