Week 3 FanDuel.com DFS NFL Tight and Defense 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.
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 Tight Ends for Cash Games
Zach Ertz vs. NYG ($6.5k FanDuel)
Ertz is a top overall option at a thin TE position and he’s a great option in any format with a lot of upside in this matchup. The Giants have allowed the sixth-most receptions per game (5.63) to TEs over the last two years and the sixth-most FPPG to the position so far this season. Ertz is adept at getting open in the middle of the field and is a favorite of Carson Wentz, who has shown that his TE is his #2 receiver behind Alshon Jeffery. The G-Men were exposed by ancient target Jason Witten in Week 1, whereas Ertz is a young stud who has turned a team-high 18 targets into 190 receiving yards through two games in 2017.
Jack Doyle vs. CLE ($5.3k FanDuel)
Jacoby Brissett’s presence under center is good news for all Colts skill players since he’s certainly an improvement over Scott Tolzien, and Doyle definitely benefitted in Week 2. The solid TE caught 8-of-8 targets for 85 yards in a tough matchup against the Cardinals and now he faces a Browns team that ranked dead last in DVOA pass defense against opposing TEs and 31st in overall DVOA defense last year. Indy should be able to manage more than 13 points at home in this matchup between bottom-feeding teams and at the very least, Doyle should be able to pile up receptions as a safety valve for a limited quarterback.
Week 3 DFS NFL Tight Ends for GPPs
Rob Gronkowski vs. HOU ($8.4k FanDuel)
With Gronk, it’s simply a matter of whether or not he can stay on the field. Even at less than full strength, he’s still an unstoppable force and he should vacuum targets with all of the Patriots other receiving options dinged up as well. This week the pats will host a Texans team that they’ve owned in recent years and Houston will be without excellent ILB Brian Cushing, leaving them open down the seams. Gronk’s breakout day in New Orleans last Sunday would’ve been even bigger without an uncharacteristic drop in the end zone and he clearly has the most upside of any TE on the board.
Jared Cook @ WAS ($5.2k FanDuel)
Another TE with a box score that didn’t reflect his potential last week, Cook would’ve taken a short screen pass about 50 yards to the house if Derek Carr had been able to put a little more air under the ball while backing away from pressure. In any case, the potential is there for the talented oversized target in an elite offense, especially against a Redskins team that ranked 25th in DVOA pass defense while giving up the most YPG (77.1) to TEs last season. Give him a look in a potential Sunday night shootout with a 54-point Over/Under.
Week 3 DFS NFL Top Defense Plays
Eagles vs. NYG ($4.5k FanDuel)
Simply put, the Giants offense is absolutely awful right now. The return of Odell Beckham Jr. (in a limited capacity) on Monday night did little to prevent another beatdown at the hands of a mediocre Lions defense and the Eagles are definitely an above-average unit with elite coverage over the middle of the field and a superb pass rush. They’ve logged eight sacks and allowed just 216 passing YPG over two outings this season on the road, and will have the support of a raucous crown in the home-opener against a bitter rival this week.
Panthers vs. NO ($4.5k FanDuel)
At the same price tag on FanDuel, the Panthers D/ST is likely to see far lower ownership this week. Drew Brees and the Saints offense deserves respect, but Brees is a different player outdoors with a human 90.3 passer rating and just 1.67 TD passes per game throughout his career. Plus, the Saints offense looks far inferior through 2 games with 3 unhappy RBs and Ted Ginn Jr. serving as a poor replacement for Brandin Cooks. Carolina’s offense is also struggling, but that defense is still elite with the best LB corps in the league led by Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis Jr. and albeit against poor competition, they’ve produced double-digit FPs in both games this season.
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