5 Daily Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit in Week 3

Denver Broncos Passing Offense

You want true negative perception? I've got you covered right here. I can't imagine a whole lot of people are super high on the Broncos' offense right now, but they've still got themselves plenty of potential heading into Week 3.

The Detroit Lions' defense was solid last season, finishing 10th in the league in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play. Although the Broncos were third on the offensive side, the Lions' ranking still may be good enough to avoid "targeting" the matchup. So, why go with it this time?

Basically, the Lions have allowed teams to move the ball with ease through the air this year. They sit 30th in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play, besting only the Bears and the Buccaneers. Woof.

Now, you're probably saying, "Hold up. Didn't you say we should favor last year's stats over this year's right now because of sample size?" Yes, I did. And stop talking to your screen. I can't hear you, and it's weird.

The Lions are a different case, though. In the last matchup, the teams had faced opponents that allowed us to largely overlook their 2015 performances and didn't experience a difference-making change. The Lions did in losing Ndamukong Suh to free agency. This allows us to put more stock in what they have done this season. Although they're probably not going to end the year ranked 30th against the pass, they're also probably not that great.

The big name I want here is Demaryius Thomas. He has recorded at least 6 catches for 115 yards in four of his past five regular season games. Additionally, he has had at least six catches in 14 of his last 15 games. Whew. His price is down to $8,400 this week on FanDuel and $8,000 on DraftKings, but it's not going to stay there long.

It's also not crazy to believe that Peyton Manning's ownership will be minuscule. He's at $8,200 this week on FanDuel (and $7,400 on DraftKings). That means on FanDuel you can either pay an extra $200 for Russell Wilson against the Bears, or you can save $100 and roster the savior himself, Carson Palmer. Not many people will pick Manning in that situation, and it's possible that they shouldn't, given how Manning has played this season. He's another guy with whom I don't feel comfortable enough to roster in cash, but he could end up as a great tourney play in Week 3.