Epic Plays Await: Navigating the Week 3 NFL DFS Main Slate

Week 3 NFL Showdown: Giants vs 49ers Kickoff and Rams vs Bengals Finale

Welcome to the third week of NFL action, where we are set to witness another thrilling 16-game slate. The stage is set for an epic kickoff with the New York Giants clashing with the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Levi's Stadium. The over/under for this game is set at a tantalizing 43.5, with the Giants at 10.5 and the 49ers favored at -10.5. The action begins this Thursday at 8:15 PM EST, so get your fantasy lineups ready.

Fast forward to the grand finale of the week, where the Los Angeles Rams will be locking horns with the Cincinnati Bengals at the Paul Brown Stadium. The over/under for this game is pegged at 44.0, with the Rams at 2.5 and the Bengals slightly favored at -2.5. The final showdown is set for Monday at 8:15 PM EST. Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown of key players and potential game-changers in both these matchups.

Top Quarterback Picks of the Week

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs - Projected 23.9 pts

Patrick Mahomes is a force to be reckoned with, averaging a solid 19.2 points over his last three games. His last showdown against the Jaguars saw him amass 305 passing yards, with 2 touchdowns and a single interception. This week, he's up against the Bears, a team that's been struggling against the pass, ranking 24th in the league. They've been allowing an average of 250.9 yards and 1.6 touchdowns per game. Given these stats, Mahomes is a strong pick for your fantasy team this week.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings - Projected 23.3 pts

Kirk Cousins has been on a roll, averaging 20.7 points in his last three games. His performance against the Eagles was nothing short of impressive, racking up 364 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. This week, he'll be facing the Chargers, who rank 18th in the league at defending the pass. They've been giving up an average of 237.3 yards and 1.4 touchdowns per game. Cousins' recent form and the Chargers' defensive stats make him a promising pick for this week's slate.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles - Projected 22.8 pts

Jalen Hurts, while averaging a slightly lower 16.4 points over his last three games, still holds potential for your fantasy lineup. His last game against the Vikings saw him put up 193 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. This week, he's up against the Buccaneers, who rank 23rd in the league at defending the pass. They've been allowing an average of 247.1 yards and 1.8 touchdowns per game. Despite his recent performance, Hurts' matchup against the Buccaneers could provide a significant boost to his fantasy points.

Running Back Rundown

Tony Pollard, Cowboys - Projected 21.9 pts

With an impressive average of 14.7 points over his last three games, Tony Pollard is a name to watch this week. His last outing against the Jets saw him rush for 72 yards and make 7 receptions, although he didn't manage to find the end zone. This week, Pollard faces off against the Cardinals, a team that's been struggling to defend the run this season. They're currently ranked #17 in the league, allowing an average of 119.6 yards per game and 1.3 rushing TDs. This could be Pollard's chance to shine.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons - Projected 18.4 pts

Despite being projected slightly lower than Pollard, Bijan Robinson has been on a tear recently, averaging 20.8 points over his last three games. His last match against the Packers saw him rush for a whopping 124 yards and make 4 receptions. This week, Robinson goes up against the Lions, a team that's been having a tough time defending the run. They're currently ranked #24 in the league, giving up an average of 133.9 yards per game and 1.0 rushing TDs. Robinson could be set for another big game.

Joe Mixon, Bengals - Projected 18.2 pts

Joe Mixon may be the underdog in this group, but he's not to be overlooked. Averaging 13.9 points over his last three games, Mixon's last game against the Ravens saw him rush for 59 yards and make 4 receptions. This week, he's up against the Rams, a team that's ranked #19 in the league at defending the run. They're allowing an average of 128.5 yards per game and 1.0 rushing TDs. Mixon has a solid chance to put up some good numbers this week.

Top Wide Receivers to Watch This Week

Justin Jefferson, Vikings - Projected 25.3 pts

Justin Jefferson of the Vikings has been on a tear, averaging 19.2 fantasy points over his last three games. His most recent performance against the Eagles saw him reel in a whopping 159 yards on 11 receptions. This week, Jefferson faces a Chargers defense that has been mediocre against the pass, ranking 18th in the league and allowing an average of 237.3 passing yards per game and 1.4 passing touchdowns. Expect Jefferson to exploit this matchup and rack up some serious fantasy points.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins - Projected 23.1 pts

Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins has been a consistent performer, averaging 21.3 points over his last three games. Despite a relatively quiet game against the Patriots where he caught for 40 yards and a touchdown on 5 receptions, Hill is poised for a big week. He's up against a Broncos defense that has struggled to defend the pass, ranking 28th in the league and allowing 254.9 yards per game and 1.8 passing touchdowns. Hill's speed and playmaking ability should give the Broncos' secondary fits.

Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals - Projected 19.6 pts

Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals, despite averaging a modest 13.3 points over his last three games, is a player to keep an eye on. His last outing against the Ravens saw him catch for 31 yards on 5 receptions. This week, Chase faces a Rams defense that ranks 16th in the league at defending the pass, allowing an average of 235.8 yards per game and 1.3 passing touchdowns. Chase's big-play ability could see him break out against the Rams' middle-of-the-pack secondary.

Top Tight Ends to Watch This Week

Travis Kelce, Chiefs - Projected 18.9 pts

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' tight end, is a force to be reckoned with. Over the last three games, he's been averaging a solid 11.2 points. His last outing against the Jaguars saw him reel in 26 yards with a touchdown from 4 receptions. This week, he's up against the Bears, a team that's been struggling against the pass this season. They're ranked 24th in the league, allowing an average of 250.9 yards per game and 1.6 passing touchdowns. This could be a golden opportunity for Kelce to rack up some serious points.

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings - Projected 16.0 pts

Next up is T.J. Hockenson of the Vikings. He's been on a hot streak, averaging 13.2 points over his last three games. His most recent game against the Eagles saw him catch for 66 yards, score 2 touchdowns, and make 7 receptions. This week, he's facing the Chargers, a team that's ranked 18th in the league in pass defense. They're allowing an average of 237.3 yards per game and 1.4 passing touchdowns. Hockenson's recent form suggests he could exploit this matchup and deliver a strong performance.

Fantasy Point Mismatches

Let's kick things off with a look at some fantasy point mismatches that could make or break your lineup this week. The Chiefs, who are second in the league at generating fantasy points with an impressive 102.3 per game, are set to face the Bears, who are struggling defensively and rank 31st in the league at giving up fantasy points, with a whopping 96.3 per game. The Cowboys, who rank third in the league at generating fantasy points with 98.5 per game, are up against the Cardinals, who are ranked 28th in the league at giving up fantasy points, with 90.0 per game. These matchups could provide some serious point potential for fantasy owners.

Passing Yards Mismatches

Switching gears to passing yards, we have some interesting mismatches to consider. The Chargers, who are third in the league at passing yards with 279.1 per game, are facing the Vikings, who are struggling in their pass defense and rank 31st in the league at giving up passing yards, with 265.0 per game. The Dolphins, who rank fourth in the league at passing yards with 272.3 per game, are up against the Broncos, who are ranked 28th in the league at giving up passing yards, with 254.9 per game. These matchups could be a goldmine for quarterbacks and receivers alike.

Rushing Yards Mismatches

On the ground, we have some tantalizing matchups that could lead to big rushing yards. The 49ers, who are second in the league at rushing yards with 159.2 per game, are set to face the Giants, who are struggling to stop the run and rank 29th in the league at giving up rushing yards, with 147.8 per game. The Falcons, who lead the league at rushing yards with 161.7 per game, are up against the Lions, who are ranked 24th in the league at giving up rushing yards, with 133.9 per game. These matchups could be a dream come true for running backs and their fantasy owners.

Sacking The Quarterback Mismatches

Finally, let's talk about the all-important quarterback sacks. The Chiefs, who are second in the league at sacking the QB with 3.5 per game, are set to face the Bears, who are struggling to protect their QB and rank 31st in the league at allowing sacks, with 3.5 per game. The Dolphins, who rank sixth in the league at sacking the QB with 3.0 per game, are up against the Broncos, who are ranked last in the league at protecting the QB, allowing a staggering 4.4 sacks per game. These matchups could be a bonanza for defensive players and units.