FanDuel’s Week 10 Main Slate features 15 games and will kickoff at noon ET.
This is a slate where the American Athletic Conference is in the spotlight. Only two games have totals over 63 points: Houston at UCF (71) and SMU at Memphis (71.5). We can look to these two games for some core plays.
This slate breakdown will go position-by-position, highlighting the top options and giving an overview of the toughest choices we face this week. The top options are broken down into two categories. Players listed as Core Plays are those who you can play with high confidence in both cash games and tournaments. Players listed as Worth Considering are viable as cost-saving options in your main lineup or high-upside options for tournaments
Injury Notes
More than any slate this season, late-breaking injury news is going to have a huge impact on roster construction. There are a number of big name players who look like game time decisions.
The biggest question is the injury status of Rondale Moore. Currently listed as questionable, Moore may return from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last four Purdue games. Priced at just $5,000 against a mediocre Nebraska defense, Moore would be coming at a discount of nearly $5,000 compared to what he should cost. He is going to have an especially big impact on overall roster construction since this is a week with almost nothing under $6,000 at wide receiver. If Moore is active, the higher-priced players at all other positions are much easier to get into lineups and will be higher owned.
Tylan Wallace suffered a knee injury in practice this week. There are some rumors it could be a season-ending injury but it is all conjecture at this point. Oklahoma State has only said that he is getting an MRI and is questionable for Saturday. We will probably have to wait until closer to game time for a final designation but for now, he shouldn’t be in any lineups.
Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman is also listed as questionable after missing the Florida State game two weeks ago with a shoulder injury. He could be one of the top plays on the slate at the position if we get some positive news on his health.
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is questionable to return from a knee injury. He has a nice matchup against Purdue but even if he is able to start, it will be hard to figure out how much he will be limited as a runner.
Notre Dame running back Tony Jones Jr. is questionable. If he was to miss, Jafar Armstrong becomes an interesting option at a very low price.
Some other injury situations to keep an eye on are SMU wide receiver Reggie Roberson, Miami running back DeeJay Dallas, Houston running back Patrick Carr, and Kansas State wide receiver Malik Knowles.
The biggest key to this slate is going to be preparing in advance for late-breaking injury news by having multiple lineups (or builds) ready to go based upon whether some of the key players are active or not.
Quarterback
Positional Overview
In the nearly two years I’ve been writing this article, this is the weakest group of quarterback options I can remember on the main slate. Almost all of the star quarterbacks are on bye and we also have a lot of games with low totals. With the strength of the options at running back, it is an easy choice to go with a running back in the flex spot in cash games.
In GPPs, if you are playing multiple lineups, the plan should be to spread out your ownership widely. If there is a positive this week, it is that you probably aren’t going to need a 40+ point game from your quarterback to win a tournament. The top scorer at the position could end up being closer to 30 points. My player pool this week will have more quarterbacks than any other week this season.
Core Plays
Dillon Gabriel, UCF ($9,400)
Gabriel looks to be the highest floor player at the position this week. The talented true freshman is averaging 308 passing yards and 2.5 passing touchdowns per game since taking over as the starter in Week 3. Central Florida has the highest implied team total (46.3) on the slate. No other team has a total over 40, so the 46 points for UCF stands out more than it would most weeks. On the season, over half of UCF’s touchdowns have come through the air and the Knights are the only team on the slate that projects for three or more passing touchdowns. The Houston defense is allowing the second-most passing yards (288 per game) of any team on the slate. The only real concern with Gabriel is that UCF might not need to pass much in the second half if the running game is as dominant as it was last week. The Knights rushed for 385 yards and 5 touchdowns against Temple last week, which led to Gabriel’s worst passing game of the year. Even in that worst case scenario, he still threw for 218 and 3 touchdowns, proving how high his floor his.
Others to Consider
Jamie Newman, Wake Forest ($10,400)
This tournament recommendation comes with the obvious caveat that we want to make sure Newman is cleared to start on Saturday. My expectation is that he will be good to go after suffering a minor shoulder injury three weeks ago. Wake Forest had a bye last week, which gave him some extra time to get healthy. If he can’t go, his backup Sam Hartman ($8,400) would be a great pivot and one of the best options on the slate. Wake Forest has averaged 328 passing yards per game this season and both quarterbacks also add value with their legs. Of the true dual threat quarterbacks on the slate, Newman has both the best matchup and the best weapons. Last season, against a better NC State defense in a low scoring game, Newman still put up 297 passing yards and 3 touchdowns and added 44 rushing yards in a road upset.
Adrian Martinez, Nebraska ($8,800)
Again, we need to make sure Martinez is cleared to start as he too is listed as questionable. Like Newman, he has a noon start so we will know right away if he is able to go and be able to adjust our lineups accordingly. Despite missing some time with injuries, Martinez has had two games this season with 30+ fantasy points. No quarterback on the slate has had more. He is adding an average of 8.7 fantasy points per game as a runner, which is a key stat on this slate that is mostly lacking top dual threat options. Purdue’s defense is mediocre, allowing 441 total yards per game and has given up some big numbers to mediocre quarterbacks, including 396 yards and 4 touchdowns to Minnesota’s Tanner Morgan a few weeks ago. Even in a losing effort against Purdue last season, Martinez threw for 323 yards and 2 touchdowns and added 91 rushing yards. Given the risk of re-injury, he is a GPP-only option even if announced as the starter.
Running Back
Positional Overview
The health status of Rondale Moore is going to have a huge impact on our strategy at running back. The position has some great value options in the $7,200 and below range. Kenan Christon ($7,200), Bentavious Thompson ($7,000), D.J. Williams ($6,700), Hassan Haskins ($6,400), and Jafar Armstrong ($5,200) each look like strong cap-saving options. However, if Moore is in our lineups at just $5,000, we may not have to worry much about our cap space and can focus instead on the more expensive options.
We have another strong week when it comes to expensive plays at the position. Chuba Hubbard ($10,800), Kenneth Gainwell ($10,300), AJ Dillon ($9,500), Cam Akers ($9,600), and Xavier Jones ($9,700) are the top overall plays and each project for 25+ points with realistic 40-point upside. If Moore is back, we can fit two (maybe even three) of these top backs into our lineups.
Core Plays
Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis ($10,300)
We will have to keep an eye out to make sure Patrick Taylor doesn’t return from injury but I am not expecting him to play. Assuming that is the case, Gainwell should remain in the starring role and should have a huge workload. He has averaged 17.1 carries and 4.3 receptions this season. Even more exciting than the healthy workload is what Gainwell is doing with his touches. He is averaging 7.4 yards per carry and over 11 yards per reception. He is breaking off explosive plays at an extremely high rate as both a runner and receiver. Four weeks ago he averaged 14.9 yards per carry on his way to 209 rushing yards. Three weeks ago, he averaged 22.6 yards per catch, with 9 receptions for 203 yards. He’s also scored 14 touchdowns in this last seven games. Memphis will be hosting College Gameday for the first time ever and will play in front of a rowdy home crowd in a key game against undefeated SMU. The Tigers are favored by 6 points in a game with the highest total on the slate (71.5 points). 200 total yards and multiple touchdowns are well within the realm of possibility for Gainwell in this matchup.
Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State ($10,800)
Hubbard has been arguably the best running back in the country this season. He has rushed for 1,381 yards and 16 touchdowns through 8 games. The numbers are even more impressive when you take out the blowout against FCS McNeese State when he barely played. In his seven games against FBS opponents, he has put up at least 127 total yards and one touchdown in each game. He has the highest floor on the slate. His ceiling is also unmatched, with four games of 36+ fantasy points. The matchup is merely solid this week against TCU. The total in this game is only 59 points and could drop further if star OSU wide receiver Tylan Wallace is out. TCU also has a strong rushing defense, allowing just 106 rushing yards per game. Given the matchup and the fact that Hubbard is the highest-priced player on the slate, he isn’t a must play. However, if Rondale Moore is in and we can slot him in at just $5K, it opens up the salary to pay up for a star back like Hubbard. Even if he has a below average game compared to his normal production, Hubbard is averaging 33 fantasy points per game ,so below averageshould still be pretty good.
AJ Dillon, Boston College ($9,500)
Dillon has been one of the most consistently productive backs in the country. The true junior has already amassed 3,741 career rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. Prior to being held in check last week against Clemson (19-76-1), Dillon had been on a tear. In his five previous games, he averaged 160 rushing yards. He has a sweet matchup against a struggling Syracuse defense that gave up 246 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground against Florida State last week.
Others to Consider
D.J. Williams, Auburn ($6,700)
Of the value options on the slate, Williams stands out as one of the best. The talented true freshman has emerged as Auburn’s top back in the wake of the injury to Boobie Whitlow. In a tough matchup against LSU last week, Williams was Auburn’s best offensive player. He rushed for 130 yards on 13 carries and also caught 2 passes for 21 yards. While Whitlow has been cleared to return, it has been in a very limited role, playing a few snaps as a wildcat quarterback. He shouldn’t be much of a threat to Williams’ touches this week. Head coach Gus Malzhan has been impressed with Williams. “He performed outstanding in his first time of extended play," the Auburn coach said. "Yeah, he’ll have more opportunities. I’m not ready to sit here and say he’s the guy, but I was very impressed by the way he operated in all aspects.” The game script sets up perfectly for a potential breakout performance by Williams. Auburn is a 19.5-point home favorite against Ole Miss. If the Tigers jump out to an early lead, they could lean heavily on Williams and the running game.
Hassan Haskins, Michigan ($6,400)
The Michigan offense has really rounded into form of late, especially on the ground. The Wolverines have rushed for 739 yards and 9 touchdowns in their last three games. Haskins and true freshman Zach Charbonnet have been the two guys sparking the offense. Charbonnet and Haskins have combined for 93 carries, 573 yards rushing and six touchdowns over the last three and had their best performance last week against Notre Dame. Haskins had 20 carries for 149 yards and Charbonnet had 15 rushes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns. The two should easily keep their momentum rolling this week against Maryland. The Terps gave up 321 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns to Minnesota a week ago. The Wolverines are 21-point favorites and project for 3+ rushing touchdowns in this matchup. Both Charbonnet ($8,500) and Haskins are in play this week. I’ll take the $2,100 discount on Haskins with the expectation he rushes for 100+ yards and finds the end zone at least once.
Bentavious Thompson, UCF ($7,000)
Thompson is the riskiest of the salary-saving options at running back but may have the highest upside. The game script sets up perfectly for the UCF rushing offense. The Knights are 21.5-point home favorites against Houston in a game that should be fast paced and high scoring (71-point total). The pie in terms of production at running back should be big for UCF. Last week, UCF’s top three backs combined for 344 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. The tougher question is which back to pick. Adrian Killins is dynamic but undersized and nursing a shoulder injury. He could see more time split out in the slot this week. Otis Anderson starred last week with 17 carries for 205 yards and 1 touchdown. He is firmly in play at just $7,800. However, I will take Thompson and the $800 savings as my favorite option amongst this trio. He is the biggest of the three backs and best equipped to run between the tackles. Thompson put up 87 rushing yards and scored twice last week. He has real breakout potential and should be the go-to option in the second half if UCF is able to open up a solid lead.
Wide Receiver
Positional Overview
Rondale Moore is basically a free square at only $5,000 if he is cleared to play. If he is in, we don’t have to dive too deep looking for value. Only if he is out do value options like Marlon Williams ($6,900), Jalen Reagor ($7,500), Anthony Schwartz ($7,100), and Taye Barber ($6,300) really come into play.
Wan’Dale Robinson ($8,200) is my favorite play on the slate outside of Moore. He is listed as a wide receiver but should get 20+ carries and at least a handful of receptions as the featured offensive weapon for Nebraska.
Outside of Moore and Robinson, there are a plethora of other strong options, though none really stand out as a particularly strong play compared to the others. Sage Surratt ($9,900), Gabriel Davis ($9,600), James Proche ($9,100), and Trishton Jackson ($8,500) are each strongly in play as WR1 options. The top pay-up options will all be listed as others to consider but at least one of them should be in your lineups if Moore is your WR3.
Core Plays
Rondale Moore, Purdue ($5,000)
Moore’s status is a key to lineup building on the slate. The recommendation here is to build two main lineups in advance, one with Moore and one without. That way, when we get a definitive answer on his status at 11:30 or so ET, we can act accordingly. Similarly, if you are playing multiple lineups in tournaments, you will want to prepare two plans in advance so you can quickly transition depending upon Moore’s status. If he is in, he is a cash game lock for obvious reasons. He is arguably the nation’s top wide receiver and he is priced at a massive discount in a strong matchup against Nebraska. If Moore is ruled out, talented true freshman David Bell ($8,400) would continue to be the top target in the Purdue offense and make for a strong play.
Will Moore play? We will just have to wait and see as he seems truly 50/50 at this point. "As far as progressing, he has progressed but still has a ways to go,” said Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm on Thursday. Purdue took the unusual step of not releasing a depth chart this week because things were so up in the air with their many injuries. “So, for me to say who is gonna start when I don’t know that for sure, this year more than ever, it’s gonna come down to how did they do (Thursday) when they were out there, how they feel in the morning with another round of treatment. How do they feel Saturday when they take the field and see if we can get something out of them.”
Wan’Dale Robinson, Nebraska ($8,200)
If Moore is able to play, he will be matched up against fellow Kentucky native and former training partner, Wan’Dale Robinson. The two have very similar skill sets with elite speed, quickness, and toughness for their size. Due to injuries at running back, Nebraska has experimented with using Robinson both as their primary running back and split out wide at wide receiver when they use their other healthy back (Dedrick Mills). The first time they were forced to do this was against Illinois when their top two backs both suffered injuries. Robinson exploded with 168 total yards and 3 touchdowns. He bounced between the two positions in the three following weeks, averaging 7.3 carries and 3.3 receptions. With the offense struggling in the first half last week against Indiana, Scott Frost decided to feature Robinson at running back in the second half. It provided a huge spark to the offense. On the day, Robinson had 22 carries for 83 yards and 1 touchdown and also caught 6 passes for 71 yards. We don’t know for sure if Robinson will again be the primary backfield but it would be logical. Maurice Washington is done due to off field problems and Dedrick Mills has struggled with fumbles and been generally mediocre. The worst case is Robinson is only given a handful of carries (he has at least six in each of the last five games) and 8-10 targets at wide receiver. The best case is 20 carries in addition to the 8-10 targets. We don’t know for sure but at just $8,200, Robinson will be in most of my lineups to find out.
Kendall Hinton, Wake Forest ($7,800)
If Moore is in our lineup at $5,000, then it is much easier to fit in somebody like Hinton’s teammate Sage Surratt ($9,900) who has seen 31 targets over the past two weeks.IIf we want to save some cap space, Hinton is a nice consolation prize. He doesn’t have the same massive upside as Surratt because he has scored just one touchdown on the season and is averaging only 10.9 yards per catch from the slot. However, in terms of a floor at a price of less than 8K, it is hard to beat Hinton. Over the past three weeks, he is averaging 8.7 catches and 98 receiving yards per game. He has 27 targets over the last two weeks. Wake Forest has the sixth-highest team total on the slate (34 points) in what should be a very competitive game against in-state rival NC State. Hinton is a safe bet to see 10+ targets, which is all you can really ask for with someone at this price point.
Others to Consider
James Proche, SMU ($9,100)
Of the $9K+ receivers, Proche offers the most bang for our buck. He has seen at least 14 targets in each of his last three games (16, 14, and 16) and should be in for a huge workload with SMU’s other star wide receiver, Reggie Roberson, Jr., questionable and likely to be less than 100% if he does suit up. SMU is a 6-point underdog in what is expected to be the slate’s highest-scoring game. Proche is a proven commodity. He caught 93 passes for 1,199 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and is on pace to better those numbers this season (61-692-9 through 8 games). We are getting a great combination of floor and ceiling for the price.
Gabriel Davis, UCF ($9,600)
Gabriel Davis has been very good over the last three weeks (25 catches for 417 yards and 2 touchdowns) but the potential was there for even more given the massive amount of targets he has seen (45 total). Given his big-play ability and featured role in the offense, he could have a huge day against Houston in a game where UCF has a 46-point team total. However, he is best used as a medium-risk, high-reward tournament option given some mild game script concerns considering that UCF is a 21.5-point home favorite.
Trishton Jackson, Syracuse ($8,500)
Jackson doesn’t stand out from the pack when it comes to top options on the slate at wide receiver from a raw points perspective. However, he does move near the front of the pack when taking into account salary. He is priced more than $1,000 less than many of the other top pass catchers. Jackson has great speed and is targeted regularly on deep balls. If he is able to connect on a couple, he could be the slate’s top receiver. He also comes with a solid floor given his target volume. He has averaged 11 targets per game over the last three. Jackson also has a dream matchup at home against Boston College. No defense on this slate has given up more passing yards (299 per game).
