DraftKings Showdown Week 3: Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Week 3 Thursday Night Showdown on DraftKings serves up the weirdly intriguing matchup of the Miami Dolphins at the Jacksonville Jaguars. These teams scored a combined 58 points while allowing a total of 64 in Week 2, so we could see plenty of scoring in this one.
It usually takes me four weeks of action to decide which defenses I’m going to target in DFS for the rest of the season. However, on Sunday, around 9 pm, I made a quick note for myself:
“Target Miami D every week!”
So here we are on Thursday night with the Jags and Dolphins squaring up and guess what I’m going to do?
I’m going to cover creating a cash game lineup and we’ll also unearth some (four in fact) bargains you can use in your GPP lineups. Read our Week 1 article to learn more about the different strategies for these two contests.
These are my personal opinions on the games and strategies at the time of writing this. I may employ different players and strategies than above if later or further information makes me reevaluate my opinions.
Week 3 Cash Game Options
Before we get too gung-ho with the Jaguars offensive options, let’s talk cash. Our usual QBs, RBs, and Kickers sort of worked last week but you needed both the Browns RBs (as recommended) instead of a kicker to be sure of winning.
We face a similar issue with the Miami offense this week, although comparing the Browns’ 1-2 at running back with the Dolphins’ is like comparing Simon & Garfunkel with Robson & Jerome. (If you think Robson & Jerome are the Browns, seek help)
So far, it’s been a three-headed monster for Miami with Gaskins, Breida, and Howard all getting touches. (Hmm, maybe I should have done Nirvana v Bee Gees?) Jordan Howard is the only one to find the end zone (twice) but he’s averaging less than a yard a carry. For our cash lineup, Myles Gaskin is my favourite option as he’s far more involved in the passing game with 10 catches in Weeks 1 & 2. I don’t think Breida or Howard offers enough value to pick them over a kicker in a cash lineup.
After early season cuts and injuries, the Jaguars RB position has been claimed by undrafted back James Robinson. He has taken 16 handoffs in each game so far and has been targeted 5 times. He’s the RB1 in the surprisingly potent Jaguars offense. I’m playing him as Captain in my cash lineup with Gaskin, the QBs, and the kickers.
Week 2 GPP options
If you are playing multiple lineups, you will want exposure to all the high priced players as Captain. Here are three I’ll be going overweight on in my lineups.
Gardner Minshew - $11,000 (Captain - $16,500)
I will be playing more Minshew than I would a normal QB because he’s responsible for so many fantasy points in this team. Also, If Josh Allen can burn this secondary for 417 yards, Gardner has a great chance at breaking the slate.
Mike Gesicki – $7,400 (Captain - $11,100)
Mike Gesicki is quite rightly going to be a very popular Captain this week after his 30 fpts last Sunday. He’s played 92% of the snaps this season either in the slot or out wide so he’s not being treated like a traditional tight end. He’s faced two of the leagues toughest secondaries in the Bills and Patriots but has still gone 11-160 with 1 TD. Against a weaker Jaguars defense, we can expect a decent fantasy game.
James Robinson - $7,800 (Captain - $11,700)
For all the reasons above and in a GPP lineup, like Gesicki, he also allows you to fit in some higher-priced players.
Who are the potential bargain players?
Looking for lower priced gems, there’s not the same value under $400 there was as last Thursday. However, there are four players I want in my pool to free up salary and have a chance of producing points.
Isaiah Ford - $3,000
He’s had 14 targets over the first two weeks and averages nine fpts without getting in the end zone. I’ll have a lot of exposure to him.
Chris Thompson - $2,600
I expected Thompson to be more involved in this offense considering his history with offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. He still offers value at his price though and is the sort of player who could break a long play at any time.
Chris Conley - $2,200
His output was poor in Week 1 but he came back with a seven target game against the Titans. At this price, he doesn’t have to do much to reach value.
James O’Shaughnessy - $1,600
O’Shaughnessy and Tyler Eifert have split targets the first two weeks but JO’S comes at a discount. Miami is allowing 21.33 yards per reception to TEs, so even though he’s a punt, there’s a method to the madness.
