Injuries are again the top story heading into the third week of the 2020 NFL season.  Fields, doctors and bad luck are all being blamed.  While unfortunate for the players, it opens doors in Fantasy.  To afford some of the higher-priced players on DraftKings, you’ll need to focus on both the injury reports and individual matchups.  That is key when trying to find the right combination of players.  I have considered these factors (and more) when selecting my NFL DFS Week 3 Sleepers.

As a side note, don’t forget ownership numbers, which could skyrocket for clear injury replacements.  To counter the possibility, you could go well below the max cap to ensure you have a unique lineup.

Obviously, the term “SLEEPER” can be interpreted in a number of different ways.  In this case, it’s the lower cost players that stand out.  In this particular situation, it is also the players on DraftKings that land in the following price ranges: Quarterbacks ($6,000 or less), Running Backs ($5,000 or less), Wide Receivers ($5,000 or less) and Tight Ends ($4,000 or less).

Considering the theme here at The Wife Hates Sports, the recommendation is that you say “I Do” to these NFL DFS Week 3 Sleepers…

NFL DFS Week 3 Sleepers: Say ‘I Do’ to these Players on DraftKings

Ryan Tannehill (QB, Tennessee Titans – $5,900) at Vikings

It doesn’t feel like Tannehill should belong on here, but he fits the mold with his sub-6K price tag.  Through two games, Tannehill is averaging more than 23 ppg and has six TD’s with no picks.  The Vikings have been awful defensively, sitting 29th in yards allowed against both the pass and the run.  So the Titans could attempt to focus on a heavy dose of Derrick Henry.  But at this cost and with these numbers, Tannehill is a solid option, especially if you are looking to spend more on other positions. 

Joshua Kelley (RB, Los Angeles Chargers – $5,000) vs Panthers

The debate here is tied to ownership and whether some will be deterred because of the Austin Ekeler usage.  My guess is yes, at least… enough that it’ll be worth adding Kelley to your lineups.  The Panthers defense has been torched against the run over the first few weeks.  Kelley himself actually has 35 carries over the first two weeks and more than 25 fantasy points.  This could be his best game yet and he won’t be in this price range for long.

Jerick McKinnon (RB, San Francisco 49ers – $4,900) at Giants

The Niners have been bitten hard by the injury bug.  With Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman both out, there should be a significant uptick in work for McKinnon.  McKinnon already has over 27 fantasy points in the first two games and that’s with limited carries/receptions.  San Francisco loves to run the ball first and will also have Nick Mullens as its starting QB this week.  Throw in a favorable matchup against the Giants and all signs point to a big day for McKinnon.

Darius Slayton (WR, New York Giants – $4,900) vs 49ers

I am a bit baffled by the fact that Slayton continues to be priced in this range.  He’s a big play threat for an offense that just lost its most talented player for the year (Saquon Barkley).  The San Francisco defense has suffered a brutal amount of injuries and as a result, this is a group that you can score points (and gain yards) on.  Golden Tate ($4,500) is another potential Fantasy bargain here, but I like Slayton a lot more, considering his big-play potential.

Zach Pascal (WR, Indianapolis Colts – $4,500) vs Jets

Pascal is the most likely to benefit from the absence of Parris Campbell.  Often, injury replacements can be a question mark in Fantasy.  Pascal, however, proved to be very valuable last season stepping in for injured Colts receivers.  We’ll see how that translates with the 2020 Colts, a team that now has Jonathan Taylor and Philip Rivers included in the offense.  Still, with a decent matchup against the Jets, Pascal is an interesting option and someone to keep an eye on as the season progresses. 

Greg Ward (WR, Philadelphia Eagles – $3,400) vs Bengals

I’m back and forth on this one.  Statistically, the Bengals have been much more vulnerable against the run through two weeks.  However, with that said, Jalen Reagor is out this week and when Ward had more opportunities in Week 1, he had seven targets come his way.  So, there’s some definite upside here at the cost.  John Hightower ($3,000) also could get more playing time if you are feeling really brave.

Jordan Reed (TE, San Francisco 49ers – $4,000) at Giants

As already mentioned, the injury list is full in San Francisco and quite surprisingly, Reed isn’t one of them.  Good for him.  George Kittle is out again this week and while filling in for him during Week 2, Reed had 7 catches for 50 yards and 2 TD’s.  No one has ever doubted Reed’s talent.  It has always been his ability to stay on the field.  The Giants have held tight ends in check for the first two weeks, but that doesn’t mean Reed won’t have another solid day.  He creates a lot of mismatches and backup QB Nick Mullens could look his way often.  Well, as often as the run-heavy Niners will allow it.

Drew Sample (TE, Cincinnati Bengals – $3,500) at Eagles

I drew a sample of his numbers (I’ll show myself out).  Anyway, seven catches last week at Cleveland is a solid Fantasy day.  C.J. Uzomah is out for the year, so the TE1 spot is his now.  Some in Fantasy often consider the rookie QB to starting Tight End phenomenon – and while I know it’s not that clean, cut and dry, that is the situation in Cincinnati.  The Eagles have surrendered big numbers to tight ends so far this season, so Sample is an interesting option at this cost.

 

Who do you have as your NFL DFS Week 3 Sleepers?  Let’s talk it out in the comments below.  In the meantime, enjoy another week of football!

Oh, and as always, thank you for visiting The Wife Hates Sports!