After what was a very odd week 2 in the NFL, this week 3 main slate is shaping up to be one of my favorite ones in a while. With many injuries across multiple NFL teams, it is opening up more opportunities for lesser known players along with a few young QBs making their first start this season. We will do our best to identify what the correct build is for cash games and how to use these situations to our advantage this week.

QB:

$4K Kyle Allen @ Arizona Cardinals – Primary Target

Although it is not official yet but it is looking very likely that Kyle Allen will start in place of Cam Newton this weekend. I’ve talked about it before how it doesn’t really matter how ‘good’ you think a player is as long as the situation is good for fantasy purposes. I actually think Kyle Allen could play a little bit though. He started a meaningless week 17 game last season against the Saints where he threw for two touchdowns and added one with his legs. He is not a mobile QB but he isn’t afraid to run if there is room which is more than we can say about Cam Newton this season. He gets one of the best matchups on paper against this high paced Arizona Cardinals team so it is going to open up a lot of opportunities for Allen and the Panthers. The Panthers have also been throwing more and pushing a pace this season as well. At minimum price this week, Allen opens up a ton of salary for the rest of your lineup build.

$5.8K Kyler Murray vs Carolina Panthers – Secondary Target

I noted above how I like the pace in this game and expect lot of opportunity for both offenses so it is no surprise that I like Kyler in the same game. He has had at least 40 passing attempts in both games this season and despite only throwing two touchdowns so far this season, he has scored at least 19 DK points in both contests. He is essentially a lock for the 300 yard bonus which provides a safe floor for cash games and I expect some positive touchdown regression as well. If the touchdowns come and Kyler starts using his legs more then he could legitimately break the slate.

RB:

$8.7K Christian McCaffrey @ Arizona Cardinals – Primary Target

Seeing a trend yet? McCaffrey is likely to be one of the highest owned RBs on the slate even after the disappointing week 2 performance. That being said, you can expect him to get right here in this high paced matchup especially if Allen is under center as he will need to lean on McCaffrey to move the chains. With just two catches last week, that is McCaffrey’s absolute floor in the passing game and much of that was due to Cam’s inaccuracy. With so many plays expected in this game, it’s tough to pass on the best player on the field.

$7.2K Austin Ekeler vs Houston Texans – Secondary Target

Ekeler did see an $1100 price bump this week but it’s honestly not enough. He shouldn’t just be considered as having Melvin Gordon’s role from last season but it is actually better. It is better because Gordon would be pulled in favor of Ekeler at times last season during passing down situations. This season, Ekeler is the only pass catching back which gives him a great floor as he has had six receptions in both games this season. He is also being used around the goal line which many people thought would be Jackson’s role. As a home favorite with a game total of 48, Ekeler is set up to smash once again this week.

WR:

$3.6K Nelson Agholor vs Detroit Lions – Primary Target

This one is a no-brainer. DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery are both currently doubtful for Sunday which makes Agholor a must-own cash game play this week. After both players went down early in the first half on Sunday night, Agholor saw 11 targets which resulted in over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. The matchup isn’t ideal but the price makes it a tough fade especially at his expected ownership this week.

$7K Keenan Allen vs Houston Texans – Secondary Target

The only reason why Keenan Allen isn’t listed as the primary target is because of the price. If you have the ability to pay up at WR then he is clearly the guy that you want. He is currently the NFL’s leader in air yards and has had at least 10 targets in both games this season. With Hunter Henry out, Rivers is going to lean on Allen even more as evidenced by the 41% target share last week. Allen has had at least eight catches in both games as well and you can’t find much of a safer floor at the WR position.

TE:

$5.2K Evan Engram @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Primary Target

Engram disappointed last week with just 10 DK points but he still did see eight targets and the matchup was tough at Buffalo so I’m willing to get back on board this week especially since he didn’t see a price adjustment. Daniel Jones has been named the starter and even if you don’t believe that is an upgrade from Eli Manning (it is), young QBs tend to lean more on their TEs especially early on in their careers. Engram is going to be a target hog all season long and I’m buying him before his price rises.

$3.7K Greg Olsen @ Arizona Cardinals – Secondary Target

Greg Olsen has seen nine targets in each of the Panthers games this season and is coming off a big performance last Thursday against Tampa Bay where he went over 100 yards receiving. I’ve already stated how enticing this game is going to be for fantasy points but the matchup is especially good for Olsen as the Cardinals have been gashed by T.J. Hockenson and Mark Andrews so far this year. At his price, he is a strong play with or without Cam Newton.

D/ST:

$3.8K New England Patriots vs New York Jets – Primary Target

Basically if you didn’t play the Patriots D/ST last week then you likely didn’t win money. For that reason alone I think that a ton of people are going to chase the Pats here but it’s a tough fade at home against Luke Falk. If you have the salary then they are very clearly the play here but because of the variance at the D/ST position, I’m okay with fading them in cash and would recommend fading in GPPs.

$3.2K San Francisco 49ers vs Pittsburgh Steelers – Secondary Target

The Niners defense has looked great so far this season. They have forced seven sacks and five turnovers along with scoring two defensive touchdowns through two games this season and that is with allowing only 28 points as well. They now get to face a Steelers offense that has looked lost so far this season and now has Mason Rudolph starting. They would be the next logical choice if you can’t get up to the Patriots in cash.