Welcome back, college football fans and DFS players! How’d you do with your Week 9 DFS CFB lineups? We had a very interesting and exciting slate of football last Saturday with big performances from some offenses and duds from others. It’s time now to look towards the Saturday night slate of games kicking off at 7:00 pm ET and later. 

DraftKings has a solid six-game slate while FanDuel has a slightly larger nine-game slate, with the six earlier matchups overlapping on both sites. FD has added three extra games that will definitely make lineup construction different on the site. For the purposes of this playbook, though, we will break down the top plays from all price ranges for those six common games across both sites, but we will include some top plays and sample lineups from the FD Only games.

Let’s take a quick look at the projected top-scoring offenses to target, according to Bovada’s spreads. 

Teams To Target (By Implied Point Totals):

  1. Memphis -- 37.75 Points vs. SMU (70 Total)
  2. UCLA -- 35.75 Points vs. Colorado (65 Total)
  3. Auburn -- 35.75 Points vs. Mississippi (52.5 Total)
  4. Oregon -- 33.5 Points at USC (61.5 Total)
  5. South Carolina -- 33.5 Points vs. Vanderbilt (51 Total)
  6. SMU -- 32.25 Points at Memphis (70 Total)

Now, let’s dive into the specific players that are worth rostering in both cash game and tournament lineups for this Week 10 Saturday night slate!

QUARTERBACKS

Justin Herbert - Oregon ($7,500 DK / $8,900 FD)

Herbert has been an interesting case study this season. Coming into the year he was one of the top quarterback draft prospects in the country, but his game-to-game stats have not shown that upside on a consistent basis. Earlier in the year, he had back-to-back games with five passing touchdowns, yet he’s failed to put up more than 20 DK points in three of the last four games. Still, this looks like a matchup where Herbert can post big numbers facing a USC defense that’s allowing a ton of yards per game and just got torched through the air by Shane Montez last week. With no Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow or Tua Tagovailoa on this slate, Herbert is the top pay-up option with one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback. 

Brady White - Memphis ($7,300 DK / $9,800 FD)

Considering how many points Memphis is expected to score, the most on this slate according to Vegas, Brady White needs to be considered. You can even stack him in lineups with Kenneth Gainwell to get exposure to both the passing and running games for the Tigers. White has thrown at least two touchdowns in seven straight games, and he’s posted 360 yards in two of the last three games. SMU’s defense is giving up about 240 passing yards per game and White could easily eclipse that number if this game is going back-and-forth on the scoreboard. He looks like a pretty safe cash game play on this slate with one of the highest floors of the position. 

Shane Montez - Colorado ($6,800 DK / $9,100 FD)

If you played Montez two or three weeks ago, you know how much of a nightmare he was to have in your DFS lineups. The Colorado quarterback posted two straight games of less than three DK points and he basically killed any chance at cashing. Yet, Montez has shown he can be productive in certain matchups and that’s definitely the case here against a UCLA defense that is giving up nearly 300 passing yards per game. The one encouraging sign for Montez is that his top wideout, Laviska Shenault, seems back to full health after he battled an injury for a few weeks in a row. With Shenault back to being an elite target last week against USC, Montez threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, something he can easily do this week again. Still, limit your exposure to GPP’s because of the risk of putting up a stinker, like he did two weeks ago in another good matchup against Washington State. 

John Rhys Plumlee - Mississippi ($6,300 DK / $8,700 FD)

Want to roster a starting running back in your quarterback spot this week? Okay, Plumlee isn’t a running back by trade but his recent stats suggest otherwise. The dual-threat has been putting up some monster rushing games lately and that rushing upside from the quarterback position in DFS is impossible to ignore. Before his last outing, Plumlee had three straight games of at least 20 carries, 100+ rushing yards and a rushing score. He could’ve easily made it four in a row but a concussion forced him out early of that last loss to Texas A&M. All reports indicate Plumlee will be cleared for this one and he has the chance to do a ton of damage on the ground again, even in a tougher matchup against Auburn. 

Also Consider: 

Shane Buechele - SMU ($7,200 DK / $9,800 FD)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson - UCLA ($7,100 DK / $8,400 FD)

Ryan Hilinski - South Carolina ($6,000 DK / $6,900 FD)

Mo Hasan - Vanderbilt ($4,500 DK / $7,000 FD) *IF HE STARTS*

RUNNING BACKS

Kenneth Gainwell - Memphis ($8,300 DK / $10,300 FD)

Gainwell is the only player above 8K on DraftKings at any position on this slate, and it’s certainly warranted as he’s the clear-cut best play overall, no matter how expensive he seems. Since he took over as Memphis’ lead back for the injured Patrick Taylor in Week 2, Gainwell has been a DFS beast. He’s rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in each of the last six games, and he’s usually doing a lot more than that. Two weeks ago, Gainwell racked up 306 total yards and three scores, then followed that performance up with 149 rushing yards and three touchdowns last week. Between both his rushing and receiving production, Gainwell’s DFS floor remains extremely high because of his guaranteed volume in this Memphis offense. Oh yeah, he’s also the best player on the team projected to score the most points on this slate, in a game with a 70-point total. The only worry surrounding Gainwell is Patrick Taylor’s eventual return to lead back duties. Yet, that’s likely not coming this week as Taylor has yet to practice with full contact and he definitely won’t take away from Gainwell’s large volume of touches in his first game back. Fade Gainwell at your own risk in all formats. 

Xavier Jones - SMU ($7,700 DK / $9,700 FD)

If not for Gainwell’s presence on this slate, then Xavier Jones would be the top running back play. It’s ironic the top running backs are facing off against each other, and yet, both are fully in play because of the high point total in this game and their guaranteed volume of touches. It will be tough to build lineups with both these guys, so Jones may go under-owned overall with people opting to go with Gainwell and the higher ceiling. Still, Jones looks like a very good GPP play with this trend. The SMU lead back has rushed for 100+ yards in six of eight games this season, including four straight, and he’s already racked up 16 total touchdowns over eight contests. Although the Mustangs offense is strong through the air, Jones has still been able to get his rushing production because of how high-scoring SMU’s games are on both ends. 

Joshua Kelley - UCLA ($6,800 DK / $9,300 FD)

Admittedly, we missed out on Kelley’s massive game last week when he exploded for four touchdowns and 164 rushing yards on 34 carries against Arizona State. The Bruins were not expected to win that game and the game script did not favor Kelley getting that many opportunities or production. Yet, we can safely roster Kelley in all formats this week against a Colorado defense that’s allowing 475 total yards per game and 160 on the ground. UCLA is favored by nearly a touchdown in this matchup and Kelley should see another 20+ touches, a number he’s reached in five straight games. He also gets a boost in value because UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is battling a leg injury which has limited his usual dual-threat abilities. 

Tavien Feaster - South Carolina ($5,300 DK / $8,300 FD)

With Rico Dowdle already ruled out, it will be Feaster operating as South Carolina’s lead back for the third straight game in a favorable matchup as well. His price on DK makes him one of the slate’s best bargains. When Dowdle went down two weeks ago, Feaster racked up 175 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in a tough matchup vs. Florida. Last week, Feaster had 80 rushing yards and a score on 19 carries, but he could’ve had a better game if the Gamecocks weren’t playing from behind. This Saturday night, Feaster will again be the lead back for a South Carolina team that’s favored by two touchdowns at home vs. Vanderbilt, a defense that’s allowing over 200 rushing yards per game. The Clemson transfer looks like a safe cash game play on this slate with pretty decent upside for GPP’s as well. 

D.J. Williams - Auburn ($4,000 DK / $6,700 FD)

Even with Auburn’s lead back, JaTarvious Whitlow, back from injury last game, we saw Williams rack up 130 rushing yards on 13 carries as the preferred option in the backfield. It’s really interesting to see Williams get that much volume with Whitlow active and against a tough LSU defense. The Tigers’ coaching staff clearly has more trust in Williams, a true freshman, than the senior Kam Martin or a banged-up Whitlow. Coach Gus Malzahn actually said this week that Whitlow will be used in limited fashion yet again this week, so it’s Williams who should get the majority of carries vs. Mississippi. It’s very possible we see another 100+ rushing yards from Williams again with Auburn favored by 20 points and going against an Ole Miss defense that’s allowing a ton of yards to opposing offenses. At 4K on Draftkings, Williams looks like one of the best values at RB if he’s giving us another 20+ points. 

Also Consider:

CJ Verdell - Oregon ($6,100 DK / $8,600 FD)

Kenan Christon - USC ($5,900 DK / $7,200 FD)

Alex Fontenot - Colorado ($5,800 DK / $8,100 FD)

Cyrus Habibi-Likio - Oregon ($4,900 DK / $7,400 FD)

WIDE RECEIVERS

James Proche - SMU ($7,400 DK / $9,100 FD)

Proche is the most expensive wide receiver on both sites for this slate for a reason. He’s the best receiver in the game with the highest over/under. And it gets even better for Proche. Fellow SMU wideout Reggie Roberson is questionable for this game with a foot injury and if he sits out (or is limited at all) then Proche’s DFS floor and ceiling go even higher. Even with Roberson in the lineup, Proche had nine receiving touchdowns through eight games and at least seven receptions in all but one game this season. He’s been getting it done on a weekly basis with Roberson healthy and he should only get more receptions and red zone targets with his teammate out (or at least limited). 

Laviska Shenault Jr. - Colorado ($6,400 DK / $8,900 FD)

Proche might the salary king at this position, but Shenault is the most talented wide receiver in action on this slate, and possibly in the entire country. Plus, you get him at a discounted price compared to Proche for likely similar production. Shenault battled an abdomen injury in recent weeks but he seems to be back to full health after he put up nine receptions, 172 yards and a touchdown last week. His injury definitely capped his upside, but he’s back to being a safe cash and tournament play now that he’s being targeted more regularly and used in the running game. He could be in line for another massive game against a UCLA defense that’s allowing nearly 300 passing yards per game. 

Damonte Coxie - Memphis ($5,800 DK / $8,000 FD)

Back to this Memphis-SMU game and we need to be considering the best receiver on the opposite side of Proche. The Tigers’ top wideout, Damonte Coxie, has been up-and-down this season in terms of DFS production, but there’s no denying he is the number one target for quarterback Brady White. Last week against Tulsa, Coxie caught five of nine targets for 112 yards. He only has three touchdowns on the year, which is likely keeping his salary lower than normal, but he has weekly potential to post 100+ yards on five to seven receptions. If you like SMU to upset Memphis in this one, Coxie looks like a great play because the Tigers may play from behind and force the ball to him in the passing game. 

Juwan Johnson - Oregon ($4,200 DK / $6,600 FD)

It’s mostly been a guessing game with this Oregon receiving corps following Jacob Breeland’s season-ending injury a couple weeks ago. For the most part, Jaylon Redd has seen consistent usage as the number one receiver, but it’s been a revolving door as to who the second guy behind Redd will be week-to-week. Last week, however, it was Juwan Johnson who led the Ducks in receiving yards as he had four grabs for 64 yards. Johnson is a Penn State transfer who has not done much at all this season, but he’s starting to get more playing time and targets from quarterback Justin Herbert lately. Over the last two games, he has six catches for 100 yards and his snap share is slowly rising with each week. If we get similar production from him again on Saturday, he looks like a very safe cash play at a discounted price tag. 

Kylen Granson - SMU ($4,000 DK / $6,500 FD)

One of the bigger injuries on this night slate involves the SMU receiving corps and it should result in Granson getting more targets than usual in this high-scoring game vs. Memphis. The Mustangs’ number two wideout, Reggie Roberson, is questionable for this matchup after he injured his foot last week. Roberson is definitely banged up as he’s missed practice this week and his status is still up in the air. If he sits out, look for Granson to step up as the second receiver for SMU behind stud James Proche, just as he did last game. After Roberson left last week’s game, Granson had six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown from the tight end position in his teammate’s absence. If we’re getting that type of production at this bargain price, Granson looks like the best value receiver on the slate. 

Also Consider: 

Demetric Felton - UCLA ($6,700 DK / $8,700 FD)

Seth Williams - Auburn ($5,900 DK / $8,600 FD)

Kyle Phillips - UCLA ($5,400 DK / $8,100 FD)

Jaylon Redd - Oregon ($5,400 DK / $8,000 FD)

Spencer Webb - Oregon ($3,800 DK / $5,600 FD)

Example Lineup on DraftKings (1st Option):

QB: Justin Herbert - ORE ($7,500)

RB: Kenneth Gainwell - MEM ($8,300)

RB: Joshua Kelley - UCLA ($6,800)

WR: Laviska Shenault - COL ($6,400)

WR: Juwan Johnson - ORE ($4,200)

WR: Kylen Granson - SMU ($4,000)

FLEX: Tavien Feaster - SCAR ($5,300)

S-FLEX: Brady White - MEM ($7,300)

Example Lineup on DraftKings (2nd Option):

QB: Shane Montez - COL ($6,800)

RB: Xavier Jones - SMU ($7,700)

RB: Tavien Feaster - SCAR ($5,300)

WR: James Proche - SMU ($7,400)

WR: Laviska Shenault - COL ($6,400)

WR: Bryan Edwards - SCAR ($5,900)

FLEX: DJ Williams - AUB ($4,000)

S-FLEX: John Rhy Plumlee - MISS ($6,300)

Example Lineup on FanDuel (1st Option):

QB: Justin Herbet - ORE ($8,900)

RB: Kenneth Gainwell - MEM ($10,300)

RB: DJ Williams - AUB ($6,700)

WR: Laviska Shenault - COL ($8,900)

WR: Juwan Johnson - ORE ($6,600)

WR: James Proche - SMU ($9,100)

S-FLEX: Steven Montez - COL ($9,100)

Example Lineup on FanDuel (2nd Option):

QB: John Rhys Plumlee - MISS ($8,700)

RB: Tavien Feaster - SCAR ($8,300)

RB: Joshua Kelley - UCLA ($9,300)

WR: Damonte Coxie - MEM ($8,000)

WR: Laviska Shenault - COL ($8,900)

WR: Kyle Phillips - UCLA ($8,100)

S-FLEX: Brady White - MEM ($8,500)