Best Daily Fantasy Football Plays for Cash Games – Week 3 2018

September 22, 2018

By Ha Kung Wong Daily Fantasy Football

With a nice sweep in Week 2 where every single one of my lineups cashed, I’m ready to help you with Week 3!

As usual, before we get to winning you bragging rights (and DFS cash), remember, the point of this article is not just to give you one lineup for each site, it’s to give you examples of one or two POSSIBLE lineups. Getting exposure to a few different lineups is always a good idea, so don’t forget to mix and match additional lineups from my suggestions below. And that’s never been more true than in the first week of the season when we have very limited data. Trust me, it’s a lot more fun that way AND you’ll improve your chances of cashing!

Let’s get to winning you some CASH in Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season!

Cash Games, for those who don’t know, are essentially the lowest risk games. They include “50/50” games, in which half the entrants win about 1.8x the entry fee, and “Double Ups”, in which slightly less than half the entrants win 2x the entry fee.

Since there’s so many different sites, and I can’t cover them all, I’ve decided to cover just the most popular sites, including Fan Duel, Draft Kings and Yahoo! Daily Fantasy.

First of all, as a general rule for 50/50 Cash Games, there’s a basic target of points per salary cap spent that you’d like to look for:

For Fan Duel try to target at least 2 fantasy points per $1000 spent.
For Draft Kings, try to target at least 2.5 fantasy points per $1000 spent.
For Yahoo! Daily Fantasy, try to target at least 0.6-0.7 fantasy points per $1 spent.

Remember, this article is not focused on GPP (Tournament) Games, JUST Cash Games. Feel free to use a few of these suggested players as a base when constructing a GPP lineup, but you’ll have to take some chances on a few low cost, upside players as well.

And this year, I’m trying something different. I’m going to list out all my favorite plays at each position and also provide you with a few sample lineups on each site. You’re welcome. 🙂

So, without further to do, here are my suggestions for the Best Daily Fantasy Football Plays for Cash Games for Week 3 contests, along with they’re prices on Fan Duel (“FD”), Draft Kings (“DK”) and Yahoo! Daily Fantasy (“Y!”).

FanDuel

Again, to encourage some diversity in your lineups, I’m giving you two sample lineups for FanDuel this week.

Quarterbacks

Jimmy Garoppolo

Patrick Mahomes (FD: $8900 / DK: $7000 / Y!: $37)

I have to keep telling myself not to overreact to just 2 games, but Patrick Mahomes looks for real. He totally destroyed the Steelers in Week 2, completing 23 of 28 passes for 326 yards and 6 TDs, now having thrown more TDs in the first 2 weeks of a season than any QB in the NFL ever. The 49ers pass defense is absolute crap. It was bottom 5 in 2017 and continues to have issues in 2018. Plus, this game has the highest over/under (55) of any game this week.

Matt Ryan (FD: $7700 / DK: $5700 / Y!: $35)

Matt Ryan had a rough performance in the Kickoff game, but made up for it in in Week 2 completing 23 of 28 passes for 272 yards, 2 TDs and an INT, also rushing for 2 TDs. Plus, this game has the 2nd highest over/under (53.5) of any game this week.

Jared Goff (FD: $7600 / DK: $5900 / Y!: $35)

The Rams have averaged 33.5 points per game through their first two games and now face a Chargers defense that got roasted by Patrick Mahomes for four touchdowns in Week 1. Goff is averaging just 18 DraftKings points per game but the Rams haven’t played a competitive game yet where they’ve needed him to air it out. In what should be a closer game, Goff has some upside at his price.

Jimmy Garoppolo (FD: $7400 / DK: $6500 / Y!: $34)

Speaking of the Chiefs v. 49ers game, I also like the QB on the other side. Jimmy Garoppolo was a little shaky in Week 2, but still managed to win passing for 206 yards with 2 TDs. Although the 49ers have defensive issues, the Chiefs are likewise “defense challenged”. Through two games, the Chiefs are have the 4th lowest ranked pass DVOA. This game has all the hallmarks of a shootout, so feel free to go with either QB.

Running Back

Todd Gurley

Todd Gurley (FD: $9300 / DK: $9200 / Y!: $40)

Todd Gurley is a beast and the game script is likely to be working in his favor against the Chargers, assuming Goff and company keep up their high level of play. Plus he’s playing at home and the Chargers were ranked 25th in run DVOA last season, showing little improvement in 2018.

Alvin Kamara (FD: $8700 / DK: $9500 / Y!: $39)

Christian McCaffrey ran all over the injured Falcons defense with 22 total touches for 139 total yards. No Deion Jones and Keanu Neal means Kamara could do the same plus some this week. And don’t forget that this game has the second highest over/under this week.

Kareem Hunt (FD: $7900 / DK: $6000 / Y!: $29)

Kareem Hunt managed 75 yards on 18 carries in Week 2, adding a reception for a 5 yard TD. I have a feeling he has an opportunity to get more of those, plus I just love the shootout potential for this game. Generally I don’t pair RBs with QBs from the same team, so I won’t likely have Hunt with Mahomes, but I love his upside with any of the other QBs, including with Jimmy G as a bet on the Chiefs taking the lead and controlling the clock.

Jordan Howard (FD: $7400 / DK: $6500 / Y!: $31)

The Cardinals look terrible, and Tarik Cohen hasn’t had as many touches as we thought he might this season for the Bears. In fact, Howard even had 4 more targets than Cohen in Week 2, which is particularly where we thought Howard would fall short. With the Bears likely to take the lead early, Howard could be looking at plenty of run.

Chris Thompson (FD: $6500 / DK: $6300 / Y!: $20)

He’s not getting much in terms of carries, but he’s killing it over the air in Week 2 catching 13 of a team-high 14 targets for 92 yards. The Packers are currently favored by 3, and if the Redskins have to play catch up, it’s clear his usage will rise.

Giovani Bernard (FD: $6400 / DK: $5900 / Y!: $19)

No Joe Mixon doesn’t necessarily mean that Giovanni Bernard will get all the run, but with Tra Carson released, he’ll certainly get the majority of it. In Week 2, he rushed 6 times for 27 yards and caught 4 of 7 targets. Mark Walton will be activated for the first time, but I suspect Bernard will have plenty of opportunity at a nice discounted price.

Matt Breida (FD: $6200 / DK: $5400 / Y!: $19)

There were thoughts that Matt Breida couldn’t handle the load, but he’s been terrific so far. In Week 2, Breida had 11 carries for 138 yards and a TD. Breida also doubled the number of targets that backfield mate Alfred Morris received meaning that if the 49ers fall behind, which they are predicted to do, he could get even more run.

Corey Clement (FD: $5800 / DK: $4300 / Y!: $13)

With Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles both officially ruled out, Corey Clement is looking to lead the backfield ahead of Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams, facing a limited Colts defense with clear issues at defensive tackle. Just keep a close eye on his quad injury, as he’s currently questionable to play on Sunday.

Latavius Murray (FD: $5200 / DK: $5800 / Y!: $17)

Dalvin Cook is out, which means it’s Latavius Murray time against a horrific Bills defense. Chances are good that they’ll have to salt away the clock from a lead, so Murray might have plenty of run at the end of the game. He’s only had 15 carries this season, but he’s averaged 4.1 yards per carry and most of fantasy relevance is opportunity. He’s a particular good deal on Fanduel.

Wide Receivers

Michael Thomas – USA Today Sports Photo

Michael Thomas (FD: $9000 / DK: $8900 / Y!: $36)

Thomas caught 16 targets for 180 yards and a TD in Week 1 and followed that up with 12 receptions for 89 yards and 2 TDs. He’s now started the season catching 28 of his 30 targets, and just destroying the competition. And I’ll remind you again about the ridiculous over/under in this game.

Stefon Diggs (FD: $8300 / DK: $7700 / Y!: $28)

Adam Thielen (FD: $8200 / DK: $7800 / Y!: $28)

The Bills enter Week 3 last in pass DVOA. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs both saw 13 targets in Week 2 and combined for three touchdowns and 259 receiving yards. The only concern here is if the Vikings pull too far ahead and they start just working the clock on the ground, but I think they’ll get theirs regardless.

Brandin Cooks (FD: $7800 / DK: $7000 / Y!: $24)

Brandin Cooks in a new man. After languishing in New England, he’s starting to make a difference in LA. Cooks tied Robert Woods for the team lead in targets while piling up 159 yards in Week 2. Cooks has gone gangbusters through two games with the Rams this season, catching 12 of 17 targets for 246 yards. There’s no reason that slows down this week.

Will Fuller (FD: $7200 / DK: $5900 / Y!: $20)

Will Fuller is back, he came back big. He caught 8 of 9 targets for 113 yards and a TD against the Titans. His upside is immense with Watson behind center and defenses keying on DeAndre Hopkins, and he’s particularly cheap on Draft Kings this week, so load up!

Nelson Agholor (FD: $6600 / DK: $6100 / Y!: $21)

With Alshon Jeffery out, Agholor saw 12 targets in Week 2. And now, Carson Wentz is back against a highly suspect Colts defense, meaning there should continue to be plenty of targets for Agholor.

Keelan Cole (FD: $6400 / DK: $5600 / Y!: $19)

Cole appears to be the WR to target in Jacksonville, as he managed to catch 7 of 8 targets in Week 2 for 116 yards and a TD. Donte Moncrief had one more target, but Cole was more efficient and more productive. I don’t think Bortles will remain this good, but Cole should keep it going this week against the Titans.

Tyler Boyd (FD: $4700 / DK: $3700 / Y!: $13)

Boyd broke out in a big way in Week 2 catching 9 targets for 91 yards and a TD. He’s out-snapping John Ross and is looking good with a rejuvenated Andy Dalton. If you need a punt play at WR, give him a look.

Tight Ends

Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz (FD: $7000 / DK: $6800 / Y!: $25)

In Week 1, Zach Ertz only had 48 yards, but managed to catch 5 of his 10 targets. Ertz followed that up with a whopping 13 targets in Week 2. As with Agholor, Ertz tends to benefit big with Alshon Jeffery still out, Wentz back and a week Colts secondary in front of him.

Jordan Reed (FD: $6000 / DK: $5400 / Y!: $17)

Hey everyone! Jordan Reed is STILL healthy! And he’s still good! Reed had the second most targets (8) in Week 2 and remains a huge part of the offense. As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to have plenty of opportunities from check down artist, Alex Smith.

George Kittle (FD: $5800 / DK: $4500 / Y!: $19)

Clearly, Jimmy G loves him some Kittle. Sounds a lot like Skittles, doesn’t it? Anyway, the point his he caught 5 of 9 targets for 90 yards in Week 1. He also tied with the team lead with 4 targets in Week 2. The breakout party is coming, and this week may be the week in the shoutout with the Chiefs.

Trey Burton (FD: $5700 / DK: $3900 / Y!: $15)

Trey Burton is catching TDs in Chicago, but hasn’t had the yardage yet. But this week, he’s up against the Cardinals who allowed Jordan Reed 4 receptions for 48 yards and a TD and then another TD the following week to Tyler Higbee. Is another TD in Burton’s future? I can’t guarantee you anything, but chances aren’t bad.

Defense

Minnesota Vikings defense vs. BUF (FD: $4900 / DK: $4300 / Y!: $22)

A solid top 5 defense against Josh Allen, and the anemic Bills offense that put up all of 3 points against an overrated Ravens defense and gave up 5 sacks and 2 INTs to the Chargers in Week 2? Yes, please.

Jacksonville Jaguars defense vs. TEN (FD: $5000 / DK: $4000 / Y!: $20)