When building FanDuel tournament lineups for Week 3, I’ve found myself in the unusual position of having more salary cap space than I know what to do with. Several value plays stand out on this slate, especially Cam Akers ($4,000) and Jordan Whittington ($4,600). Additionally, wide receivers in the $6,500 to $7,500 range are projecting just as well as the most expensive options, and the tight ends I’m targeting are priced at $7,000 or lower.

One strategy to create unique lineups this week is to leave more salary on the table than usual. Another is to pay up for higher-priced players to differentiate from the field. For instance, while Brandon Aiyuk may project similarly to the $9,000 receivers, his $2,500 discount will likely make him far more popular. With obvious value plays like Akers and Aiyuk, coupled with a slate featuring few potential shootouts, ownership is likely to be concentrated. Being creative in salary structure and player selection will be vital to avoiding cookie-cutter lineups.

Quarterbacks

As noted above, we should have some extra salary to play around with this week. It makes paying up for top quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes II easier than in a typical week with less obvious value and more players at other positions we are excited to pay up for. 

Core Plays

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens – $8,800

Lamar Jackson offers immense upside in tournaments, especially against a Cowboys defense that struggled mightily last week against the Saints. The Cowboys were pushed around at the line of scrimmage, which exacerbated issues at the second level, where there were too many missed tackles. This week, they face the daunting task of trying to contain Jackson, a challenge that starts with the defensive line holding its ground and giving the linebackers a chance to make plays.

Jackson’s rushing ability remains his most valuable fantasy asset, with 21 carries for 167 yards already this season. His rushing upside is precisely why we’re willing to pay a little extra in salary for him in tournament formats. While the Cowboys’ defense has potential, they’re also a unit that could easily struggle again, making Jackson a high-ceiling play this week.

Patrick Mahomes II, Kansas City Chiefs – $8,700

With plenty of value at running back and wide receiver this week, we have the salary cap flexibility to spend up at quarterback. And if we can pick whoever we want at QB, why not go with the best? Mahomes is always a strong choice in tournaments, and with a favorable matchup against the Falcons, this could be the week to prioritize him in your lineup.

Kansas City’s passing game should improve after a quieter performance last week, especially given that Atlanta has one of the NFL’s weakest pass-rushes. This will give Mahomes more time to work through the pocket and push the ball downfield. Expect the Chiefs to get Xavier Worthy more involved after his quiet Week 2, while also taking advantage of a Falcons defense that has struggled to cover tight ends this season. Mahomes offers both a safe floor and a massive ceiling, making him a great option in tournaments.

Others to Consider

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals – $8,300

Kyler Murray could be turning into an elite fantasy option week in and week out, thanks to the combination of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s creative schemes, a rebuilt offensive line, and the addition of star rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.. This week, Murray faces off against the Lions in a game with a 51.5-point total, making it the most likely shootout on the slate.

Petzing has crafted an offense that seamlessly ties the run and pass together, often utilizing 13 personnel (one back, three tight ends, and one receiver) to keep defenses guessing. Murray has been particularly lethal in this formation, completing six of eight passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, posting a league-best passer rating of 156.3. With innovative play calling and a talented supporting cast, Murray is set up to thrive, and in a high-scoring game like this, he’s an exceptional tournament play.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – $7,500

Goff finds himself in a potential shootout this week, and with the emergence of Jameson Williams alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, he arguably has one of the best groups of weapons in the league. If the Lions can address their recent red zone struggles—which is likely, considering they were among the best in the NFL at converting red zone trips into touchdowns last season—Goff is primed for a huge game.

Despite this matchup's high-scoring potential, Goff is unlikely to be a popular option in tournaments, making him an intriguing play for those looking to capitalize on a favorable game environment with lower ownership.