Welcome back to week two of college football! Week 1 was filled with upsets (Northwestern over Stanford), embarrassments (Portland St over Washington St), expected blowouts (Georgia over Louisiana-Monroe), and even a Hail Mary (BYU over Nebraska).
I will be filling in for Eric Rasmussen this week who is on stand-by, waiting for a baby girl due any day! Send him and his wife best wishes on Twitter!
In this article, we will list all games on the main slate for Saturday for DraftKings, focusing on the top plays from that game, if any. If you ever have any suggestions on how we can improve or have a topic you’d like to see discussed, please send us feedback on Twitter! You can also contact me personally here.
Houston @ Louisville (-13.5) — O/U: 54
The over/under here is slightly above average for today’s slate (53.5) and features two offenses that have explosive options ready to lead your DFS team this Saturday.
Houston
QB: Greg Ward Jr. ($7,900) lit up Tennessee-Tech in week 1, both on the ground (14 carries, 101 yards, 2 TD’s) and through the air (275 yards, 1 TD). Louisville held Auburn’s Jeremy Johnson in check last week both on the ground (5 carries, 11 yards, 1 TD) and through the air (137 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT) but a lot of that was simpy due to Johnson struggling. Ward is at a solid price this week and I expect his price to go up from here on out. Buy low while you can.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — Kenneth Farrow & Ryan Jackson continue to split carries & Greg Ward takes away several carries.
WR: Junior Demarcus Ayers ($6,000) is looking to be the 2014 Deontay Greenberry, after taking in 10 receptions for 121 yards and even adding 4 carries for 44 yards. In 2014, Greenberry had 39 more receptions than his teammate 2nd in receptions. Ward seems to have a favorite early, and we won’t complain. Ayers is also too cheap and is a near must-play, especially with Houston expected to be playing from behind.
Louisville
QB: Louisville started the game with a QB controversy and ended it with a clear-cut starter in true freshman Lamar Jackson ($6,100). The 3-star recruit isn’t lightning quick but had no problem running for 106 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Don’t expect much from him in the passing game as he was just 9 for 20 in week 1, but he certainly has some serious value at his price.
RB: One threat to Jackson’s fantasy output is running back Brandon Radcliffe ($5,900). Radcliffe is the clear #1 back and ran for 76 yards on 17 carries for 2 TD’s. That was against Will Muschamp’s defense. Houston ranked 29th last season against the run. Radcliffe could make a real solid GPP play here and is at a great price.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — I don’t trust Jackson’s arm yet so there’s no reason to take a risk here with several other solid options on the board.
Miami (Ohio) @ Wisconsin (-31) — O/U: 52
This game should be over by half-time, so let me use this section to talk about Corey Clement saying that Alabama’s defense was “nothing difficult” after rushing for 16 yards on 8 carries. Look, I don’t care if your hamstring was bothering you or not. Leave it on the field. Probably learned it from “class act” Brett Bielema. Ok, I’m done 🙂
Miami (Ohio)
There’s not a whole lot here. QB Drew Krummer ($4,900) could make a VERY deep GPP play as he’ll be forced to throw quite a bit. He was 14/19 (73.7%) for 255 yards and 2 TD’s in week 1, albeit vs. Presbyterian. Krummer likes to spread the ball around (8 different receivers in week 1) which obviously isn’t good for the fantasy production of one individual. The RB situation is just the same, as the top two backs had 12, and 10 carries each, respectively.
Wisconsin
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER as I expect Wisconsin to pound the rock.
RB: His stupid comments aside, I will be staying away from Corey Clement ($6,700) due to his injury concern and early blowout potential. I imagine he will be limited in such a meaningless game, even if the injury was not a factor. Since it IS a factor, it makes it even easier to stay away from Clement. Which back will receive the majority of carries? That’s a tough to predict. We have Taiwan Deal ($4,900) who had 6 carries last week compared to Dare Ogunbowale’s ($3,900) 3. However, Ogunbowale was very active in the passing game, tying for the lead in receptions in game #1 with 6, for 39 yards. Coming into the game, Ogunbowale was listed behind Clement as the #2 back on the depth chart. I’d probably avoid all three backs to be safe, but be aware: I expect one of the backups to have a huge day on Saturday–it’s just a matter of trying to predict which one. Picking just one, I’d roll with Ogunbowale who has more upside in the passing game. UPDATE: Corey Clement has been ruled OUT for today’s game. (9:30 EST)
WR: Alex Erickson ($4,900) is clearly the #1 option in the run-heavy Wisconsin offense, but there are better options on Saturday, especially with Wisconsin favored big. Erickson had 6 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown vs. Alabama, also adding 1 carry for 25 yards.
Oregon State @ Michigan (-14.5) — O/U: 45.5
Once again, Michigan is involved in one of the lowest over/under’s on the slate. Oregon State isn’t exactly the offensive powerhouse either, but I’m surprised Michigan is favored so big here. Expect this one to stay closer than Vegas seems to think, and as a result, there are a few fantasy options to consider.
Oregon State
QB: Seth Collins ($6,500) is another mobile QB who is known more for his legs than his arm. Collins ran for 152 yards on 17 carries. He also threw for 2 TD’s through the air, despite just throwing for 92 yards. The bottom line is that there’s upside here, even in a low over/under game. If Vegas is indeed correct and Oregon State is playing from behind, Collins will be forced to make plays–and he will. Expect him to be very low-owned and the perfect GPP play Saturday.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER as we had Storm Woods and Chris Brown split carries pretty evenly in game 1. Expect that once again this week.
WR: There’s two options here who I personally like in Victor Bolden ($5,300) and Jordan Villamin ($4,900) but not until we see the Beavers throwing the ball a bit more. Monitor them for now (because I do think they can become solid options later on in the season) but avoid them for Saturday.
Michigan
QB: We know that Jake Rudock ($5,900) is now the starter, which is nice, but he’s not worth any fantasy consideration on Saturday. Rudock threw for 279 yards and was 27/43 while tossing 2 TD’s but also 3 interceptions.
RB: De’Veon Smith ($4,900) led the way vs. Utah with 17 carries while Ty Isaac ($3,900) had 4, and Derrick Green ($3,500), who was limited due to an injury coming in, had just two carries. On Thursday, Jim Harbaugh said “There’s a possibility he could see action as early as this week,” referring to Drake Johnson ($3,300) who is recovering from a torn ACL. De’Veon Smith will still lead the team in carries, but I expect a bump in Green’s carries as well. Isaac will have 2 or 3, and Johnson will more than likely be limited to just 1 or 2, (if any), as I doubt they want to take any chances with him. Bottom Line: It’d be a risk using any of the Michigan backs on Saturday.
WR: Armara Darboh ($5,100) and Jake Butt ($4,400) both led the team in receptions vs. Utah, each catching the ball 8 times, with 1 touchdown. Darboh had 101 yards while Butt had 93. If they continue to keep up that type of production, I’d have no problem rostering either of them week-to-week. I like Darboh more than Butt to continue to put up those types of numbers but either could be worth a deep GPP flier Saturday.
Appalachian State @ Clemson (-19) — O/U: 58.5
Don’t write this one off. Everyone may remember App State from their upset of Michigan in 2007, but trust me, this team is much more than just that. The ten-time Southern conference champion and three-time FCS National Champion, and will look to pull off another upset on Saturday.
Appalachian State
QB: Sophomore Taylor Lamb ($5,600) had a very successful freshman campaign accumulating 2,864 yards (483 rushing) and 21 TD’s (4 rushing). A high over/under, and a talented mobile QB at $5,600? Go ahead and pencil him in. App State is expected to play from behind which makes Lamb that much more enticing.
RB: Marcus Cox ($5,400) is a workhorse. He carried the ball a whopping 255 times last season for 19 TD’s. If there’s concern that Cox shares carries: he had all but 4 carries in the first five possessions. By the time backup Terrance Upshaw ($3,200) took over, the score was 28-0. Cox IS the #1 back and is very talented (shout-out to my hometown of Dacula, where Cox is from) and has the potential to be one of the top-scoring backs on Saturday.
WR: Once again, we see erroneous pricing for the App State squad. The Mountaineers have three solid options in Malachi Jones ($3,800), Simms McElfresh ($3,500), Shaedon Meadors ($3,200). The latter two, had 22.8 and 16.4 FPPG in game 1, respectively. Jones is not to be left out however, as he led the team in yardage last season with 585 yards, averaging 16.3 YPC. McElfresh led the team in receptions in TD’s with five, while Meadors led the team in YPC with 19.1. So, who do you choose? I think McElfresh is the safest bet, and probably the top option. Malachi Jones is not far behind, with Meadors being the “GPP play” of the group with his big-play ability. Regardless, this one will be a blast to watch.
Clemson
I’m not going to even break down this one into positions, as all the top options are worth considering. This includes elite QB Deshaun Watson ($9,900), top WR Artavious Scott ($7,900), and RB Wayne Gallman ($6,800) who are all viable options for Saturday in what is expected to be a high-scoring affair.
Wake Forest @ Syracuse (-4) — O/U: 41
Syracuse starting QB Terrell Hunt (N/A) is out for the season and the over/under total is the lowest of the slate. Demon Deacon QB John Wolford ($5,000) had a very productive game #1, but is a traditional pocket passer who had a rare 70-yard rushing TD last week. This game can safely be avoided. I’d be surprised if there are 41 points scored in this one.
Fresno State @ Mississippi (-30.5) — O/U: 55.5
I have to say, I was surprised to see the Rebels favored by 30 but Fresno State is not the team they once were a few years ago.
Fresno State
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER as the Bulldogs will employ a two QB system vs. Mississippi
RB: Marteze Waller ($6,100) tallied 225 carries last season and started off 2015 with 22 carries for 154 yards. He has the talent to be successful but I can’t see Fresno sticking to the run enough to make this work.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER as we can’t really trust the Fresno passing game even though they do put up quite a few passing attempts. In game #1, 6 different receivers had receptions. Keyan Williams ($3,800) led the team with 7 receptions but accumulated just 34 yards.
Mississippi
I’m sure it seems unusual not to have any viable fantasy options in a game with an over/under of 54, but it sure looks like this game is going to be a lot like last week for Mississippi. In that game, no single running back had more than 11 carries, followed by 6 — all done by six different backs. In the receiving game, 11 different players recorded a reception–even star DT Robert Nkemdiche. It’s just too difficult to predict what the Rebels will do on Saturday and I think you’ll be safe fading this one. Expect the over/under to hold true, but I don’t expect any particular individual to stand out, fantasy wise.
Hawaii @ Ohio State (-41) — O/U: 65.0
Playing time could be another factor here in a game that should be over by halftime.
Ohio State
QB: With Cardale Jones ($9,200) now officially the starter, J.T. Barrett’s ($6,900) price has come down dramatically. With that said, neither would be a safe play but with each’s talent / upside, I couldn’t fault you for using either. I expect Barrett to be in the game for the majority of the 2nd half.
RB: Once again, I could never fault you for using top back Ezekiel Elliot ($9,500) who carried the ball for 122 yards on just 11 carries vs. Virginia Tech. Expect Warren Ball ($3,000), Bri’onte Dunn ($3,500), and Curtis Samuel ($4,200) to all receive carries. The order they are listed is the current depth chart, 2-4. Note: “Running backs” Jalin Marshall ($4,600) and Dontre Wilson ($3,900), who are back from their one-game suspension, are both listed as non-starters. Marshall is listed as backup WR2 while Wilson as backup WR3. Curtis Samuel ($4,200) is listed at #2 H-back behind Braxton Miller. None of these players aside from Elliot deserve any consideration due to the divide in playing time.
WR: See above: However, if you must play an Ohio State WR, Braxton Miller ($6,300) is pretty good…
Hawaii
Really only two potential options stand out here: Marcus Kemp ($4,700) and Quinton Pedroza ($4,400) are the top options for USC-transfer Max Wittek ($5,100). Kemp & Pedroza combined for 115 catches, 1,471 yards, and 6 TD’s in 2014. The 115 catches accounted for almost 50% of Hawaii’s total receptions, with the yardage accounting for near 53%. Kemp and Pedroza could surprise some people as Hawaii will be throwing most of this one.
Minnesota (-5) @ Colorado State — O/U: 54.5
Minnesota is coming off of a strong showing vs. TCU (or perhaps a weak showing by TCU…) where they were able to keep the game close. They are favored on the road vs. Colorado State’s high-powered offense.
Minnesota
QB: Mitch Leidner ($5,700) threw the ball 35 times on Saturday night and I expect him to toss it just as much–if not more– in this one. Leidner is limited with his options at WR but can also make plays with his legs as well. He’s not going to be in any of my lineups, but if you’re in need of value, he’s an option.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — As I wrote last week, we have a running-back-by-committee (RBBC) situation here limiting the upside of all the backs involved.
WR: If you’re going with Leidner, maybe try to pair him up with Minnesota’s most experienced WR KJ Maye ($4,100) who caught 4 passes for 73 yards and a TD vs. TCU. Otherwise, I’d avoid the MINN receivers.
Colorado State
QB: There’s so much value at QB on this slate, it’s ridiculous. Nick Stevens ($6,400) is a major part of that group, after putting up 31.4 fantasy points (FPS) on DraftKings last week. Yes, it was vs. Savannah State but he was extremely efficient, going 20/28, a 71.4 completion percentage. He’ll do almost all of his work through the air, but expect another 300 yard, 4+ TD game
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
WR: If you’ve played DFS CFB before, you know Rashard Higgins ($8,600) the reigning 2014 yardage and TD leader among receivers. He led CSU once again in game #1 with 7 catches for 84 yards and a TD. However, there are other viable options for CSU. Joe Hansley ($3,900), the senior from Highlands Ranch, starts alongside Higgins and had a solid 5 catches for 67 yards and a TD. That performance was good for 17.7 FPS, making Hansley an exceptional value play. One other option worth mentioning is Kivon Cartwright ($3,400), an injury-plagued “TE” who is worth monitoring over the season. I personally believe he has the ability to be a viable option for DFS but I’d like to see more games like week 1 where he had 14.6 FPS– solid for his price.
Notre Dame (-12) @ Virginia — O/U: 47.5
Wow, Notre Dame. No, Texas isn’t the powerhouse they once were, but a 38-3 rout? Impressive.
Notre Dame
QB: Malik Zaire ($7,300) was a big part of the win, completing 86.4% of his passes for 313 yards and 3 TD’s. I don’t expect quite as good of a line this time out, but he’ll remain productive. He’s a little too pricey for me with all the value on the board.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — C.J. Prosise ($5,200) led the way on Saturday with 20 carries for 98 yards after the injury to Folston. Prosise should continue to lead the way but he’ll give up some carries to both Josh Adams ($4,500) and Dexter Williams ($3,800).
WR: The Fighting Irish clearly have a #1 option at receiver in Will Fuller ($7,600). Fuller led the team last season in receptions (76), yardage (1,094), and TD’s (15). He picked up right where he left off, catching 7 passes for 142 yards for 2 TD’s vs. Texas, good for 36.2 FPPG. The lower over/under scares me a little bit, but I’d have no problem going with Fuller. He’ll be one of the top WR’s for DFS this season, barring any injury of course.
Virginia
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
RB: Taquan Mizzell ($5,800) has to be at least mentioned due to his work in the passing game. I wouldn’t typically mention a Virginia RB in this situation but Mizzell led the team in carries with 16 and added 8 catches for 100 yards and a TD, good for 31.5 FPS. I don’t see a repeat performance but again, I had to make sure you were aware of him and his potential!
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Tulane @ Georgia Tech (-30.5) — O/U: 55
Georgia Tech may have played Alcorn State, but they sure did show up, as the Jackets were up 48-0 at halftime. They may not do the exact same to Tulane but this one should not be close.
Tulane
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — Threw for only 1 TD vs. Duke
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — No RB had more than 6 carries
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — Four different players had 4 or more receptions
Georgia Tech
QB: Justin Thomas ($8,500) should have a field day, it’s just a matter of his playing time. He only carried the ball three times vs. Alcorn State although he did find the end zone. He also found the end zone through the air, going 3-4 for 53 yards. With another blowout looming, his price is too high and I’ll be fading him on Saturday.
RB: Once again we have a situation where carries will be limited due to the blowout potential. I’m a little more for taking a chance at RB with Tech’s explosive option game. Two options are in play here. Backs Patrick Skov ($4,400) and Marcus Marshall ($4,200) combined for 256 rushing yards, and 5 TD’s on just 20 carries. That’s a total of 57.6 FPS. Tulane’s defense may not be as bad as the Braves’ was, but they did rank 97th of 123 teams in rushing defense last season. My suggestion? If you want to target this game, why not target both backs in the same lineup? They may not get 57 again, but 45-50 is not out of the question.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER in Tech’s run-first offense.
Georgia (-21) @ Vanderbilt — O/U: 50.5
Vandy will look to build on their strong defensive outing against one of the best RB combos in the league.
Georgia
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
RB: I don’t have to say much about Heisman candidate Nick Chubb ($9,800) except that his price has dropped a few hundred dollars and he’s the top back in the nation. You can easily afford him with the value in Saturday’s slate. Chubb had 2 TD’s and 120 yards on 16 carries vs. Louisiana-Monroe.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER but Isaiah McKenzie ($3,000) should be more involved in the offense (he’s recovering from an injury which limited him week 1) and Terry Godwin ($3,700) looks special, so these players will be worth monitoring as the season progresses.
Washington State @ Rutgers (-3.5) — O/U: 62.5
This one has the 2nd highest over/under on the night as Washington State will look to put their embarrassing loss to Portland State in the past. Rutgers is coming off of a 63-13 win vs. Norfolk State.
Washington State
QB: In DFS, we have to have short minds. Any QB playing in a Mike Leach offense has the chance to go off any week. Luke Falk ($9,300) put up 43 passing attempts accounting for both offensive TD’s. He threw for 289 yards, and remember, they only scored 17 points. Imagine if they reach their true potential… Falk is an elite option even at his expensive price tag.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — there’s better options than the WSU running game, and the Cougars will continue to throw no matter the score.
WR: As you could imagine, there are several options here. Dom Williams ($5,000) led the way in yardage last week while Gabe Marks ($6,400) led the team in fantasy production, with 6 catches, 76 yards, and a TD. River Cracraft ($6,900) is another top option but will go heavily under-owned due to his price and lack of production last week. One other option I like is Kyrin Priester ($3,600) who has a ton of big-play potential but is a huge risk as well. Ranking them in order considering price I’d go: Marks, Williams, Cracraft, Priester.
Rutgers
While you were busy watching other games last Saturday, the Scarlet Knights were busy impressing. Coming into the game, there was a QB competition, but not when the game ended. Chris Laviano ($6,800) completed 4 passes…on 4 attempts…and? He completed 3 of those passes for touchdowns. ALL three of those touchdowns went to star WR Leonte Carroo ($6,700) who sat out the entire first half due to a suspension. I do feel bad for QB Hayden Rettig ($5,200) who was just as impressive–going 9 for 11 for 110 yards and a touchdown. With Laviano starting however, Carroo is a MUST START on Saturday in all formats.
Middle Tennessee State @ Alabama (-35) — O/U: 56.5
Alabama
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
RB: Derrick Henry ($9,300) and Kenyan Drake ($6,300) both could explode at any point vs MTSU. The Blue Raiders ranked 80th in FBS vs. the run last season. This Alabama O-Line will dominate.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Middle Tennessee State
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
WR: Ed’Marques Batties ($4,500) led the team in receptions last season (45) and started off 2015 doing the same, with 8 catches, 123 yards and 2 TD’s. I could see Batties maybe being a far-fetched contrarian play but it may not be worth the risk that comes with facing Alabama’s defense.
Toledo @ Arkansas (-21.5) — O/U: 55
Arkansas is coming off of a 48-13 win over UTEP while Toledo is playing in their first game of the season.
Toledo
QB: Senior Phillip Ely ($4,900) will start for the Rockets on Saturday afternoon. The transfer from Alabama has a history of injuries so it will be interesting to see how he performs in his (hopefully) first, full healthy season. There’s no reason to start him this week.
RB: Top back Kareem Hunt ($6,200), who ran for 1631 yards last season on 205 carries (8.0 YPC) will not be playing in the Rockets’ first two games due to a violation of team rules. That leaves Terry Swanson ($5,900) and Damion Jones-Moore ($4,600) to carry the load. I expect them to split carries more than anything, limiting each’s upside.
WR: Both of the top receivers from 2014 return for Toledo after combining for 120 catches (49% of total team receptions), 1,621 yards (53% of total passing yardage) and 13 TD’s (54% of total receiving TD’s). Corey Jones ($5,000) led the team in yardage and number of receptions while Alonzo Russell ($4,700) led the team in TD’s. With Toledo expected to be behind in this one, either of these WR’s could make nice GPP sleepers, with Jones having a slight edge over Russell.
Arkansas
QB: Brandon Allen ($7,800) is too expensive here in my opinion, but I can’t say he won’t have a productive game. I think there’s enough value at this position to go cheaper, but I wouldn’t fault you for using Allen in one of your GPP lineups especially considering Toledo was 121st in FBS vs. the pass last season.
RB: Alex Collins ($8,900) will be one of the top options at his position this year but is too expensive for me, as I’d rather pay up for Elliot. Toledo was 17th vs. the run last season but they also didn’t face many backs like Collins. Again, can’t fault you for using him.
WR: Keon Hatcher ($6,100) had a productive week 1, catching 6 passes for 106 yards and 2 TD’s. I see no reason why he won’t lead the team in all three of those categories this week and be in for another big day against a porous Toledo secondary.
Iowa (-3) @ Iowa State — O/U: 50
Finally we’ve made it to the final game of the slate, and it’s the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa State has won this rivalry game 3 of the last 4 years. Both teams will be looking to go 2-0 on the season.
Iowa
QB: C.J. Beathard ($6,300) put up a solid 27 FPS last Saturday, scoring two touchdowns on the ground while tossing one through the air. There’s better plays out there but Beathard does have GPP potential…
RB: LeShun Daniels ($5,300) carried the load on the ground, rushing 26 times for 123 yards. Other RB Jordan Canzeri ($4,800) had just 5 carries but did his damage through the air, catching 4 passes for 90 yards. There’s talent and potential here with both options but I simply can’t trust a two RB system in this big of a slate–even if Canzeri is primarily tbe passing back.
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Iowa State:
QB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER — Sam Richardson ($7,000) didn’t gain any yardage on the ground in week 1 which was concerning. Therefore, he can be avoided until he starts making plays with his legs again.
RB: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
WR: NO OPTIONS TO CONSIDER as 4 different receivers had 3 catches or more, but no more than 5 receptions total. There’s not enough upside here.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for reading. I appreciate it. If you’re new to DraftKings and want to try CFB out, sign up here to receive a FREE NFL Millionaire Maker Ticket ($20 value) for Sunday. DK is offering $10K to first place in the $100k Redshirt ($3 entry), paying out 7,850 spots. You can join that contest here.
Thank you once again everyone and enjoy your weekend!
Tyler
