Joe DiCarlo 
Week Two has officially come to a close and left us with a lot to chew fat about in Week Three. Upsets and injuries over this past weekend, but plenty of great DFS plays. We only have 12 games this weekend, due to two of them airing on Monday night, so let’s get the breakdown started!
As always, stay tuned to all our injury news, updates, and building advice on Discord. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 9/22/24
Giants @ Browns (-6) (U/O 38.5)
The 0-2 Giants open up the slate as six-point dogs on the road against a very stingy Cleveland defense. Daniel Jones showed us some signs of having a pulse left in the league, throwing for two touchdowns against Washington. But Malik Nabers was the real star of the game, catching nine of 12 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown, a performance that cements him as the Giant’s number-one weapon. After seeing last week’s stellar performance by the Giants’ first-round pick, I’m fine using him for Cash games,
Cleveland finally earned their place in the win column on Sunday against the Jaguars. It wasn’t pretty for fantasy, but Deshaun Watson and Jerry Jeudy did the job. We are going to want very little exposure to this game, as both teams seem to have struggled to move the football and play some pretty solid defense (NYG held WSH to 0 touchdowns, Cleveland held Jacksonville to 13 points). Both defenses will be in play for this one. We also like both teams’ running backs, Devin Singletary for his consistency on the field (72% snap share) and Jerome Ford’s ability to take one to the house on any given touch.
Cash: Malik Nabers
GPP: Jerome Ford, Devin Singletary, Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, Jerry Jeudy, Giants DST, Cleveland DST
Broncos @ Bucs (-6.5) (O/U 40)
The Broncos will visit sunny Tampa, Florida this Sunday, but it won’t be all palm trees and Pina Coladas for Bo Nix. Denver has suffered through tremendous growing pains in their first two games, perhaps given a softer matchup could provide them a shot in the arm. The Bucs have been generous to opposing quarterbacks and running backs, ranking 30th in DVOA for both positions over the past two games. Bo Nix has not been shy either, although the rookie mistakes are still going to happen (4 INTs in two starts), he’s attempted 77 passes and rushing in a touchdown. Keep Nix and the Broncos backfield in tournaments only. Tampa’s defense is a little scary, but because of Denver’s season so far, use them as a salary saver this week.
The Bucs are rolling at 2-0 and looking to make it three wins at home but may need to use more of their running game in this matchup. The Broncos have allowed a scarce amount of yards through the air (4th with only 268 in two games) while allowing over 143 yards per game on foot. Rachaad White injured his groin during last week’s game, so we have to monitor that. Otherwise, it will be the rookie Bucky Irving to the rescue, who has already seen 16 attempts this season. All should be used in tournaments, including the Bucs’ air attack, due to Denver’s defense in a possible slow-paced game.
Cash: Tampa DST
GPP: Bo Nix, Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Rachaad White, Bucky Irving (if White is out) Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin
Chargers @ Steelers (-2) (O/U 35.5)
The new and improved LA Chargers roll into Pittsburgh undefeated early in the season to face off against the also 2-0 Steelers. Both teams have been led by their defenses, which are ranked first and second in the league in points allowed, hence the low total of 35 given by Vegas. Both offenses enjoy running the football as well, to keep their opponents off the field, each totaling 77 rushing attempts so far in just two games.
So let’s take a look into this gross game for fantasy appeal. If we want a piece of LA’s offense, it’s all JK Dobbins. He silenced all the doubters calling his Week One game a fluke with a solid 7.7 YPC for 131 yards and a touchdown. But his stock has risen with his price going up for DFS ($6,400 on DraftKings), which forces us to play him in more tournaments than Cash. Second-year receiver Quentin Johnson for the Chargers has emerged as the alpha receiver, by becoming a red zone threat and catching two touchdowns last week. He’s still underpriced, as is his fellow receivers, but Johnson is who to target for a GPP play.
Mike Tomlin is prepping Justin Fields for his third start this weekend, and why not? They are winning. It may not be the prettiest box score for Fields as of late, but we all know what his ceiling is. He is still priced way under $6K on DraftKings, but due to the matchup, we should keep him in tournaments, along with his skilled players. Fields has capped the production of running back Jaylen Warren with his rushing ability, but Najee Harris is still a factor (37 carries in two games). George Pickens (27.5% target share) and Pat Freiermuth (20% target share) remain as Pittsbugh’s top pass-catchers.
Cash: Pittsburgh DST, Chargers DST
GPP: JK Dobbins, Quentin Johnson, Justin Fields, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, George Pickens, Jaylen Warren
Update: Justin Herbert is a GTD, he will play Josh Palmer is OUT
Packers @ Titans (-2.5) (O/U 36.5)
Here we have another game that will move at a snail’s pace with a total in the mid-thirties. Malik Willis is back in Tennessee for the first time since being traded to the Packers, but let’s not get too excited. The Titans have been a disaster so far with Willis’ replacement Will Levis, and going up against a respectable Packers defense this weekend could spell out another long day. I don’t expect too much exposure to this game for DFS but let’s see what comes to mind.
Once again, another week without Jordan Love pits a huge crutch on the Packers’ receiving room. Any exposure to Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, or Christian Watson will be larger GPP options. Josh Jacobs is the only safe Packer this weekend, especially with Marshon Lloyd landing on IR this week. Malik Willis himself is also a GPP move, because of his rushing ability (7.5 YPC in Week 2).
Will Levis is in dire straits, with 3 interceptions to only two touchdown passes and a rating of 31.1. But Calvin Ridley did end up benefitting last week, cashing in for a touchdown and 24 fantasy points. But the engine that runs the Titans is Tony Pollard, who continued in Week Two as the bell-cow in the backfield. He has seen the majority of snaps over Tyjae Spears (61%), an 18% target share (8 catches in two games), and averaging 16.5 carries per game.
DeAndre Hopkins has been MIA and should see plenty of Jaire Alexander this Sunday. He’s very well-priced in the mid-$5K range on Draftkings. He’s an extreme punt at receiver, especially after only recording two catches so far this year. Let’s start with both defenses too.
Cash: Josh Jacobs, Packers DST, Titans DST, Tony Pollard
GPP: Malik Willis, Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins
Update: Jordan Love practicing, and could play this week,
Jordan Love is OUT
Eagles @ Saints (-2.5) (U/O 49.5)
Philadelphia will travel to The Big Easy on Sunday and will be out for redemption after a humiliating loss to the Falcons at home on Monday night. The Saints will enter the game refreshed, waking up out of their beds one week removed from stomping the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. We’ve got a nice total near 50 with a tight spread, so we’ll be interested in DFS.
I can’t believe we are writing about Derek Carr and the Saints, but yes in fact he and his team are the real deal… for now. Carr, Kamara, and Rashid Shaheed have combined for over 150 fantasy points in two games. These types of numbers will not last forever, so get in now before the wheels fall off in New Orleans. Chris Olave still has not been utilized yet in this offense, but it’s only a matter of time. Taysom Hill also left with an injury during the Cowboys game. That is a situation we’ll need to keep a close eye on and would increase the role of Juwan Johnson. Philadelphia was shredded on the ground and through the air Monday night by Atlanta, New Orleans should have no problem moving the ball at home against a disheveled Vic Fangio defense.
The City of Brotherly Love will need to bring their A game for this matchup, as well as make the right play-calling decisions. AJ Brown is questionable going into the weekend after missing Monday’s game, so if he’s out again Devonta Smith will be a lock at wide receiver. In the absence of Brown, Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts also stepped up their games, combining for 35 rushing attempts, Hurts rushing for one touchdown and throwing for one too. All three are safe for cash, especially Devonta if AJ can’t suit up.
Cash: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara, Devonta Smith ( if AJ Brown is out)
GPP: Derek Carr, Rashid Shaheed, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson
Update: AJ Brown is OUT, Taysom Hill is OUT
Texans @ Vikings (+2.5) (O/U 45.5)
The Texans roll into Minnesota with a full head of steam to take on a Vikings squad fresh off a victory against the Forty Niners. Both teams are 2-0, but only one can stay undefeated on Sunday. This game has great potential for fantasy, taking place indoors with two quarterbacks who are not gun-shy when you t comes to throwing the football.
Sam Darnold looks very comfortable running Kevin O’Connell’s offense in Minnesota. He’s been top-ten so far in touchdown passes(4-ranked 3rd), completion percentage (76.6%-6th), and QB rating (118.8-5th). Not the greatest matchup for Darnold (Houston total sacks, 13 total QB hits, 3 Interceptions), but hopefully Justin Jefferson can suit up to relieve some of that pressure, along with running back Aaron Jones. Jordan Addison does not look to be a go again this week, which gives a boost to Jalen Nailor’s target share.
Now the Texans, a team that has everything moving in the right direction. C.J. Stroud continues to be a marksman with the football (7.4 air yards/attempt, 80% red zone completion). Nico Collins (14 REC/252 YDS/1 TD) has been the biggest beneficiary of Stroud’s arm, along with Stefon Diggs (2 TDS).
However, the Houston backfield must be monitored since Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce have not practiced this week. Cam Akers slides right into Cash game lineups by default if they don’t make it on the field.
Cash: Justin Jefferson, Cam Akers (If Mixon and Pierce are OUT), Nico Collins, C.J. Stroud
GPP: Sam Darnold, Jalen Nailor, Aaron Jones, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz
Update: Joe Mixon is OUT, and Dameon Pierce is OUT
Bears @ Colts (-2) (O/U 42.5)
The 0-2 Bears are off to a rough start, looking for their first win of the year in Indy. The Colts are also winless, and feeling the pressure to get on the right track with a home victory. Both teams are going through growing pains, with minimal NFL quarterback experience. But the upside is in this game for DFS, let’s see what we have to work with.
Caleb Williams continues to struggle to find chemistry with his receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen (who missed Week 2 with an injury). The Colts will get safety Julian Blackmon back this week but have placed DT DeForest Buckner on IR. This could be the game where we finally see D’Andre Swift’s breakout for 2024. The Colts have been destroyed in the trenches, which has allowed 5.1 YPC and over 230 yards rushing per game. Swift will be a great under-the-radar play this week for DFS.
On the other hand, Chicago was obliterated by Nico Collins in their last game, allowing over 120 yards and a touchdown. If Anthony Richardson can get into a groove with his receivers, especially their one Michael Pittman Jr., who has been MIA during the Alec Pierce breakout (8 REC/181 YDS/2 TDS). The Colts may well be on their way to their first victory. But with youth comes mistakes, so both defenses are fine options this week.
Update: Keenan Allen is OUT
Cash: D’Andre Swift
GPP: Anthony Richardson, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen(if healthy), Caleb Williams, Bears DST
Panthers @ Raiders (-5) (O/U 40.5)
The lowly Panthers fly into Vegas to try and make ends meet against a hungry Raiders team fresh off an upset win in Baltimore. Bryce Young has been benched for Week 3, giving veteran Andy Dalton the start and hopefully pumping life into the offense. Vegas was running on all cylinders in Baltimore, from shutting down the Ravens’ run game to Brock Bowers and Davante Adams making plays all over the field. This game is in the bag unless some other Raiders team shows up on Sunday.
Andy Dalton has been around the block a few times in the NFL and should be an upgrade at the position this weekend. For his career, he’s compiled well over 38,000 yards and 250-plus touchdowns, so his teammates better be ready for some targets. Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Leggette, and Jonathan Mingo will all be GPP-viable, even Dalton himself due to his very affordable price ($4,800 on DraftKings).
The Raiders and Gardner Minshew aired out the football in their come-from-behind victory against Baltimore but may choose to let the air out on Sunday. Carolina still can not stop the bleeding against opposing running backs, ranking 31st in the league in rushing defense. As much as we like Bowers and Adams, Zamir White is a staple this week at running back. Alexander Mattison has also been a factor, but he does not fit the script of the Raiders controlling the game flow. Vegas’ defense is also in play this week.
Cash: Zamir White, Brock Bowers, Vegas DST
GPP: Davante Adams, Alexander Mattison, Andy Dalton, Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Leggette
Dolphins @ Seahawks (-5) (O/U 41)
Miami took a huge blow to their offense as they saw Tua Tagovailoa suffer his fourth concussion last Thursday night to the Bills, landing him on IR. The Seahawks barely got by the Patriots in Week Two, securing their undefeated record of 2-0. The skepticism of the Dolphins with Skylar Thompson under center has us not having much faith in Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle putting up big numbers, and the Seahawks easily shutting them down for a third win.
De’Von Achane stole the show for the Dolphins and was the only bright spot putting up a stat line of 96 RuYDS/7 REC/65 RECYDS/1 TD, even during the first half before Tua went down. His role will be amplified down the stretch until Tua gets back, and the matchup is not too shabby. Seattle is 22nd in DVOA to opposing running backs, a defense that was just exploited by Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson a week ago (177 TOT RuYDS). Veteran Raheem Mostert may be back after missing Week Two, so we will need to monitor the news. Tyreek Hill is still unfadeable, as we all know the damage he is capable of. But he should be played in tournaments only.
Seattle had great success in the passing game, with Kenneth Walker sitting out in Week Two. They played a lot of three-wide receiver sets, with DK Metcalf (10 REC/129 YDS/1 TD) and Jaxson Smith-Njigba (12 REC/117 YDS) torching the Patriots secondary last weekend. It appears Walker will be back this weekend, and because of Zach Charbonnet’s ineffectiveness expect Walker to reclaim his starting role. If the Dolphins do lay down and roll over in Seattle, Walker should carve up the clock and rack up for DFS to a Miami rushing defense that allowed Buffalo’s James Cook three rushing touchdowns in Week Two’s primetime matchup. Seattle’s defense is in full effect too.
Cash: De’Von Achane, Kenneth Walker, Seattle DST
GPP: DK Metcalf, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Tyreek Hill
Update: Raheem Mostert is OUT, Kenneth Walker OUT
Niners @ Rams (+7.5) (O/U 43.5)
The Niners took one on the chin last week, losing to Minnesota, and will look to rebound this week against their cross-town conference rivals in LA. The Rams were also embarrassed by Arizona, losing by a landslide 41-10 score last Sunday afternoon, and killing a ton of DFS lineups using Cooper Kupp. Both teams have been chewed up and spit out by the injury bug, but in turn, will provide us with cheap value options for DFS.
First CMC, then Deebo, and now George Kittle…Frisco can not catch a break. Brandon Aiyuk will be the last starter standing in a Niners uniform, so expect a ton of ownership going his way. Backups Jauan Jennings and Chris Conley will see a huge uptick in work at receiver, as well as Eric Saubert at tight end. Jordan Mason is still healthy, fortunately, so we should see a heavy dose of the run game. It will be all hands on deck for the Niners to steal a win on the road against a Rams 22nd in DVOA pass defense/30th in rushing…Love Purdy this week, he is a staple for Cash games.
LA has its own drama with Cooper Kupp set to miss time alongside Puka Nacua. The next men up for Matt Stafford will be Demarcus Robinson and TuTu Atwell. We may also see Tyler Johnson or Jordan Whittington pop off at receiver, the Rams’ receiving core will all be GPP dart throws for DFS. Kyren Williams is the only safe play for LA, who may indeed just run the damn ball more than throwing it due to the lack of talent at receiver. Colby Parkinson may step up for some extra targets at tight end, who I preferably would roster over some of these Rams wideouts. LA’s defense is so bad it could put them in a huge hole, forcing Stafford to play catch-up.
Cash: Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason, Brandon Aiyuk
GPP: Kyren Williams, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, Chris Conley, TuTu Atwell, Colby Parkinson, Matt Stafford, Tyler Johnson
Lions @ Cardinals (+2.5) (O/U 52.5)
We’ve made it to the largest total of the slate, and it is certainly enticing for DFS. Jared Goff and the Lions aim to get back in the win column, but he’ll have to get passed Kyler Murray’s hot hand in the desert. Both franchises are stacked on offense, the Lions are ranked second in total yards, passing yardage, and third in rushing touchdowns. The Cardinals rank third in passing touchdowns, second in scoring percentage and total points. Get ready for some fireworks.
Detroit has had success with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery so far this season, but Arizona has been solid in the trenches, allowing only 91 yards per game. They may need to go back to the well of Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is coming off a scorching 11-catch, 119-yard game. Jameson Williams and Sam La Porta round out the rest of the pieces for Detroit, La Porta being the odd man out so far this season not being targeted as much.
The Cardinals ran the tables on the Rams last week, as Murray and Harrison Jr. began to show some signs of chemistry connecting on four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. The matchup is mouthwatering facing Detroit’s 31st ranking secondary. It’ll be wheels up for Trey McBride (18 FPTS last week) and James Conner (ninth in rushing yards-172) too, so get your fill of Cardinals in Cash or GPP games. Also consider Michael Wilson as he sees a 68% snap share, and a nice punt at receiver in a high total game.
Cash: Amon-Ra St.Brown, Kyler Murray, James Conner
GPP: Jared Goff, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jameson Williams, Trey McBride, Sam LaPorta, Michael Wilson
Ravens @ Cowboys (+1) (O/U 49)
Last but not least, we get the Boys hosting the Ravens to Cap off the afternoon slate. Both teams are coming off heartbreaking losses to inferior opponents, so the emotions will be flying come on Sunday. The defenses for both sides have gotten off to slow starts, as Dallas could not stop the bleeding to New Orleans last week. Gardner Minshew sliced and diced the Ravens up like sushi. Too much to think about, but if we see a weakness in a team’s defense, let’s exploit it in DFS.
Baltimore has spewed production to its opposing receivers, allowing 257 yards per game (32nd in the league), and there are no signs of that going away anytime soon. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson will be factors and relied upon heavily this week. Ferguson could be nursing an injury around his ankle injury sustained in last week’s contest. Brandin Cooks should also eat in this game as Dak’s third option. Solid GPP plays in Dallas.
Lamar needs no introduction, and automatically gets locked in for Cash early on, but who else can we roster? We want pass catchers in Ravens uniforms too (Dallas’ Treyvon Diggs was smoked last week by Rashid Shaheed). Zay Flowers should see plenty of Diggs this weekend, who can be a gazelle in the open field. As for the backs in Baltimore, both are fine this weekend. Henry for short yardage and goal line opportunities and Justice Hill for third down and hurry-up offense scenarios. All solid tournament moves.
Cash: Lamar Jackson, CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott
GPP: Jake Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Mark Andrews
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 3! Remember to check back daily for more content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
