Your best options for Week 3 DraftKings Cash games

You’ll find all kinds of DFS fantasy rankings, values, best/worst plays on DK Nation, but what about just identifying the good chalk? I play almost completely in cash games during NFL season, and it’s really important to know who we can trust, and who we can’t.

New to the cash game scene? Cash games on DK refer to double-ups, 50-50s and head-to-heads — all of which roughly the top half of the field doubles its money.

While Week 1 followed the chalk pretty well, Week 2 was a much more difficult slate. Here’s how things are starting to breakdown in Week 3.

Quarterback

Dak Prescott ($6,500) vs. MIA — Lamar Jackson had a historic day against the Dolphins to start the season, and Tom Brady didn’t fare too poorly against them either. The only downside here is blowout potential, but Dak’s averaging 32.5 DKFP through two games, and should put up more number in this matchup.

Josh Allen ($5,900) vs. CIN — Allen’s been very consistent in the Bills’ 2-0 start, averaging 21.1 DKFP, and showing a nice floor with his rushing ability. Now he faces a Bengals defense that got lit up for 41 at home by the 49ers last week.

Matt Ryan ($5,700) @IND — You can have your questions about if the Falcons are legit, but Ryan’s had two great games (24.3 DKFP per game). The lack of run game means Ryan has to sling it, with 89 passing attempts through two games. That leaves tons of upside.

Running Back

Christian McCaffrey ($8,700) @ARI — CMC came crashing back to Earth after a huge Week 1, but that just made him underpriced for a Week 3 matchup in Arizona. He’ll get his 25 touches in this one, and is one of the safest plays on the slate.

Dalvin Cook ($7,800) vs. OAK — Cook’s arguably been the best fantasy RB through two weeks. The Vikings have shown us they’re committed to the run, as Cook has a 41-265-3 line on the ground, and has scored at least 29 DKFP in each game.

Chris Carson ($5,900) vs. NO — Carson struggled in Pittsburgh in Week 2, but that brings his salary back to a reasonable price as a home favorite in Week 3. That’s the exact spot he thrived in Week 1, putting up 25 DKFP against the Bengals. If Rashaad Penny (questionable) doesn’t play, Carson would be impossible to fade.

Frank Gore ($4,400) vs. CIN — What year is it? Devin Singletary has been ruled out, and Gore will get to feast on a bad Bengals defense. Gore went for 19-68-1 and caught both his targets (16.3 DKFP) against the Giants last week.

Wide Receiver

Julio Jones ($7,300) @IND — It’s been years since we’ve seen Julio this cheap, and we have no real reason for the price slash. Jones went off for 5-102-2 (30.6 DKFP) against the Eagles last week, and is in a strong spot in a dome in Indy here.

Keenan Allen ($7,000) vs. HOU — Allen constantly has as high a floor as any WR, with 25 targets though two weeks. He’s averaging 23.6 DKFP, and the matchup against Houston is nothing that should change his usual stat line.

Larry Fitzgerald ($5,100) vs. CAR — Fitz is still as good as ever, and now that he has a QB, he’s back on the fantasy scene. He’s hauled in 13-of-24 targets this year for 217 yards and a touchdown, averaging 23.4 DKFP. He’s still value at this price.

Nelson Agholor ($3,600) vs. DET — DeSean Jackson (abdomen) has been ruled out, and Alshon Jeffery’s (calf) status is in doubt. Agholor could be Philly’s WR1 on Sunday, and for just $3,600.

Tight End

Travis Kelce ($7,100) vs. BAL — Kelce is always on the cash radar, but after a 7-107-1 (26.7 DKFP) line in the first full game without Tyreek Hill (shoulder), there’s no reason not to consider him an elite option.

Zack Ertz ($5,700) vs. DET — Same reasoning as Agholor here. With the Eagles down some pass-catchers, we know Carson Wentz trusts Ertz. He saw 16 targets in Atlanta.

Austin Hooper ($3,600) @IND — Hoopers been a cheap spot for production this season, catching 13-of-15 targets for 11 yards so far this season. 12.1 DKFP per game at this price is a steal.

Defense/Special Teams

Cowboys ($4,300) vs. MIA — The Dolphins have scored 10 points in two games combined. They can’t stop turning the ball over and constantly get sacked. We’re looking at a historic spread here.

Patriots ($3,800) vs. NYJ — Speaking of other historic spreads, I may prefer paying down for the Patriots. They scored 37 DKFP in Miami last week, and now face a Jets offense that scored three on MNF.

Chargers ($2,500) vs. HOU — I had to give you some value if you do pivot off the two obvious plays. The Chargers host a Houston team that can’t stop giving up sacks.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.