Welcome back college football fans! We’re back for another weekend of CFB DFS and the main slate has been in flux all week with multiple games cancelled. First off, this playbook covers Saturday’s DraftKings early main slate kicking off at 12 pm ET. The slate now contains just 10 games (down from 14) with the following games postponed due to COVID issues: Texas A&M-Tennessee, Ohio State-Maryland, Georgia-Missouri, Auburn-Mississippi State. So obviously don’t roster any players from those games on this slate. 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 11/12): 

  • 12 pm ET -- Penn State (-3) @ Nebraska -- 55.5 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- Wake Forest @ North Carolina (-13.5) -- 66 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- Indiana (-7) @ Michigan State -- 51.5 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- TCU @ West Virginia (-3) -- 45.5 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- Miami FL @ Virginia Tech (-2) -- 67.5 o/u
  • 12 pm ET -- Middle Tennessee @ Marshall (-24) -- 57 o/u
  • 3:30 pm ET -- Notre Dame (-13.5) @ Boston College -- 50 o/u
  • 3:30 pm ET -- USC (-14.5) @ Arizona -- 67.5 o/u
  • 3:30 pm ET -- Louisville @ Virginia (-3.5) -- 66.5 o/u
  • ?4 pm ET -- Baylor @ Texas Tech (-1) -- 57 o/u

Highest Team Totals (per DK Sportsbook Odds)

  1. USC -- 41 points @ Arizona
  2. Marshall -- 40.5 points vs. Middle Tennessee
  3. North Carolina -- 39.75 points vs. Wake Forest
  4. ?Virginia -- 35 points vs. Louisville
  5. Virginia Tech -- 34.75 points vs. Miami FL
  6. Miami FL -- 32.75 points @ Virginia Tech
  7. Notre Dame -- 31.75 points @ Boston College
  8. Louisville -- 31.5 points @ Virginia
  9. Indiana -- 29.25 points @ Michigan State
  10. Penn State -- 29.25 points @ Nebraska
  11. Texas Tech -- 29 points vs. Baylor

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
 MIAVT930028.42  
If you played last Friday night’s slate, you know about D’Eriq King’s slate-breaking performance of 535 total yards, five TDs and 55 DK points. It was the type of DFS ceiling game that we were used to seeing from King last season at Houston and, unfortunately, the breakout has now raised his salary among the most expensive on the slate. Because of the expensive tag, he’s only a GPP option - but the potential for another massive performance is there once again. King is already doing a ton as both a passer and rusher as the headliner in Miami’s offense - and he’ll have to do that again in a high-scoring matchup with Virginia Tech. The Hokies have found themselves in these back-and-forth games all year because of its poor defense and high-scoring offense - and that will likely happen again with a similarly built Miami squad. King will face a VT defense that’s giving up 200 rushing yards and 260 passing yards per game, opening the door for a dual-threat QB like King to have a big game.
Kedon SlovisUSCARIZ860027.34  
We hyped up Kedon Slovis last week and he ended up giving us 27 DK points thanks to his 381 passing yards and two TDs with USC playing from behind in the second half. This week we should see similar production from Slovis and the high-scoring, pass-heavy Trojans and he’s still really affordable at this increased price tag. Slovis will face an Arizona defense that had its opening game cancelled but was one of the worst teams in the country at defending the pass last season - allowing nearly 300 passing yards and multiple TDs per game. With Ohio State off the slate, USC now owns the highest team total and Slovis will be the reason the team scores a ton this week. He’s likely the top cash game QB this week and you can pair him with any one of his WRs.
Malik CunninghamULUV810024.26  
Despite Louisville’s 2-5 record, Cunningham is usually a valuable DFS quarterback because the offense is usually playing catch up to make up for the poor defense. In turn, the Cardinals regularly play in high-scoring, back-and-forth games which allows Cunningham to put up plenty of stats. He’s put up 23 or more DK points in five of seven games so far and in the two he didn’t, it came against tough defenses (Notre Dame and Pittsburgh). When Cunningham plays softer defenses, though, he’s averaged 30 DK points in those five games - getting it done both through the air and on the ground as a dual-threat. This week, he gets a favorable matchup vs. a Virginia pass D that’s giving up 312 passing yards per game as the ACC’s worst pass defense. The matchup doesn’t get any better for Cunningham and he’s a great cash game QB option with a usually high floor due to his rushing production.
Charlie BrewerBAYTTU620017.72  
For the last two seasons, Brewer has been tough to trust week-to-week in DFS but he’s proven to be valuable in the right matchups. This weekend is exactly that when he faces Texas Tech and one of the worst passing defenses in the country. TTU is giving up 301 passing yards per game this year and nearly every opposing QB has been a great DFS option because of that matchup. Although Brewer has topped 20 DK points only once so far, it’s encouraging that it did happen last week against a tough Iowa State defense. Also, the schedule gets a little easier for Baylor following some tough defensive matchups to begin the season. Brewer will benefit from finally facing a soft pass D and he has tons of upside in a pass-heavy Baylor offense. He’s a great Super-Flex QB in cash or GPP this week.
Grant GunnellARIZUSC57000  
While the USC offense is a main target on this slate, we can’t look past this Arizona team having tons of DFS value as well. While the Trojans can score a ton, the defense looked a bit shaky last week - allowing 392 total yards and 27 points to Arizona State - and USC games (or Pac-12 matchup in general with the late start) could end up being high-scoring affairs with little defense being played on either side. For Arizona, Gunnell is the starter now after splitting time with Khalil Tate last season. In 2019, he was impressive at times as a passer with a 65% completion rate and 9:1 TD:INT ratio as the pocket passing complement to Tate’s dual-threat ability. With enough playing time and passing volume as the starter, he can be plenty valuable at this affordable salary - especially with Arizona likely playing from behind in a high-scoring affair. He’s a great GPP Super-Flex and you can easily game stack with USC’s Kedon Slovis in the same lineup for cash games as well.

Also Consider: 

  • Hendon Hooker - Virginia Tech ($9,700) - GPP
  • Sam Howell - North Carolina ($8,000) - Cash
  • Michael Penix Jr. - Indiana ($7,200) - GPP
  • Max Duggan - TCU ($6,800) - GPP
  • Brennan Armstrong - Virginia ($6,500) - GPP

Running Backs

Running Backs
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Kyren WilliamsNDBC890024.97  
If you trusted Williams on last week’s night slate, he finished with 140 rushing yards, three TDs and 35 DK points vs. Clemson’s tough rush defense. For the most part, Williams has been Notre Dame’s feature back in close games and has the upside to put up 30+ DK points when he’s scoring multiple times and rushing for 100+ - something he’s done in three of seven games this year. Some are calling this matchup vs. Boston College a trap game after the Irish’s big win over Clemson - and Vegas thinks it could be a close one with ND favored by less than two TDs. We should see Williams see a high volume of touches with the potential to be the slate’s highest-scoring RB if he finds the end zone multiple times with 100 or more rush yards. BC’s rush defense is decent, but Williams can easily provide GPP-winning upside with his volume in a game he could be leaned on.
Brenden KnoxMRSHLMTSU850021.3  
Casual college football fans may be unfamiliar with Marshall - but this offense is legit and Knox is its bellcow back. Knox has run for 100+ yards in five straight games and he’s totaled 10 TDs over the first six games this season. He’s a high-volume back, averaging 22 carries per week, who is the headliner in this high-scoring Marshall offense that’s balanced enough for the run game to be successful even with a good passing attack. Knox has a very favorable matchup this week vs. Middle Tennessee’s defense that’s allowing a whopping 245 rushing yards per game - which is the second-most in the country among teams that have played at least five games. It’s a perfect combination of a feature back vs. a poor rushing defense that can easily become DFS gold. Marshall may go overlooked on this slate, but Knox might be the top cash game RB to lock in among the high-priced backs.
Javian HawkinsULUV830024.27  
As one of the best RBs in the country, Hawkins is always in play when Louisville is on the DFS slate. This week, though, he’s tough to fully trust in cash but is a great GPP play with potential to be the highest-scoring RB on the slate. As the bellcow in Louisville’s offense, Hawkins is averaging 20+ touches and 117 rushing yards per game with eight TDs through seven games. The matchup vs. Virginia’s defense isn’t the best - and he’s at a season-high salary - but Hawkins could easily go off in a high-scoring game considering how involved he is on the Cardinals’ attack. He’ll likely go lower-owned this week compared to other top RBs on the slate, but is a great high-ceiling GPP option.
Stevie Scott IIIIUMSU720018.4  
What if I said that you can roster the lead back on the #10 team in the country for only $7200 - and it’s a RB who has seen 20 or more carries every game thus far? That’s the elevator pitch for Stevie Scott, who’s a bit underpriced for how good he’s been this season as Indiana’s workhorse. Although he’s yet to rush for 100 yards this year, Scott is averaging 24 touches per week and he’s scored four times through three games - with two 20+ DK point performances. He’s the unquestioned feature back for Indiana’s offense that’s averaging 37 PPG and could find similar success vs. a shaky Michigan State defense. MSU is allowing 161 rushing yards and three rush TDs per game this season and they just gave up 113 yards and two scores to Iowa’s lead back Tyler Goodson a week ago. Scott could be a great bargain at this price tag and he’s the best cash option in the 7k range with so many games cancelled this weekend.
Michael CarterUNCWAKE610020.96  
Before we get into Michael Carter, let’s just say that fellow Tar Heels RB Javonte Williams has been a TD machine this season and he’s a high-ceiling GPP option even at $9500. However, Carter is the better cash game option in the UNC backfield as remains way too cheap. He’s seen 16+ carries in five of the last six games and is averaging 100+ rushing yards per game with an impressive 7.3 ypc average. Carter has been able to return more than enough DFS value multiple times this season - even with Williams having big games. UNC’s offense is high-scoring with plenty of possessions and plays run for Carter to maintain a solid workload. He should easily get enough touches this week with UNC favored by two scores against a Wake Forest defense that’s below average at defending the run. Carter is a great RB2 for cash games at an oddly discounted price tag.
Christian Beal-SmithWAKEUNC420013.33  
We targeted Beal-Smith earlier this season when he was underpriced and he’s still way too cheap for some reason. Although Kenneth Walker ($7400) is the lead back in Wake Forest’s offense, Beal-Smith still sees a decent-sized workload on a weekly basis and should not be $3200 cheaper than his backfield mate - plain and simple. He has double-digit carries in every game this year and he’s averaging 15 rushes per outing in a run-heavy Wake offense. Sometimes that carry volume is empty of real DFS production, but other times he’s been a massive value at a still-discounted price tag. Beal-Smith had 87 rushing yards and 10 DK points vs. Syracuse last outing and 129 rushing yards two games ago vs. Virginia Tech. This week, Wake will face a UNC rush defense that’s about average on paper but has allowed some big games to opposing RBs. He’s worth a shot in GPP’s as a great salary-saver RB2 or FLEX to fit in more studs.
Raheem BlackshearVTMIA34007  
A key injury situation in Virginia Tech’s backfield could open up Blackshear as the biggest value on the slate. VT starting RB Khail Herbert suffered a hamstring injury last week and is in real danger of being out this weekend. We may not get clear word on Herbert’s status until warmups before kickoff, but luckily this game is at 12 pm ET so we’ll know early. If Herbert ends up sitting, Blackshear would pretty much be a free square in all formats and is pretty hard to get away from cash games. The Rutgers transfer has been used as the secondary, change-of-pace back behind Herbert this season, but he would see a significant increase in usage and touches if he’s starting. Last week with Herbert out, Blackshear only had nine carries but he added a season-high four receptions for 30 yards. It was a weird game against Liberty where QB Hendon Hooker dominated the offensive production with 156 rushing yards and four total TDs. Blackshear, though, led the RBs in carries by far and he’d likely do so again this week if Herbert sits. The matchup is a favorable one vs. Miami’s rush D that’s allowing 172 rushing yards per game.

Also Consider: 

  • Javonte Williams - North Carolina ($9,500) - GPP
  • Javian Hawkins - Louisville ($8,300) - Cash/GPP
  • Cam’Ron Harris - Miami FL ($5,900) - GPP
  • Dedrick Mills - Nebraska ($5,700) - Cash/GPP
  • Wayne Taulapapa - Virginia ($4,700) - GPP
  • Markese Stepp - USC ($4,400) - GPP

Wide Receivers

Wide Recievers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Amon-Ra St. BrownUSCARIZ670020  
With USC having the highest team total and Kedon Slovis being one of the top QBs on this slate, we have to like the Trojans’ receivers. St. Brown’s 77 receptions and 1,042 receiving yards were the most returning from last year’s team that lost Michael Pittman to the NFL - and he looked poised to lead the WR corps in 2020. In USC’s opening game last week, St. Brown didn’t disappoint with seven catches for 100 yards as one of Slovis’ top targets. He should see a high floor of receptions and yardage every game as a top talent in the Trojans’ pass-heavy offense. Plus, there’s positive regression coming because St. Brown didn’t score last week but a TD bounced off his hands in the end zone. He’s good for cash or GPP - especially pairing with Slovis.
Tutu AtwellULUV650019.23  
As one of the most explosive WRs in the country, Atwell has the potential to be this slate’s top receiver in what should be a high-scoring matchup with Virginia. We mentioned it earlier with QB Malik Cunningham, but Louisville will be facing one of the nation’s worst pass defenses - Virginia is giving up 312 passing yards and multiple pass TDs per game. This could end up being a game where Cunningham and Atwell put up huge numbers as Louisville possibly plays from behind in an offensive-filled matchup where both teams’ defenses are below-average. Considering Atwell is priced similarly to USC’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, he’ll likely be less popular overall - but the Cardinals’ playmaking WR is a great GPP option with a high ceiling any time he’s on the field.
Drake LondonUSCARIZ580029.5  
Multiple USC receivers are in play this week at affordable prices and Drake London could be popular as he looks ready for a big season. The sophomore led the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (125) in last week’s opener and also caught one of two TDs thrown by QB Kedon Slovis. A sizable void was left in the Trojans’ passing game this offseason when Michael Pittman went to the NFL, and London looks like he could slot right in to fill that production as a bigger-bodied receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown is more of the possession, short-yardage WR for USC and London could become the taller target for Slovis - much like Pittman was last year. Tyler Vaughns ($5200) and Bru McCoy ($4000) are both cheaper options to still get exposure to the USC passing game.
Erik EzukanmaTTUBAY510015.43  
This Baylor-Texas Tech matchup could go overlooked with better offenses and higher totals on the slate, but both sides have tons of DFS value and Ezukanma looks a bit underpriced. With TTU dealing with various injuries at WR this season, Ezukanma has been the most consistent pass-catcher in this offense and he’s a top receiving target for new starting QB Henry Colombi. His 35 receptions and 490 receiving yards lead the team and he’s posted 15+ DK points in five of seven games so far. For this salary, Ezukanma could easily provide 3x or 4x value in a high-scoring, back-and-forth matchup vs. Baylor. He’s in play for cash or GPPs.
R.J. SneedBAYOSU500012.82  
Go back and read why we should like Baylor QB Charlie Brewer on this slate and you’ll see why the Bears’ receivers are in play too. The matchup is very ideal for this Baylor passing game vs. Texas Tech’s bad pass defense. Sneed’s 23 receptions and 291 receiving yards both lead the team this year as he’s been a favorite target for Brewer. Baylor has dealt with injuries to a couple receivers and it’s allowed Sneed to build a rapport with his QB and emerge as the top WR in an offense that lost Denzel Mims over the offseason. He’s a great cheap pairing with Brewer in cash or as a one-off play in all formats in what should be a high-scoring matchup with TTU.
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Mark PopeMIATTU46008.9  
When talking about D’Eriq King earlier, we mentioned how good this matchup is against a porous Virginia Tech defense that’s allowed a ton of yards every week to opposing offenses. Pope presents a very affordable way to get exposure to Miami’s offense as he’s emerged as the top possession WR for King to target. With TE Brevin Jordan dealing with injuries and missing the last three games, Pope has totaled 14 catches and 191 yards over the last three outings and is coming off a 6-for-97 and a TD stat line last week. We’ll have to monitor whether Jordan ($4600) will be active this week, but if he’s not then Pope is a great value play. If Jordan is playing, he’ll slot in as a solid value at the same price as Pope.
Dazz NewsomeUNCVT43009.74  
Who’s ready to play Dazz Newsome roulette yet again? This seems like a weekly game that’s been so tempting for cash games but has let us down more often than not. Theoretically, Newsome is way too cheap for the type of talent we saw last season - which was a 1,000-yard receiver who led UNC in receptions (72). Realistically, this season has been a completely different story with Newsome totaling just 24 catches and 266 yards through seven games. Those numbers looked even worse before last game when Newsome finally put up good numbers with six grabs for 56 yards and a TD. It was oddly only the second time he’s reached double-digit DK points this season and, thankfully, DraftKings has kept his price down. He’s definitely worth a shot again as long as he’s this cheap as he’s seen more opportunities in the UNC passing game with Beau Corrales out the last couple games.
Michael MayerNDWAKE37007.93  
Those at Notre Dame apparently call him “Baby Gronk” and Mayer has actually shown flashes of that talent as just a freshman. The Irish tight end not only dons #87, but he also plays with the same physicality paired with athleticism that made Gronk an NFL legend. Although he’s only in his first collegiate season, Mayer has become a key part of a Notre Dame offense that loves to use its tight ends as pass-catchers. Mayer’s 20 receptions actually lead the team this season and his 235 yards are a close second. This ND offense doesn’t pass the ball a ton, but Mayer is a top target for QB Ian Book when he does go to the air. The price is still way too cheap for a guy who can easily provide 3x or 4x value. He’s viable for cash or GPP on this slate as a nice salary-saver.
Boobie CurryARIZBC33000  
It’s not often we get a starting WR this cheap this late in the season, but then again we are talking about an Arizona team that will be playing its first game this weekend. The Wildcats’ opening game got cancelled last week and DK hasn’t adjusted prices despite the Arizona depth chart telling us differently. Most of Arizona’s offense is affordable and there’s some definite value in what should be a high-scoring matchup with USC. Curry is listed as a starting WR and he could end up being a top target for QB Grant Gunnell this season. The two were high school teammates and Curry even chose to attend Arizona largely because Gunnell was already there. As a freshman last year, Curry battled some injuries and was buried on the depth chart for the most part. Now he’s a starter and Gunnell could end up looking his way a lot more often - especially if Arizona is playing from behind like they will against USC this weekend. For the price, Curry doesn’t need to do much to return value and there’s a good chance he gives you 3-4 catches and 12-15 DK points to do just enough in cash.

Also Consider: 

  • Jahan Dotson - Penn State ($8,800) - GPP
  • Mike Harley - Miami FL ($6,900) - GPP
  • Whop Philyor - Indiana ($6,100) - Cash/GPP
  • Winston Wright Jr. - West Virginia ($5,400) - Cash/GPP
  • Tyler Vaughns - USC ($5,200) - Cash/GPP
  • Jaquarii Roberson - Wake Forest ($4,900) - Cash/GPP
  • Tony Poljan - Virginia ($4,500) - Cash

Example Lineups
These are examples of what is possible from the Playbook and not intended for plug and play

 

DK Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBKedon SlovisUSCARIZ27.3$8,600
????Pivot     
RBBrenden KnoxMRSHLMTSU21.3$8,500
????Pivot     
RBMichael CarterUNCWAKE21$6,100
????PivotStevie Scott IIIIUMSU18.4$7,200
WRAmon-Ra St. BrownUSCARIZ20$6,700
????Pivot     
WRR.J. SneedBAYTTU12.8$5,000
????Pivot     
WRErik EzukanmaTTUBAY15.4$5,100
????PivotDazz NewsomeUNCWAKE9.7$4,300
FLEXRaheem BlackshearVTMIA7$3,400
????Pivot     
S-FLEXCharlie BrewerBAYTTU17.7$6,200
????Pivot     
      
DK GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
QBD'Eriq KingMIAVT28.4$9,300
????Pivot     
RBKyren WilliamsNDBC25$8,900
????PivotBrenden KnoxMRSHLMTSU21.3$8,500
RBJavian HawkinsULUV24.3$8,300
????Pivot     
WRBoobie CurryARIZUSC-$3,300
????Pivot     
WRTutu AtwellULUV19.2$6,500
????PivotMike HarleyMIAVT16.4$6,900
WRMichael MayerNDBC7.9$3,700
????Pivot     
FLEXChristian Beal-SmithWAKEUNC13.3$4,200
????Pivot     
S-FLEXGrant GunnellARIZUSC-$5,700
????Pivot