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DraftKings Quarterback Picks
We're going to take a look at the quarterback position first and break down the top plays, values and then create an optimal lineup which will be focused around the best play. To note, the "best play" may not necessarily be the top-ranked player, but could easily be a value play which opens up the rest of the lineup to get a few stars in.
Let's dive in first with the quarterback rankings for Week 3, headlined by arguably the most hyped fantasy quarterback in the NFL currently – Patrick Mahomes.
Top-10 Highest Projected Quarterbacks on DraftKings
– Patrick Mahomes ($7,000) vs. 49ers
– Deshaun Watson ($6,100) vs. Giants
– Jimmy Garoppolo ($6,500) vs. Chiefs
– Matt Ryan ($5,700) vs. Saints
– Drew Brees ($6,400) vs. Falcons
– Kirk Cousins ($6,800) vs. Bills
– Carson Wentz ($6,200) vs. Colts
– Aaron Rodgers ($7,100) vs. Redskins
– Cam Newton ($6,000) vs. Bengals
– Jared Goff ($5,900) vs. Chargers
I'm hopeful Deshaun Watson's ownership is down a bit due to the fact that he's priced semi-close to Jimmy Garoppolo and Drew Brees. Watson began to hit his stride last week by scoring 26.8 DraftKings points against the Tennessee Titans. Now, the Texans play their home opener against a New York Giants defense who looks fine on paper but has played two run-first teams in the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys. A Watson-DeAndre Hopkins stack will be popular for me.
The projected high-scoring matchup between Garoppolo and Patrick Mahomes is a spot I want to attack. With a total set around 55.5 and the over seeming like a solid bet, I'm more than happy to attack this game in a variety of ways. Both defenses rank in the bottom seven of the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and have given up a combined 11 passing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in two games.
DraftKings Quarterback Value Plays
*Note: All value plays at quarterback cost $6,000 or less.
My first target is going to be Atlanta Falcons signal-caller Matt Ryan at home against the New Orleans Saints. At a price tag of $5,700 against a team who got destroyed in Week 1 through the air, I love the idea of playing Ryan this week in every format. And for good measure, Ryan has thrown 32 touchdowns and averages just under 295 passing yards per game in 19 games against the Saints in his career, per StatMuse.
Another NFC South quarterback in Cam Newton deserves a spot in 150-max tournaments, even in a matchup that seems tough on the surface against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Surprisingly, both the Saints (No. 3) and Bengals (No. 13) are in the bottom-13 of the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, per ESPN. The Bengals haven't been terrible, but they've given up 695 passing yard and four touchdowns through two games. I'll happily take a $6,000 Newton in that spot on his home field.
While everyone focuses on the big names and high-dollar options, Jared Goff's play to this point has gone somewhat overlooked. While Todd Gurley is unquestionably the workhorse in that offense, Goff has totaled 22.36 and 17.22 DraftKings points in the first two weeks, both of which were blowouts for the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, Goff draws a matchup with a Los Angeles Chargers team who's struggled against quarterbacks in a game which should be close and features an over/under of 48, per OddsShark. There are going to be plenty of points in this one and the Chargers have given up five touchdowns through the air in two games.
Top DraftKings Optimal Lineup Around Favorite QB Play
– QB: Matt Ryan ($5,700)
– RB: Latavius Murray ($5,800)
– RB: Corey Clement ($4,300)
– WR: Michael Thomas ($8,900)
– WR: Julio Jones ($7,900)
– WR: Nelson Agholor ($6,100)
– TE: Eric Ebron ($3,400)
– FLEX: Sammy Watkins ($5,100)
– DST: Houston Texans ($2,800)