NFL Week 3 2023 DFS Projections and TNF & MNF Preview

September 20, 2023
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) scores a touchdown in front of Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Week 3 Preview & Storylines

Week 2 delivered some incredible games filled with late-game heroics, hail marys, and tons of action the whole weekend. Now we’re setting off for Week 3 so we’ll walk you through our Week 3 NFL preview, DFS projections, and top storylines.

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NFL Week 3 Schedule

Thursday, September 21:

  • Giants (1-1) @ 49ers (2-0)

Sunday, September 24:

  • Colts (1-1) @ Ravens (2-0)
  • Titans (1-1) @ Browns (1-1) 
  • Falcons (2-0) @ Lions (1-1)
  • Saints (2-0) @ Packers (1-1)
  • Texans (0-2) @ Jaguars (1-1)
  • Broncos (0-2) @ Dolphins (2-0)
  • Chargers (0-2) @ Vikings (0-2)
  • Patriots (0-2) @ Jets (1-1)
  • Bills (1-1) @ Commanders (2-0)
  • Panthers (0-2) @ Seahawks (1-1)
  • Cowboys (2-0) @ Cardinals (0-2)
  • Bears (2-0) @ Chiefs (1-1)
  • Steelers (1-1) @ Raiders (1-1)

Monday, September 25:

  • Eagles (2-0) @ Buccaneers (2-0)
  • Rams (1-1) @ Bengals (0-2)

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NFL Week 3 Storylines

Running Backs in Danger

The offseason drama we saw between running backs and front offices across the league was tense. Players wanted their fair share of the money and owners didn’t want to pay for diminishing returns from a position that has a short shelf life.

In the end, a few players held out and a few got paid, with the owners again coming out on top in most cases. The owners’ concerns proved true early this season as several top paid and top performing RBs across the league got injured. Saquon Barkley sustained an ankle injury while Nick Chubb hurt his knee so badly that ESPN wouldn’t even show the replay. 

For both real NFL owners and fantasy owners, these developments always impact performances across the board as new players get opportunities and teams have to fill in gaps.

Top Tier Teams Underperforming

The league in 2023 looks nothing like it did just a few short years ago. Peyton, Brady, Big Ben, have all retired and made way for new stars to take over. Unfortunately for some of these teams, their new units aren’t getting it done.

The Patriots are off to an 0-2 start for the first time since 2001. They’ve faced tough opponents so far but this isn’t even close to the way Belichick would like to start a season. Mac Jones also isn’t the only problem in New England- they seriously lack depth, talent and discipline. 

In Pittsburgh, they’re facing many of the same issues as New England, except they also have a worse QB. Kenny Pickett was a fan favorite draft pick last season since he went to school at PITT. But the hometown kid will have to earn his place in Pittsburgh again if he wants to make a name in the NFL.

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TNF Preview and DFS Projections

We kick off Week 3 tomorrow night with a matchup between the Giants and 49ers. Entering this game, the 49ers have shown early signs of Super Bowl hopes while the Giants got blown out in Week 1 and barely managed to come back last week after starting the game down big. 

We’re expecting to see more of the same for both teams- dominance from the 49ers, and struggles for the Giants. Let’s take a look at some of the top DFS projections for this TNF matchup.

Receiving Yards

Deebo Samuel - WR, SF

Kyle Shanahan has struggled to find a legitimate QB1 in San Francisco but Brock Purdy seems to be sufficient for now, at least with the incredible weapons he has with him on offense. One of those weapons is Deebo Samuel, who puts up crazy highlights nearly every week.

He hasn’t had a breakout game yet this year but he’s been consistently around 60 receiving YPG in weeks 1 and 2. Against this poor Giants unit, this could be his chance to really go to town.

To view all NFL Week Three DFS projections on the board, click here.

Christian McCaffrey - RB, SF

In just 2 games, McCaffrey has already raced up nearly 300 yards of total offense (rushing + receiving). It’s no wonder why Purdy relies on him for production- the man always performs. 

This week he’s projected at 30.5 receiving yards despite only earning 19 and 17 in his first 2 games. Against this Giants team, no one would be alarmed if Christian blows the top off and puts up numbers.

To view all NFL Week Two DFS projections on the board, click here.

NFL Week 3 Top DFS Projections

Rush Yards

Josh Allen - QB, BUF

Allen has been one of the top performing fantasy players for years now. After a slow Week 1, he bounced back big last week and reminded fantasy owners why he’s worth it. This week he takes on a surprisingly 2-0 Washington and will hope to leave with a W to get the season on track.

The dual threat QB barely ran at in Week 1 but then rushed for 36 in Week 2. This week he’s projected at 29.5 yards. Though Washington isn’t the most talented offensive team, their defense has been stout. This game could go either way for Allen depending on the pressure from Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and the rest of the Washington defense.

To view all NFL Week Two DFS projections on the board, click here.

Receptions

Darren Waller - TE, NYG

The former Raider hasn’t put up the same numbers in weeks 1 and 2 with the Giants as he did for Oakland. But he’s starting to get adjusted to the new system and should begin to improve his production as the weeks pass.

This week he’s projected at 4.0 receptions, 0.5 less than his season average. The 49ers will be a tough test but Daniel Jones will certainly be relying on Waller more as Saquon is injured.

To view all NFL Week Two DFS projections on the board, click here.

Week 3 MNF DFS Projections

Pass Yards

Jalen Hurts - QB, PHI

All four of the teams playing Monday night have either been to or won the Super Bowl in the last 5 years. With that said, we’re in for a real treat on Monday. 

Jalen Hurts continues to impress with his legs and arm this season as the Eagles are off to a quick 2-0 start. He’ll face the Buccaneers on Monday who are also surprisingly 2-0. If the Eagles and Hurts do what they’re capable of, they should have no problem taking care of business again. 

To view all NFL Week Two DFS projections on the board, click here.

NFL Daily Fantasy Sports with PrizePicks

The matchups are set and we’re ready to lock in for what’s shaping up to be an exciting week of NFL football. But before it kicks off, make sure you check out the board to lock in your DFS entries. PrizePicks is the best NFL DFS platform, so don’t forget to place your entries and enjoy all of the games this week.

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