The Week 3 DFS main slate on FanDuel features multiple premium running backs in pristine matchups. Jamming in these high-priced bell cows is often the key to cashing, meaning we need to identify cheaper options to fit the lineup. Here are some “lineup makers” for this week based on advanced stats and metrics.
Daniel Jones, QB: $6000
FanDuel wasn’t sharp enough to predict an Eli Manning benching, meaning Daniel Jones slots in as the min-priced QB option for Week 3. He has a favorable matchup with the Buccaneers, whose stats are inflated by an injured Cam Newton and an inept Jimmy Garoppolo. Jones will have a full complement of weapons with Sterling Shepard expecting to pass the concussion protocol. Expect the rookie to lean on his positional passing game mismatches in Evan Engram and Saquon Barkley.
Frank Gore, RB: $5700
With Devin Singletary leaving Week 2 early after suffering a hamstring injury, Frank Gore absorbed 21 touches against the Giants. He compiled a meager 83 yards, but also found the end zone to finish as a top-12 RB on the week.
Check out Frank Gore on PlayerProfiler’s Updated Weekly Rankings and Projections:
With Singletary likely out in Week 3, Gore is in a spot to smash value. The Bengals are allowing 38.1 FanDuel fantasy points per game to opposing RBs, which is the most by over 7.0 points. Gore should sleepwalk his way to 20 carries and will be more efficient in this matchup.
Duke Johnson, RB: $5400
While Carlos Hyde is racking up the low value touches between the 20’s, Duke Johnson continues to out-snap and out-target him. The Texans opted for a ground-and-pound approach in Week 2 against a tough Jaguars defense, but they’ll be passing often in a potential shootout with the Chargers. Just like Week 1 against the Saints, this game environment will thrust Johnson onto the field.
Curtis Samuel, WR: $5800
Cam Newton’s foot injury has severely limited the upside of Curtis Samuel. He is absolutely dominating opposing corners, averaging 3.12 (No. 3 among qualified wide receivers) yards of Target Separation. The Panthers are also trying to take advantage of his 4.31 (100th-percentile) 40-yard dash, feeding him five deep targets through two weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EfGdYnbKh0
The problem is that he has only seen a catchable ball on 47.1-percent of his targets. This is all on Newton, as Samuel’s True Catch Rate is a perfect 100 percent. With Kyle Allen slated to start on Sunday, Samuel should see more accurate targets going forward. He should be able to torch the Cardinals secondary this week.
Marvin Jones, WR: $5400
Marvin Jones has a matchup with arguably the worst cornerback in the NFL, Ronald Darby. The Philly corner ranks outside the top 50 in yards per target allowed, yards per reception allowed, passer rating allowed, coverage rating… you get the picture. In total, Darby has been charged with 13 receptions, 205 yards and two scores allowed. The Eagles are ceding 2.92 yards per carry to RBs, meaning the Lions will be slinging the ball often. Fantasy gamers should bank on Darby getting dusted again this Sunday.
Devin Smith, WR: $5200
With Michael Gallup undergoing knee surgery, Devin Smith should get a full snap share for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott is playing like an MVP under Kellen Moore’s play-calling, so anyone on the field with him is a strong DFS option.
Devin Smith Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Before his career was derailed with injuries, Smith was one of the best deep threats of all-time at Ohio State, averaging 28.2 (99th-percentile) yards per reception. His athleticism has already translated to on-field production in Dallas, taking a deep shot to the house while filling in for Gallup in Week 2. Smith may be too thin for cash lineups, but he is an exciting tournament play against a tanking Dolphins team.
