We’re kicking off Week 3 of the NFL season with a battle between two of the three teams in Florida as the Jaguars take on the Dolphins. Both of these teams are coming off three-point losses, with the Jags falling 33-30 to a really good Titans squad, while the Dolphins came up short to the Bills in a game that Josh Allen‘s stock raised tremendously. So what am I looking for this week?
Spread: Jacksonville -3
O/U: 47.5
Money Line: Miami +140, Jacksonville -160
The continued emergence of Myles Gaskin as the Dolphins main RB
The Dolphins retooled their backfield in the offseason, and we thought going into the season it would be Matt Breida and Jordan Howard. But for the second week in a row Gaskin was the leader of the pack. Now the value may be minimal, but we’re looking at trends, and all signs point to Gaskin carving a larger role every week. He has 26 total touches through two games, including 10 receptions for 62 yards. Make no mistake: Howard and Breida aren’t going away, so barring an injury to either back, this backfield is going to be a headache all season. But I’m curious enough to roster him in the Florida Showdown — and for the season as well.
A Preston Williams rebound
I firmly believe the fact he was matched up with Tre’Davious White was the reason he only had one reception last week vs. Buffalo (which he caught for 26 yards). The Dolphins know they let one slip away and need to get him in better positions. I like the matchup and the price decrease, especially down to $8K on Fanduel. DeVante Parker might be the bigger name, but because of his ongoing hamstring issue, I’ll gladly pivot to Williams in a nice matchup.
What’s the pecking order with the Jags WR’s?
I’m a D.J. Chark guy. I firmly believe that he’s the big dog in the Jaguars wide receiver yard, so he’s my No. 1. But after that, things get a little murky. Now he only has seven targets on the season (which equals out to 11% of the targets, down from 20% last season.) So far, and yes, it’s early, Keelan Cole leads all Jaguars receivers with 13 targets, and Laviska Shenault and Chris Conley each have eight targets. I’m more likely to play Cole because I don’t have faith in Conley. However, it’s the rookie Laviksa Shenault that should be the second Jag WR in the lineup. Remember how Chris Thompson was supposed to be a thing? Yeah, his receiving touchdown last week hasn’t changed my mind in washing my hands of him. Shenault has been involved both as a receiver and rusher in the first two weeks of the season, and it’s obvious that Jacksonville wants to get him involved. He’s the change of pace back to James Robinson, plus he’s also lining up as a wide receiver. I’ll take my chances with volume.
Good luck this week. Let’s add to the bankroll!
