👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Week 3 DraftKings Deeper Sleeper Tournament Plays

We're back in the mines for Week 3! Last week we actually hit on a lot more DraftKings lineup picks than I would expect for deeper sleeper plays, with Crockett Gillmore being the best find.

Weeks 1 and 2 have come and gone, and now we've got two data points really weighing on everyone's mind. Some have been stellar both weeks, which will probably lead to heavy ownership in Week 3 games, while others have disappointed and will have low ownership tags.

Use this to your advantage. Let's look around the lobby and find some DFS guys who could provide great return for your DraftKings lineups in Week 3.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Week 3 Quarterback Sleepers

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers: $5,400 - @ HOU

Jameis turned in a good performance last week against whatever excuse for a defense the Saints roll out onto the field these days. It was on the road as well, which is always nice to see from a rookie regardless of opponent. Now if the name is appearing in this article, there are going to be some fleas. We know Tampa Bay has their obvious issues. Winston is finally getting Mike Evans back for real this time, but instead of adding a weapon, Evans looks like he'll just be stepping in for the injured Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Oh, and Jameis will hopefully be in "automatic shotgun" to give himself another half second before J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Vince Wilfork blow through the saloon doors that is the Bucs' offensive line. If he can get the ball out though, the Texans' secondary has been pretty darn bad (Johnathan Joseph has a -4.6 PFF rating already, which is awful), as evidenced by Alex Smith and Cam Newton's solid lines in Weeks 1 and 2 show.

Nick Foles, QB, Rams: $5,200 - vs. PIT

I don't enjoy writing that name next to the Rams offense, but the truth of the matter is that Foles and company get to face the crummy Steelers' defense. This game is going to go one of two ways. Either the Steelers jump out to an early lead on the heels of a strong passing attack and the return of Le'Veon Bell, and the Rams need to air it out in order to catch up, or the Rams defense holds up and Foles still gets to tee off against a terrible secondary. The Steelers are actually rated as being good against the run with a positive 4.6 grade from ProFootballFocus, but their pass defense is in the bottom three with a cool -14.8. Yuck. I think the horrid Steelers' secondary outweighs Foles' mediocrity, and it could pay off in a big way.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Tyrod Taylor, $5,800 @ MIA, Blake Bortles, $5,100 vs. NE.

 

Week 3 Running Back Sleepers

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers: $5,000 – @ MIN

Even if owners are drawn to the Chargers matchup against a Vikings defense that has been destroyed on the ground, they're much more likely to take the cheaper buzzier option in Danny Woodhead. While there's merit to picking Woodhead over Gordon when there's a $600 difference, we're looking to zig where other's are zagging. There's a decent amount of love being given to Gordon on the heels of a Week 2 showing where he had three rushes of over 20 yards. He has big play ability, and if he ends up with the best line out of the San Diego backfield you will reap the benefits of a potential 20-125-2 line that many others won't be looking for.

Chris Polk, RB, Texans: $3,400 – vs. TB

Arian Foster is still out, and Jonathan Grimes is a game-time decision. While Alfred Blue predictably failed to make any real mark, Chris Polk might just be in prime position to have himself a great day at the hands of Tampa Bay's struggling defense. While many people who "pay down" for running back are going to hope that Eddie Lacy doesn't play so that James Starks can be inserted into lineups, Polk gets passed over. The Texans are favorites at home, and their RB stable is thin. While Polk will probably split carries with Blue a bit, he looks better out of the backfield and he is more effective pass catcher. If Grimes is active, he's the guy I want, but as of now I'm going to move forward with the thinking that his knee injury is extremely limiting and that he cannot go.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Lorenzo Taliaferro, $3,000 vs. CIN, Bilal Powell, $3,000 vs PHI (if Ivory cannot go).

 

Week 3 Wide Receiver Sleepers

Allen Hurns, WR, Jaguars: $3,700 - @ NE

People are going to be (appropriately) all over Allen Robinson, so you might be able to swerve the pack by taking a shot with Hurns in a game that should see Jacksonville needing to throw the ball early and often. The strange thing is that the Patriots defense has actually been pretty darn bad, although if you ask most people they'd probably just assume everything New England is at least average. Their run defense and pass coverage grades from ProFootballFocus are both bottom five. You know their offense is very, very good though, and points will be scored as New England puts on a show for their home crowd. Allen Hurns has shown flashes in the past, and he is in prime position to capitalize off of gameflow and tilted coverage towards Robinson. Rashad Greene should not be a threat, I truly do not understand what his usage is about, but Hurns and Marqise Lee (who practiced in full this week) are both better. Hurns could be the sneaky anti-chalk play that sets you apart.

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Panthers: $3,300 – vs. NO

Seeing "NO" there should scream "YES" to you. Don't get me wrong, if it was that lovely of a play it probably wouldn't be in this article, but Ted Ginn Jr. represents a true dice roll GPP play. If Cam Newton finds him on a deep strike, you're sitting pretty. Ginn Jr. has an atrocious target to reception ratio, as he's only converted six of his 16 targets into receptions, but he averages 15.8 yards per catch. A Newton/Ginn Jr. stack might be what propels someone to greatness this weekend, especially if the rest of those so bold as to roll out Cam pair him with Greg Olsen (which is a solid play as well). The Panthers may come out a little conservative against a Drew Brees-less Saints team, but Ginn Jr. is still going to get his home run opportunities.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Nate Washington/Cecil Shorts III, $3,600/$3,500 vs TB, James Jones, $4,800 vs. KC.

 

Week 3 Tight End Sleepers

Jared Cook, TE, Rams: $2,800 - vs. PIT

You might think I'm being lazy, but I'm going back to this guy and this might read very similarly to my Week 1 write-up. Jared Cook is still the team leader in receptions and yards. While I thought a matchup with the Redskins would grant him great chances to put a serviceable line, he wasn't pretty darn average with a 5-47-0 line. Week 1 had him get a 5-85-0 line. You can refer back to what I wrote for Nick Foles, and also that Football Outsiders has Pittsburgh ranked 23rd in DVOA against the tight end .  Cook won't be on most people's minds, but he could turn in a sneaky two TD game. If you're going to stack Foles with someone, I really could get behind a Foles/Cook stack if you want to save a little and aren't intrigued by Kenny Britt or Brian Quick (if he's even active).

Gavin Escobar, TE, Cowboys: $2,600 - vs. ATL

If you managed to stomach watching the dumpster fire that was the Eagles-Cowboys afternoon game last week, you may have seen Gavin Escobar nearly score a touchdown twice. One time he caught a crosser and then his shin was down just before the goal line, after this he was targeted on the patented Dez Bryant isolation fade route, but either he wasn't in the right spot or the throw missed, can't say which. The point here is, the opportunities were there for Escobar, and Dallas knows what they have in him. The other obvious point is that the Cowboys have very few talented options left to move the ball with. Jason Witten is practicing, but he is beaten up with two sprained knees. Brandon Weeden isn't the greatest guy to rely on, but I like the odds here as far as dice rolls go. Escobar has the size, speed, and skill set to be targeted in the red zone, especially compared to smaller options like Cole Beasley and Lance Dunbar. Escobar is a sneaky play that should be very low owned.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Kyle Rudolph, $3,300 vs. SD, Eric Ebron, $3,300 @ MIN.

 

Week 3 Defense Sleepers

Cleveland Browns, D/ST: $2,900 – vs. OAK

Cleveland finds themselves at home in a 1:00 PM game against a west coast team traveling east. While the Raiders looked good against the Ravens, the Browns also looked good against the Titans. It's not the prettiest play, but there's historically quite a bit behind rolling with an east coast home favorite against a west coast team in an early game. Who knows, maybe Travis Benjamin keeps the magic going in the return game as well. If you aren't rolling with the Seahawks, Texans, or Panthers, I think the Browns are the next move.

Philadelphia Eagles, D/ST: $2,700 - @ NYJ

I know, road dogs aren't the best teams to chase, but with Decker and Ivory banged up and the Eagles looking for a spark, I like the Eagles as a contrarian D/ST play. Ryan Fitzpatrick really isn't that careful with the ball, and the Eagles are still a slightly above average defense according to PFF (14th) and Football Outsiders (12th). Brandon Marshall is a bad man, and Byron Maxwell's player card really might as well be burnt toast, but the Jets are hurting yet have a lot of public backing. This is a great spot to go against the grain if you need a few extra bucks versus those top plays.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luke McCaffrey

a Cut Candidate in Dynasty Leagues
Roman Hemby

Does Roman Hemby Have a Chance to Make Raiders Roster?
NFL

Eric McAlister Worth Drafting in Rookie-Only Dynasty Leagues?
Caleb Lohner

Impresses Sean Payton During Offseason Program
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Ajay Mitchell

is Ruled Out for Game 5
Jalen Williams

is Tagged as Questionable for Game 5
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Tanner Koziol

a Long-Shot Dynasty Tight End?
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Kevin Coleman Jr.

in the Right Place for Opportunities
Josh Cameron

has Long-Term YAC Upside in Liam Coen's Offense
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Have No Plans to Sign Rashee Rice to Long-Term Extension
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Cole Payton

Dynasty Managers Will Have to be Patient with Cole Payton
Taylen Green

Does Taylen Green's Speed Get Him on the Dynasty Radar?
Jack Endries

Is Jack Endries the Tight End of the Future in Cincinnati?
CJ Daniels

a Developmental Stash in Dynasty Leagues
Garrett Nussmeier

a Low-Risk Target with Upside in Dynasty Leagues?
Jam Miller

Has Sneaky Value if He Can Earn a Roster Spot
Justice Hill

a Dynasty Drop Candidate Wherever He's Still Rostered
J'Mari Taylor

Is J'Mari Taylor Worth a Taxi-Squad Spot in Deep Dynasty Leagues?
Greg Dulcich

Has a Lack of Competition Made Greg Dulcich a Dynasty Sleeper?
Carson Beck

a Worthy Investment in the Later Rounds of Rookie Drafts
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Isaac Guerendo

Could be a Drop Candidate in Dynasty Leagues in 2026
Jayden Higgins

' Dynasty Arrow is Pointing Up With Clear Path to WR2 Role in Houston
Jakobi Meyers

a Sell-High Candidate in Dynasty Formats?
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Cason Wallace

Joins Starting Unit Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Doesn't "Feel Great" Entering Game 4
Jalen Williams

Won't Play Sunday
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Evan Mobley

Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday
Donovan Mitchell

Struggles at the Line Saturday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Continues Playmaking Surge on Saturday
OG Anunoby

Delivers Clean Shooting Line Saturday
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
Mark Jankowski

Contributes Two Assists in Game 2 Victory
Eric Robinson

Scores in Second Consecutive Game
Nikolaj Ehlers

Tallies Two Goals as Hurricanes Bounce Back Saturday
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF