Fantasy: Week 3's top daily fantasy football value plays

Every Friday for the balance of the NFL season, theScore managing editor James Bisson takes a comprehensive look at the best daily fantasy value plays. Values are based on DraftKings' DFS offering, in which players are given a $50,000 budget with which to build a nine-player team (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB/WR FLEX, 1 DST).

Quarterback

Tom Brady, NE (vs. OAK, $6,900)

It may be premature to write Brady off as an elite NFL quarterback based on two subpar games. For starters, he's one of only three QBs to open the season with two straight road games. Consider, as well, that he averaged better than 250 yards and nearly two touchdowns in eight home contests a season ago. Expect Brady and the rest of the Patriots offense to lay the hammer down in their home opener against lowly Oakland.

Others to consider: Drew Brees, NO (vs. MIN, $8,900), Jay Cutler, CHI (@ NYJ, $8,100), Andy Dalton, CIN (vs. TEN, $6,600)

Running Back

DeMarco Murray, DAL (@ STL, $7,900)

If you're going to spend big this week, make sure it's on the hottest running back in football. Murray decimated the Tennessee run defense last week and now gets to face a Rams unit that has allowed 342 yards on the ground through the first two games. The absence of defensive anchor Chris Long has had a significant impact on the St. Louis defense, which will work to Murray's advantage, making him the best RB play of the week.

Others to consider: Darren Sproles, PHI (vs. WAS, $5,200), Lamar Miller, MIA (vs. KC, $5,000), Khiry Robinson, NO (vs. MIN, $3,900)

Wide Receiver

Michael Floyd, ARI (vs. SF, $4,800)

More than 40 wide receivers carry a higher price tag than Floyd this week, which is ludicrous. Regardless of whether Carson Palmer or Drew Stanton is throwing the ball, Floyd should see his share of targets in a game in which the Cardinals are going to need to put up points. And considering the 49ers' epic second-half meltdown against Brandon Marshall and the Chicago Bears last weekend, Floyd represents great value this week.

Others to consider: Brandon Marshall, CHI (@ NYJ, $8,300), Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. WAS, $6,400), Brandin Cooks, NO (vs. MIN, $5,100)

Tight End

Jared Cook, STL (vs. DAL, $3,400)

Cook won't often be considered a good value play; he consistently produces 4-5 catches for 40-50 yards, which might help you sneak into the money, but won't land you the big prize. However, Cook gets to face a Dallas pass defense that allowed a pair of TD passes to Vernon Davis in Week 1 and 142 yards and a score to Delanie Walker in Week 2. The Cowboys don't defend tight ends well - so if you're looking for a deep flyer, Cook fits the bill.

Others to consider: Jimmy Graham, NO (vs. MIN, $8,000), Rob Gronkowski, NE (vs. OAK, $5,900), Martellus Bennett, CHI (@ NYJ, $5,200), Zach Ertz, PHI (vs. WAS, $5,200)

RB/WR Flex

Stevan Ridley, RB, NE (vs. OAK, $4,700)

Two facts have emerged through the first two weeks of the Patriots' season: Ridley gets the call when New England has the lead, and speedy Shane Vereen is the running back of choice when the team trails. That makes the selection of Ridley in the Flex slot a foregone conclusion; the Patriots likely won't find themselves behind in this one, and will be happy to use Ridley to grind down the clock.

Others to consider: Giovani Bernard, CIN (vs. TEN, $6,900), Montee Ball, DEN (@ SEA, $5,900), Sammy Watkins, BUF (vs. SD, $5,300), Ahmad Bradshaw, IND (@ JAC, $4,800)

D/ST

New England Patriots (vs. OAK, $3,500)

It's a New England kind of week in DFS, and with good reason. The Patriots are bound to be fired up for their first home game, and have the good fortune of facing a Raiders team that has produced the fourth-fewest points, and second-fewest total yards through the first two weeks. This one shouldn't be close, with the Raiders struggling to generate much of anything against a still-underrated New England defense.

Others to consider: Cincinnati Bengals (vs. TEN, $3,300), Indianapolis Colts (@ JAC, $3,100), Buffalo Bills (vs. SD, $3,000)