NFL DFS Picks for Week 3 - FanDuel Top Plays, Value Picks for Daily Fantasy Football Lineups (2025)

Dennis' top NFL DFS picks for Week 3 (2025) and FanDuel lineup sleepers for the main slate. His top FD plays and value picks to target for Week 2 DFS lineups.

The injury report is loaded heading into Week 3. While any injury is bad enough, many teams around the National Football League will be without their quarterback. That is especially true for the Cincinnati Bengals, who will possibly (likely) be without Joe Burrow for the remainder of the season. Other quarterbacks on the injury report include Justin Fields, Jayden Daniels, and Brock Purdy.  

In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 3 daily fantasy football lineup picks for the 2025 NFL season. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.

Be sure also to check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and lots of other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big!

Week 3 FanDuel Quarterbacks - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Caleb Williams – vs. DAL ($7,100) 

The Bears are entering Week 3 with two losses on the books. Chicago lost a close one to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. However, it was a different story in Week 2, with the Bears allowing the Detroit Lions to score 52 points. Despite the Bears’ struggles so far, Williams has played reasonably well. His completion percentage needs some work, but he’s managed to throw three touchdowns (one interception) while finding the end zone once on the run.

The forecast is looking good for Chicago on Sunday, as the Bears will take on a Cowboys team that hasn’t looked much better. Dallas dropped the Thursday night opener to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. While that was expected, at least by most, few predicted the Cowboys would need overtime to earn a win over the New York Giants. On top of that, the G-Men managed to put up 37 points, with Russell Wilson throwing for a whopping 450 yards.  

While Dallas recently signed Jadeveon Clowney, it may take more than that for the defense to get on track. There’s also a chance DaRon Bland will miss another game after sitting out in Week 2 because of a foot issue. All that in mind, Williams has a high ceiling heading into Sunday’s showdown with the visiting Cowboys. 

 Carson Wentz – vs. CIN ($6,000)  

The Vikings will host the Bengals in Week 3 in a game that will feature former LSU teammates Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Unfortunately, both players will be without their quarterback, as Joe Burrow will miss at least three months while J.J. McCarthy could be on the shelf for four weeks. Chase could suffer the most without Burrow.  

For a second straight day today, the Vikings listed QB J.J. McCarthy as a Did Not Practice.

Carson Wentz is slated to start Sunday vs. the Bengals.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2025

On the other hand, Jefferson could benefit, considering the offense was stagnant under McCarthy in the Vikings’ first two contests. With that said, for Jefferson to be successful, he’ll need a quarterback who’s capable of playing at least a little better. Wentz can do that. Granted, he’s not the best signal-caller on the planet. On the other hand, he’s certainly not the worst. DFS managers can look in his direction, assuming they acknowledge the risk.  

Also Consider: Jalen Hurts ($8,500), Dak Prescott ($7,300) 

Week 3 FanDuel Running Backs - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Christian McCaffrey – vs. ARI ($9,100) 

McCaffrey has struggled on the run so far this season, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. Yet, he caught 15 of his 17 targets for 125 yards and one touchdown, so he’s at least made up for it to a degree. The 49ers will continue to be without All-Pro tight end George Kittle.

Brock Purdy is also not a lock to return on Sunday. However, Mac Jones played well versus the Saints, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns off an acceptable 26-for-39 passing. If Jones (or Purdy) can move the ball down the field in the Week 3 NFC West meeting with Arizona, McCaffrey will be in a fantastic position to produce.  

Jordan Mason – vs. CIN ($5,800) 

Aaron Jones Sr. was placed on the Injured Reserve list after he tweaked his hamstring in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. As a result, Mason will enter the equation, where he will likely see nearly all the snaps out of the backfield against the Bengals (and beyond).

The 26-year-old filled in for Christian McCaffrey last season while with the 49ers. In six starts, he averaged 90.7 rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry per contest while finding the end zone twice during that span. There’s a chance center Ryan Kelly won’t be out there. Still, Mason’s rostering cost is too good to ignore, although he’ll likely be a popular DFS option.  

Also Consider: Bijan Robinson ($9,500), Jonathan Taylor ($8,500), Bucky Irving ($7,400), Kenneth Walker III ($6,600), Jacory Croskey-Merritt ($5,500) 

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Week 3 FanDuel Wide Receivers - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Brian Thomas Jr. - vs. HOU ($7,400) 

Thomas has been dealing with a wrist injury. The 2024 No. 23 overall pick practiced in full on Wednesday, although he was limited on Thursday. Despite elevated expectations heading into the 2025 campaign, Thomas hasn’t delivered. He’s only caught five passes for 60 yards while failing to find the end zone.

Even so, it’s crucial for fantasy managers not to sound the panic alarm after only two games. Just as important, Thomas has been targeted 19 times this season. With that in mind, he should get on track at some point. That could happen as soon as Week 3, assuming Thomas plays, especially if Trevor Lawrence continues to look in his direction. 

Jakobi Meyers – At WSH ($6,200) 

Meyers has gotten off to a good start this season. The 28-year-old hasn’t scored. However, he’s been targeted 22 times, catching 14 of them, while totaling 165 receiving yards. The Commanders have only allowed 33 points in the first two contests, good for the sixth-best mark in the National Football League.

Still, with or without Brock Bowers, who is battling a knee injury, Meyers should continue to see attention from Geno Smith in Week 3.  

Also Consider: Justin Jefferson ($8,900), CeeDee Lamb ($8,800), Rome Odunze ($6,400), DJ Moore ($6,300), Keenan Allen ($6,000), Calvin Ridley ($5,500) 

Week 3 FanDuel Tight Ends - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

T.J. Hockenson – vs. CIN ($5,800) 

Hockenson logged only 10 games last season after he tore his ACL and MCL near the end of the 2023 campaign. While it was nice to see him back on the field last season, it’s obvious he had a tough time getting on track and would go on to finish without a touchdown.

Things haven’t been much better for Hockenson in the Vikings’ first two games, with the former Iowa Hawkeye catching only four passes for 27 yards. Truth be told, Hockenson can’t play much worse. With a $5,800 rostering cost, he is worth considering for any DFS contest, especially with Carson Wentz under center.  

Also Consider: Trey McBride ($7,000), Jake Ferguson ($5,200) 

More DFS Analysis and Lineup Picks