It’s another Sunday loaded with must-watch NFL action. On an 11-game featured slate, the options are endless for fantasy football managers. However, more games also means more risk. Instead of backing high-priced stars, lesser-known names can deliver serious value.
Which under-the-radar picks should you be targeting? Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before the start of Week 4.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $3M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
QB Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders vs. CHI ($5,400)
The Raiders have been underwhelming on offense thus far. Through three games, the Silver and Black have notched a combined 53 points. Plenty of blame should be directed towards Geno Smith. The veteran has looked slightly off, failing to put together many lengthy drives. Still, that doesn’t matter much for fantasy purposes. Every year, we see a quarterback or two put up gaudy numbers in garbage time. That could be Smith in 2025; he’s already recorded two different 20+ fantasy point performances.
Another prolific passing day could be in store for Las Vegas’ gunslinger. The Bears, despite their win last week vs. Dallas, have been shaky all season on defense. They’ve surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It helps that quarterback Caleb Williams ($5,800) finally looks comfortable under center. If Chicago puts up points early, it might force the Raiders to go pass-heavy on offense. As just the 13th-most expensive starting QB available, Smith offers significant upside for fantasy managers.
RB Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers at NE ($4,500)
Chuba Hubbard (calf) is questionable to play tomorrow. If Carolina’s star rusher does sit, then RB2 Rico Dowdle earns immediate fantasy consideration. However, the former Cowboys speedster deserves a look even as a backup. Last week vs. Atlanta, Dowdle took the field for 40% of the team’s snaps. During that time, he rushed the ball ten times for 30 yards and a touchdown while hauling in one pass for eight yards.
Prior to Hubbard’s injury designation, Dowdle was already trending towards more playing time. That’s especially true if his biggest competition for touches is less than 100%. We’ve seen the South Carolina alum have success during his days in Dallas. This Panthers offense is also one that could be fantasy-friendly for running backs, especially in PPR formats. Bryce Young ($4,900) and this offense have already shown an ability to gain tons of yardage in garbage time. If Carolina trails by multiple scores, it’s unlikely the coaching staff risks Hubbard’s health. That should lead to even more usage for Dowdle.
WR Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. PHI ($4,000)
Heading into a massive matchup with Philadelphia, the Buccaneers are short-handed. All-Pro wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) has already been ruled out this week. Although Chris Godwin (ankle) could make his season debut, the team will likely keep him on a snap count. Other than rookie Emeka Egbuka ($6,800), Tampa Bay is lacking in quality pass catchers. If anyone else is poised to step up, it might be Sterling Shepard.
The tenth-year pro has settled in nicely as a part-timer in this loaded Bucs offense. However, when called upon, the 32-year-old has shown he can still produce. Through three games this season, he’s snagged 11 catches for 153 yards. In each of those contests, the veteran has taken the field for at least 60% of Tampa Bay’s snaps. To be fair, the Eagles are an intimidating opponent for any offense. However, they only rank 17th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. In addition, Shepard has experience in this matchup, going back to his time with the Giants. For those in need of a low-cost WR/flex option, this slept-on slot specialist makes plenty of sense.
