NFL Week 3 DFS Sleepers

Congratulations to everyone who played the weapons in Houston in Week 2. Between Nico Collins, C.J. Stroud, and Tank Dell the Texans produced some wonderful fantasy sleepers in Week 2. 

But the past is the past, and finding those sleepers for the next lineup is the name of the game now. Here are sleeper picks for each position to fit your Week 3 DFS lineups. 

This weekly column will provide you with the information you need before choosing a sleeper in DFS. Prices are sourced from DraftKings and FanDuel. 

Sleeper picks

Quarterback

Deshaun Watson vs TEN, $6,100 on DraftKings, $7,500 on FanDuel

If you could describe Watson’s performance thus far this season in one word, it would be “inconsistent.” Too many missed throws, too many turnovers, and just too many missed opportunities. 

His complete failure as a quarterback on Monday night, however, is also why he makes for a strong sleeper option in Week 3. 

With Nick Chubb out for the year and the Browns facing a fearsome Titans defensive front, the Browns will need to win through the air. That’s not only where the Titans have been beaten in past weeks and seasons, but it’s also where Watson can make his fantasy hay. 

Watson can find his arm against a suspect Titans defense allowing over 280 passing yards a game, 28th in the league. If he can pick up his rushing production because of Chubb’s absence, then Watson can be the QB1 many drafted him to be.

Running back

Kendre Miller @ Green Bay Packers, $4,300 on DraftKings, $4,600 on FanDuel

It hasn’t been a rosy start to Miller’s NFL career, with numerous injuries keeping him sidelined since late August. The latest was a hamstring injury, but since head coach Dennis Allen expects the rookie to be full-go this week, so should we. 

Starting running back Alvin Kamara is suspended for one more week, and fill-in Jamaal Williams suffered a hamstring injury that will take “some time” to recover from, according to Allen. Tony Jones has never been an efficient running back, and Miller has the chance to make a monster first impression against the Packers. 

Only Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have allowed more rushing yards this season than the Packers, who were similarly soft against the run a year ago. Miller was a standout prospect in the NFL Draft due to his speed and strength and flashed receiving ability in the preseason that he couldn’t showcase on the Cinderella TCU squad that went to the national championship. 

The Saints have struggled to get their rushing attack going. Perhaps the return of Miler can spell good things.

Wide Receiver

Zay Flowers vs IND, $5,400 on DraftKings, $6,300 on FanDuel

Whether you view Zay Flowers as a sleeper anymore is another topic, but regardless, Flowers is in for a monster week far closer to his spectacular Week 1 than his more muted Week 2. 

Only the Chargers have allowed more fantasy points to wide receivers than the Colts, who were just utterly gashed by Nico Collins and rookie Tank Dell. Going against Lamar Jackson and Flowers won’t make things easier on this Colts secondary that sorely misses Stephon Gilmore. 

No player has had a higher target share than Flowers’ ridiculous 47.6%, and with a 100% route participation Flowers will keep on getting those looks. To make things even better it appears that Gardner Minshew/Anthony Richardson and the Colts can score points themselves, potentially setting each other up for strong fantasy days.

Tight End

Sam LaPorta vs ATL, $4,000 on DraftKings, $5,200 on FanDuel

LaPorta has only seen five targets in his first two games. However, with Amon-Ra St. Brown potentially sidelined with a toe injury, the rookie tight end has a good opportunity to make his first splash in the NFL. 

Albeit in a small sample size of 20 routes, LaPorta ranks fourth in yards-per-route-run. It shows that his targets are of value, and with a target hog like St. Brown absent those targets could finally show up in bunches. It helps that he’s caught all five of his looks as well. 

The Falcons have already allowed seven receptions for 75 yards and a score to tight ends this year, and while that may not look spectacular, that’s still tied for 24th in the league against the position. If you want to dip deep at tight end LaPorta could be a sneaky option at a cheaper price.

Defense

Washington Commanders vs BUF, $2,400 on DraftKings, $4,000 on FanDuel

It’s not the most appealing matchup on paper, but this Commanders’ defense is feisty. With already 10 sacks and three forced fumbles this season Washington could cause havoc against Josh Allen, who is no stranger to turning the ball over. 

The Commanders may have allowed 33 points in Week 2 — partially due to Sam Howell’s handling of oncoming pressure — but they offset it with sacks and similar production. Not many people will want to play Washington against the Bills, especially after Buffalo’s return to form in Week 2, but that’s how you find sneaky value in DFS.