We still haven't reached the bye weeks, which leaves us with plenty of action for the Week 3 NFL DFS Yahoo main slate that begins Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT. Let's dig into all of the matchups and highlight some of the top players to consider at each position.
Keep in mind, playing in guaranteed prize pool (GPP) Yahoo DFS football contests is about chasing upside, while lineups geared toward head-to-head, 50/50 or double-up formats should prioritize high floors. The players you want to target for these different contest types aren't mutually exclusive, but winning a GPP tournament usually requires finding a hidden gem or going against the grain in a spot or two, while building a solid base of the same chalk plays you would use anywhere. Against-the-grain plays typically consist of big-name players in tough matchups or boom-or-bust types with uncertain roles.
Remember that Yahoo DFS football contests use 0.5 PPR scoring rather than full PPR, which lowers the comparative value of wide receivers and running backs (in that order) while especially affecting high-volume pass-catchers. NFL DFS Yahoo lineups consist of one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one FLEX (RB/WR/TE) and one D/ST unit.
Quarterback
Sam Darnold, SEA vs. NO ($31): Facing 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones last week, the Saints allowed him to throw for 279 yards and three touchdowns. That was with George Kittle (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out. Coming off 295 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against the Steelers last week, Darnold could provide significant value.
Honorable Mentions: Jalen Hurts, PHI vs. LAR ($36); Dak Prescott, DAL at CHI ($32); Caleb Williams, CHI vs. DAL ($32)
Against the Grainers: Michael Penix Jr., ATL at CAR ($31); C.J. Stroud, HOU at JAC ($29); Jake Browning, CIN at MIN ($22)
Running Back
Bijan Robinson, ATL at CAR ($42): The Panthers are a team to attack on the ground. After allowing the most rushing yards per game in the league last season, they have given up the seventh-most through two weeks this year. Robinson had 22 carries for 143 yards against the Vikings last week and has the potential for 20+ carries again in this matchup, especially if the Falcons build an early lead. The last time Robinson took on the Panthers was in Week 18 last year when he finished with 170 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
Jordan Mason, MIN vs. CIN ($18): Not only will the Vikings play this game without J.J. McCarthy (ankle), but Aaron Jones (hamstring) has been placed on IR. Carson Wentz will be under center, so the Vikings could feature a run-heavy offensive approach. Don't be surprised if we see around 20 carries from Mason, who has a 75.0 percent positive run rate and is averaging 3.4 yards after contact.
Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor, IND at TEN ($42); Christian McCaffrey, SF vs. ARI ($36); Jaylen Warren, PIT at NE ($22)
Against the Grainers: James Conner, ARI at SF ($30); Breece Hall, NYJ at TB ($26); Najee Harris, LAC vs. DEN ($13)
Wide Receiver
CeeDee Lamb, DAL at CHI ($39): Lamb has been targeted at least 11 times in both games this season, including seven receptions for 110 yards against the Eagles in Week 1. Last week, he had nine catches for 112 yards against the Giants. Not only is he receiving a ton of targets, but he has an average depth of target of 12.4 yards. He presents a very difficult matchup for the Bears, who will be without cornerback Jaylon Johnson (groin).
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA vs. NO ($30): Despite adding Cooper Kupp during the offseason, the Seahawks have made no secrets about who their top pass-catching option is. Through two games, Smith-Njigba has a 43.4 percent target share and has been targeted on 41.5 percent of his routes. That helped him produce at least eight receptions and 100 receiving yards in both games. Volume alone makes him an appealing DFS option.
Rome Odunze, CHI vs. DAL ($24): The Cowboys have their own secondary issues, with cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) considered week-to-week. When he was out last week, the Giants had two wide receivers finish with at least 140 receiving yards. The Cowboys gave up a lot of deep completions in the game, which is noteworthy for this matchup with Odunze, who had three receptions of at least 20 yards last week and has an average depth of target of 13.7 yards for the season.
Honorable Mentions: Drake London, ATL at CAR ($36); Deebo Samuel, WAS vs. LV ($31); DK Metcalf, PIT at NE ($26)
Against the Grainers: Mike Evans, TB vs. NYJ ($33); Nico Collins, HOU at JAC ($31); Keenan Allen, LAC vs. DEN ($22)
Tight End
Tucker Kraft, GB at CLE ($20): Early indications are that Kraft is going to have a larger role with the Packers this season. He accounted for 15.2 percent of their targets last year, but that mark sits at 22.4 percent this season. That helped him record six receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders last week. With Jayden Reed (collarbone) now out for at least six weeks, Kraft should remain in a prominent role.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Warren, IND at TEN ($21); Zach Ertz, WAS vs. LV ($20); Juwan Johnson, NO at SEA ($17)
Against the Grainers: Jonnu Smith, PIT at NE ($16); Kyle Pitts Sr., ATL at CAR ($15); T.J. Hockenson, MIN vs. CIN ($15)
Defense
Green Bay Packers at CLE ($18): The Packers have allowed an average of 15.5 points through two games. Within that, they've allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game, the 10th-fewest passing yards per game and are tied for the second-most sacks. They have the potential to dominate the Browns, who haven't topped 16 points in either of their first two games.
Honorable Mentions: Atlanta Falcons at CAR ($21); Seattle Seahawks vs. NO ($21); Indianapolis Colts at TEN ($17)
Against the Grainers: Tennessee Titans vs. IND ($16); San Francisco 49ers vs. ARI ($16); Cincinnati Bengals at MIN ($15)
