Welcome back college football fans! We’re back for another weekend of CFB DFS with Saturday’s 12-game DraftKings main slate kicking off at 12 pm ET. Note that the Big Ten games on Saturday are unfortunately NOT included in the DFS slate.

Also note that this playbook focuses on the early main slate of DK. As of this writing, FanDuel does not have a slate posted. Once that slate posts, hit me up in the FA CFB chat for any lineup Q’s specific to that site. As always, I’ll be in the chat early Saturday morning to provide last-minute injury updates and answer any lineup questions for either site! Good luck! 

THE SLATE (betting odds via DK Sportsbook as of 10/23): 

  • 12 pm ET -- Syracuse @ Clemson (-46) -- 61.5 o/u

  • 12 pm ET -- NC State @ North Carolina (-14.5) -- 60.5 o/u

  • 12 pm ET -- Kansas @ Kansas State (-20.5) -- 48.5 o/u 

  • 12 pm ET -- Auburn (-3.5) @ Ole Miss -- 70.5 o/u

  • 12 pm ET -- Oklahoma (-6.5) @ TCU -- 59 o/u

  • 12 pm ET -- Florida State @ Louisville (-4.5) -- 60.5 o/u

  • 3:30 pm ET -- Alabama (-21) @ Tennessee -- 66 o/u

  • 3:30 pm ET -- Notre Dame (-10) @ Pittsburgh -- 42.5 o/u

  • 3:30 pm ET -- Iowa State @ Oklahoma State (-3.5) -- 51.5 o/u

  • 3:30 pm ET -- Virginia Tech (-9) @ Wake Forest -- 68 o/u

  • 3:30 pm ET -- Baylor @ Texas (-8.5) -- 60.5 o/u

  • 4 pm ET -- Kentucky (-5.5) @ Missouri -- 47 o/u

Highest Team Totals (per DK Sportsbook Odds)

  1. Clemson -- 53.75 points @ Georgia Tech

  2. Alabama -- 43.5 points @ Tennessee

  3. Virginia Tech -- 38.5 points @ Wake Forest

  4. North Carolina -- 37.5 points vs. NC State

  5. Auburn -- 37 points @ Ole Miss

  6. Texas -- 34.5 points vs. Baylor

  7. Kansas State -- 34.5 points vs. Kansas

  8. Ole Miss -- 33.5 points vs. Auburn

  9. Oklahoma -- 33 points @ TCU

  10. Louisville -- 32.5 points vs. Florida State

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Trevor LawrenceCLEMSYR950029.11  
Before rostering Trevor Lawrence, you have to accept the fact that he and the rest of the Clemson starters will likely only play a half of football this week in a blowout win over Syracuse. However, Lawrence showed us just last week the damage he can do in only one half. In the 73-7 win over Georgia Tech, he set career-high’s in passing yards (404) and passing TDs (5) before sitting in the 2nd half. So we know the ceiling is there and Lawrence could easily provide 30-40 DK points against a bad Syracuse defense before he’s out of the game. However, there’s obviously some risk as it could be RB Travis Etienne doing much of the scoring and production in the running game with Lawrence not needing to throw very often - before he inevitably heads to the bench in the 2nd half. The upside is massive but the DFS floor is uncertain for this price tag because Clemson is a laughable 46-point favorite - making him the perfect GPP play and hard to trust in cash.
Hendon HookerVTWAKE87000  
People may look past Hooker because DK currently shows no stats for him this season and he’s priced higher than some other notable QBs (Rattler, Jones, Corral, Howell). Yet, Virginia Tech’s dual-threat is off to a hot start over the last two weeks after being held out to begin the season. In his first game, Hooker’s three total TDs anchored a VT offense that put up 45 points and kept pace with a high-scoring UNC attack. Last game, the rushing upside was on full display as he racked up 164 rushing yards and three rushing scores - production that is so valuable from the QB position when you consider he’s also adding in passing stats. The VT offense is run-heavy with Hooker and RB Khalil Herbert as the one-two punch and both should exploit a Wake Forest rush defense that’s the worst in the ACC - allowing nearly 200 rushing yards and 5.0 ypc per game with nine rushing TDs given up through four games. He’s in play for both cash and GPP on this slate.
Mac JonesBAMATENN830026.78  
Although Mac Jones impressed last season in relief of Tua Tagovailoa, we didn’t truly know how good he’d be in 2020 as the starter from the get-go. All signs are pointing to Jones being a weekly DFS stud because of the immense talent around him on this ‘Bama offense. He’s now thrown for 400+ yards in three straight and owns a 12:2 TD:INT ratio through four games. This Tide attack is high-scoring - averaging 48.5 PPG - and they have a perfect balance of passing and running production. Jones has plenty of talented pass-catchers at his disposal and he should continue being a worthy QB1 in DFS all season. The Tennessee defense may seem like a tougher matchup on paper, but we just saw Jones toss 417 yards and four TDs vs. a top-tier Georgia defense last week. He should be safe for cash and has GPP upside higher than some names priced above him as well.
Malik CunninghamULFSU750025.46  
Cunningham’s statistical performances have been up-and-down this season, but that’s more a product of the defenses he’s faced than his own talent - even if Louisville is 1-4 thus far. He’s struggled vs. Notre Dame and Pitt but had good games vs. Georgia Tech and Miami. Now he’ll face a subpar Florida State defense allowing 32.4 PPG and giving up big fantasy performances to multiple opposing QBs this year. Cunningham brings some dual-threat upside with three rushing scores so far this year and the potential to put up 25+ DK points with his total production. This game vs. FSU will likely be high-scoring as it’s a matchup of two bad defenses facing offenses that can score plenty in the right situations. Overall, this game will be pretty DFS-friendly on both sides and Cunningham is at a great price for GPP’s for a low-end QB1 or a high-priced Super-Flex.
Jordan TravisFSUUL670011.09  
Ever since Florida State made the move to Travis as the starter, the coaching staff has given free reign to their dual-threat QB to use his legs plenty - and it’s resulted in better performances from the offense overall. In last week’s upset win over UNC, Travis ran for 107 yards and two TDs and he’s now totaled 251 rushing yards over his three starts this season. His passing stats don’t offer much upside, but he’ll continue to run it plenty and that makes him very attractive at this price tag. He should produce plenty of DFS value in a favorable matchup vs. a Louisville defense that’s below-average against both the run and pass this year. He’s a great cash game Super-Flex option.
Bailey HockmanNCSTUNC50009.81  
Hockman is now the starter for NC State with Devin Leary out indefinitely following a broken fibula last week. Getting a starting QB at 5k is ridiculous and bad oversight by DK - and Hockman isn’t just any backup moving into the starting job. He actually started the opener for NC State and put up nearly 20 DK points in a decent effort. Plus, Hockman appeared in seven games a year ago, so he has relevant playing experience in the ACC - including some action vs. UNC (this week’s opponent). NC State will likely have to play from behind against the Tar Heels - meaning Hockman should be throwing it plenty - and UNC’s defense has looked shaky the last two games. In GPP’s, Hockman might be the ideal QB2 for your Super-Flex spot because he has legit upside to put up 20-25 DK points - making him a massive value at this price tag while also allowing you to pay up elsewhere.

Also Consider: 

  • Sam Ehlinger - Texas ($9,900) - GPP

  • Spencer Rattler - Oklahoma ($8,500) - Cash/GPP

  • Matt Corral - Ole Miss ($8,100) - GPP/Fringe Cash

  • Charlie Brewer - Baylor ($7,100) - Cash

  • Max Duggan - TCU ($6,800) - Cash

  • Will Howard - Kansas State ($6,600) - Cash

  • Terry Wilson - Kentucky ($6,000) - GPP

Running Backs

Running Backs
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Khalil HerbertVTWAKE880030.85  
Herbert is one of the more underrated college RB’s this season, but he’s been a stud every week and now gets a very favorable matchup. The former Kansas transfer has run for 100+ yards and scored a TD in all four games this year while averaging a whopping 148 rushing ypg and 9.7 ypc. He’s taken advantage of easier matchups against below-average ACC rush defenses - and he’ll likely do the same this week. Wake Forest is giving up nearly 200 rushing yards per game and nine TDs on the ground through four weeks. This Virginia Tech backfield began as a time-share between Herbert and fellow transfer Raheem Blackshear - but Herbert has clearly won the starting workhorse job and has seen 18 carries in three straight games. He’ll continue to benefit from dual-threat QB Hendon Hooker being back healthy to keep defenses honest by having to account for both in the running game. The price tag may seem hefty, but he’s been performing at that level all year. He’s right on the fringe of being a cash game play (more so than Najee Harris or Breece Hall, though).
Travis EtienneCLEMSYR820024.83  
There’s two outcomes to playing Travis Etienne this week and they both involve him only seeing about a half of playing time in a blowout win over Syracuse. On one hand, Etienne could be a main reason Clemson is winning big in the first half as he racks up 100+ rushing yards with multiple TDs. That would make him an easy cash play at this reduced salary and in a favorable matchup no less. Syracuse has the worst rush defense in the ACC, allowing 252 rushing yards per game and 12 total rushing TDs through five games. However, there is some legit risk that Etienne does not produce like a top-tier RB if Clemson is scoring their TDs through the air without many touches needed from their star back. We saw that happen just last week when Etienne only had 13 touches for 73 yards and a score in a game where his team scored 73 points - while Trevor Lawrence tossed five TDs. Again, there’s two very real scenarios for him this weekend and it makes it tough to trust in cash. As for GPP’s, the ceiling is as high as anyone on the slate and his price tag is about as low as we’ll see him at for the rest of the season.
Chuba HubbardOKSTISU750021.73  
Maybe Chuba Hubbard hasn’t totally performed like the DFS stud he was last season, but he’s still a workhorse back in the Oklahoma State offense and can easily outperform this price tag. Normally, we’d lock-and-load Hubbard for cash games at this salary but the matchup is a tough one - Iowa State has one of the best rushing defenses in the country so far. Still, the upside in GPP’s is there for Hubbard to smash value because of his consistent volume in the Cowboys’ offense. He’s logged 20 or more carries in all three games while averaging 113 rushing yards and at least one TD per outing. He should also benefit from dual-threat QB Spencer Sanders being back healthy this weekend - preventing defenses from completely stacking the box against him. Even in this tough matchup, Hubbard has tournament-winning upside because he’ll see 20+ touches and be the focal point of the Ok St offense in a tight game.
Javian HawkinsULFSU660019.48  
DK pricing continues to be very inconsistent and that’s evident here with Javian Hawkins priced like a RB in a timeshare. In reality, he’s one of the best RBs in the country who can easily outperform his salary with how much volume he sees. He’s likely discounted because of a subpar effort vs. a tough Notre Dame defense last week - but the ceiling is very high for Hawkins in a favorable matchup this time around. His opponent, Florida State, is giving up nearly 200 rushing yards per game with 12 rushing TDs allowed through five games. Opposing RBs have had big single-game performances against FSU all year and Hawkins should be the next in line. He’s had two outings of 150+ rushing yards already this season and went for 100+ in seven of 12 games last year. He’s a very good cash game play because of his high volume of touches in the Louisville offense in a favorable matchup and a high-scoring game overall.
Tank BigsbyAUBMISS65009.2  
Auburn came into this season with a committee backfield, but Tank Bigsby has emerged as the lead guy over the last few games. As a highly-rated recruit, the true freshman had many reporters and Tigers fans alike assuming he’d win the job at some point - and it seems Auburn is starting to make him a focal point in the offense. He’s now rushed for 100+ yards in two straight games and had 99 total yards three weeks ago - thanks to his 68 receiving yards on seven receptions. He’s seen a high volume of touches in Auburn’s offense and that shouldn’t change with the Tigers trying to bounce back in a favorable matchup. Bigsby will surely benefit from facing an Ole Miss defense that’s arguably the worst in the nation and is allowing 265 rushing yards and three rushing TDs per game this year. He’s a great cash game play with tons of GPP upside as well in this pancake matchup.
Michael CarterUNCNCST590018.25  
For some reason, one North Carolina RB is basically $2000 more expensive than the other despite the backfield having a split workload and both having the potential for a smash performance. We should gladly take the discount and strongly consider Michael Carter in all formats. Carter really shouldn’t be this much cheaper than Javonte Williams and the only reason that’s the case is because Williams has nine TDs to Carter’s two thus far. Yes, Williams has been scoring the TDs, but Carter actually leads the team in rushing yards on fewer carries with an impressive 8.4 ypc average. The GPP play is Williams for the TD upside - but the workload is virtually split between them and Carter presents a very good cash play for the savings. They will face an NC State defense that’s below-average and should allow both backs to have good statistical days. In cash, though, it’s tough to justify paying up for Williams when Carter is so much more affordable.

Also Consider: 

  • Najee Harris - Alabama ($9,700) - GPP

  • Breece Hall - Iowa State ($9,000) - GPP

  • Javonte Williams - North Carolina ($7,800) - GPP/Fringe Cash

  • Kenneth Walker II - Wake Forest ($7,200) - Cash/GPP

  • Christopher Rodriguez Jr. - Kentucky ($5,200) - Cash/GPP

  • La’Damian Webb - Florida State ($5,100) - Cash

  • Christian Beal-Smith - Wake Forest ($4,200) - GPP

Wide Receivers 

Wide Recievers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Elijah MooreMISSAUB810030.45  
Moore has become a staple in these playbooks because of his high receiving volume in the Ole Miss offense - and it’s become really hard to ignore him in all formats because of the consistent production. He’s now logged double-digit receptions in all four games this season and is coming off back-to-back outings of 11 catches and 100+ yards as the clear go-to WR for QB Matt Corral. In last week’s loss to Arkansas, Corral looked his way very often as Moore’s 11 grabs were notably higher than the next-most (2) among Rebel receivers. Ole Miss has had to throw a ton this season because of how bad its defense is and the offense is usually playing from behind. We should see another high-volume receiving performance from Moore in this high-scoring matchup with Auburn.
Jaylen WaddleBAMATENN770032.45  
If you’ve followed college football at all this season, you know about Alabama’s loaded offense with plenty of talent in the WR corps. DeVonta Smith entered the season as the higher-rated in NFL Draft circles, but Waddle has been more consistent week-to-week and should also be a 1st Round pick come April. Smith has had some massive performances this year (see last week), but Waddle is the better per-dollar play as he should not be this much cheaper. Waddle has 100+ receiving yards in every game this season and he’s the big-play threat in the ‘Bama offense, scoring multiple long TDs as QB Mac Jones’ favorite deep-ball option. Smith might be the safer play with his higher reception volume, but Waddle isn’t far behind and he’s cheaper. He’s a great GPP or cash game pairing with Jones.
Jordan AddisonPITTND610017.38  
If you want sure-fire reception volume from a WR, Jordan Addison has proven it week after week and there’s little reason to expect otherwise this Saturday. The freshman has emerged as the top pass-catcher in Pitt’s offense as he’s logged at least seven receptions in five of six games thus far. And in the one game where he didn’t have 7+ catches, Addison left early with an injury. Some thought his production would decrease with QB Kenny Pickett out last week, but that was the exact opposite. Addison had season-high’s in catches (8) and receiving yards (147) with Joey Yellen under center last game. All signs are pointing to Yellen starting again with Pickett still out - and we should expect plenty of targets for Addison in the passing game. The matchup this week is a tough one vs. Notre Dame - but there’s still opportunity for Addison to return value with his involvement in the offense and Pitt having to pass more as they likely trail the Irish.
Jake SmithUTBAY580016.9  
Anyone ready to trust Jake Smith again? It all lined up for the Texas slot receiver to be a slam-dunk play two weeks ago before he was a late scratch due to a re-aggravation of his hamstring injury in warmups - news that we unfortunately didn’t get until after kickoff and lineup lock. We hyped up Smith in the playbook before, but the Cliffs Notes are this: Texas QB Sam Ehlinger loves throwing to his slot receivers with the statistics (and DFS production) proving it all of last season and every game this year; and Smith is the starting slot WR for the Longhorns when healthy. Last game, backup Jordan Whittington had 10 catches for 65 yards with Smith out - and we can only assume a slightly better statline from the more talented pass-catcher. As of now, Smith is healthy and listed as the starter on Texas’ depth chart this week and his receiving volume should be high as Ehlinger’s favorite target. Some may be writing him off after he doomed us last time out, but Smith should be considered as a great cash game play.
Anthony SchwartzAUBMISS530010.15  
We’re not sure what it’s going to take for Anthony Schwartz to be priced in the 6k range like he was for most of last year, but apparently DK wants us to continue to play him. Let’s target him in all formats in a very favorable matchup vs. an Ole Miss defense that’s getting gashed through the air and on the ground every week. If not for LSU, the Rebels’ pass D would be the worst in the SEC - and they are still among the worst in the country statistically. Schwartz, meanwhile, is two games removed from a 10-catch, 100-yard outing and he’s coming off a solid performance last week with his six catches and 59 yards. That’s three straight good games from Schwartz and the upside is massive in a high-scoring game against a bad defense.
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Dazz NewsomeUNCNCST43002.55  
It’s insane to see someone as talented as Dazz Newsome be this cheap and we should pounce on it for both cash games and GPPs. This is a WR who finished with a team-high 72 receptions with 1,018 receiving yards and 10 TDs last year in UNC’s high-scoring offense. Admittedly, he’s gotten off to a slow start this season - but we are beginning to see Newsome be more productive over the last two games. Against Virginia Tech two weeks ago, he had seven grabs for 69 yards and two scores (one receiving, one rushing). Yes he’s taken a backseat to fellow WR Dyami Brown in the receiving corps, but Newsome should not be this cheap. The UNC offense is starting to roll again and that will likely continue in a high-scoring matchup with NC State this weekend. At this price, Newsome is a near-lock in all formats and he’ll probably be highly owned by the sharp DFS players.
Austin StognerOUTCU43009.47  
This is now two straight Oklahoma games that DK has not only listed Stogner at RB, but discounted him so much that he’s a strong cash game play. For all intents and purposes, Stogner is a tight end in this OU offense but his H-back position on the depth chart means DK will stick to their guns and put him in the RB pool. Either way, he’s emerged as one of the go-to receivers for QB Spencer Rattler as a safe blanket underneath for easier completions. Stogner leads the team in receptions and receiving yards so far and he’s logged at least five catches in three straight games. The floor is really high for someone at this price. While he’s a great cash game option, Stogner will probably go under-owned and overlooked yet again because he’s buried in the RB pool with so many attractive, higher-priced backs people will prioritize.
Cary AngelineNCSTUNC420012.73  
We mentioned Bailey Hockman as a cheap QB play above - and pairing him with Angeline makes for a really affordable duo in GPP’s (or possibly cash games if you’re feeling froggy). You can even use Angeline as a cheap one-off in either format. NC State’s tight end doesn’t see a high volume of receptions in this offense, but he does lead the team in receiving TDs with five through five games - and has scored in every game but one so far. One other sign of upside for angelin is his apparent connection with Hockman - more so than other NC State receivers. Hockman’s two passing TDs this season have both gone to Angeline - one in the season opener and the other last week when Hockman entered the game following Leary’s injury. You could do a lot worse at this price tag and Angeline has proven upside already this year.
Charlie KolarISUOKST41009.15  
Iowa State’s tight end seems to be a repeat member of these playbooks as he continues to be under-priced - and he’s now cheaper than ever at just above 4k. Kolar is the safety blanket for QB Brock Purdy, which keeps his DFS floor pretty high with decent reception volume. Plus, he finally found the end zone last time out after leading the team in receiving TDs a year ago. For the price, Kolar is a great cash play because he should be targeted more with Iowa State likely struggling to run the ball against a tough Oklahoma State run D. He’s been getting overshadowed by the Cyclones’ top WR Xavier Hutchinson thus far, but Kolar is way too cheap for the value he can provide as a salary-saver in cash.

Also Consider: 

  • DeVonta Smith - Alabama ($8,400) - GPP

  • Tylan Wallace - Oklahoma State ($7,300) - GPP/Fringe Cash

  • Amari Rodgers - Clemson ($6,800) - GPP

  • Tutu Atwell - Louisville ($6,300) - Fringe Cash/GPP

  • Dyami Brown - North Carolina ($6,200) - Cash

  • R.J. Sneed - Baylor ($5,700) - Cash/GPP

  • Xavier Hutchinson - Iowa State ($5,500) - Cash

  • Taj Harris - Syracuse ($5,100) - GPP

  • Jaquarii Roberson - Wake Forest ($4,700) - GPP

  • Beau Corrales - North Carolina ($4,500) - GPP

Example Lineups
Please note these lineups are not meant for plug and play but an example of lineups created using the playbook above.

DK Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBMac JonesBAMATENN26.8$8,300
Pivot     
RBKhalil HerbertVTWAKE30.9$8,800
PivotJavian HawkinsULFSU19.5$6,600
RBTank BigsbyAUBMISS9.2$6,500
Pivot     
WRJake SmithUTBAY16.9$5,800
PivotElijah MooreMISSAUB30.5$8,100
WRAnthony SchwartzAUBMISS10.2$5,300
Pivot     
WRDazz NewsomeUNCNCST2.6$4,300
Pivot     
FLEXAustin StognerOUTCU9.5$4,300
PivotCharlie KolarISUOKST9.2$4,100
S-FLEXJordan TravisFSUUL11.1$6,700
Pivot     
      
DK GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBHendon HookerVTWAKE0$8,700
PivotTrevor LawrenceCLEMSYR29.1$9,500
RBTravis EtienneCLEMSYR24.8$8,200
PivotChristian Rodriguez Jr.UKMIZZ14.8$5,200
RBChuba HubbardOKSTISU21.7$7,500
Pivot     
WRTutu AtwellULFSU20$6,300
PivotAmari RodgersCLEMSYR16.9$6,800
WRCary AngelineNCSTUNC12.7$4,200
Pivot     
WRCharlie KolarISUOKST9.2$4,100
PivotR.J. SneedBAYUT13.5$5,700
FLEXMichael CarterUNCNCST18.3$5,900
Pivot     
S-FLEXBailey HockmanNCSTUNC9.8$5,000
Pivot