College Football: Week 8 CFB DFS Picks & Game Breakdowns w/ Matt Gajewski

Matt Gajewski’s new CFB DFS Picks article comes out every Friday afternoon for your college football daily fantasy needs on DraftKings and more! And don’t forget to check out the College Football DFS and betting show every Saturday at 10 AM ET.

Main CFB DFS Slate: DraftKings Breakdown

Syracuse vs Clemson

CFB DFS Analysis: Syracuse (7.5 Team Total)

Offense – Dino Babers returns for his fifth season as head coach of Syracuse. Babers hired Sterlin Gilbert to coordinate the offense. Gilbert already has familiarity with Babers and runs the same veer-and-shoot offense that Syracuse is known for. Last year, Syracuse ran 80.5 plays per game (fourth) and passed the ball 47.46 percent of the time (68th). So far this year, Syracuse averages 67.8 plays per game, with a 52.8% pass rate. Syracuse returns four offensive line starters after one of the worst performances in college football last year. This group has already allowed 24 sacks in five games.

Tommy DeVito ($4,500) – DeVito missed last weekend’s game and Rex Culpepper ($4,800) started in his place. The Syracuse quarterback averages 31 pass attempts per game, which will not provide enough value against Clemson. Neither quarterback provides rushing upside either.

Sean Tucker ($4,900) – Sean Tucker has taken over this Syracuse backfield and he hasn’t looked back. He has touched the ball 24 and 22 times in Syracuse’s two most recent games. Unfortunately, Clemson isn’t even allowing 100-rushing yards per game to opposing teams.

Taj Harris ($5,100) – Taj Harris holds a 36.2% target share for Syracuse. He received 9 and 16 targets in the Orange’s last two games. Harris primarily plays on the outside alongside Anthony Queeley with Nykeim Johnson running in the slot.

Anthony Queeley ($3,800) – Queeley holds a 19.2% target share. He has target counts of five and nine in Syracuse’s last two games.

Nykeim Johnson ($3,400) – Johnson’s 20 targets rank third on Syracuse (14.2%). He also splits some time with Courtney Jackson, averaging 70% of Syracuse’s routes. None of the Syracuse pass catchers are particularly strong options against Clemson.

CFB DFS Analysis: Clemson (54 Team Total)

Dabo Swinney is the head coach. Tony Elliott is his offensive coordinator. Clemson lives off efficiency, but they’ve run 84 plays per game, with a 52.4% pass rate to start the year. They ran 73.4 plays per game last year (40th) and passed 48.6% of the time (60th). Clemson handled Miami as their only legit competition this year and now face a cakewalk in Syracuse.

Trevor Lawrence ($9,500) – Efficiency will always keep Trevor Lawrence in play. He averages 30.2 pass attempts and 308.8 passing yards per game. Lawrence provides enough mobility not to register negative yardage from sacks. He an expensive tournament option, who needs Syracuse to keep this within range. Otherwise, Lawrence needs to record all of the production prior to exiting the game.

Travis Etienne ($8,200) – Likely a Heisman candidate if Clemson played more competitive games, Travis Etienne warrants consideration on a weekly basis. This year, he averages 87 rushing yards per game on 13.4 attempts, but his target volume took a major jump. Already seeing 23 targets this year, Etienne has 274 yards as a pure pass catcher. Etienne will need elevated efficiency and multiple touchdowns to enter tournament winning lineups in most weeks. This game in particular remains volatile with Clemson slated to win by six scores. Luckily, the Orange give up over 250 rushing yards per game.

Amari Rodgers ($6,800) – The winner of Clemson touch-roulette last week, Amari Rodgers turned seven targets into six catches 161 yards and a pair of scores. This stat-line is common for Clemson players, just unpredictable on a weekly basis. Rodgers functions as Clemson’s starting slot receiver. Still, he ran a route on just 42% of drop backs last week. Like all Clemson players, he plays half as much as players in competitive matchups.

Frank Ladson ($4,500) – Red-shirt freshman Frank Ladson ranks second on Clemson with a 12.8% target share. He turned these 24 targets into 15 receptions for 243 yards, but he is still running a route on just 50% of Clemson drop backs this year. That number fell to 37% in Clemson’s most recent again. He is cheap, but volatile.

Cornell Powell ($3,600) – Insert, he is cheap but volatile for every Clemson receiver from here on out. Cornell Powell only has 17 targets this year (9.1% target share), but he plays a similar role to Ladson in this offense. Big games will pop up occasionally for Powell, putting him in play.

Joseph Ngata ($3,000) – Initially listed a starter, Joseph Ngata suffered an injury early in the season. Making his return last week, Ngata only participated in 6% of Clemson’s routes.

Braden Galloway ($4,700) – Clemson’s starting tight end, Braden Galloway highlights the offensive volatility with his target-less came last week. Still, Galloway has a pair of games with six targets already this season and a route rate at 43% (that’s good for Clemson).

Note – I’m pessimistic on the overall usage of most of these Clemson players, but in reality, the starters likely put up 45+ points in the first half. Who scores them will be tough to predict, but a lot of their prices are cheap. I think mixing and matching some of the value can open roster flexibility to jam in some of the studs we will discuss in the coming games.

NC State vs North Carolina

CFB DFS Analysis: NC State (22.5 Team Total)

Offense – Dave Doeren is the long-time coach of NC State, with Tim Beck joining the program at offensive coordinator after a disastrous 2019. Beck coached quarterbacks at Texas in 2019 after getting demoted from offensive coordinator. Beck’s 2018 Texas team ran 76.4 plays per game (26th) and passed 47% of the time (62nd). Through three games, this NC State team has run 74 plays per game, with a 46.2% pass rate. NC State played conservative football through their first two games, until committing to Devin Leary as the starting quarterback. Since then, they’ve varied their approach going extremely pass heavy against Pittsburgh and extremely run-heavy against Virginia. With Devin Leary going down for the year, the team likely returns to a conservative approach under Bailey Hockman.

Bailey Hockman ($5,000) – Devin Leary broke his leg in NC State’s most recent game forcing Bailey Hockman back into the starting lineup. The NC State quarterback currently averages 31 pass attempts per game, but Hockman is a significant downgrade to the entire offense. Hockman is completing 58.7% of his passes for 6.9 yards per attempt. Playing in a tough matchup without mobility, Hockman looks like a player to avoid.

Ricky Person ($5,000) and Zonovan Knight ($5,500) – Person and Knight form a difficult timeshare at the running back position. Each back has traded off leading the backfield in touches. On the season, Knight remains the more efficient player, out-gaining Person 443-382 with only seven more touches. Projected to trail in this game, neither separates themselves as a pass catcher.

Emeka Emezie ($4,800) – Finally emerging as Leary’s go-to receiver, Emeka Emezie will now deal with Hockman’s inefficiencies. However, he remains the lone alpha in this offense. Last week, he ran a route on 95% of drop backs and 19.1% target share easily paces this team. If stacking the game, Emezie is the preferred option on NC State.

Devin Carter ($4,100) – NC State’s nominal WR2, Devin Carter still holds a mere 13.6% target share, while running a route on 66% of drop backs. With Hockman under center, the ancillary receivers for the Wolfpack are tough to trust.

Thayer Thomas ($3,600) – Thayer Thomas has a 12.9% target share and a 54% route rate. He is an unnecessary play.

Cary Angeline ($4,200) – The athletic tight end, Cary Angeline actually leads NC State in snaps from the slot. He still only plays on 55% of passing downs, so just finding the extra salary for Emezie makes sense.

CFB DFS Analysis: North Carolina (38 Team Total)

Offense – Mack Brown returned as North Carolina’s head coach last year and did not disappoint. However, the offensive resurgence likely had more to do with Phil Longo’s air raid concepts. Longo’s offense ran 78.3 plays per game (eighth) and passed 48.19 percent of the time last season. They also racked up 31.2 points per game (39th). So far this season, they’re running 73.2 plays per game and passing just 44.7% of the time. This likely has to do with an improved defense and a strong offensive line. North Carolina returned four starters on the offensive line, despite losing fourth-round draft pick Charlie Heck.

Sam Howell ($7,900) – After a phenomenal freshman season, Sam Howell has regressed a bit. Howell averages 29.5 pass attempts and 280.5 yards per game. This North Carolina has been able to rely on an improved defense and a strong offensive line, reducing Howell’s opportunities in the pass game. Positively, Howell mitigates negative sack yardage through scrambles. Howell looks like a potential contrarian option based on talent in this spot.

Javonte Williams ($7,800) – A near even split in the backfield, Javonte Williams holds a slight touch edge over his counterpart Michael Carter ($5,900) 74-69. Both runners are used equally as pass catchers, making this backfield increasingly difficult to decipher. Carter holds a 12-11 target edge over Williams, but both have popped off for big games at times this year. In total, Williams has out-gained Carter 601-564 on five more opportunities. Both are solid plays, but Carter offers additional salary relief.

Dyami Brown ($6,200) – After racking up 1,000 yards as a boundary receiver in 2019, Dyami Brown is off to a hot start. He leads the team with 31 targets (27% target share) and already racked up 296 receiving yards. UNC isn’t passing as much, but Brown’s usage often occurs down field. Always a threat for a big play, Brown remains in the player pool.

Dazz Newsome ($4,300) – Egregiously priced after a slow start to the season, Dazz Newsome still remains a fulltime player in this offense. Newsome also posted a 1,000-yard season as the Tarheel’s primary slot receiver in 2019. He has back-to-back seven target games and even mixed in a rushing score. For those looking at value plays, Newsome looks like a standout play. Because of this, his ownership may rise to uncomfortable levels.

Auburn vs Ole Miss

CFB DFS Analysis: Auburn (37.5 Team Total)

Offense – Gus Malzahn remains head coach of Auburn, but he named Chad Morris their new offensive coordinator. Morris coached Arkansas the last two season with limited success. Under Morris, Arkansas ran 65.7 plays per game (119th) and passed 53.9% of the time (24th). This inefficient play has continued with Auburn running 70.5 plays per game and passing 54.3% of the time. However, Auburn’s play volume jumped to 72 against Arkansas and 86 against South Carolina. The team struggled with play volume against Kentucky and Georgia to start the season, but perhaps they can move a little faster in better matchups. Auburn essentially replaces their entire offensive line and returns just one player with any starting experience. With these replacements, the Tigers rank 56th in pass blocking to start the year per PFF.

Bo Nix ($7,000) – Extremely disappointing to start the season, Bo Nix averages 36 pass attempts and 217 pass yards per game. Nix offers some dual threat ability with 217 cumulative yards through four games. With Auburn playing faster in recent games, perhaps Nix provides an untapped ceiling. He notched 272 yards on 47 attempts last week. Nix has a pair of 300 passing yard games in his career and one came against Ole Miss last year. Facing the same opponent this week, Ole Miss allows 315 passing yards to opposing signal callers.

Tank Bigsby ($6,500) – The freshman crown jewel of Auburn’s 2020 recruiting class, Bigsby entered the season as a four-star prospect and the No.4 running back recruit in the nation. Quickly displaying his skills, the 6-foot, 204-pound back notched back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances for Auburn, while reeling in 11 receptions in a pair of games earlier this season. He should remain the focal point of Auburn’s run game in a matchup against an Ole Miss team allowing 265 yards per game to opposing rushers.

Shaun Shiver ($3,400) – Shivers missed another game despite warming up and getting the “hopeful” tag from Malzahn. He should receive a few carries along with D.J. Williams ($3,600) behind Bigsby.

Seth Williams ($4,900) – The 6-foot-3, 211-pound future NFL receiver with a verified 4.53 40-yard dash enters Week 8 and Auburn’s third-most expensive receiver. Williams holds a 31.6% target share this yare and lead the team with 290 receiving yards. Used primarily as a down-field boundary receiver, Williams simply is mispriced in this matchup.

Anthony Schwartz ($5,300) – Auburn’s primary slot receiver, Anthony Schwartz ran a verified 4.34 40-yard dash coming out of high school. He also leads Auburn with 43 targets to start the 2020 season (32.3% target share). Slightly more expensive than Williams, Schwartz may be a contrarian pivot in lineups stacking Auburn.

Eli Stove ($5,500) – In his return from injury Eli Stove received eight targets while, running a route on 54% of Auburn drop backs. Surprisingly, he enters the week as Auburn’s most expensive receiver. He is simply a worse value than Williams and Schwartz.

CFB DFS Analysis: Mississippi (34 Team Total)

Offense – Lane Kiffin heads over to Ole Miss after coaching at FAU. At FAU, Kiffin’s offense ran 77.5 plays per game (11th) and passed 48.8% of the time (57th). Kiffin also hired Jeff Lebby as his offensive coordinator, who comes over from UCF. They run a similar offense in pace and pass rate. Ole Miss was set to return four of five starters on the offensive line, but center Eli Johnson opted out. Still, Nick Broeker was a freshman all-American and new center Ben Brown didn’t allow a single QB pressure last year. So far this year, Ole Miss averages 83 plays per game and a 41.9% pass rate.

Marr Corral ($8,100) – Winning the starting job over John Rhys Plumlee, Matt Corral averages 31.3 pass attempts and 320.8 passing yards per game. Another dual threat, Corral has rushed for 170 cumulative rushing yards in four games with Ole Miss. Corral may be a bit of a regression candidate against better competition. Corral had never posted a 300-yard passing game until he recorded three straight to start the 2020 season.

Jerrion Ealy ($6,800) and Snoop Conner ($4,700) split running back duties for Ole Miss. However, they run so many plays that both often eclipse 15 touches in a single game. Ealy currently holds a 77-58 touch lead over Conner, but Conner has touch counts of 22 and 18 in back-to-back games. For those looking at strong price-adjusted plays, Conner makes some sense. For what it’s worth, Ealy has been far more efficient as a rusher, out-gaining Conner 355-216 on the ground alone.

Elijah Moore ($8,100) – Posting an absurd 39.8% target share, $8,100 might not be enough for Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore this week. Moore has seen at least 11 targets in every game this season, while averaging 144 receiving yards. He is a strong play in all formats.

Jonathan Mingo ($5,400) – Mingo holds a 17.1% target share in this offense, but he continues to run a route on 96% of drop backs. Mingo brings extra volatility, but he has two nine-target outings already this year. He is a cheaper attachment to the high-octane Ole Miss offense in a potential shootout here.

Kenny Yeboah ($7,100) – Former Temple transfer, Kenny Yeboah came crashing down to Earth with last week’s single target outing. However, he still holds a 13% target share and possesses enough athletic ability to rip big plays. Yeboah currently averages 88.8 receiving yards per game, despite his poor Week 7 outing.

Dontario Dummond ($4,000) – A distant fourth option in this Ole Miss passing attack, Dontario Drummond splits slot duties. He holds a 10.6% target share, while running a route on 55% of Corral drop backs. Drummond has yet to eclipse five targets in a game, making Mingo the preferred secondary option.

Oklahoma vs TCU

CFB DFS Analysis: Oklahoma (33 Team Total)

Offense – Lincoln Riley is one of the premier play callers in all of college football. Last year, he ran 69.2 plays per game (81st) and passed 41.6% of the time. Through three games, they’re running 83 plays per game, with a 50.6% pass rate. These numbers are elevated due to the higher percentage of close games Oklahoma finds themselves playing.

Spencer Rattler ($8,500) – Aided by a horrific defense, Spencer Rattler continues to see immense volume in Oklahoma’s offense. Despite missing time in a few games, Rattler averages 32.3 pass attempts and 296.5 passing yards per game. Rattler also scrambles a fair amount, posting a few rushing yards on a weekly basis. TCU has played solid pass defense, including just 236 passing yards from Sam Ehlinger. Both teams play with solid pace, so Rattler is a volume-based play.

TJ Pledger ($6,400) – We have yet to see a game with all three Oklahoma running backs healthy. TJ Pledger clearly ran ahead of Marcus Major ($3,700) last week, but Seth McGowan ($5,700) projects to re-enter the picture. Potentially a three-way committee at the position, I think Pledger handles a slightly larger workload over McGowan, followed by Major. The Sooners backs draw a winnable matchup here, but the touch distribution remains a mystery. Rhamondre Stevenson continues to serve a suspension for an unknown length of time.

Charleston Rambo ($5,900) – The de facto WR1 in Oklahoma’s offense, Charleston Rambo leads the team with 25 targets (16.6% share). Rambo also leads this team with a 64% route rate.

Theo Wease ($4,500) – Theo Wease actually ranks third on the Oklahoma in targets with 22 (14.6% share). However, Wease continues to work well ahead of Marvin Mims and finally popped up for a 10-target game last week. Wease ranks second on this team with a 63% route rate.

Marvin Mims ($6,500) – Marvin Mims has seen his targets fall in two straight games. After an exciting start to the season, Mims’ role within the offense simply hasn’t increased. He continues to average 30% of Oklahoma’s routes run.

Austin Stogner ($4,300) – Incorrectly listed as a running back, Austin Stogner will start at tight end for Oklahoma. He currently ranks second on the team in targets (15.9% target share) and tied Wease for a team-leading 10 targets in last week’s game. His 57% route rate tied Drake Stoops for the third highest on the team.

Obi Obialo ($3,000) – Originally listed as Oklahoma’s starting slot receiver, Obi Obialo has battled injuries to start 2020. In his place, Drake Stoops ($4,000) has played a majority of the snaps. When he appeared earlier, Stoops snaps fell. However, Wease and Ramob remained secure.

CFB DFS Analysis: TCU (26.5 Team Total)

Offense – Gary Patterson is the head coach of TCU. Sonny Cumbie will again be his offensive coordinator. TCU plays very fast. Last year, they ran 77.4 plays per game (12th) with a 51.7% pass rate (19th). So far this year, TCU is running 82.7 plays per game and passing 47.6% of the time.

Max Duggan ($6,800) – Playing in an up-tempo attack, volume usually aids Max Duggan. Duggan only averages 208.7 passing yards per game, but he provides dual threat ability and enters a phenomenal matchup. Oklahoma currently allows 301 passing yards per game. On a slate short on value, Duggan projects relatively well.

Darwin Barlow ($4,800) – Darwin Barlow led TCU with eight carries last week, but Emari Demercado ($4,200) didn’t play. TCU will use four or five backs, and none are usable assets here.

Taye Barber ($5,200) – The only consistent receiver in this offense, Taye Barber has a route rate of 69%. He also leads this team with 21 targets (20.8% target share). Last year, he finished as the second receiver behind only Jalen Reagor, with 372 yards in just seven games played. For reference, Reagor had 611 yards in a full season, so that’s comparable efficiency. Barber plays the slot for TCU, but this team rotates receivers a lot. He also has six carries in three games.

Blair Conwright ($3,700) – Surprisingly, Blair Conwright has actually participated in more routes than Barber this year (71%). He also ran more routes than Barber last week, while leading this team in targets (8). More of a downfield threat, Conwright also holds a 176-144 receiving yardage edge over Barber.

J.D. Spielman ($3,400) – After starting the year as a part time player, J.D. Spielman’s route rate jumped to 45% at the expense of Quinten Johnson ($4,600). Johnson played a three-week low and

Florida State vs Louisville

CFB DFS Analysis: Florida State (28.5 Team Total)

Offense – Mike Norvell takes over as head coach here and he brings in Kenny Dillingham as offensive coordinator. Dillingham most recently coordinated the offensive side of the ball for Auburn and that offense ran 73 plays per game (46th) and passed 43.6% of the time. Florida State returns four linemen with significant starting experience. They now have their fourth offensive line coach of the last four year. To start the 2020 season, Florida State is running 73.2 plays per game and passing 49.8% of the time.

Jordan Travis ($5,500) – Jordan Travis got hurt last week, but early reports indicate that he is fine. Travis offers very little as a passer but provides elite upside as a rusher. Travis has never eclipsed 210 passing yards in his young career. However, he has 96 and 107 rushing yards in back-to-back games for Florida State. Louisville’s primary weakness as a defense comes on the ground. The Cardinals allow 171.8 rushing yards per game, putting Travis in play as a salary-saving option at the quarterback position.

La’Damian Webb ($5,100) and Jashaun Corbin ($4,100) split Florida State’s backfield. In the last two weeks, Webb appears to have separated himself, out-carrying Corbin 25-9. Corbin out-targeted Webb 2-1 in that span, but neither is used extensively in the pass game. Louisville’s defense allows 172 rushing yards per game, making Webb intriguing in this spot. Still, Travis will also siphon some carries for both backs as well.

Tamorrion Terry ($6,000) – Terry had surgery and will not play.

Ontaria Wilson ($4,600) – I guess Ontaria Wilson is the team’s top receiver with 21 targets (14.7%). He continues to run slightly fewer routes than Thompson, but it doesn’t matter.

Warren Thompson ($3,400) – Warren Thompson tied Wilson with a team-leading four targets last week. He ran slightly more routes than Wilson, but it probably does not matter in this spot.

Camren McDonald ($3,900) – Camren McDonald actually runs the most routes among any of the pass catchers in Florida State’s offense. He still only has 18 targets, averaging 3.6 per game. Florida State doesn’t have any viable pass catchers with Travis under center.

CFB DFS Analysis: Louisville (32 Team Total)

Offense – Scott Satterfield enters his second season as head coach, along with offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford. So far this year, they’ve run 69.6 plays per game with a 46% pass rate. They are a bit pass heavy after throwing just 37.7% of the time last year and running 70.9 plays per game. This is influenced by their three-straight losses to ACC competition. They low plays per game is also influenced by a 45-play outing against Notre Dame last week.

Malik Cunningham ($7,500) – Another dual threat quarterback, Malik Cunningham historically lives off efficiency. Cunningham holds a career 9.4 yards per pass attempt but has only registered 7.8 yards per attempt this year. Cunningham only averages 28.8 pass attempts per game, so this efficiency is crucial to his game. Cunningham has 133 cumulative rushing yards this year, but his upside is mitigated by 19 sacks taken in five games. Cunningham and Travis are similar plays, but one is $2k more expensive.

Javian Hawkins ($6,600) – For a running back on a four-game losing streak in the ACC, Javian Hawkins continues to handle a major workload. Hawkins has at least 15 carries in four of five games this year. Even last week in a 45-play affair against Notre Dame, Hawkins still handled 20 opportunities. Importantly, Hawkins saw five targets in the pass game. With a matchup against a Florida State defense allowing 225 rushing yards per game, Hawkins looks like a solid play.

Hassan Hall ($3,100) – Hall is listed as day-to-day with an injury. If out, Hawkins would become even stronger as a play.

Tutu Atwell ($6,300) – Louisville’s top wide receiver with a 33.3 target share, Atwell averages nine targets per game. Primarily playing out of the slot, Atwell also finds himself is a fairly strong matchup against Florida State’s secondary allowing 292 passing yards per game. He is the top stacking option for Louisville.

Dez Fitzpatrick ($4,200) – A disappointment to start the season, Dez Fitzpatrick currently averages 5.6 targets per game. Unfortunately, Fitzpatrick hasn’t eclipsed four targets in three straight games. Fitzpatrick continues to run a route on 88% of drop backs, making him a fringe stacking option with Cunningham.

Marshon Ford ($4,100) – Louisville’s starting tight end, Marshon Ford holds an 11.9% target share. Touchdown variance has propelled Ford, but he continues to run a route on just 45% of drop backs.

Alabama vs Tennessee

CFB DFS Analysis: Alabama (43.5 Team Total)

Offense – Nick Saban returns as head coach and he surprising returned Steve Sarkisian as his offensive coordinator. This team ran 66.3 plays per game last year (113) and threw the ball 50.6% of the times (44th). This year, they’re running 68.8 plays per game and throwing the ball 47.3% of the time. They returned four full time starters on their offensive line as well, allowing them to win in a myriad of ways.

Mac Jones ($8,300) – A surprise Heisman candidate, Mac Jones is currently completing 78.3% of his passes for an absurd 13.2 yards per pass attempt. Jones only averages 29.3 attempts per game, but his efficiency has thrust him to 279.5 passing yards per game. Jones is a negative in the run game, but his offensive line has only allowed four sacks in as many games. He is an elite tournament play.

Najee Harris ($9,700) – One of the top running backs in the country, Najee Harris brings quite a bit of opportunity cost on this week’s slate. Harris does average 125 rushing yards per game, while adding 2.3 targets per game. Tennessee does play strong defense, but the better matchup comes on the ground. Fading Harris looks scary, but his price may cause him to come in under-owned.

Devonta Smith ($8,400) – Holding a 40.5% target share in the best offense in the country, Devonta Smith still looks like a value in Alabama stacks. Smith averages 121 receiving yards per game after leading Alabama in receiving last year. Smith has double-digit targets in three of four games and at least eight targets in every game this year.

Jaylen Waddle ($7,700) – While Smith has out-targeted Jaylen Waddle 47-29 to start the year, Waddle still holds a 557-483 receiving yardage edge. One of the most efficient receivers in the country, Waddle still deserves stacking consideration in this offense. Waddle currently averages 139 receiving yards per game.

John Metchie ($5,500) – Alabama’s talented third wide receiver, John Metchie has 348 receiving yards on a mere 18 targets. Metchie holds a 15.5% target share, but even a modest target share in this Alabama offense deserves weekly consideration. The cheapest of the bunch, expect Metchie to come with relative ownership this week.

CFB DFS Analysis: Tennessee (22 Team Total)

Offense – Jeremy Pruitt is head coach of Tennessee and Jim Chaney returns for his second season as offensive coordinator. Last year, under Chaney, Tennessee ran 65.3 plays per game (123rd) and passed 46.2% of the time (78th). They’re currently running 70 plays per game, with a 45.7% pass rate. This pass rate jumped significantly after negative game script against Georgia, but for the most part Tennessee prefers to run the ball. Tennessee looked to have one of the top offensive lines in the country, returning four full-time starters and earning a transfer from former five-star prospect Cade Mays. However, Mays, Wanya Morris, and Darnell Wright have been absolutely brutal.

Jarrett Guarantano ($5,100) – Pruitt was non-committal on Jarrett Guarantano as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Harrison Bailey ($4,500) is a four-star freshman and the No.3 pro-style quarterback from the 2020 recruiting class. Bailey would be worth a flier based on price. He is the minimum. Guarantano isn’t worth rostering at any price.

Eric Gray ($6,200) – Playing in a time share with Ty Chandler ($4,300), Eric Gray looked to finally separate himself last week. Gray out-carried Chandler 24-12, while adding five targets in the pass game. Either way, Tennessee projects to play from behind, rendering both backs dart throws this weekend.

Josh Palmer ($4,900) – Tennessee’s top wide receiver, Josh Palmer’s 20.9% target share equates to 23 targets in Tennessee’s run-heavy, slow offense. With other receivers in better spots, this looks like a spot to avoid despite Alabama allowing 309 passing yards per game.

Brandon Johnson ($4,000) – Brandon Johnson has the second-most targets at 17 in this offense. He continues to run fewer routes than Ramel Keyton. Neither are usable.

Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh

CFB DFS Analysis: Notre Dame (26 Team Total)

Offense – To start the year, Notre Dame has run 70.2 plays per game with a 36.7% pass rate. That will happen when facing Duke, USF, Florida State, and Louisville. They returned all five offensive line starters, and it shows so far. New offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has focused on the run to start the year. Rees has coached QB’s with Notre Dame since 2017 and he notably developed Ian Book into the suitable starter he is today. Notre Dame ran 69.5 plays per game last year (78th) and passed 47.6% of the time. In competitive games, these number should rise.

Ian Book ($7,400) – A low-upside option in Notre Dame’s run-first offense, Ian Book averages 23.5 pass attempts per game for 178.5 yards. Struggling with poor receiving options, Book doesn’t look likely to hit many 300-yard bonuses this season. Book offers some rushing ability with 126 cumulative yards, but his ceiling is a major concern when rostering the senior quarterback.

Kyren Williams ($7,600) –

Jahmir Smith left the Notre Dame program.

Javon McKinley ($5,000) – Javon McKinley is Notre Dame’s top receiver in a disappointing passing attack. After dealing with an injury to start the season, McKinley has bested a 92% route rate in back-to-back weeks. In the right game scripts, he could be usable. Against a Kenny Pickett-less Pittsburgh team, a shootout looks unlikely.

Braden Lenzy ($4,700) – Braden Lenzy is dealing with a soft tissue injury that influenced his availability last week. He only saw one target in that game and a couple routes. He functioned as the WR2 before injury and sometimes gets carries out of the backfield.

Bennett Skowronek ($3,700) – If Lenzy misses the game, Bennett Skowronek becomes an interesting play. The Northwestern transfer also dealt with injuries to begin the season, but he ran a route on 78% of drop backs in Notre Dame’s most recent game.

Tommy Tremble ($3,400) – I’m not sure if Tommy Tremble suffered an injury, but he only ran a route on 30% of Notre Dame drop backs last week, while Michael Mayer (3,300) participated in 74%. Tremble is still tied for a team-leading 14 targets.

Lawrence Keys ($3,000) – Keys remains in concussion protocol and likely doesn’t move the needle anyway.

CFB DFS Analysis: Pittsburgh (16.5 Team Total)

Offense – Pat Narduzzi is the head coach of Pitt, with Mark Whipple entering his second season as offensive coordinator. Pitt still runs their up-tempo, pass-friendly offense. So far this year, they’ve averaged 81.2 plays per game, with a 53.9% pass rate. They now get almost all of their offensive line back, which could help the run game. Notre Dame limits the play volume for opposing offenses with their styler of play.

Kenny Pickett ($6,200) – Pickett missed last week’s game and did travel with the team. Joey Yellen ($5,900) started in his place. We won’t get an accurate injury update on Pickett’s status, but his return would bode well for the Panthers. Pickett averaged 36 attempts per game and provided modest dual threat ability. Yellen struggled in an admittedly tough matchup against Miami last week. He failed to eclipse 300 yards on 46 pass attempts, while taking four sacks. Notre Dame’s front seven won’t afford Yellen any additional time to process information.

Vincent Davis ($4,500) and A.J. Davis ($3,200) – The Davis’ will split this backfield in an inefficient manner. Notre Dame allows just 107.5 rushing yards per game behind a strong front seven. Neither back looks like a strong play.

Israel Abanikanda ($4,000) – Israel Abanikanda did not travel with Pitt after A.J. Davis returned to action. He is expected to return here, muddling the situation even further.

Jordan Addison ($6,100) – One of the top young wide receivers in the country, Jordan Addison will man the slot for Pittsburgh. Addison’s 55 targets equate to a 24.6% target share, despite missing half of a game with injury. With Notre Dame also defending the pass well, Addison is a contrarian stacking option in a game with a miniscule total.

Taysir Mack ($4,800) – After receiving over 100 targets last year, Taysir Mack again continues to play a lucrative role on the perimeter for Pitt. Mack has 27 targets in his last three games after missing the first two games of the season. In better matchups, Mack would stack out. However, in a low totaled game with a backup quarterback, Mack looks like a dart throw.

Shocky Jacques-Louis ($3,200) continues to play above D.J. Turner ($4,000). Neither are viable. Here.

Iowa State vs Oklahoma State

CFB DFS Analysis: Iowa State (24.5 Team Total)

Offense – Matt Campbell is Iowa State’s head coach, with Tom Manning coordinating the offense for his second season. Last year, Iowa State passed 55.64 percent of the time (17th) and ran 68.8 plays per game (87th). To start the year, they’ve run 67 plays per game and passed 48.5% of the time. The offensive line returns two full-time starters from last year.

Brock Purdy ($6,900) – One of the biggest disappointments in college football, Brock Purdy averages 228 passing yards on 31.3 pass attempts per game. Purdy has improved each game this year, finally eclipsing 300 yards passing in his most recent game against Texas Tech. With both Iowa State and Oklahoma State predicated on the run, I’m not sure that upside presents itself in this matchup. Still, Purdy hit the 300-yard bonus six times in 2019 and stays in play based on that upside alone.

Breece Hall ($9,000) – One of the premier rushers on this slate, Breece Hall has handled 28 and 27 carries in back-to-back games. While Hall has just seven targets through four games, Iowa State showed a willingness to use him as a receiver last year. In 2019, Hall handled 23 receptions despite emerging as the lead back mid-way through the season. This is a tough matchup for Hall against an Oklahoma State defense allowing just 94 rushing yards per game. However, Hall’s volume keeps him in consideration in almost any matchup.

Xavier Hutchinson ($5,500) – The Junior College standout, Xavier Hutchinson leads Iowa State with 33 targets and a 38% target share. Playing on a run-heavy offense, Hutchinson still averages just 57.3 receiving yards per game. Expensive for his offensive role, Hutchinson still probably is Purdy’s top stacking option.

Charlie Kolar ($4,100) – Probably the only other pass catcher worth considering, Charlie Kolar starts at tight end for Iowa State. He only holds a 14.4% target share, but he missed Iowa State’s first game of the year. He still runs a route on a majority of Iowa State’s drop backs, making him a GPP play.

Tarique Milton ($3,800) – Milton will miss yet another game this weekend with injury. Sean Shaw ran a route on 73% of Purdy drop backs last week, but he only saw three targets. This Iowa State passing game looks rough behind Hutchinson and Kolar.

CFB DFS Analysis: Oklahoma State (27 Team Total)

Offense – Mike Gundy’s Cowboys leaned on the run more last year, moving from Mason Rudolph to Spencer Sanders. They passed just 40.7% of the time (100th) and ran 72.8 plays per game (50th). Oklahoma State only returns one full-time starter (left tackle). However, their right tackle has four starts, and their center has five starts. Their projected right guard is a West Virginia transfer with two years of starting experience, so Chuba Hubbard should be fine. Through three games, Oklahoma State has run 77.3 plays per game and passed 34.9% of the time.

Spencer Sanders ($6,400) – Sanders is reportedly splitting first-team work with Shane Illingworth ($6,200) in practice leading up to Week 8. The Oklahoma State quarterback currently averages 23.6 pass attempts per game. Sanders offers some dual threat ability, while Illingworth has taken negative rushing yardage to start the year. Neither presents a strong stacking option. Illingworth is probably a better pure passer and Sanders is more athletic.

Chuba Hubbard ($7,500) – Likely to be popular considering the price points on the other feature backs, Chuba Hubbard continues to handle 20+ carries per game in Oklahoma State’s offense. Hubbard also averages 114 rushing yards, while adding three targets out of the backfield. Hubbard handled 22 and 23 receptions for Oklahoma State in back-to-back years, so receiving isn’t an issue. However, Iowa State allows just over 100 rushing yards per game, raising efficiency questions for Hubbard. Volume still makes him an elite play.

LD Brown ($4,000) – LD Brown has handled at least eight carries in every game this season. He also averages 68 rushing yards per game, but in tournaments that still isn’t enough upside to pay off even a cheap price tag.

Tylan Wallace ($7,300) – After a Week 1 debacle, future NFL receiver Tylan Wallace has back-to-back 11 target games. Despite playing in a slow, run-first offense, Wallace’s 38% target share makes up for a lack of overall efficiency. With Hubbard likely to come in with popularity, Wallace provides an interesting leverage spot in this game. No other receivers are worth targeting here.

Virginia Tech vs Wake Forest

CFB DFS Analysis: Virginia Tech (39.5 Team Total)

Offense – Justin Fuente is head coach of Virginia Tech and Brad Cornelsen is his offensive coordinator. Playing with mostly dual threats, Virginia Tech threw the ball 37.7% of the time last year (120th), while running 70.4 plays per game (71st). So far this year, the Hokies average 68 plays per game, with a 33.8% pass rate. Still, they managed solid efficiency, scoring at least 38 in every game this season.

Hendon Hooker ($8,700) – After fooling around to start the year, Virginia Tech finally committed to their best signal caller in Hendon Hooker. Known primarily for his rushing, Hooker notched 164 rushing yards in Virginia Tech’s most recent game. Surprisingly, that was Hooker’s first 100-yard rushing game in college. Also participating in a low-volume passing attack, Hooker has one career 300-yard passing game. Hooker hasn’t attempted more than 15 pass attempts in either game this year and will need negative game script or the rushing bonus to pay off value.

Khalil Herbert ($8,800) – Playing in a run-first offense in a perfect matchup, the stars have aligned for Khalil Herbert. Herbert has at least 18 carries in each of his last three games and draws a matchup against a Wake Forest defense allowing 224 rushing yards per game to enemy offenses. The only downside with Herbert is cost. Still, with slate breaking ability, Herbert warrants consideration across formats this weekend.

Tayvion Robinson ($4,800) – Technically Virginia Tech’s top receiver, Tayvion Robinson has just 21 targets through four games. While this equates to a 27.3% target share, Robinson offers little upside with Virginia Tech playing from ahead. Again, Hooker hasn’t attempted more than 15 passes in a game this year. However, bookmakers seem to expect at least competitive play from Wake Forest. Only 9.5-point underdogs, this game has a 69.5-point total. Perhaps the pass catchers provide low-owned leverage.

James Mitchell ($5,600) – Tied with Robinson in targets, James Mitchell comes in at a higher price tag. With the exact same concerns, Mitchell also looks like a pure dart throw on this week’s slate outside on game stacks.

Tre Turner ($4,100) – He missed the latter half of last week’s game and did not return. His status remains up in the air, but that could funnel more targets to Robinson or Mitchell.

CFB DFS Analysis: Wake Forest (29 Team Total)

Offense – Dave Clawson is Wake Forest’s head coach and Warren Ruggiero is his offensive coordinator. On par with their totals a season ago, Wake Forest currently averages 80.3 plays per game and a 48.1% pass rate.

Sam Hartman ($5,900) – Finding his stride of late, Sam Hartman notched his first 300-yard passing game of the season last week. The Wake Forest signal caller is averaging 30.5 pass attempts per game. This number is depressed after a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels. Generally a high-volume pass attack, Hartman has a shot to hit the 300-yard bonus in good matchups. Virginia Tech looks like a solid matchup to target at first glance, allowing 280 passing yards per game. However, this team dealt with a Covid-19 outbreak already, that pulled starters in a few games. I don’t think we’ve seen Virginia Tech’s defense at full strength.

Kenneth Walker ($7,200) – The Wake Forest backs find themselves in a solid spot against a Virginia Tech run defense allowing 191.8 rushing yards per game. Walker continues to work ahead of Christian Beal-Smith ($4,200) in a near-even time-share. Interestingly, Beal-Smith was injured late in last week’s game and Walker handled everything after that. Supposedly, he was healthy enough to return to the game, but Wake Forest is horrendous with injury reporting. Still, this matchup looks concerning for a number of reasons. Virginia Tech already dealt with a Covid-19 outbreak to start the year, removing multiple starters from the lineup. Perhaps they’re better than the seasonal numbers indicate. Also, neither Wake Forest running back has a catch this season. When playing from behind, neither offer much upside.

Donavon Greene ($4,600) – Donavon Green ranks third on Wake Forest in targets (21), despite running the most routes among pass catchers. Fortunately, Greene saw seven targets last week and finally played up to his role in the offense. Green ran a route on 97% of Wake Forest drop backs last week and he currently paces the team this season in this statistic as well.

Jaquarii Roberson ($4,600) – A targets per route run hero, Jaquarii Roberson currently leads Wake Forest with 26 targets (22.6% target share). He also leads the team with 314 receiving yards and deserves more playing time. Last week, Roberson only ran a route on 56% of drop backs, while AT Perry ($4,300) notched a 72% route rate. Perry ranks second on the team in targets, so perhaps he deserves consideration as well. This is an interesting shootout spot, but Wake Forest’s receiving rotation presents an interesting puzzle to decipher.

Baylor vs Texas

CFB DFS Analysis: Baylor (25.5 Team Total)

Offense – Dave Aranda moves over from LSU to coach Baylor. He hired Larry Fedora to coordinate the offense. Fedora is the failed North Carolina head coach and he most recently worked for Texas as an analyst. In 2018 under Fedora, UNC passed 52.9% of the time (23rd) and ran 74.8 plays per game (43rd). Baylor looks to be playing with increased pace with 72.5 plays per game and a 47.6% pass rate.

Charlie Brewer ($7,100) – Brewer currently averages 30.5 pass attempts and 185.5 passing yards per game. Playing Kansas likely influenced this number, but Brewer also only threw for 229 against West Virginia. Last year, Brewer eclipsed 300-yards on four occasions. Texas has actually played strong pass defense, despite giving up a multitude of points. Brewer does offer a small amount of rushing upside, but he looks like a low probability outside of GPP stacks of this game.

John Lovett ($4,300) and Trestan Ebner ($6,300) – Lovett and Ebner form a committee at the running back position. Lovett has out-carried Ebner 31-15, but still finds himself $2k cheaper. Ebner holds a 7-2 target edge in the passing game, but DraftKings appears to have mispriced this backfield. Baylor enters this game as a decent underdog, so the Baylor backs probably remain GPP darts anyway. The pricing is just incorrect.

RJ Sneed ($5,700) – Baylor’s de facto WR1 through two games, RJ Sneed has eight targets in both appearances. Equating to a 27.1% target share, Sneed has been unimpressive with just 106 receiving yards. Texas has struggled at times this year, so perhaps Sneed benefits. Other spots look more attractive overall.

Tyquan Thornton ($4,500) – Looking at cheaper receiving options, Tyquan Thornton looks like a bounce back candidate. Thornton only received one target in his first game, before seeing seven in his second. Thornton continues to lead this team with an 87% route rate and the most play-making ability on the team.

Gavin Holmes ($3,600) – Baylor’s primary slot receiver, Gavin Holmes ranks second on the team with 13 targets (22% target share). Holmes turned these targets into a dreadful 44 total receiving yards. Until Brewer improves, Holmes isn’t much of a consideration.

CFB DFS Analysis: Texas (35 Team Total)

Offense – Tom Herman remains the head coach of Texas, but Mike Yurcich comes over as the offensive coordinator after coordinating Ohio State’s passing game last year. Under Yurcich, Ohio State ran 78.6 plays per game (7th) and passed 40% of the time. Sam Ehlinger isn’t Justin Fields, but he can offer some dual threat ability like Fields. So far this year, Texas is running 79.5 plays per game and passing 56.3-percent of the time.

Sam Ehlinger ($9,900) – Prohibitively price considering the game environment, Sam Ehlinger averages 40.5 pass attempt and 302.3 passing yards per game. A strong dual threat, Ehlinger also has 242 cumulative rushing yards on the season. Baylor’s defense looked strong against Kansas questionable against West Virginia. Ehlinger always brings upside, but his price is starting to come with significant opportunity cost.

Keaontay Ingram ($5,400) will split time with Roschon Johnson ($4,000) and Bijan Robinson ($3,300) in this Texas offense. Making matters worse, Sam Ehlinger often functions as Texas’ goal line back. No one in this backfield is averaging more than 46 yards per game.

Joshua Moore ($7,000) – Texas’ top wide receiver, Joshua Moore has a 19.1% target share. This number likely comes in higher if Moore doesn’t miss the majority of one of Texas’ games already this year. Moore averages 7.8 targets per game and 70.8 receiving yards. He looks like the top stacking option with Ehlinger. The main problem with this stack is price.

Jake Smith ($5,800) – Moving to a cheaper price range, Jake Smith plays the slot for Texas. Injured in pregame in Texas’ most recent game, Smith returned to practice this week and looks set for the game. In his lone appearance this year, Smith racked up 9 targets. For those looking at discount stacks, Jake Smith provides the value.

Brennan Eagles ($4,200) – Brennan Eagles functions as the third receiver for Texas. He still splits some time with Tarik Black making him difficult to trust. However, he is $3,500 and runs a route on about 55% of Sam Ehlinger drop backs.

Jordan Whittington ($3,800) – Jordan Whittington got hurt again in his first game after returning from a multi-week injury. He will reportedly miss few more weeks.

Kentucky vs Missouri

CFB DFS Analysis: Kentucky (26 Team Total)

Offense – Mark Stoops remains the head coach of Kentucky, with Eddie Gran in place as the offensive coordinator. Last year, Kentucky on threw 33.3% of the time, but they were using converted wide receiver Lynn Bowden at quarterback. They ran 65.8 plays per game (118th). So far this season, Kentucky is running 68.5 plays per game with a 36.9% pass rate. Kentucky remains built for the run after returning four starting offensive linemen for a group that ranked second in the entire country in yards per carry.

Terry Wilson ($6,000) – Offering dual threat ability and not much else, Terry Wilson currently attempts 22.5 passes per game for 141 yards. Still, Wilson finds himself in a solid matchup against a Missouri defense allowing 308 passing yards per game. Even in the positive matchup, Wilson will need a lot to work in his favor to enter optimal GPP-winning lineups.

Chris Rodriguez ($5,200) and Asim Rose ($3,900) – Chris Rodriguez and Asim Rose continue to split Kentucky’s backfield with Kavosiey Smoke ($3,700) dealing with a rib injury. Rodriguez holds a slight carry edge over Rose 46-40, but Rose has out-targeted Rodriguez 6-1. Still, both backs share the load and both remain interesting in this spot. Kentucky has already played some tough opponents this season, but the offense doesn’t rack up plays. This means either back must win with efficiency to enter optimal lineup construction.

Josh Ali ($4,700) – Josh Ali’s 29 targets equate to a 33% target share in Kentucky’s offense. The next closest receiver is DeMarkus Harris with 14 targets. Still, Ali hasn’t eclipsed five targets in either of his most recent games. Missouri’s pass defense looks questionable, but so does Ali’s target volume.

Allen Dailey ($3,900) and DeMarcus Harris ($3,000) – Dailey and Harris round out the wide receiver room for Kentucky but neither has more than 14 targets through four games this year.

CFB DFS Analysis: Missouri (21.5 Team Total)

Offense – Missouri’s head coach is Eliah Drinkwitz. They technically don’t have an offensive coordinator, so expect them to lean Drinkwitz as the former head coach of Appalachian State. So far this year, they’re running 69.3 plays per game and passing 50% of the time. During 2019 season at App State, they ran 70.7 plays per game and passed 39.5% of the time. However, that offense wasn’t playing in the SEC. Missouri returned two starters on the offensive line.

Connor Bazelak ($5,500) – Connor Bazelak will start at quarterback for a slow, but balanced Missouri Tigers team. Bazelak passed for 406 yards and four scores on 34 attempts in Missouri’s most recent game. However, the Tigers still only ran 69 plays against LSU. In fact, Bazelak completed 85.3% of his passes. While the efficiency is awesome, the young signal caller now faces a much tougher task against Kentucky’s stout defense. Bazelak does have a solid pedigree as a former 4-star pro-style quarterback and the No.13 quarterback from the 2019 recruiting class. He’s cheap, so he makes sense in certain contrarian constructions.

Larry Rountree ($5,300) – Rountee will form a time share with Tyler Badie ($4,600) to some degree. However, the roles are clear. Rountree will run between the tackles and handle goal-line work, while Badie functions as a pure pass catching back. Rountree has out-carried Badie 50-15, while Badie’s 10 targets dwarf Rountree’s three. With Missouri projected to trail here, neither makes sense.

Damon Hazelton ($4,700) – Hazelton returns to Missouri’s lineup after missing their most recent game with Covid. He was listed as a third-teamer on the depth chart for some reason, but he ran a route on at least 80% of Missouri’s drop backs in his first two games. Hazelton still ranks second with 16 targets and remains the top wide out, in my opinion.

Jalen Knox ($4,400) – Jalen Knox has a 56% route rate on the season, despite his team-leading 19 targets. Knox should still play a rotational role when Missouri returns to full strength.

Keke Chism ($3,600) – Chism is back on the depth chart after a Covid-19 scare. Similar to Hazelton, he ran a route on at least 84% of Missouri’s drop backs in his first two games. He likely slots in as the number two pass catcher behind Hazelton. Unlike Hazelton, Chism had only been targeted five times before his absence. The entire receiver room remains in flux, making them all difficult to trust.

Kansas vs Kansas State

CFB DFS Analysis: Kansas (13.5 Team Total)

Offense – Les Miles remains Kansas’ head coach and Bren Dearmon remains the offensive coordinator. So far this season, Kansas is running 71.8 plays per game, with a 47% pass rate. Last year, they passed 52.2% of the time (34th) and ran 76 plays per game (26th). They’re struggling with quarterback continuity and overall efficiency, but this Kansas offense is still playing fast. This puts some of the tertiary players in play as one-offs.

Miles Kendrick ($4,900) – Miles Kendrick started in place of Jalon Daniels ($4,800), who was ruled out. They reportedly got Thomas MacVittie ($4,700) back, but they decided to go with Kendrick. When asked about the situation, Les Miles said all three threw at practice and he would not name a starter. Kansas State has allowed 284 passing yards to opposing signal callers this season, but I don’t think any of these players will be able to take advantage.

Velton Gardner ($4,400) – Pooka Williams left the Kansas program, making Velton Gardner a much-needed value play on this slate. Williams had only out-touched Gardner 58-50 to start the year. While Gardner looks like a solid value play, his team still remains 19.50poitn underdogs and Gardner only has three targets this year.

Andrew Parchment ($4,400) – Andrew Parchment in the top receiver for an unexciting offense. He has just 140 receiving yards on 28 targets, equating to 35 receiving yards per game. We’ll need consistent quarterback play for Parchment to revive some of 2019’s fantasy goodness.

Takulve Williams ($3,200) – Takulve Williams plays the slot for Kansas and while that has led to consistent target volume, Williams has yet to eclipse 100 total receiving yards. To be exact, Williams averages 6.8 targets per game, but only 22 receiving yards.

Kwamie Lassiter ($4,200) – Lassiter rounds out the three-wide rotation. He actually leads the team in receiving yards (171), despite seeing only 21 targets. This entire group can be ignored.

Kansas State (33 Team Total)

Offense – Chris Klieman enters his second season as Kansas State’s head coach. Courtney Messingham is also entering his second season with the program as the offensive coordinator. Both coaches come from North Dakota State. Kansas State passed the ball 39.13% of the time last year (114th) and ran 65.2 plays per game (124th). This was one of the least exciting offenses in all of football last year. To start the 2020, they look exactly the same, running 61.8 plays per game and passing 41.3% of the time. This offense also has major questions with five completely new starters on the offensive line. They still have Evan Curl, who was an All-Big 12 contributor.

Will Howard ($6,600) – Skylar Thompson suffered an injury, setting up Will Howard to handle starting quarterback duties. Howard has only attempted 32 passes this year, but he is completing exactly 50%. Luckily, Howard offers some rushing upside. He already has 93 cumulative yards and a rushing score through one start as Kansas State’s signal caller. With the Wildcats typically playing slow, run-heavy football, Howard will need to rely on efficiency to enter optimal lineups.

Deuce Vaughn ($7,000) – Deuce Vaughn will form a committee with Harry Trotter ($4,400). Vaughn has out-carried Trotter only 49-36, despite Trotter missing an entire game. Vaughn looks far more explosive, out-gaining Trotter 241-113 on that same volume. Importantly, Vaughn plays the pass catching role, seeing 12 targets to start the year. Kansas also allows 227 rushing yards per game, potentially putting both backs in play.

Briley Moore ($3,900) and Chabastin Taylor ($5,100) – Moore and Taylor are tied for a team-leading 18 targets. That equates to 4.5 targets per game. With Kansas State favored, they likely lean on a run heavy approach, rending Moore and Taylor even more volatile.


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Author
Matt Gajewski graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Economics. Matt has worked in the fantasy industry for the past four years, focusing on DFS and Sports Betting. Matt specializes in NFL, College Football, College Basketball, XFL, and MMA. With GPP victories across the major sports, Matt also qualified for the DraftKings 2020 Sports Betting Championship and won a seat to the College Basketball Tourney Mania final.

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