Monday Night Football 9/25: Best DFS picks for Week 3 slate

Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals

Much of focus of this game comes down to Joe Burrow's availability. However, signs seem to be pointing to him playing and toughing out his calf injury. He is the most expensive player on this slate so for that reason, and the fact that he's clearly not 100 percent, I would advise trying to form a lineup without Burrow at all.

Is Burrow the type of player to gut it out and put up a massive performance? Absolutely. But that's a risk I'm willing to take in this spot.

Captain's chair: Tutu Atwell, WR, Los Angeles ($10,500): Without Burrow, I also stay away from Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins here as both will be much more popular picks. I try and take advantage of a Los Angeles passing game that has been more than efficient and I take the cheaper, and likely less-added option of Atwell over Puka Nacua.

Flex Plays

Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles ($9,000): Williams was productive for the Rams even with Cam Akers on the roster. Now that Akers has been traded, he is going to get even more touches each week. His price is a bit steep but the volume makes it worth it.

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles ($10,000): Nacua has 25 receptions in just two games and the ball is going to continue to go his way. He might be the most-owned player on this slate but it's hard to envision a lineup that cashes in without him on it.

Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati ($8,400): If the Bengals look to employ a run-heavy attack, which is likely whether Burrow plays or not, then Mixon should see a lot of action in this game. He's started slowly this year but he's gone up against two good defenses in Cleveland and Baltimore. He may be able to crack through against the Rams.

Contrarian Plays

Jake Browning, QB, Cincinnati ($8,000): He's pricey because he is a QB, but if Burrow sits, players may stay away from many of the Bengals. You could take a shot on the former Heisman candidate balling out in his first career start.

Ronnie Rivers, RB, Los Angeles ($2,400): With Williams now the starter, Rivers could assume the role that he had while Akers was there. While Rivers probably won't get a huge amount of touches, he is now the No. 2 RB in LA.

Drew Sample, TE, Cincinnati ($200): Irv Smith is not going to play in this game for the Bengals, so if Burrow or Browning (if he starts) needs a security blanket to target in the middle of the field, Sample could get some looks. More importantly, his low $200 pricetag will allow you to pay top dollar for bigger names like Nacua, Higgins or Chase.