Week 3 Counterattack: Jordan Howard's star turn could come in Dallas

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Here are the top daily fantasy contrarian options for Week 3 of the NFL season:

RB Jordan Howard, Bears (at Cowboys)

Starting RB Jeremy Langford has averaged just three yards per carry on 28 attempts this season while losing a fumble; his leash on the No. 1 role could be growing shorter. Fifth-round rookie Howard made the most of his 11 offensive snaps in the Bears' Monday loss to the Eagles, carrying three times for 22 yards and adding two short receptions.

With fellow backup Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring) possibly sidelined, Howard should see his heaviest workload yet, and could quite literally run with the opportunity. With QB Brian Hoyer at the helm in place of the injured Jay Cutler (thumb), the ground game could be leaned on more than it has been.

The Bears have averaged just 3.6 yards per carry on their 38 rush attempts, 28 of which have come from Langford. It's admittedly risky to predict exactly when a backup will usurp a starter, but Howard seems to be in a solid position to do just that.

QB Sam Bradford, Vikings (at Panthers)

Despite a strong debut as the Vikings' starter (286 yards, two TDs, zero interceptions), enthusiasm for Bradford may be tempered due to a road matchup with Carolina's high-profile defense.

The Panthers rank seventh in allowing just over 300 yards of offense per game, but the team is still working out the kinks. In Week 2, San Francisco's Blaine Gabbert threw for 243 yards and two TDs through the air, while adding a rushing score. If TE Vance McDonald can burn the Panthers for a 75-yard TD, imagine what the NFL's leading receiver Stefon Diggs (285 yards) can do.

The Vikings have averaged a league-low 47.5 rushing yards per game, and that was with RB Adrian Peterson in the lineup. The team may have no choice but to ask Bradford to carry them; while this may not produce great real-life results, a viable fantasy line is certainly in the cards, even if it comes with an interception or two.

WR Andrew Hawkins, Browns (at Dolphins)

With rookie QB Cody Kessler marking the team's third starter in as many weeks and fellow rookie WR Corey Coleman sidelined with a broken hand, the Browns' passing game likely won't be well-represented fantasy-wise until Josh Gordon returns from his suspension.

Hawkins is set to start in Coleman's absence, and the 5-foot-7 slot receiver likely represents a safe underneath option for Kessler. The veteran has only crossed the goal line six times in 60 career games, but in PPR-scoring formats, could make for an under-the-radar option.

Miami allowed 302 yards passing and three TDs to New England's Tom Brady-less QB corps in Week 2; while Kessler himself is a risky fantasy starter, his receivers, namely Hawkins, could be surprisingly productive relative to their prices.

TE Jimmy Graham, Seahawks (vs. 49ers)

Graham has been quiet in his first two games as he makes his way back from the knee injury that cut short his 2015 campaign, catching four passes for 53 yards. He did play 82 percent of all offensive snaps in Week 2, up from just 21 percent in the season opener, so he appears to be progressing to a heavier workload.

Thanks to new coach Chip Kelly's fast-paced approach, the 49ers are among the leaders in scrimmage plays per game, yet rank 24th in time of possession. More plays for the Seahawks should increase Graham's chances of a breakout performance, and Carolina TE Greg Olsen took full advantage of San Francisco's defense in Week 2, posting a 5-122-1 line on eight targets.

With Graham can't been expected to match Olsen's production, a touchdown and/or a handful of catches would return excellent value relative to his price, and his slow start to the season should ensure that he largely flies under the fantasy radar heading into the week