Atlanta’s Ryan should be a top QB play

Expect Falcons to be in a shootout with Lions, who have no answer for passing game

Winning in daily fantasy football isn’t always about finding contrarian picks to outsmart everyone else. Yes, you want to differentiate your lineup to increase your odds at winning in tournaments, but you can’t ignore the studs that are still worth their high price tags.

Here are the Week 3 NFL DFS stud plays (DraftKings price/FanDuel price): MATT RYAN, QB, Atlanta

($7,100/$8,500): The Falcons and Lions game should be one of the more entertaining matchups of the week and should involve plenty of passing. The Lions defense is playing better than anyone thought it could, but it is still susceptible to the pass, and no one in the league can stop Julio Jones — even Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs combined. What makes this even more appealing is that the Falcons defense will struggle to stop Matthew Stafford and Co., which means more points and more opportunities to be aggressive. Ryan is the cheapest of the big four on DraftKings and just $100 more than Drew Brees on FanDuel. JAY AJAYI, RB, Miami ($7,700/$8,200): This is contingent on Ajayi (knee) being ready to roll. Ajayi dominates the touches in the Dolphins backfield, and he faces the future 0-16 Jets. They have given up the second most points to running backs with three rushing touchdowns allowed already (Mike Tolbert, Marshawn Lynch and Jalen Richard). Ajayi came out of the Dolphins’ Week 1 “bye” and immediately made an impression with 122 rushing yards on 28 carries. As for a pivot option, Melvin Gordon is $100 cheaper on DraftKings and $600 less on FanDuel. Like Ajayi, Gordon dominates the touches for his team. MICHAEL THOMAS, WR, New

Orleans ($7,000/$7,500): Thomas hasn’t had a big game yet, but this is a good opportunity. Daryl Worley and James Bradberry won’t be able to stop Thomas, and Pierre Garcon managed six catches and 81 yards against these Panthers in Week 1. Many are just going to see the points allowed by the Panthers defense and stay away, but the 49ers and Bills aren’t the Saints and don’t have a receiver of Thomas’ caliber. You should actually be excited about this price and opportunity. ZACH ERTZ, TE, PHI ($5,000/$6,500): The Giants simply can’t stop the tight end. Jason Witten had a 7/59/1 line in Week 1 and then Eric Ebron put up 5/42/1 last week. In addition, Ertz has games of nine catches for 152 yards in 2015 and eight catches for 97 yards last year against the Giants. And he already has 13 catches and 190 yards through the first two games. Even at $5,000 and $6,500, Ertz is a near lock for 2X value with the potential for much more. DOLPHINS DST ($3,700/$5,100): Sometimes, the obvious play is still a great option in DFS. The Dolphins face the Jets this week; it’s as simple as that. Need more? The Jets have just 485 yards of offense and 32 points on the year. They also have a minus-3 differential for takeaways and giveaways and five sacks allowed. If you want a high ceiling with a bit more risk, the Eagles DST is intriguing too given the Giants struggles, especially on the offensive line.