This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
To roster some top-tier players in tournaments, you will need some lower-priced sleeper options.
Here are our fantasy football value picks for Week 3 on FantasyDraft. Pair some of these players with your top options on FantasyDraft to make a stars and studs lineup, hopefully earning some big money in Week 3.
QUARTERBACK
Tyrod Taylor, $12,300 at MIA
Albeit a small sample size, Taylor is QB5 in fantasy points per game on FantasyDraft. The only quarterbacks to average more points through the first two weeks are Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers. Taylor's price is QB18, tied with Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater. Considering his production through two weeks in the season, he is a value play by default. In Week 3, Taylor faces a Dolphins defense that were set to make a huge leap this season. But through two games, Miami has allowed 469 yards and three touchdowns to Kirk Cousins and Blake Bortles. Taylor has been much better as a passer than anticipated, but his rushing floor is what attracts DFS players. He has at least 41 yards rushing in each of his first two games, which makes his floor close to 10 fantasy points considering his improvement as a passer. When considering a quarterback who can run, it's like adding a passing touchdown. Take advantage of his price and floor in Week 3.
RUNNING BACK
Danny Woodhead, $8,500 at MIN
Woodhead is the running back version of Taylor, as a PPR boost gives him a ton of value at his low price of just $8,500. Through two games, Woodhead has caught 10 passes for 88 yards while rushing 19 times for 78 yards. Woodhead has also played a ton of red-zone snaps, giving him ample opportunity to score a touchdown to go along with his catches and yards. With his price of $8,500, anything close to 12 fantasy points is a solid return for value. Considering he has 12.8 and six just in the passing game in the first two weeks, that mark is within range against the Vikings. Add in his red-zone value and the fact that he will get between eight and 12 carries a game and he makes for a solid play as long as his price stays low.
Bilal Powell, $6,000 vs. PHI
Powell's value hinges on Chris Ivory's (groin) status. If the Jets' starting back is out, expect Powell to play a huge role on offense for New York against the Eagles. Even with Ivory playing, Powell has 12 carries in each game while catching six passes this season. At the minimum price, he can reach value with just nine fantasy points. In the first two games Powell has 9.8 and 9.4 fantasy points, respectively. If Ivory is out, expect that number to rise. With the Jets facing a stout rushing defense in the Eagles, Powell could see an uptick in volume in the passing game, which furthers his value at the minimum price.
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree, $9,000 at CLE
What year is this?! Crabtree's value is back, as he seems to have found a home in Oakland through two weeks. He has 13 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown so far this season, but what is more attractive is his target numbers. Crabtree has 24 targets in two games, fifth in the NFL. He has seen at least eight in both games, and with the Raiders set to be chasing in Week 3 this number could increase. Crabtree has only caught just over half of his targets, but in terms of sheer volume this makes him a value play at his price. If he can return 13 fantasy points, value is met and he validates his salary. Five catches for 80 yards is 13 fantasy points, and if Crabtree sees similar target numbers to the first two weeks, five catches seems like a small number. He will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, meaning he will be targeted heavily with his teammate Amari Cooper matching up against Joe Haden.
TIGHT END
Kyle Rudolph, $7,100 vs. SD
Rudolph's talent was never in question, it was always his ability to stay on the field. In two games, he has 10 catches (five in each contest) for a total of 83 yards and a touchdown reception. Rudolph achieved those numbers against the Niners and Lions, who boast two of the better linebacker corps in the NFL. In Week 3, Rudolph faces the Chargers, who have given up four catches and a touchdown to tight ends in each of the first two games this season. If you choose to stay away from Rob Gronkowski this week and want a cheap option at tight end, Rudolph's price and matchup makes him an attractive play.
DEFENSE
Seattle Seahawks, $6,500 vs. CHI
The highest-priced defense isn't a value play, is it? For Week 3, it is. The Bears likely will be without Alshon Jeffery and Jay Cutler after already missing rookie Kevin White. The Seahawks return Kam Chancellor to the secondary and will look to prey on Jimmy Clausen. In his NFL career, Clausen has thrown 370 passes for 1,902 yards, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He struggles to complete passes down the field with just a 53 percent, and the Bears can't run Matt Forte every play. Seattle's defense will be very highly owned this weekend, but considering the return needed for value is just over nine fantasy points, they are worth spending on.
