NFL Week 3 Cheat Sheet for PrizePicks and DFS
It’s time to lock in for the Week 3 NFL DFS action on PrizePicks. We’ll get into the best matchups and spots to target on the Week 3 NFL slate with the PrizePicks Cheat Sheet and find the plays that help you create your winning lineup.
With Weeks 1 and 2 now under our belts, the Week 3 NFL matchups are stacked with opportunities, with plenty of injuries to adjust for. Below, we’ve got games to target, best matchups, and TD scorer targets for your PrizePicks lineup.
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Matchups to Target in Week 3 for PrizePicks and DFS
Texans vs. Vikings — 1:00 p.m. ET
The matchup between the Houston Texans and the Minnesota Vikings is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair with plenty of high-upside fantasy football options.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones 48.5 Rush Yards — MORE
The Vikings' recent addition RB Aaron Jones has been a dominant force in the run game, consistently exceeding his projected rushing yards. Over his last 10 games, Jones has gone over his rushing yard total in eight of them, averaging 87.1 yards per game. Last week, he was limited to just 9 carries due to the Vikings' pass-heavy approach with Sam Darnold airing it out.
However, with the Texans boasting a top-10 pass defense, the Vikings are likely to lean more on their ground game, giving Jones a significant increase in touches. Through just two games this season, Jones is averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry, making him a key weapon for Minnesota against Houston.
Texans WR Nico Collins 74.5 Receiving Yards — MORE
On the other side, Nico Collins has firmly established himself as the WR1 for the Houston Texans, despite the addition of Stefon Diggs. Through two games this season, Collins has surpassed 100 receiving yards in each, easily clearing his projected 75.5 yards.
Looking back to his last five games from the previous season, Collins has topped 75.5 yards in four of them, averaging 122.2 receiving yards per game during that span. His matchup against cornerback Shaquill Griffin provides another favorable opportunity for Collins to continue his strong start to the season and produce significant yardage.
This combination of a run-heavy approach for Minnesota and Collins' big-play ability for Houston suggests that both teams will have opportunities to exploit their respective strengths, making this game one to watch for big offensive production.
49ers vs. Rams — 4:25 p.m. ET
Rams QB Matthew Stafford 215.5 Pass Yards — MORE
Despite losing his top two wide receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the projection of 215.5 passing yards for Matthew Stafford appears to be an overreaction. Stafford has shown resilience and consistency, even when key players are out. Here are the key factors:
- Last 10 games dating back to last season: Stafford has surpassed 215.5 passing yards in 9 out of 10 games, showing he's still effective without top targets (Kupp was out for much of this stretch).
- This season: Stafford has exceeded that projection in both games, demonstrating that the Rams' passing game continues to click, even with backup receivers.
- Home games: In his last 30 home games, Stafford has surpassed 215.5 passing yards in all but three, giving him an 87% success rate at home.
- 49ers’ pass defense: San Francisco ranks 22nd in the NFL in pass defense, allowing over 220 passing yards per game. This presents a favorable matchup for Stafford, despite the missing pieces in his receiving corps.
With this combination of historical success and favorable conditions, Stafford is well-positioned to surpass his passing yard projection again.
Rams WR Demarcus Robinson 43.5 Receiving Yards — More
In correlation to Stafford’s projections, WR Demarcus Robinson is set to take on a larger role with the absence of Kupp and Nacua, and his receiving yard projection of 43.5 is now very attainable.
Dating back to last season, Robinson has surpassed that number in his last seven games when he’s played over 80% of the snaps. Robinson played 92% of the snaps each of the last two weeks.
This season, Robinson has exceeded the 43.5-yard mark in one game, and fell two yards short in the other. With the Rams’ need for more production in the passing game, Robinson is likely to see increased targets, making him a strong candidate to exceed his receiving yard projection.
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Best OL/DL Matchups to Target: Week 3
Saints OL vs Eagles DL
The Eagles defense — once a formidable unit — has been underwhelming to start this season. Following the departures of veteran stalwarts Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick, the Eagles' defensive front has significantly regressed, ranking among the worst in the league. Through two weeks, they have struggled mightily against the run, allowing an average of over 150 rushing yards per game.
- Week 1: The Eagles were gashed by Green Bay Packers and Josh Jacobs, who collectively averaged a staggering 7.8 yards per carry.
- Week 2: Bijan Robinson exploited their weak front seven, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
The Eagles' big offseason acquisition, Josh Huff — brought in to replace Reddick on the edge — has been a major disappointment so far. Through two games, Huff has recorded just 2 pressures, 2 tackles, and 0 sacks.
Additionally, first-round pick Jalen Carter, expected to have a breakout season, ranks 102nd out of 112 defensive linemen in run-stopping effectiveness. The Eagles' inability to plug the gaps has created a significant vulnerability in their defense.
In contrast, the New Orleans Saints' offensive line has been dominant, particularly in the run game. Through the first two weeks, the Saints' line has performed at an elite level:
- Eric McCoy: Ranked as the No. 1 run-blocking center in the NFL, per PFF.
- Lucas Patrick: Ranked 2nd among all guards in run-blocking with a grade of 66, per PFF.
- The Saints' first-round tackle is already shaping up to be a top 20 tackle in the NFL.
With this high-performing line, the Saints should be able to control the trenches against the Eagles.
PrizePicks to Consider: Derek Carr 233.5 Pass Yards / Alvin Kamara 66.5 Rush Yards
Ravens OL vs Cowboys DL
The Dallas Cowboys have also underperformed defensively, especially on the interior defensive line. Former first-round pick Mazi Smith has struggled mightily, ranking 110th out of 112 defensive linemen at stopping the run. His partner, Osa Odighizuwa, has fared just as poorly, ranking 107th out of 112 per PFF.
These interior weaknesses have led to increased double teams on edge rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, reducing their effectiveness. Parsons remains productive, but Lawrence is showing signs of wear, ranking 68th out of 104 defensive ends in run defense. Against the Saints last week, Dallas gave up 5.8 yards per carry to Alvin Kamara and 190 rushing yards as a team. The Cowboys are ill-equipped to face the rush-first scheme of the Ravens, especially in the trenches.
PrizePicks to Consider: Lamar Jackson 53.5 Rush Yards / Derrick Henry 66.5 Rush Yards
Best WR/CB Matchups to Target: Week 3
Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs Steelers CB Beanie Bishop Jr.
Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has emerged as a reliable target through two games, catching 7 of 11 targets for 65 yards and a touchdown without a single drop. This week, McConkey faces rookie corner Beanie Bishop Jr., who has struggled in the slot, where McConkey has played two-thirds of his snaps.
Bishop has been targeted 8 times, allowing 7 receptions for an average of 10.1 yards per reception and an opposing passer rating over 140.
McConkey is in prime position to capitalize on this matchup, and the Chargers will likely look to exploit his favorable matchup.
PrizePicks to Consider: Ladd McConkey 0.5 Rush+Rec TD Scorer (Demon)
Colts Michael Pittman Jr. vs Bears CB Tyrique Steveneson
Tyrique Stevenson, the former second-round pick, has been one of the most targeted corners in the league through two games, with 19 targets coming his way. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 10 of those targets, and Stevenson is giving up nearly 14 yards per reception.
He's been particularly vulnerable on the outside, setting up Michael Pittman Jr. for a potential breakout performance in Week 3.
Pittman, who has been targeted 14 times through two games, has been held to just 52 receiving yards with zero touchdowns. However, against a struggling Stevenson, Pittman has an excellent opportunity to find the end zone and post a significant stat line.
PrizePicks to Consider: Micheal Pittman Jr. 50.5 Receiving Yards / 5 receptions
Best Touchdown Scorer Targets on PrizePicks: Week 3
Titans RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has been a versatile weapon for the Tennessee Titans, combining his rushing and receiving skills to make an impact. Through two games, Pollard has logged 33 carries and has been targeted 10 times in the passing game, proving to be a Swiss Army knife for the Titans’ offense. This week, Pollard faces a weak Packers linebacking corps, which could lead to a breakout performance.
Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie ranks 64th out of 72 linebackers in run defense, while Quay Walker ranks 50th in coverage and 59th in run defense per PFF. This presents an excellent opportunity for Pollard to rack up yards both on the ground and through the air.
PrizePicks to Consider: Tony Pollard 0.5 Rec+Rush TDs — MORE (Demon Pick)
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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
After a somewhat quiet rookie season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has kicked off his second year with a bang for the Seattle Seahawks. Through the first two games of the season, he has been highly productive, catching 14 of 18 targets for over 130 yards. Smith-Njigba is thriving as a slot receiver, averaging nearly 10 yards per reception and posting a passer rating near 100 when targeted.
This week, Smith-Njigba is expected to match up against Kader Kohou, who has struggled mightily in slot coverage this season. Kohou ranks dead last out of 100 cornerbacks in the slot, allowing an alarming 15 yards per reception.
This matchup heavily favors Smith-Njigba, who is poised for another strong performance given Kohou’s struggles.
With his route-running ability and reliable hands, Smith-Njigba should continue to be a primary weapon for the Seahawks’ passing attack, especially in favorable matchups like this one. Expect the Seahawks to exploit this weakness in the Dolphins' defense and for Smith-Njigba to rack up significant yardage.
PrizePicks to Consider: Jaxon Smith-Njigba 0.5 Rec+Rush TDs — MORE (Demon Pick)
Lock in for Week 3 NFL DFS on PrizePicks
As Week 3 of the NFL season kicks off, we hope the PrizePicks Cheat Sheet helps you build your winning lineups this week. The Week 3 slate of games are stacked with exciting matchups, and there’s no better way to get in on the action than with PrizePicks!
Just pick two or more player projections, submit your lineup, and stay in the green during the Sunday Week 3 games to win a real money payout.
Lock in your picks and get ready for the third Sunday sweat of the NFL season.
Follow Shayne Trail on X: @ShayneTrail
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