NFL DFS: FanDuel Daily Fantasy Football Picks for Week 3 - Top Lineup Plays Include Baker Mayfield, DeVonta Smith, Travis Kelce, Kyren Williams

September 21, 2024

Top FanDuel daily fantasy football lineup picks for Week 3 DFS in 2024. Dennis' NFL DFS sleeper picks for building winning NFL DFS lineups on FanDuel in Week 3.

After the Jets and Pats went at it on "Thursday Night Football," Week 3 rolls on with a loaded 13-game FanDuel slate on Sunday. As usual, there are more than a few notable injuries for DFS managers to monitor heading into Sunday’s festivities, as CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, and Joe Mixon each have shown up on the injury report.

In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 3 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel and the 2024 NFL season. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.

Be sure to also 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

Baker Mayfield – vs. DEN ($7,700)

After Mayfield had an uneventful tenure with the Browns, he had brief stints with the Panthers and Rams. However, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick has found a home in Tampa. He made the Pro Bowl last season and was rewarded by the organization with a three-year extension.

Historically, some players regress after receiving a lucrative payday. But not Mayfield, who has accounted for six scores for Tampa Bay (five passing, one rushing) through the first two games of the year.

"I love Baker Mayfield and he's a great competitor..

He's a great person and he does everything that you need to win in this league" ~ Tom Moore#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/tT6PkI8llF

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 19, 2024

Mayfield took a beating from the Lions defense in Week 2. Yet, things should be better in Week 3, considering the Broncos' defense has had trouble getting to the quarterback.

Jared Goff - at ARI ($7,500)

Goff had a decent showing in the opener against the Los Angeles Rams. While the signal-caller had 307 passing yards in Sunday’s clash with the Buccaneers, he didn’t throw a touchdown.

Even worse, he had two interceptions and completed only 61.8% of his attempts. There was some concern surrounding the health of Amon-Ra St. Brown after the wideout injured his quadriceps in Week 2.

Fortunately, he practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday, which is good news for the Lions offense. With that in mind, Goff has owned the Cardinals, holding an 8-1 regular-season record against the club throughout his career.

He also tossed nine touchdowns in his last four games versus Arizona while hitting at least 319 yards through the air in three of his previous four games.

Also Consider:

C.J. Stroud - at MIN ($8,200)

Stroud and the Texans are firing on all cylinders. While the former Ohio State Buckeye hasn’t been the most productive fantasy quarterback, he’s been one of the most consistent, throwing for 494 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) in Houston’s first two games.

Week 3 FanDuel Running Backs - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Kyren Williams – vs. SF ($7,500)

Puka Nacua currently sits on the injured reserve list. But now there’s a chance Cooper Kupp won’t be on the field against the 49ers after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2.

Without question, others will need to step up. However, Williams should get as many snaps as he can handle in Week 3.

There’s also an excellent chance the 24-year-old gets more action as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, giving him plenty of upside for the NFC West showdown.

David Montgomery - at ARI ($7,100)

As expected, Jahmyr Gibbs has out-snapped Montgomery this season. Still, the veteran remains as potent as ever.

After totaling a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2023-24, he has found the end zone in each of the Lions’ first two games this season. Montgomery has also made noise in the red zone.

Nonetheless, look for him to remain involved in Sunday’s likely high-scoring encounter with the Cardinals. There’s also room in DFS lineups for Gibbs.

Also Consider:

Jordan Mason - at LAR (8,300)

With Christian McCaffrey sidelined it didn’t take long for Mason to assert his dominance, totaling 247 rushing yards and two scores in the last two games. The Niners’ problems continue heading into Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Rams, with Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle potentially on tap to sit out.

Jordan Mason is a truly exquisite zone runner pic.twitter.com/BdhliKMyaV

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) September 17, 2024

Regardless, Mason will get his touches no matter who is healthy.

Jonathan Taylor – vs. CHI ($8,000)

Taylor has avoided the injury report heading into the first two games of the year. Without a doubt, fantasy managers are thrilled, considering his inability to stay on the field over the years.

Although he has just one touchdown, he is coming off a 12-carry, 103-yard showing against the Packers.

Bucky Irving – vs. DEN ($5,200)

Rachaad White was injured in Week 2 against the Lions. Although he managed to return after briefly exiting, DFS managers shouldn’t be surprised to see him carry a questionable designation ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Broncos.

If White is ruled out, Irving will draw value interest, considering he had seven carries for 22 yards versus the Lions.

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Week 3 FanDuel Wide Receivers - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

DeVonta Smith at NO ($8,000)

A.J. Brown wasn’t on the field for the Monday night loss to the Falcons because of a hamstring issue. Things don't look promising regarding his availability for Week 3 versus the undefeated Saints, either.

If Brown is ruled out once again, Smith will presumably remain the No. 1 option for Jalen Hurts. The wideout was targeted 10 times versus Atlanta, hauling in seven grabs for 76 yards and a touchdown.

But for those looking to live dangerously, Britain Covey also received attention. The 27-year-old saw six looks from Hurts in Week 2, with two occurring inside the red zone. While Covey has limited expectations, the upside is there if Brown remains on the shelf.

Rashee Rice at ATL ($7,300)

The Chiefs are without Marquise Brown because of a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, Hollywood will need surgery, so the Chiefs are down a capable pass-catcher.

Xavier Worthy was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the rookie finding the end zone twice in Week 1, so his presence has helped.

Yet, Rice has been Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target through the season's first two contests. The wideout is currently the only Chief with double-digit receptions this season.

Rashee Rice is a top ___ fantasy WR for the rest of the season

Fill in the blank pic.twitter.com/g3M29j4ngJ

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 15, 2024

He also has 178 receiving yards and a touchdown. With Isiah Pacheco also out of commission, Rice could be in line for another solid game on Sunday evening.

Also Consider:

Chris Godwin – vs. DEN ($6,600)

Godwin had a down year last season. However, he’s been a monster through the first two weeks of the season, compiling 15 catches (16 targets) and two touchdowns. Keep him starting in Week 3, especially with an incredibly low rostering cost.

Brandon Aiyuk - at LAR ($6,500)

Aiyuk was in the news the entire offseason due to his contract situation. He hasn’t done much to begin the 2024-25 season. But with so many injuries on the offensive side of the ball for the 49ers, Aiyuk could thrive.

DFS managers also shouldn’t forget about Jauan Jennings, but Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle will need to officially be inactive before he earns a spot in DFS lineups.

Rashid Shaheed – vs. PHI ($6,300)

The Saints are without a loss, with Shaheed playing a big role in the team’s 2-0 record. The 26-year-old had three catches for 73 yards and a score in the Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

He followed up that performance by grabbing all four targets for 96 yards and a touchdown versus the Cowboys. With a $6,300 rostering cost, he’s worth considering for any DFS lineup.

Week 3 FanDuel Tight Ends - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Travis Kelce - at ATL ($7,200)

Most of the tight ends around the National Football League have struggled during the 2024-25 campaign. While Kelce has been a stellar pass-catcher for years, his output this season has been worse than anyone could have imagined.

He had three catches for 24 yards in the Week 1 win over the Ravens. Things weren't any better in the narrow win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, with the All-Pro ending the day with only one grab for five yards. Will things be worse for Kelce on Sunday night?

Likely not, especially with the Chiefs down Isiah Pacheco and Marquise Brown.

Also Consider:

Brock Bowers – vs. CAR ($6,300)

Bowers has been one of the league’s most productive tight ends. The rookie hasn’t found the end zone yet during his inaugural campaign. But he’s been involved, catching 15 of his 17 targets for 156 yards through Weeks 1 and 2. There's no reason why he won't remain a pivotal piece of the Raiders offense in Week 3 against the Panthers.

Colby Parkinson – vs. SF ($5,300)

With Cooper Kupp unlikely to suit up in Week 3, most DFS managers will turn to Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, and Tutu Atwell. While those players should see an uptick in targets from Matthew Stafford, Parkinson has a higher ceiling for those willing to take a chance.

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