It’s another loaded slate of NFL football, with 13 games making up Week 3’s featured slate. With so many teams taking the field, setting a fantasy football lineup in DFS or season-long formats is no easy task. Still, that also gives managers plenty of options to work with. Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS contests before Sunday’s games kick off.
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WR Christian Kirk, Houston Texans at JAX ($4,700)
A stagnant Texans offense could get a much-needed boost this weekend. Offseason acquisition Christian Kirk has been held out the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. That’s had a noticeable effect on Houston’s passing game. Other than superstar Nico Collins ($7,300), this wide receiver corp is made up of unproven youngsters. Getting an experienced slot specialist in the lineup should give quarterback CJ Stroud ($5,500) a reliable safety blanket.
When healthy, Kirk has proven to be a difference-maker. Over the past three years with Jacksonville, he’s averaged 4.5 catches and 51.8 receiving yards per game. Those aren’t outstanding statistics, but it’s certainly within the realm of fantasy flex status. It helps that Kirk’s old team, the Jaguars, have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. At just $4,700, the veteran is an intriguing pick to fill out your fantasy football lineups.
RB Miles Sanders, Dallas Cowboys vs. CHI ($4,500)
All summer, questions lingered about the Cowboys’ backfield. Through two games, Javonte Williams ($6,100) has emerged as the undisputed RB1. Still, there could be room for multiple running backs to produce in Big D. Last Sunday vs. the Giants, backup Miles Sanders gained 15 rushing yards and a touchdown (9.9 FPTS). If not for his score, the Penn State alum’s day would have been nothing special. However, a look under the hood reveals some promising numbers.
This season, Sanders has garnered four of Dallas’ nine total carries in the red zone. In addition, the 28-year-old saw the field for 22% of the Cowboys’ total snaps in Week 2. It’s clear that first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer values having veteran running backs. To make things more enticing, the Bears were gashed for 177 rush yards vs. the Lions on Sunday. If this game gets out of hand, don’t be shocked if Sanders sees an uptick in usage against Chicago.
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers vs. ATL ($3,300)
Xavier Leggette (hamstring) is questionable to play this week. With or without the second-year wideout, Carolina is in desperate need of pass catchers. Outside of rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan ($5,900), quarterback Bryce Young ($5,000) doesn’t have many weapons at his disposal. Through two weeks, the Panthers have become one of football’s most fantasy-friendly offenses. That’s due to the team’s proficiency in garbage time. Young threw for 328 passing yards last week vs. Arizona, most of which was accumulated in the second half.
McMillan led the way in Week 2 with six catches for 100 yards. Second on the team was Ja’Tavion Sanders. The big man snagged seven passes for 54 yards. It was a solid rookie campaign for the Texas alum last season (33 receptions for 334 yards). However, we’ve seen numerous tight ends take a leap in Year Two. A productive day against Atlanta’s ferocious defense won’t be easy, however. The Falcons have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Regardless, there’s not much risk with a price tag of only $3,300. For those looking to spend more elsewhere, Sanders is a fun dart throw on Sunday.
