One can start to notice significant price changes on DraftKings and other DFS platforms heading into Week 3 of NFL action.
When the lines move, we have the chance to take advantage of some of these new price points in our DFS fantasy football lineups. Let’s take a closer look at my DFS picks for NFL Week 3.
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Week 3 DFS Locks
Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings ($6,900)
Kirk Cousins has thrown the ball 44 times in both weeks to start the 2023 NFL season. The Vikings defense has another tough matchup against quarterback Justin Herbert and the high-powered Los Angeles Chargers passing offense in Week 3, which could lead to Cousins throwing the ball early and often in a potential high-scoring affair.
Another reason the Vikings have been forced to throw the ball so much to start the season is the complete absence of a running game in 2023.
Minnesota ranks dead last in the league with just 69 yards rushing with a brutal 2.7 yards per carry through the first two games of the year.
The Chargers’ defense gave up 466 yards through the air to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the season opener. If the Vikings are forced to air it out again in Week 3, it could be another big week for Cousins.
Joshua Kelley, RB, Los Angeles Chargers ($5,400)
Joshua Kelley’s expanded role with Austin Ekeler unavailable didn’t go quite as well as fantasy managers hoped. His 39 yards rushing on 13 carries and no receptions or touchdowns generated a fantasy finish outside of the top 50 at the running back position.
This week the task gets much easier against a Vikings defense that just gave up 259 rushing yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.
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If Ekeler is unavailable, look for Kelley to lead the team in rushing attempts again this week in what should be a far better day on the ground for the Chargers.
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings ($9,300)
I’m not sure I need to spend a ton of time telling you why it’s a good idea to put Justin Jefferson in your lineup. His average of 10 receptions for 154 yards through the first two games speaks for itself.
It just feels like a matter of time before Jefferson starts finding the end zone to turn these great performances into special outings. He may be the chalky pick at the position, but he’s worth every dollar this week.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints ($3,300)
Some might see Taysom Hill as my tight end suggestion this week and roll their eyes, but hear me out first.
Hill led the Saints in rushing yards in Week 2 with 75 yards on nine carries.
New Orleans running back Jamaal Williams exited the game against the Carolina Panthers when he picked up a hamstring injury in the second quarter. He’s since missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which doesn’t bode well for his availability in Week 3.
While Tony Jones Jr. did an admirable job filling in for Williams, Hill was the far more effective runner in the contest.
It does look like rookie running back Kendre Miller could make his NFL debut in Week 3, but it could be a week where the team turns to Hill against a Green Bay Packers defense that just gave up 211 rushing yards to the Atlanta Falcons last week.
As always, Hill is a boom-or-bust option, but with reliable veteran backs like Williams and Alvin Kamara unavailable in this contest, Hill could see an expanded role on the ground in a favorable matchup.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST ($3,200)
The Seattle defense hasn’t been good by any stretch of the imagination this season, but for as bad as the Seahawks have looked on the defensive side of the football in 2023, the Panthers have looked equally rough on the offensive side of the football.
MORE: Week 3 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
Compounding the issues on the offensive side of the ball for Carolina is that rookie quarterback Bryce Young will be unavailable for this matchup against Seattle.
Update: #Panthers expect Bryce Young to miss 1-2 games with his ankle injury, per @josephperson
Andy Dalton will start meanwhile, and Young will return to the lineup when ready.https://t.co/Jwdv8NLgHC pic.twitter.com/gxfsFb38f6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 22, 2023
Andy Dalton will get the starting nod under center. Regardless, the Panthers are struggling to create any separation to make life easier on their quarterback.
Throw in the potential impact of the 12th man, and the Seahawks feel like a quality option at a reasonable price for your DFS lineup.