Below is our game-by-game previews on which players should be considered on your roster as well as which players you may want to stay away from.
south Carolina At Georgia
Kickoff: 6:00 PM EST
Spread: Georgia -16.5
O/U: 52.5
South Carolina
Team Expected Points- 18.75
South Carolina suffered a devastating injury to Connor Mitch who separated his shoulder last week and is out for the season. Perry Orth takes over for Mitch. While Orth was decent in replacement of Mitch, he was facing Kentucky. This week’s matchup is much more difficult, and in this 13 game slate there are better options than taking someone from South Carolina.
Georgia
Team Expected Points- 35.25
RB- Nick Chubb- $9,900
Analysis: Yes he is expensive, but this is a South Carolina football team that allowed 5.4 yards per carry to Kentucky and 6.3 yards per carry to North Carolina. Statistically this season they have one of the worst run defenses in the country averaging 207.5 rushing yards allowed per game. Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the nation, and should be in consideration every week.
Recommendation: Chubb is a player who you can safely use in both cash games and GPP’s. The issue is that with how tight DraftKings pricing is fitting him in your lineup is difficult.
Texas Tech at Arkansas
Kickoff: 7:00 PM EST
Spread: Arkansas -11.5
O/U: 70.5
Texas Tech
Team Expected Points- 29.25
WR: Devin Lauderdale- $4,800
Analysis:
Lauderdale had a very disappointing game in week two as he only caught two passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. The good news was that Texas Tech won the game 69-20 and the game was really never in question. Lauderdale showed that he should be considered as the number two wide receiver based on his work in week one when he had a monster game of 8 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. Arkansas’ defense is one of the better one’s in the country, but Texas Tech is largely matchup proof and should be able to get Lauderdale the ball.
Recommendation:
Lauderdale should be considered for both cash games and GPP’s as with the amount of volume that Texas Tech throws the ball, he provides some nice salary relief.
Arkansas
Team Expected Points- 40.75
RB- Alex Collins- $8,900
Analysis:
Texas Tech has allowed 227 yards rushing to UTEP and 317 yards rushing to Sam Houston State. We have Collins projected for 150 yards and 1.8 touchdowns, and he should be one of the safest plays of the day as Texas Tech has shown an inability to stop teams from running all over them. Bret Bielema has been criticized immensely for not running the ball as much as expected in a loss to Toledo to week, so we fully expect that he will use Collins early and often in this run heavy offense.
Recommendation:
Collins is right up there with Chubb as one of the top plays of the slate at running back. There is a little bit of concern with his offensive line, but he still is in an offense that is built around the run and facing a team that can’t stop it.
QB- Brandon Allen- $7,800
Analysis:
Brandon Allen through the ball 53 times last game which we are not sure we have ever seen a quarterback in a Bret Bielema offense throw the ball this much. He is likely going to be forced to continue to throw as the Razorbacks are facing a solid offense in the Texas Tech Red Raiders. With the over under set at 70.5 Vegas assumes that this is going to be a shootout. There is some concern as Bret Bielema was under some heavy scrutiny for not running the ball more last week, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Allen’s passing totals came down significantly especially if Arkansas is able to establish the run early. He will see a downgrade due to Keon Hatcher his #1 receiver being out for this game.
Recommendation:
Allen is a great GPP play, as he is someone who has the upside that a lot of other quarterbacks just don’t have due to his 53 passing attempt game. He has a lot of risk and should not be safely used in cash games until he shows a consistency in passing attempts.
WR- Hunter Henry- $4,900
Analysis:
With Keon Hatcher being out for this game, Hunter Henry the tight end likely becomes the main target for Brandon Allen. Henry had 8 catches for 117 yards last game, and if this game is like the last one, he will see a heavy volume of receptions this week.
Recommendation:
At his price point Henry is more of a GPP play, as if Arkansas goes back to their typical ground and pound offense, Henry will be asked to block more than he will be used as a receiver.
Colorado at colorado state
Kickoff: 7:00 PM EST
Spread: Colorado -3
O/U: 57
Colorado
Team Expected Points- 30.5
WR- Nelson Spruce - $7,200
Analysis:
Last year there may not have been a better wide receiver than Nelson Spruce, so far this year he has not lived up to expectations largely due to Sefo Liufau having an underwhelming start to the year.
Recommendation:
Avoid Spruce in cash games, if you want to throw him in a GPP lineup go ahead as he is someone who has shown he can have a 19 catch 180 yard game.
Colorado State-
Team Expected Points- 26.5
RB-Dalyn Dawkins- $4,700
Analysis:
Dalyn Dawkins is someone who came out of relatively nowhere. Last week he had 19 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown and is someone who is going to play a significant role in this offense until Rashard Higgins comes back from his injury. His matchup is good facing a Colorado team that is not a good football team as they lost to Hawaii in week one.
Recommendation:
At Dawkins price, he makes for a solid RB 2, as he should have a similar game to last week assuming Higgins is still out.
Cal at texas
Kickoff: 7:30 PM EST
Spread: Cal -7
O/U: 58
Cal
Team Expected Points- 32.25
RB- Vic Enwere- $3,800
Analysis:
While Cal is the favorite in this game, they are overpriced considering they are typically scoring 40+ points per game and are priced that way. One situation to watch is Daniel Lasco’s injury situation, if he is unable to go Enwere becomes a very solid option. Last week Enwere had 5 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, he is a big bruising back weighing in at 230 pounds and should see a heavy workload if Lasco is out.
Recommendation:
He is a solid punt play if Lasco is out for both GPP’s and cash games.
Texas
Team Expected Points 25.25
QB- Jerrod Heard- $6,400
Analysis:
In case you missed it last week, there is a new quarterback for the Longhorns. His name is Jerrod Heard and he is electric when he runs with the football. Last week he had 10 carries for 96 yards, and is not afraid to tuck it and run it which is great for fantasy. His passing ability is still a work in progress, as he only threw the ball 7 times last week although the game was against Rice in which Texas most likely knew they were able to run the ball and win the game.
Recommendation:
He makes for a great QB2 if you’re looking for salary relief as his running ability makes him a great fantasy option.
RB- Johnathan Gray- $5,500
Analysis:
Johnathan Gray is an enigma that is difficult to figure out. He is a player who had a great game against Notre Dame, but only had 8 carries averaging 5 yards per carry. He has a ton of talent, and is in one of the best matchups of the year as the Cal defense was the worst defense in the country last year, but the challenge is will he receive enough carries to make value.
Recommendation:
Johnathan is a GPP play this week, as he can easily be a value play if he gets 15 carries against an awful Cal defense.
Florida at kentucky
Kickoff: 7:30 PM EST
Spread: Florida -3
O/U: 52
Florida
Team Expected Points- 27.5
Florida moves the ball around too much for our liking as they’re still trying to identify their offense under new coach Jim McElwain, on a 14 game slate there are better options.
Kentucky
Team Expected Points- 24.5
Kentucky has built their team off their run game, which unfortunately for them is one of the strongest points on the Florida team as they have only allowed a total of 51 yards over their first two games.
IOWA STATE AT TOLEDO
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Spread: Toledo -8
O/U: 52
Iowa State
Team Expected Points- 26
WR: Allen Lazard- $4,700
Analysis:
Allen Lazard is the definition of safe, it seems every week he is going to have between 11-17 points depending on if he is able to get into the end zone or not. The matchup is a good one as Toledo allowed 400+ passing yards to Arkansas last week, so Lazard should see a lot of options and at this price is the best option of the group.
Recommendation:
Lazard is a great option for cash games this week.
Toledo
Team Expected Points- 34
RB: Kareem Hunt- $6,800:
Analysis:
He’s back! Kareem Hunt returns from his two game suspension, and for those of you who did not watch college football last year, Hunt is one of the most electric players in college football. He couldn’t have come back to a better matchup as he is facing an Iowa State team that allowed over 200 yards rushing to Iowa last week.
Recommendation:
Hunt is a great cash game and GPP option.
Pitt at Iowa
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Spread: Iowa -5.5
O/U: 47
Pitt
Team Expected Points- 20.75
Iowa is one of the slowest paced offenses as well as one of the best defenses in the country. There are better options than Pitt this week
Iowa
Team Expected Points- 26.25
RB- Jordan Canzeri- $6,700
Analysis:
The Iowa running back situation cleared up a little bit as Leshun Daniels went down with injury. Canzeri had a great game last week when he had 124 yards rushing, and has had over 100 yards rushing+receiving in each of his two games thus far this season. Pitt defense is largely untested but did allow 37 points to Youngstown State including a running back who had over 100 yards rushing.
Recommendation:
Canzeri is going to be tough to fit into a lineup due to all the great options at running back, but he does have significant upside and is one of the safer running backs as he plays such a major role in this offense that should only increase with the injury to Daniels.
Rutgers at Penn State
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Spread: Penn State -9
O/U: 46
Rutgers-
Team Expected Points- 18
With Rutgers being a complete train-wreck at the current moment with the loss of Leonte Carroo this is a situation that is best avoided.
Penn State
Team Expected Points- 27
RB: Akeel Lynch- $4,700
Analysis:
Rutgers football has turned into a complete dumpster fire and while they have not faced a team that runs the ball, they historically have a poor rush defense. Akeel Lynch had 19 carries last week, and while the offensive line is poor it increases the amount of draw plays that they’ll run to try to take some pressure off of Christian Hackenberg.
Recommendation:
While Lynch isn’t the most skilled running back, he is someone who should see a large number of carries and someone has to score for this Penn State team, so he is a cheap running back who can nicely fit into your running back two position in a cash game. He is not recommended in the flex spot due to the inability to catch the ball.
SMU At TCU
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Spread: TCU -38
O/U: 66.5
SMU-
Team Expected Points- 14.25
Any team who is expected to score only 14 points should be avoided in both cash and GPP games. This game could get ugly quick.
TCU-
Team expected points- 52.25
WR- Kolby Listenbee-$5,600
Analysis:
It is always difficult to recommend a player in a game that is going to be a blowout, but in a 70-7 win last week, Listenbee had 6 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. He is one of the fastest players in college football and should be able to catch a long pass or two in order to pay off the value.
Recommendation:
Since this game is a potential blowout, Listenbee should only be considered in a GPP format, as it is always difficult to pick who is going to perform well in these blowout games.
Stanford At USC
Kickoff: 8:00 PM EST
Spread: USC -9.5
O/U: 50.5
Stanford
Team Expected Points-20.75
QB- Kevin Hogan- $6,000
Analysis:
Kevin Hogan is one of the more frustrating quarterbacks in college football mostly due to inconsistency. In week one he had an awful game against Northwestern and rebounded with an absolutely terrific game in week two against UCF. USC is a very difficult matchup, but it is one that if Stanford stands any chance at winning this game Hogan will have to be the key to their success.
Recommendation:
Hogan is a great option as a GPP play if you’re looking to punt at your second quarterback position.
USC:
Team Expected Points- 30.25
WR: Juju Smith-Schuster- $7,100
Analysis:
If you haven’t seen Juju play, he is the next Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, Nelson Agholor. It seems that USC just finds another guy who is one of the best wide receivers in college football. Smith-Schuster is no different, he is a guy who has electrifying speed. He had 10 catches 192 yards and 2 touchdowns last week. While he is facing a much more difficult defense that will look to take him out of this game, he is one of the top wide receiving options on this slate because of his pure talent.
Recommendation:
Use Juju in GPP’s as he is someone that has that boom/bust type capability. Stanford has a traditionally strong defense, so it is anything but a guarantee that Juju will repeat last week’s performance.
Wyoming at Washington State
Kickoff: 8:30 PM EST
Spread: Washington State -24.5
O/U: 66
Wyoming
Team Expected Points-18.25
QB- Cameron Coffman- $4,000
Analysis:
This is one of those rare situations where you are able to get a quarterback at minimum salary who is likely to start. Coffman was injured in week one and was unable to play in the second game of the season. During his time as a starter in week one he had 282 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. If he is able to do this he is the best value on the slate. Washington State’s defense is not good, and therefore can be exploited.
Recommendation:
He is the best punt play of the season so far, and is highly recommended for both cash games and GPP’s.
Washington State
Team Expected Points- 42.75
QB- Luke Falk- $9,900
Analysis:
It felt good to see the Washington State offense get back on track last week after a horrible week one in what was poor weather. Luke Falk put up the stats that you typically expect from a Washington State quarterback as he had 478 yards passing and 4 touchdowns last week against Rutgers. Wyoming gave up 48 points last week against Eastern Michigan allowing 330 yards passing to a quarterback making his first career start. This sets up very well for Falk to have another monster game.
Recommendation:
He isn’t cheap, but if you’re looking to pay up for consistency he is a great one to pay for. He is the safest player on the field and should very easily put up 400+ yards with several touchdowns. His upside is not great due to the potential for a blowout as well as a lack of running ability, but he makes for a great cash game play.
WR- Gabe Marks- $7,500
Analysis:
Gabe Marks is one of the most consistent wide receivers in college football. He is the definition of PPR gold, which is great for DraftKings. Last week he had 14 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. We have already talked about the great matchup that Washington State has, and Marks is a guy who will receive the most targets on this team.
Recommendation:
Marks is our favorite wide receiver on this team in this game, as he is the most consistent, he may not have as much upside as River Cracraft or Dom Williams, but if you can take a guaranteed 15-20 points you take it and move on. He makes for a great cash game play.
WR- River Cracraft
Analysis:
Both of these receivers will be underowned, but when a quarterback has an opportunity to throw for 400 yards there will be plenty of passes to go around.
Recommendation: If you are looking to differentiate yourself go with Cracraft, as he had some monster games last year, and has an opportunity to have a large role in this offense this week. Marks is still the preferred play, but Cracraft is a great GPP play.
Mississippi At Alabama
Kickoff: 9:15 PM EST
Spread: Alabama -7
O/U: 53
Mississippi-
Team Expected Points- 23
QB- Chad Kelly- $7,300
Analysis:
This is going to sound crazy that we are even talking about recommending a quarterback against Alabama. It most likely is crazy but Ole Miss refuses to run the ball, and won’t even try this week as Alabama may have one of the best front 7’s in the country. Chad Kelly has shown that he is a stud of a quarterback, and has the receivers that can hurt Alabama. Remember Bo Wallace’s big game last year? We aren’t calling it, but Kelly has an opportunity to have a big game against Alabama.
Recommendation:
Kelly is a deep GPP play only
Alabama:
Team Expected Points- 30
Ole Miss has one of the best defenses in the country, and Alabama is still trying to figure out their offense. While we like Derrick Henry, he is just too highly priced this week and should be used as a deep GPP play only due to him being under owned compared to the other top running backs.
BYU at UCLA
Kickoff: 10:30 PM EST
Spread: UCLA -16.5
O/U: 60
BYU-
Team Expected Points: 21.75
UCLA has one of the best defenses in the country lead by Myles Jack who will be a first round draft pick next year at linebacker. BYU lost their quarterback Taysom Hill and has had quite a bit of luck including two Hail Mary’s to stay undefeated. Their luck runs out this week as they face a team that is just too talented for BYU.
UCLA-
Team Expected Points: 38.25
WR- Jordan Payton- $5,700
Recommendation:
Payton is a guy who had almost 1,000 yards last year, and while he is off to a relatively slow start, much of that has not been his fault. He was taken out of the game by a great Virginia defense, and the UNLV game was never really close. BYU should be able to keep the game close for a while, which should help Payton see some additional targets allowing him to be in a great situation.
Analysis:
Payton is a GPP play as he is someone who has a boom/bust skill set. Josh Rosen has been great so far this year, but that also means he is distributing the ball around to different wide receivers, which means that Payton will be inconsistent for the time being.
Utah at Fresno State
Kickoff: 10:30 PM EST
Spread: Utah -14
O/U: 53
Utah-
Team Expected Points- 33.5
RB- Devontae Booker- $9,200
Analysis-
Chubb, Collins, Booker make for a great slate, but choosing the running back is going to be difficult. Booker is in a great spot, as Fresno State allowed 73 points last week against Ole Miss. If you’re into Narratives, Booker has a great one, as he was originally committed to Fresno State out of high school, but due to academic issues he was unable to enroll at Fresno State. He is going to be looking for revenge, and is one of the best backs in the country so should be able to do whatever he wants against the Fresno State team.
Recommendation:
If we had to rank them, we would rank them Chubb, Booker, Collins as there is some risk in Collins based on the number of times that they threw the ball last week. You really can’t go wrong with any of these players, and Booker makes for a great GPP play as he’ll likely be one of the lower owned guys due to him being on the west coast compared to two SEC running backs.
Fresno State
Team Expected Points- 19.5
Utah has one of the best defenses in the country, and although Fresno State has Marteze Waller who is a fantastic running back, Utah has consistently shut down running backs over the last few years including De’veon Smith and Michigan in week one.
