Welcome to Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. The Atlanta Falcons head to Lambeau Field on Thursday night to face the Green Bay Packers in a Week 3 matchup featuring two teams looking for a spark. The Packers enter the game at 1-1 after rallying to defeat the New York Jets in overtime, while the Falcons are 0-2 following a difficult start that included a 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. 

This article breaks down the key DFS plays, potential values, game-script considerations, and players to approach with caution as we look for the best ways to build competitive lineups for Thursday night.

 

 

 

Falcons vs. Packers DFS Picks & Preview: Thursday Night Football, 9/24

The biggest storyline for Atlanta is the return of Michael Penix The 2024 first-round pick is set to make his first NFL start since suffering a season-ending ACL injury last November. Penix has been practicing fully and will take over an offense that has scored only 16 points through two games and has yet to reach the red zone this season. His return gives Atlanta a chance to establish more consistency through the air, particularly with playmakers such as Drake London and Bijan Robinson.

Green Bay, meanwhile, has plenty to clean up despite its win last week. Jordan Love has completed only 52.1 percent of his passes through two games, while the Packers have also struggled to establish the run and have dealt with a number of injuries. The Packers will need to adjust their offensive approach on a short week while trying to take advantage of playing their first home game of the season.

The matchup could ultimately come down to which offense is able to generate consistent possessions. Atlanta's defense will have the challenge of containing Love and a Green Bay offense that has shown flashes but has been inconsistent early in the season. For the Falcons, getting Robinson involved as both a runner and receiver could help take pressure off Penix in his first game back. Atlanta will also need to avoid the turnover problems that contributed to its Week 2 collapse.

With both teams entering the game with significant questions, Thursday night should provide an early test of how they respond to adversity. For Atlanta, the focus will be on Penix's return and whether the offense can finally find its rhythm. For Green Bay, it will be about cleaning up its offensive execution, overcoming injuries, and building on its overtime victory. At Lambeau Field under the lights, Week 3 offers both teams an opportunity to change the tone of their seasons.

 

 

 

Falcons vs. Packers TNF Odds 

  • Spread:
    • Falcons +4.5 (-105)
    • Packers -4.5 (-115)
  • Money Line:
    • Falcons (+200)
    • Packers (-245)
  • Game Total:
    • Over 42.5 (-118)
    • Under 42.5 (-102)
 

 

NFL Weather: Falcons vs. Packers TNF, September 24th

Temperatures are expected to be around 60 degrees at kickoff and falling into the mid-50s as the game progresses. There is no meaningful rain threat, while winds around 5 mph should have minimal impact. 

Falcons vs. Packers Injuries: Thursday Night Football Week 3

Atlanta will be without defensive end Samson Ebukam, who has been one of the team’s more productive pass rushers through two games, while cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. is questionable with an Achilles injury. The Falcons also placed starting cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve, creating a notable absence in the secondary.

For Green Bay, wide receiver Jayden Reed is the biggest offensive absence after being ruled out with a neck injury. The Packers will also be without guard Aaron Banks, offensive lineman Zach Bako-Bewele, and defensive tackle Warren Brinson, while defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Anthony Campbell are questionable. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: MVP/Captain

Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons - DraftKings: $11,800 | FanDuel: $13,000

Robinson has been Atlanta’s offensive focal point through two weeks, rushing 37 times for 155 yards while adding 11 catches for 99 receiving yards and a touchdown. The biggest development for Robinson is the return of Penix at quarterback. Atlanta's offense struggled badly during the first two games, but Penix's ability to push the ball downfield could create more offensive opportunities and keep defenses from selling out against Robinson.

The matchup with Green Bay is challenging on the ground. The Packers have allowed just 2.9 yards per carry through two games, the second-best mark in the NFL, and are giving up only 87 rushing yards per game. However, Green Bay has already allowed three rushing touchdowns, which keeps Robinson’s scoring upside intact. 

Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $10,000 | FanDuel: $12,400

Love has thrown two touchdowns in each of his first two games, but his passing efficiency has been inconsistent as he completed just 16 of 29 passes for 145 yards against the Jets after throwing for 387 yards in Week 1. 

The matchup is interesting because Atlanta has generated pressure at a high rate, while Green Bay's offensive line is dealing with injuries. Love has struggled considerably when pressured this season, so protection will be a major factor in determining whether he can reach his ceiling.

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $9,800 | FanDuel: $10,800

Watson had a breakout season opener with 147 yards and two touchdowns, and he remains heavily involved in Green Bay’s downfield passing attack. He followed that with 11 targets in Week 2, giving him a strong opportunity profile despite a quieter fantasy performance.

The matchup against Atlanta provides additional upside. The Falcons are 0-2, and Green Bay could lean more heavily on Jordan Love through the air, particularly with Reed ruled out because of a neck injury. Reed's absence removes an established target from the Packers' offense and could create additional opportunities for Watson and others. 

Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons – DraftKings: $8,800 | FanDuel: $11,400

Through two games, London has just six catches for 80 yards on 10 targets. The encouraging part is that his opportunity has remained solid, and Atlanta is now turning back to Penix at quarterback, which could significantly improve London's fantasy outlook. London has posted substantially stronger efficiency numbers with Penix than with Atlanta's other recent quarterbacks. 

The matchup with Green Bay isn't a reason to shy away from London. The Packers have been beatable through the air, and the quarterback change gives the entire passing game a chance to improve. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Core Plays

Michael Penix, QB, Atlanta Falcons – DraftKings: $9,000 | FanDuel: $10,200

Atlanta desperately needs a boost at quarterback after its first two games produced just 16 total points and five interceptions. Penix showed encouraging potential during his 2025 campaign, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions across nine games.

The biggest question is how aggressive Atlanta will allow Penix to be in his first game back. His willingness to throw downfield creates significant big-play potential, but his lack of live-game action since last November adds uncertainty. 

Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $7,800 | FanDuel: $8,200

Matthew Golden has quickly become one of the more intriguing pieces of the Packers' passing game heading into Thursday night. Through two games, Golden has 10 receptions for 153 yards on 18 targets, including at least four catches and 58 receiving yards in each contest.

The matchup with Atlanta offers further opportunity for Golden to produce. The Falcons have allowed 355 receiving yards to wide receivers through two games, and their secondary is now without their top cornerback. Golden has also been particularly effective at creating separation and leads Green Bay in first-read targets. With Reed unavailable this week, Golden is especially likely to maintain his elite early-season usage. 

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $7,000 | FanDuel: $8,600

Kraft has five catches for 79 yards on nine targets through two games, but his production has been inconsistent. He opened the season with three catches for 65 yards before catching just two passes for 15 yards in Week 2.

In addition to the absence of Reed opening up potential targets, the matchup gives Kraft a chance to get back on track. Atlanta has allowed 114 yards and 3 touchdowns to opposing tight ends through two games. Kraft also played all 50 of Green Bay's offensive snaps and ran a route on 94% of dropbacks against the Jets, suggesting his playing-time floor is considerably stronger than his most recent box score indicates. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Mid-Tier Plays

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons – DraftKings: $6,600 | FanDuel: $7,600

Pitts has opened this season with just one reception for 15 yards on four targets, but Atlanta's quarterback situation has been a major factor. Play caller Tommy Rees also acknowledged the need to get Pitts more involved. 

Penix's return provides reason for optimism, as his ability to throw downfield could create more opportunities for the athletic tight end. However, their previous connection has not produced overwhelming numbers. 

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $7,400 | FanDuel: $9,400

Lloyd rushed for just 20 yards on six carries last week against the Jets while adding two catches for six yards and a touchdown. More concerning, he played only 14 offensive snaps as Green Bay rotated Lloyd with Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson. 

Brooks has established himself as the primary passing-down option, while Johnson has already begun cutting into Lloyd's early-down opportunities. With all three backs involved, it is difficult to project Lloyd for a reliable workload.

Chris Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $5,400 | FanDuel: $5,200

Brooks has played the highest percentage of snaps among Green Bay's running backs, including 46% of the offensive snaps in Week 2. He is primarily used as the Packers' passing-down back, which gives him a potential path to additional work if Atlanta's defense forces Love into more obvious passing situations.

However, the limited touch volume makes Brooks difficult to trust. He had only five total touches last week against the Jets, and Lloyd and Johnson appear to be first in line for rushing attempts. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Value Plays

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $4,000 | FanDuel: $7,200

Johnson made his Packers debut in Week 2 and led the backfield with eight carries for 32 yards against the Jets. However, Atlanta has allowed only 126 rushing yards on 43 carries through two games and has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown despite trailing throughout both games.  

Johnson also has not recorded a target this season, meaning his fantasy production is likely to depend heavily on how many carries he receives and whether he finds the end zone. Johnson's role is a better fit for the FanDuel scoring system, but the massive price gap between sites makes him more intriguing on DraftKings. 

Jahan Dotson, WR, Atlanta Falcons – DraftKings: $3,000 | FanDuel: $5,600

Through two games, Dotson has caught three of eight targets for 30 yards, with four targets in each game. Despite the limited production, he has run a route on 78.5% of Atlanta's dropbacks and leads the Falcons with 43.8% of the team's air yards. There is reason to believe his efficiency could see a noticeable boost with Penix now under center. 

Skyy Moore, WR, Green Bay Packers – DraftKings: $2,400 | FanDuel: $4,800

With Reed sidelined, Moore saw his playing time increase in Week 2, but the opportunity still translated to just three targets and two catches for six yards. He ran a route on roughly 50% of Green Bay's dropbacks. 

Green Bay's passing game has been heavily concentrated among its top receivers, but Moore could see more opportunities among the secondary receivers with Reed out again.

Brian Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons – DraftKings: $4,400 | FanDuel: $6,600

Through two games, Robinson has 20 carries for 82 yards and added two receptions for 16 yards, including an 11-carry, 51-yard performance against Carolina in Week 2.

His role behind Bijan gives him a low floor, and the matchup doesn't provide much reason to expect a major workload. His 4.1 yards per carry average is respectable, but his minimal receiving involvement makes him heavily dependent on rushing volume and game script.

 

 

 

TNF DFS Picks: Kickers & D/ST

Rookie Trey Smack has been perfect on all five field-goal attempts through two games, including a 59-yarder in Week 1. He also converted two field goals and two extra points in Green Bay's Week 2 overtime win over the Jets. He is the preferred kicker option with the Packers favored at home. 

Nick Folk has attempted six field goals through two games, but he has converted only three of them, giving him a 50% success rate. The return of Penix could improve Atlanta's scoring opportunities, but there is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding an offense that has yet to find its rhythm.

The Packers D/ST enters Thursday night with a favorable matchup against an Atlanta offense that has struggled badly through two weeks. The Falcons have scored only 16 points, have yet to run an offensive play from inside the red zone, and have already surrendered seven sacks.

The Falcons' pass rush could create opportunities against Love, particularly as the Packers' offensive-line injuries remain an issue. Green Bay's offensive efficiency when Love is protected and the Packers' overall scoring potential make the Falcons difficult to trust for a strong floor. 

 

 

 

Falcons vs. Packers DFS Player Pool: TNF, 9/24

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