Cracking DraftKings Week 3

Photo: USA Today Sports

Favorite Fantasy Game Environments

• Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints - Over/Under 49.5
• Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals - Over/Under 52.5
• Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys - Over/Under 48.5
• Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings - Over/Under 45.5

Favorite Additional Fantasy Spots

• 49ers on road vs. Rams - Implied Team Total 25.5
• Raiders at home vs. Panthers - Implied Team Total 22.5
• Buccaneers at home bs. Broncos - Implied Team Total 23.3
• Seahawks at home vs. Dolphins - Implied Team Total 23.5

CASH GAMES

Quarterbacks

New Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is one of the main storylines of the 2024 season so far. Through two weeks, Derek Carr ranks tied for first in touchdown passes (5) and New Orleans' offense is lapping the field in Expected Points Added per Play (EPA/Play). Carr is at home in the game with the second-highest Over/Under (49.5) on the week.

Andy Dalton is a competent NFL starting quarterback and priced at just $4,800, allows for salary savings to use at more important positions. The matchup isn't one to shy away from.

Geno Smith ranked 12th in passing yards per game (245.4) in 2023 and just threw for 327 yards in just his second game under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Smith is at home in a favorable spot against a Dolphins team without Tua Tagovailoa and a defense that ranked 20th in Dropback EPA Allowed last season.

Gardner Minshew II ranks second in passing yards (266.5) through the first two weeks of the season. He's a gunslinger and is at home in a matchup that he should be able to take advantage of. The Panthers defense ranked 28th in EPA/Play Allowed last season and their best player, Derrick Brown, has already been lost for the year due to injury.

Running Backs

Alvin Kamara ranked fifth in opportunities per game (20.5) last season and ranks ninth in opportunities per game (21.5) through two weeks to begin 2024. He scored four touchdowns last week and is playing at home in a great matchup against an Eagles defense that ranked 26th in EPA/Play Allowed and 28th in Rush EPA Allowed last year.

Saquon Barkley ranked third in opportunities per game (22.1) last year and ranks second in opportunities per game (26.5) through two weeks to begin this season. Barkley's talents are being unleashed in a dynamic offense with an elite offensive line.

Jordan Mason ranks fourth in both opportunities per game (25) and total yards per game (128) so far. He has a good matchup against a Rams defense that ranks 31st in EPA/Play Allowed to begin the season without Aaron Donald. He's going to touch the ball as many times as he can handle here with the 49ers offense missing Deebo Samuel Sr. and most likely George Kittle as well.

Ken Walker III will miss another week. Zach Charbonnet saw 19 opportunities including five targets last week. The Seahawks are 5.5-point home favorites and Charbonnet gets a Dolphins defense that ranked 20th in Rush EPA Allowed last year.

Raheem Mostert is doubtful and projects to miss another game. Without him last week, De'Von Achane saw a whopping 29 opportunities including seven targets. Without Tua Tagovailoa, look for Miami's offense to revolve the offense around Achane in this one. Achane's talent combined with a large workload makes him a strong cash play.

AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd are both out. Josh Jacobs carried the ball 32 times last week. Volume doesn't seem to be an issue for the talented running back in this one.

Need a salary-saving option? Joe Mixon is listed as doubtful and Dameon Pierce is out. Cam Akers is slated to start for one of the best offenses in the NFL. He saw eight opportunities in relief of Mixon last week and projects for 15+ chances in this one. He's priced at just $4,700.