DFS Three And Out 2019 week 3

By Bob Harris
Bob Harris Three DFS players I'm investing heavily in for tournament (GPP) play this week. ... And one I'm not.




I'm In:

Jameis Winston, QB, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This is all about the matchup. For real. It's not about me wanting to believe Winston is simply due for one of those classic spike performances we've seen in the past. For example, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is now in Miami, started last year's 38-35 loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Winston took over in the third quarter of a 24-7 game and led the Buccaneers on four touchdown drives before ultimately falling short. That said, this season -- especially with the expectations that came with the arrival of quarterback-whispering head coach Bruce Arians -- has been a disappointment. But again, this matchup is sweet. As ESPN.com's Tristan Cockroft notes, New York's defense has allowed 55.6 fantasy points to the position, third most in the league, not to mention league highs with a 76.9 completion percentage and 157.9 passer rating on vertical throws (those that travel at least 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage), which Winston often attempts. Cockroft went on to suggest that Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins might present a troublesome matchup for wide receiver Mike Evans, but considering the Giants' early struggles against the pass, as well as the advantageous matchups for Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard and Breshad Perriman, Winston should find enough opportunities to get the job done. In addition, the Giants have only three sacks on the season. And if Evans can't get loose, Godwin can. Through two games he leads the team with 15 targets, 11 catches and 174 yards and he has scored a touchdown in both contests. Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker has had the kind of ups and downs one might expect from a rookie playing one of the game's most demanding positions. Beyond that, I like the price ($7,300 on FanDuel; $5,400 on DraftKings). Also, I lied. I totally believe Winston is due.

Kyle Allen, QB, Carolina Panthers

While FootballDiehards.com' own Kyle Dvorchak would not approve of my Winston pick here, he will approve of Allen (although Kyle is more on board with Allen as a cash play), who is expected to get the start after Cam Newton aggravated the mid-foot sprain he first suffered last month. Yes, Allen struggled this summer; his exhibition efforts left something to be desired. But Allen has gotten a taste of NFL regular season action before. After Newton was shut down with shoulder soreness last year, Allen was promoted from the practice squad to back up Taylor Heinicke. Then Heinicke got hurt midway through the game against Atlanta in Week 16, so Allen finished that contest and became the starter for the finale at New Orleans. He was outstanding in his first career start, completing 16-of-27 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns (with one additional rushing touchdown) in Carolina's 33-14 win to snap a seven-game skid. And this weekend? The Panthers take on a Cardinals with a depleted secondary that's yielded 657 passing yards and five touchdowns through the air heading into Week 3. That's generous. Also generous? Allen's pricing ($6,000 on FanDuel; $4,000 on DraftKings). There are no cheaper options on either of the main sites (although Daniel Jones and Luke Falk are also $6,000 on FanDuel). Throw in some dangerous downfield threats in D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, a dangerous receiving back in Christian McCaffrey and a veteran tight end in Greg Olsen with perhaps the most favorable matchup you'll find at the position (the Lions and Ravens tight ends combined for 17 catches, 273 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets against Arizona in Weeks 1 and 2), and Allen is a must play for me as long as Newton is out. And if it goes south on Sunday? I'll just blame Dvorchak.

Frank Gore, RB, Buffalo Bills

Opportunity meets matchup. With Devin Singletary at less than full speed (he has yet to practice through Thursday due to the hamstring injury he suffered last Sunday), Gore could find himself in prime position to smash this weekend. Assuming Singletary is questionable heading into this one (or better yet, ruled out altogether -- check Late-Breaking Updates section for the latest), Gore will be the primary ball carrier against a Bengals defense that's laid down in each of the first two weeks of the season. Last week, they allowed the 49ers running backs a combined 244 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries, and another 84 yards and a touchdown through the air. As FantasyPro's Mike Tagliere notes, 40.8 PPR points per game to running backs. Even with Singletary in the mix, Gore fared well against the Giants last week, racking up 83 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. The price? Reasonable enough ($5,700 on FanDuel; $4,400 on DraftKings), especially considering you'll pay more for the likes of Peyton Barber (on both sites), Rashaad Penny (on FanDuel) Kenyan Drake (on DraftKings), Justin Jackson (on FanDuel) and Jaylen Samuels (both sites). Again, keep an eye on Singletary's status when the injury report comes out Friday afternoon, but don't be afraid to dive in either way.

I'm Out

Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Let me acknowledge: Cooper is super good. And dangerous. And Dak Prescott is playing lights out. Also, Prescott through the ball to eight different receivers last week. One of them, Michael Gallup, has actually been more heavily targeted and more productive than Cooper, who to his credit has a pair of touchdown catches. And Gallup is out for a month. But the number of weapons still at Prescott's disposal is a concern against a defense that's been as generous as Miami's. What are the odds the Cowboys get up early and grind the clock with the rushing attack? Considering Dallas is a 21-point favorite suggests the odds are high. Beyond that, what are the odds the lone defender who instills fears in opposing receivers, cornerback Xavien Howard, spends a fair amount of his time following Cooper? Howard might not shadow, but with Gallup out it's hard to imagine who else will draw his attention. According to ESPN's Mike Clay, Howard also shadowed Cooper when Miami and Oakland faced off in Week 3 last season. Granted, he was still with the Raiders, but Cooper was held to 2-17-0 on five targets in that game, with 26 of his 36 routes coming against Howard. This season? Per Tagliere, through two weeks, Howard's allowed just two catches for 17 yards in his coverage. So it's a no for me the pricey ($7,700 on FanDuel; $7,500 on DraftKings) Cooper.