Week 3 FanDuel.com DFS NFL Running Back GPP and Cash Game Plays
Week 3 NFL is upon us and everyone is looking to cash in on the big money at FanDuel. Every week, we’ll bring you our top DFS NFL picks at each position, separating them into Cash Game and GPP plays. And to keep up with all things PlayPicks, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Cash game options generally come with less risk and a more stable floor, while the best GPP plays can come with tons of risk and upside. Taking a chance on players with high ceilings and low floors is a good way to separate from a large tournament field.
As with any DFS sport, the advice below is relevant for fantasy purposes. A player or team might be better or worse from a fantasy perspective than they are in real life due to matchup, price, game flow, etc. This is important when constructing a roster. And if you’re looking for new ways to play DFS, be sure and give BOOM Fantasy and DRAFT a try!
In DFS NFL, predicting game flow can be vital towards success. Teams that are heavily favored and come through with a comfortable win will be far more likely to lean on their running game, while two teams with poor defenses and high-powered offenses could pay off by getting into a shootout. Later in the season, especially, weather will play a key factor in NFL games, so make sure to check the forecast for each Sunday.
Targeting games with high Over/Under lines is an effective strategy for GPP formats. In DFS NFL, you can not only stack players on the same team, but use WRs and QBs from the opposition as correlation plays in the hopes that a particular game turns into a shootout and provides heavy production on both sides of the ball.
In general, GPP plays are high-risk, high-reward prospects that can fizzle out and leave you empty handed. That said, if you want to win the big money, you have to take big chances and sometimes that means fading a safer choice for a risky play with more upside.
Week 3 DFS NFL Running Backs for Cash Games
Devonta Freeman @ DET ($8.2k FanDuel)
Talk of an even timeshare with Tevin Coleman seems to be greatly exaggerated, as Freeman’s played on 63.3 percent of offensive snaps for Atlanta and handled nearly all the carries near the goal line. Coleman is coming off a leg injury and always functioned as more of a change-of-pace back or receiver for the Falcons, while Freeman’s showing impressive burst and cutback ability. The Lions pass defense is greatly improved, but Atlanta is still going to put up points somehow, and Freeman’s averaging 5.3 YPC with 12 TDs over his last 10 games under domes.
Ty Montgomery vs. CIN ($7.2k FanDuel)
The forgotten man in the Packers offense from a DFS standpoint as well as from the perspective of defenses, Montgomery is often able to leak out for easy receptions and pile up yardage with the secondary scrambling to contain Aaron Rodgers and his receivers. The converted WR is seeing hardly any competition while playing on 87.9 percent of the Packers offensive plays and he’s already logged 114 receiving yards on 10 catches. He would see even more work in the passing game if Jordy Nelson (quad) and/or Randall Cobb (shoulder) are forced to miss a Week 3 date with a struggling Bengals team.
James White vs. HOU ($5.6k FanDuel)
Speaking of reliable receivers out of the backfield, White has become the de facto top option for Tom Brady with bromance partner Julian Edelman out for the year and nearly every other WR or TE on the roster nicked up. He should continue to produce against a Texans team that’s allowed 39.1 receiving YPG to opposing backs over the last 2 seasons. White caught all 8 of his targets for 85 yards in a route of the Saints and while he was hardly involved as a rusher, he proved his versatility by getting to the edge for big gains in the Super Bowl last Sunday. He’s clearly undervalued across the industry given the circumstances in New England.
Week 3 DFS NFL Running Backs for GPPs
Christian McCaffrey vs. NO ($6.8k FanDuel)
His success is tied to the accuracy (or lack thereof) of Cam Newton, as we saw when McCaffrey narrowly missed a receiving TD last Sunday thanks to a high throw. Yet Newton is bound to start playing better and the Panthers offense should roll over the worst defense in history over the past few seasons. New Orleans ranks 32nd in overall DVOA defense and DVOA pass defense, while the loss of Greg Olsen (broken foot) at TE might lead to a marked increase in targets for McCaffrey as a short-yardage option for Newton.
Tarik Cohen vs. PIT ($5.6k FanDuel)
His actual performance was far less impressive, but Cohen still caught 8 balls in his second NFL appearance to serve as the leading receiver for the struggling Bears. They’re likely to play from behind once again this week, but the Steelers have a tendency to fall flat on the road and could wind up in a competitive game. Regardless, Jordan Howard was completely ineffective (9 carries, 7 yards) as he battles a shoulder injury and Cohen will remain the preferred option for Mike Glennon as long as the checkdown artist is starting at QB for Chicago.
Chris Thompson vs. OAK ($5.6k FanDuel)
While Thompson is no longer a deep sleeper after parlaying 18 touches into 162 YFS and 3 TDs through 2 games, he’s still a part-time player and won’t be started in too many leagues. But with early-down back Rob Kelley (ribs) banged up and rookie Samaje Perine being eased into the offense, we can expect his playing time to increase, especially if the Redskins fall behind at home. He’s facing a Raiders defense that ranks 25th in DVOA pass defense and is dangerously thin at LB right now, so feel free to roll him out there even on a 0.5-PPR site like FanDuel.
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