👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. 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"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Nick Scott

Panthers Re-Sign Safety Nick Scott to One-Year Deal
Nico Hischier

has Four-Point Performance on Saturday
Kene Nwangwu

Jets Re-Sign Kene Nwangwu
Seiya Suzuki

Leaves WBC Game on Saturday With Right-Knee Discomfort
Macklin Celebrini

Continues to Dominate With Three Points
Anze Kopitar

Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer for Kings
Linus Ullmark

Posts Shutout Against Ducks
Travis Hunter

Is Travis Hunter Now an IDP-Only Asset?
Blake Corum

Does Blake Corum Have Standalone Flex Value?
Mo Alie-Cox

Re-Signing with Colts
Jaxson Dart

to Benefit from Improved Weaponry in Year 2
Darnell Mooney

Signing with Giants on One-Year Deal
Zach Neto

is Removed After Suffering Hand Injury
TB

Nicholas Paul Rejoins Lightning Lineup
Cole Caufield

Cleared to Play Saturday
Alex Tuch

Set to Return Saturday
Bobby Brink

Remains Out Saturday
J.T. Miller

Returns to Action Saturday
Joe Ryan

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Courtland Sutton

Will Courtland Sutton Lose Targets to Younger Teammates?
Rashee Rice

Looking to Return to Rookie Form?
Omarion Hampton

Has High Upside with New Offensive Coordinator
Trey Lance

Returns to the Chargers on a One-Year Deal
A.J. Brown

Rams Out on A.J. Brown, Trade to Patriots Likely?
Calvin Ridley

Restructures Deal with Titans
Jonathan Taylor

Is Jonathan Taylor Being Undervalued in Dynasty?
Tony Pollard

Can Tony Pollard Keep the RB1 Spot for Titans?
David Montgomery

Has Contract Updated by Texans
Zack Wheeler

Throws First Live BP Session on Saturday
Chris Godwin Jr.

Can Chris Godwin Jr. be the Buccaneers' WR1?
LeQuint Allen Jr.

Can LeQuint Allen Jr. Emerge as the Primary Receiving Back in Jacksonville?
Isaiah Davis

Appears Buried on the Jets Running Back Depth Chart
Merrill Kelly

Expected to Open Season on the Injured List
Christian Kirk

Dynasty Value is Fading Heading into 2026
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Packers Interested in Acquiring Anthony Richardson Sr.?
Kevin Gausman

Named Toronto's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Back in Grapefruit League Lineup
Kevin Porter Jr.

Questionable Against Hawks
Devin Carter

Out Saturday Against Clippers
Russell Westbrook

Set to Return Against Clippers
Derrick White

Expected to Play Saturday Against Wizards
Michael Porter Jr.

Likely to Miss Second Straight Game
Nicolas Claxton

to Rest Saturday Against Philadelphia
Ace Bailey

Leaves Friday's Game Early with Concussion
Radko Gudas

Handed a Five-Game Suspension
Auston Matthews

to Miss Rest of Season
Emil Heineman

Scores Twice Against the Kings
Joel Hofer

Shuts Down the Oilers
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Could Miss Saturday's Game Vs. Hawks
Keegan Murray

to Be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Aaron Gordon

Expected Back Saturday Vs. Lakers
Jamal Murray

Expected to Suit Up Saturday
Collin Sexton

to Miss Third Straight Game
Jalen Smith

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Robert Williams III

is Unavailable for Friday's Contest
Draymond Green

is Downgraded to Out on Friday
De'Anthony Melton

to Play on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Cleared for Friday's Game
Anthony Edwards

is Available on Friday
Norman Powell

is Tagged as Questionable for Saturday
Victor Wembanyama

Questionable Saturday Vs. Hornets
Andrew Wiggins

to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Francisco Lindor

Takes Full Batting Practice on Friday
Brandon Woodruff

Still TBD for Opening Day
Trevor Rogers

to Start on Opening Day for Orioles
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nathan MacKinnon

Racks Up Four Points in Victory Over Kraken
Alexis Lafrenière

Alexis Lafreniere Stays Hot in Winnipeg
Semyon Varlamov

Won't Return This Season
Alexander Romanov

Could Return for Playoffs
Declan Carlile

Hurt on Thursday Night
Wyatt Kaiser

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Thursday
Erik Gudbranson

Could Be an Option Saturday
Auston Matthews

Exits Game With Injury
Blake Snell

Around Six Weeks From Being Fully Built Up
Zack Wheeler

to Face Hitters in Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Gerrit Cole

Could Pitch in a Spring Game Next Week
Matthew Boyd

Named the Cubs' Opening Day Starter
Francisco Lindor

Remains on Schedule for Opening Day
Bryce Miller

Shuts Down Bullpen Due to More Oblique Discomfort
Zac Gallen

Named Arizona's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Teel

Could Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Hideki Matsuyama

Brings Strong Course History to TPC Sawgrass
Josh Hader

to Start the Year on the Injured List
Adam Scott

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Kyle Teel

Exits Tuesday's Game With Hamstring Injury
Rickie Fowler

on Quite the Run Heading to TPC Sawgrass
Sepp Straka

Needs to Forget What Happened Sunday at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth

an Enigma Heading to The Players Championship
Justin Rose

Trying to Pick Up the Pieces in Florida
Maverick McNealy

Bounces Back at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Brooks Koepka

Continues His Florida Swing With Some Momentum
Nicolai Hojgaard

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Robert MacIntyre

a Volatile Option at The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Return to Top Form at The Players
Sam Burns

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Players
Keegan Bradley

Hard to Trust at The Players
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Heading to Players Championship
Rory McIlroy

Set to Return at Players Championship to Defend Title
Jake Knapp

Set to Return at Players Championship
Viktor Hovland

Continues Strong Start to 2026 Season
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking for Bounce-Back at Players Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Will Need to Find Putter to Compete at Players Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Continues Improving Heading to Players Championship
Merrill Kelly

Set to Make Spring Training Debut on Friday
Justin Thomas

Continues Competitive Return at The Players Championship
Max Holloway

Drops Decision At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Becomes The New BMF Champion
Caio Borralho

Bounces Back
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Rob Font

Gets Dominated
Raul Rosas Jr.

Extends His Win Streak
Michael Johnson

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Drew Dober

Knocks Out Michael Johnson
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Consecutive Phoenix Cup Series Win
Christopher Bell

Falls Short of Victory Despite Dominating at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Earns Hard-Fought Finish of Third at Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Quietly Gains Another Top-Five Finish at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Crashes out at Phoenix Despite Strong Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF