Welcome back college football fans! We’re back for another weekend of CFB DFS with Saturday’s 13-game DraftKings main slate kicking off at 12 pm ET. A couple notes on this playbook before we dive. First off, the Wisconsin-Nebraska game has been postponed due to COVID issues. Also, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence is OUT this week after testing positive as well - which is obviously news that changes a lot for DFS rosters.

Also note that this playbook focuses on the early main slate of DK. FanDuel has a full main slate that includes games all throughout the day, including night matchups. 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 10/29): 

12 pm ET -- Boston College @ Clemson (-31) -- 60.5 o/u (previous odds on 10/29)

12 pm ET -- Georgia (-17) @ Kentucky -- 42.5 o/u

12 pm ET -- Memphis @ Cincinnati (-6.5) -- 55.5 o/u

12 pm ET -- Michigan State @ Michigan (-23.5) -- 52 o/u

12 pm ET -- Kansas State @ West Virginia (-3.5) -- 46 o/u

12 pm ET -- Iowa State (-28.5) @ Kansas -- 52.5 o/u

3:30 pm ET -- Notre Dame (-20) @ Georgia Tech -- 57 o/u

3:30 pm ET -- Indiana (-11) @ Rutgers -- 53.5 o/u (odds via VegasInsider.com)

3:30 pm ET -- TCU (-2) @ Baylor -- 48 o/u

3:30 pm ET -- LSU (-2.5) @ Auburn -- 65 o/u

4 pm ET -- Texas @ Oklahoma State (-3) -- 58.5 o/u

4 pm ET -- Ole Miss (-16.5) @ Vanderbilt -- 64 o/u

4 pm ET -- Virginia Tech (-3.5) @ Louisville -- 67 o/u

Highest Team Totals (per DK Sportsbook Odds)

Clemson -- 46 points vs. Boston College (as of 10/29)

Iowa State -- 40.5 points @ Kansas

Ole Miss -- 40.25 points @ Vanderbilt

Notre Dame -- 38.5 points @ Georgia Tech

Michigan -- 37.75 points vs. Michigan State

Virginia Tech -- 35.25 points @ Louisville 

LSU -- 33.75 points @ Auburn

Indiana -- 32.25 points @ Rutgers

 

QUARTERBACKS

Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Matt CorralMISSVAND850036.85  
After losing Trevor Lawrence and Graham Mertz on this slate, the high-priced QBs are a bit tougher to navigate for GPP’s. Sam Ehlinger ($9900) and Brady White ($9700) are a bit too expensive to feel comfortable with the rest of your lineup, and Hendon Hooker ($8800) is hard to trust after underperforming last week. That leaves us with Matt Corral, who’s been a popular tournament option this season and usually comes through. With how bad the Ole Miss defense is, Corral and the offense are left to play catch-up and run a ton of offensive plays in Lane Kiffin’s fast-paced attack. The offense is very DFS-friendly and Corral seems to have locked down the starting job despite John Rhys Plumlee still being used as a runner. Corral actually brings some rushing upside himself, totaling 258 rushing yards through five games - including his two-score, 88-yard effort last week. The matchup is the best of the year for Ole Miss as the Vandy defense is subpar. Expect a big outing from Corral and tons of points in this one.
Desmond RidderCINCYMEM830016.66  
Ridder has been a great DFS play for the last two-plus seasons because of his dual-threat ability and added rushing production. This week, though, we’re targeting him more because of his passing upside in the best matchup of the slate. Memphis (Ridder’s opponent) statistically has the worst pass defense in the country this year, allowing 440 passing yards and three passing TDs per game through four outings. Although the Cincy offense is usually run-heavy, we can expect Ridder to do plenty of damage through the air because of how poor Memphis is at defending the pass while also having a stingy run D. Ridder normally doesn’t have much passing upside, but this matchup is too tasty to ignore. Plus, he’ll provide some rushing production for a solid cash floor with the possibility to explode on the ground - like he did last week with 179 rushing yards and three rush TDs.
Bo NixAUBLSU710015.8  
We suggested Nix last week in a favorable matchup and we’re going right back to the Auburn offense facing another porous SEC defense. This time, Nix and Co. get to face an LSU pass D that’s statistically the worst in the conference - allowing 344 passing yards per game - and arguably has yet to play an offense as good as Auburn’s. Although the Tigers have a strong run game (that Nix also contributes to), we should expect the offense to throw more in this matchup because of LSU’s tougher run defense compared to the passing side. Plus, Nix provides some dual-threat upside with 30 or more rushing yards in four of five games so far and 121 rushing yards and a TD over the last two weeks combined. This game will be very DFS-friendly for both teams as each side has below-average defenses paired with offenses that can realistically both score 35+ points.
Ian BookNDGT700019.69  
Admittedly Book hasn’t been the most consistent DFS QB this season. Still this price tag seems like a steal for a dual-threat like Book, who has tons of upside in a favorable matchup with his team as nearly three-touchdown favorites. Notre Dame should win easily over Georgia Tech this week, and Book will face a defense that’s been the worst in the ACC this year. Tech has been poor at defending both the pass and the run and Book could be in to produce in both or either area. We’ve seen him show both sides to his dual-threat upside this season - with three rushing scores in a game a month ago and then 300+ passing yards and three passing TDs last week. There is a risk that he won’t produce in a possible blowout win, but the price is way too cheap for the upside he provides. He’s a solid Super-Flex play for either cash or GPP.
Spencer SandersOKSTUT66000.82  
We’ve been streaming opposing QBs against Texas all year and now we get one at a very affordable price tag. Sanders has missed most of this season with an injury, but he was fully back healthy last week and was very valuable in DFS. In a tough matchup vs. Iowa State, Sanders was efficient as a passer (20-for-29) and provided 71 rushing yards and a rushing TD to complement stud RB Chuba Hubbard in the offense. Because he’s only played one full game so far, DK has apparently kept his price down. However, this matchup is too good to ignore. Texas’ defense has been subpar this year and very DFS-friendly to opposing quarterbacks. Sanders makes for a great cash Super-Flex play because his rushing dual-threat ability gives him a higher floor than most - and he brings some passing upside as well in a likely high-scoring matchup.
Ken SealsVANDMISS50006.81  
For starters, this is a very ugly play and I apologize for even suggesting it. Yet, there’s some real upside here because of how good the matchup is. Seals and Vanderbilt will face an Ole Miss defense that’s the worst in the SEC and one of the worst in the whole country - allowing 44.6 points and nearly 300 passing yards per game. Every opposing QB vs. Ole Miss this year has been DFS-viable and there’s certainly a path for Seals to do the same with this favorable matchup. At the extremely cheap price tag, he’s worth a shot in GPP’s as a Super-Flex salary-saver to allow you to pay up for one more stud. The risk, though, is that Seals is a freshman QB who’s yet to throw for 200 yards in any of his three games this year and brings a 3:4 TD:INT ratio into this one. Also, Vandy is just a terrible team altogether so there’s definitely bad vibes in general. Still, though, Seals will have to throw a ton in this one to keep pace with the high-scoring Rebels offense and he’ll face a defense that’s been allowing opposing QBs to put up stats every week. Roster with care but also with tournament-winning hope!

 

Also Consider: 

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

Hendon Hooker - Virginia Tech ($8,800) - GPP

Malik Cunningham - Louisville ($8,000) - Cash

Joe Milton - Michigan ($7,700) - Cash

Max Duggan - TCU ($6,800) - GPP/Cash

D.J. Uiagalelei - Clemson ($6,800) - GPP

Jeff Sims - Georgia Tech ($5,500) - GPP

 

RUNNING BACKS

Running Backs
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Breece HallISUKU910030.47  
If you’ve played CFB DFS this season, it’s no secret that Breece Hall has been one of the most consistent RBs every week and he’ll surely continue that in a very favorable matchup. Hall will benefit from facing a Kansas defense that gets dominated every game and is allowing a conference-high 207 rushing yards per game. The Jayhawks rush D has given up big games to opposing RBs in three straight games (Chuba Hubbard, Leddie Brown, Deuce Vaughn) and Hall will almost definitely be the next name on that list. The Iowa State bellcow has run for 100+ yards with at least one TD in every game this year and he’s averaged 153 rushing yards, 23 carries and two scores per outing through four Big 12 matchups thus far. Lean on Hall in both cash and GPP as your RB1 this week.
Travis EtienneCLEMBC870024.83  
Originally Etienne would’ve been limited to GPP’s because of his high ceiling, boom-or-bust tendency over the last few games. However now that Trevor Lawrence will be out after testing positive for COVID-19, Etienne becomes a much safer cash RB. With Lawrence out, Clemson’s QB situation is obviously really murky now as main backups D.J. Uiagalelei and Taisun Phommachanh are not only unproven, but both have been battling injuries this year. Instead, Clemson will likely lean on the run game a lot more often than usual - which should result in a high volume of touches from Etienne. He’ll face a Boston College defense that’s a little below-average thus far - allowing 165 rushing yards and nearly two rushing scores per game. The BC defense might end up stacking the box vs. Etienne, but he’ll very likely see 20+ carries in addition to getting receptions out of the backfield for easy completions for whoever ends up behind center. There’s obviously some risk because we don’t know what this offense will look like without Lawrence, but we do know Etienne is a stud and Clemson should ride his talent this week.
Chuba HubbardOKSTUT800021.73  
Although Hubbard hasn’t totally performed like the best college RB this season (like he was a year ago), he’s still been pretty darn good. Through three conference games, the OK State workhorse back is averaging 128 rushing yards and at least one TD on 20+ carries per outing. This Cowboys offense is still leaning on Hubbard in the running game to control the clock and bleed opposing defenses to be susceptible through the air or to QB Spencer Sanders’ rushing threat. Now, Hubbard will face a Texas defense that continues to be below-average and should allow this matchup to be a high-scoring one. Last year vs. Texas, Hubbard went off for 121 rushing yards and two TDs in a game that saw 66 total points. We could easily see something similar this week and Hubbard will be the main guy for Oklahoma State in a back-and-forth game. Plus, he’s benefiting now with Sanders back healthy to prevent opposing defenses from only keying on him when OK St has the ball.
Javian HawkinsULVT760019.48  
It’s no secret how much of a DFS stud Javian Hawkins has been this year and last - and now we get another favorable matchup for the Louisville workhorse. Virginia Tech is allowing 194 rushing yards and multiple rush TDs per game this year and the defense is coming off a game where Wake Forest ran all over them a week ago. Hawkins should have a big game as he’s routinely taken advantage of plus-matchups all season. When he faced two other poor rush defenses, Hawkins had 155 rushing yards vs. Georgia Tech and 174 yards last week vs. Florida State. He’s a guy who seems to always come through against easier defenses and this is another one of those situations for a back who owns as high of a floor and ceiling as any other DFS RB this week. It’s interesting to see VT as small favorites in this high-scoring matchup where Louisville should have plenty of success on offense - even if they end up losing. Hawkins is a great cash play for the price and always has GPP upside too.
Kyren WilliamsNDGT720023.35  
Game-log watchers might see Williams’ 38 rushing yards last week and 62 rushing yards in a game earlier this season and look past him this weekend. In reality, though, the latter came in a blowout win where Williams wasn’t needed and the last outing came against a tough Pitt rush defense. In his three other games this year, Williams is averaging 141 rushing yards and 20+ touches per game as he’s taken advantage of facing below-average ACC rushing defenses. He’ll have the opportunity to reach 100+ yards and score multiple times in another easy matchup this - Georgia Tech is allowing nearly 200 rushing yards and two rush TDs per game this year. The price is way too cheap for a RB who can post as good of a stat line as Breece Hall or Travis Etienne when the matchup presents it. That’s the case this week and Williams a great cash play with GPP upside as well.
Snoop ConnerMISSVAND430010  
Much like Wake Forest’s Christian Beal-Smith last week, DK has overlooked Snoop Conner this week because he’s the secondary RB in a split backfield. However, we should gladly pounce on this mispricing in GPP’s and possibly cash games because Conner can easily smash value. Although Jerrion Ealy ($6600) is the lead guy for Ole Miss, Conner is still seeing a healthy amount of touches on an offense that runs plenty of plays and scores a ton - allowing for both backs to be DFS-viable. Conner exploded for 128 rushing yards and two TDs vs. Alabama three weeks ago and he’s now seen at least 13 carries in both of the last two games - highlighted by an impressive 75 rushing yards and 5.8 ypc a week ago vs. Auburn. This matchup vs. Vanderbilt is a very favorable one as the defense is allowing 211 rushing yards and multiple rushing scores per game. Opposing offenses have had the luxury of running heavy in the second half with big leads and that could very well be the case for Ole Miss as three-score favorites. Conner, in turn, could see more 2nd half work as the team rests Ealy and gives their secondary back more touches with the game in hand. The price is way too cheap for someone who’s been plenty involved in recent games and he makes for a very attractive high-upside play.

 

Also Consider: 

Leddie Brown - West Virginia ($8,100) - GPP

Khalil Herbert - Virginia Tech ($7,900) - GPP

Deuce Vaughn - Kansas State ($7,200) - Cash/GPP

Tank Bigsby - Auburn ($6,900) - GPP/Fringe Cash

Jerrion Ealy - Ole Miss ($6,600) - GPP

Tyrion Davis-Price - LSU ($6,100) - GPP

Zach Charbonnet - Michigan ($5,200) - Fringe Cash

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Wide Recievers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Terrace Marshall Jr.LSUAUB780027.95  
With Justin Jefferson (NFL) and Ja’Marr Chase (opt out) gone, Terrace Marshall is THE guy in the LSU receiving corps and he’s playing like one of the best WRs in the country. Marshall has remarkably caught at least two TDs in all four games this season for a total of nine scores already. He’s in a class of his own in terms of LSU receivers this year and his QBs know it. It was Myles Brennan targeting him heavily before, and then TJ Finley did the same last week in relief of Brennan. Marshall is by far the best offensive talent on the Tigers and he should see plenty of targets in a high-scoring matchup with Auburn this week. We can’t realistically expect him to score two TDs for a fifth straight game - but it’s not out of the question with how often his QBs look his way in the red zone and on deep balls. It’s the best GPP play among the high-priced receivers.
Tylan WallaceOKSTUT710022.17  
You’ll notice an Oklahoma State theme in this playbook - and can you blame me? The Texas defense has been horrendous this year and they allow multiple opposing offensive players to have big DFS performances every game. That should especially be the case for Cowboys, whose offensive production is dominated by its workhorse RB (Chuba Hubbard), dual-threat QB (Spencer Sanders) and stud WR (Tylan Wallace). Although Wallace only has one “monster” outing thus far - nine catches, 148 yards and two TDs vs. Kansas - he has the potential to post big stats every time he’s out there. He did it numerous times last year and is due for another dominant game in what should be a high-scoring game with Texas. It helps that Wallace has Sanders back healthy as well. If you don’t go with Terrace Marshall, then Wallace is the next-best GPP receiver.
Whop PhilyorIURU54000  
The Big Ten finally returned last week and Indiana made the most of its debut with an upset win over Penn State. In the B10’s first weekend, we got a glimpse of some early trends in the conference and Rutgers (Indiana’s opponent this week) showed us their defense will likely allow a ton of passing yards this year. Although Rutgers won, the defense allowed Michigan State’s QB to throw for 319 yards and three TDs. When you look at Indiana’s offense, Philyor is the team’s top wideout and he’s very affordable for the production he can provide. Philyor is coming off a season where he put up 70 catches and 1,000 receiving yards and he’s the top dog in a Hoosiers’ receiving corps that lost a couple key names from last year and may be without its #2 WR this week (Miles Marshall is in concussion protocol). Philyor should provide a high enough floor to be safe for cash games.
Anthony SchwartzAUBLSU490010.15  
Schwartz has made multiple appearances in these playbooks and he’ll continue to do so if DK keeps him this cheap. He’s now put up at least six receptions in four straight games and is only a couple weeks removed from a monster 10-catch, 100-yard performance. He’s one of the fastest players in the country and will be a top weapon for Auburn’s offense every week. Even when he was overshadowed by Seth Williams last game, Schwartz still totaled seven receptions. While his yardage totals are mostly low, the high-reception involvement from Schwartz is very encouraging. Auburn should have no problem moving the ball and scoring in this matchup with Auburn - and Schwartz remains very affordable for cash games with his fairly high floor. You can easily pair him or Williams ($6000) with Bo Nix in any format too.
Jake SmithUTOKST480016.9  
It’s been a whirlwind DFS experience for those rostering Jake Smith this season, and now his price has weirdly dropped below 5k - making him an attractive value option in all formats. Smith has been a target for us this year because he’s the starting slot WR in a Texas offense that utilizes the slot receiver a ton in the passing game. QB Sam Ehlinger normally targets his slot guys heavily and Smith benefited from that earlier this year when he posted six catches for 49 yards and a TD vs. TCU. After missing a game with a hamstring injury, Smith returned last week but oddly only had one reception. There’s a chance the hamstring is still bothering him, but we’ve seen the big games from Texas slot WRs this season and last and Smith could easily smash value at this price tag. It’s definitely risky because of Smith’s inconsistent production and a tough matchup vs. Oklahoma State’s stalwart defense - but the upside is definitely there if you want to chance it in GPP’s.
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Tahj WashingtonMEMCINCY45005.4  
Normally the Memphis offensive players would be strong DFS options, but we have to temper expectations a bit this week against a really strong Cincinnati defense. Still, Tahj Washington presents some value in GPP’s in what should be a high-scoring game. Washington has moved into a more prominent role in Memphis’ WR corps after Damonte Coxie opted out two weeks ago. In the two games with Coxie out, Washington went for seven catches and 131 yards in one outing and then five grabs for 77 yards and two TD last week. He’s way too cheap for his increased receiving role in Memphis’ offense and could easily return value if the Tigers are throwing more often while playing from behind - something Vegas is expecting with Cincy as one-score favorites in a high total matchup. Washington is definitely worth a shot in tournaments.
Alec PierceCINCYMEM42000  
What if I told you that for only $4200 you can roster the #1 WR on an offense that’ll be facing the worst passing defense in the country? Did I mention that WR plays for the #7 team in the nation and should be involved in a high-scoring game this week? That’s Alec Pierce in a nutshell on this slate and those simple facts alone make him tough to ignore in any format. Pierce is likely priced this low because he just made his season debut last week after being out with a knee injury. In the debut, he only caught three passes for 22 yards - but those three receptions did lead the team. Although Cincy has a run-heavy offense, they might pass more often this week because Memphis (as we mentioned) has the worst statistical pass D the country and their run D is actually pretty solid thus far. Pierce is the Bearcats’ top returning pass-catcher from last year and he’ll surely become more involved in the coming weeks now that he’s healthy. This week is a good time to do so - Pierce averaged 4.5 receptions and 82 yards over two games vs. Memphis last year.
Charlie KolarISUKU40009.15  
If you’re familiar with these playbooks, tight end Charlie Kolar has become a household name because he remains way too cheap for what his role is in Iowa State’s offense. Until the salary rises, he’s still a very safe cash game play because of his consistent reception volume. Kolar had another five catches for 54 yards last week and he’s now averaging 4.3 receptions per game as one of QB Brock Purdy’s top passing targets. There’s still some positive regression likely coming, too, because Kolar only has one TD this year after his seven TD receptions last season led the team. This matchup vs. Kansas should allow for Purdy and the offense to score plenty of points and Kolar could easily find the end zone. At the price, he’s a solid cash game filler if you need a cheap WR.

 

Also Consider: 

Elijah Moore - Ole Miss ($8,400) - GPP

Tutu Atwell - Louisville ($6,800) - Cash/GPP

Amari Rodgers - Clemson ($6,500) - GPP

Seth Williams - Auburn ($6,000) - Cash/GPP

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

Ronnie Bell - Michigan ($5,300) - Cash

R.J. Sneed - Baylor ($5,000) - Cash

Kwamie Lassiter II - Kansas ($4,200) - GPP

Michael Mayer - Notre Dame ($3,900) - GPP/Fringe Cash

Example Lineups

 

DK Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBDesmond RidderCINCYMEM16.7$8,300
Pivot     
RBBreece HallISUKU30.5$9,100
PivotTravis EtienneCLEMBC24.8$8,700
RBKyren WilliamsNDGT23.4$7,200
PivotJavian HawkinsULVT19.5$7,600
WRJake SmithUTOKST16.9$4,800
Pivot     
WRAnthony SchwartzAUBLSU10.2$4,900
Pivot     
WRAlec PierceCINCYMEM-$4,200
Pivot     
FLEXSnoop ConnerMISSVAND10$4,300
Pivot     
S-FLEXBo NixAUBLSU15.8$7,100
PivotIan BookNDGT19.7$7,000
DK GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBMatt CorralMISSVAND36.9$8,500
Pivot     
RBChuba HubbardOKSTUT21.7$8,000
PivotKhalil HerbertVTUL30.9$7,900
RBTank BigsbyAUBLSU9.2$6,900
Pivot     
WRTerrace Marshall Jr.LSUAUB28$7,800
PivotTylan WallaceOKSTUT22.2$7,100
WRWhop PhilyorIURU-$5,400
PivotKwamie Lassiter IIKUISU13.4$4,200
WRTahj WashingtonMEMCINCY5.4$4,500
Pivot     
FLEXMichael MayerNDGT4.2$3,800
PivotSnoop ConnerMISSVAND10$4,300
S-FLEXKen SealsVANDMISS6.8$5,000
PivotSpencer SandersOKSTUT0.80$6,600