Week 3 Quarterback Value Rankings
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Here are theScore's quarterback value rankings for Week 3 (Thursday night game excluded):
Value Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Luck (IND) | vs. SD | 10 |
| Philip Rivers (SD) | at IND | 9 |
| Derek Carr (OAK) | at TEN | 9 |
| Eli Manning (NYG) | vs. WAS | 9 |
| Aaron Rodgers (GB) | vs. DET | 8 |
| Ryan Tannehill (MIA) | vs. CLE | 8 |
| Russell Wilson (SEA) | vs. SF | 8 |
| Joe Flacco (BAL) | at JAX | 8 |
The Chargers have allowed 692 passing yards through two games, good for third worst, overall. Luck scuffled against the Denver Broncos, but that's somewhat to be expected. He and Rivers both make for excellent top options in what could be a shootout, especially since the Colts have not been able to establish much of a running game yet.
Carr has been forced to air it out as the Raiders' own pass defense has allowed a league-high seven passing TDs in two weeks. This has made Carr a legitimate passing threat, due in large part to necessity. While Titans QB Marcus Mariota is also a viable candidate, Carr has better weapons in WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Smith (KC) | vs. NYJ | 7 |
| Carson Palmer (ARI) | at BUF | 7 |
| Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) | at PHI | 7 |
| Dak Prescott (DAL) | vs. CHI | 6 |
| Tyrod Taylor (BUF) | vs. ARI | 6 |
| Marcus Mariota (TEN) | vs. OAK | 6 |
| Blake Bortles (JAX) | vs. BAL | 6 |
| Cam Newton (CAR) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Matthew Stafford (DET) | at GB | 5 |
| Jay Cutler (CHI) | at DAL | 5 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) | at KC | 5 |
Smith's success is wholly connected to matching up with TE Travis Kelce and WR Jeremy Maclin. Fortunately, the Jets have not been able to contain QBs through two games, and Maclin lining up against their weak secondary could result in a couple scores. Smith's upside is severely limited, especially if they get a lead and run the ball exclusively.
Newton will be the priciest QB on the slate, but that's following a dismantling of the 49ers. The Vikings will provide stiffer competition as they were able to render Packers QB Rodgers mostly ineffective in Week 2. Newton's legs could help him, but it's not his cushiest week despite playing at home.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Bradford (MIN) | at CAR | 4 |
| Carson Wentz (PHI) | vs. PIT | 4 |
| Andy Dalton (CIN) | vs. DEN | 3 |
| Kirk Cousins (WAS) | at NYG | 3 |
| Case Keenum (LA) | at TB | 2 |
| Jameis Winston (TB) | vs. LA | 2 |
| Trevor Siemian (DEN) | at CIN | 1 |
| Blaine Gabbert (SF) | at SEA | 1 |
| Cody Kessler (CLE) | at MIA | 1 |
Bradford's Vikings debut was impressive, as he went 22-for-31 for 286 yards and a pair of TDs. He shouldn't have quite as easy a time against the Panthers, who have tallied more interceptions than TDs allowed. Bradford's saving grace is his rock bottom DFS salary, so he doesn't even need a great game to return value. He's purely a contrarian tournament pick in Week 3.
Cousins is not Drew Brees, who struggled mightily against an improved Giants secondary - which doesn't bode well for Cousins. While he is certainly not a guaranteed bust, Cousins has been dreadful outside of his yardage. Kessler is the third QB to start for the Browns in three weeks. You know what to do.