Championship Week DraftKings CFB Main Slate Plays

The Saturday main slates have been good to us this year. This week, there are good options in all price ranges. We simply need to find the right plays and stacks to maximize our fantasy points. Excited to break this slate down below.

Let’s dig in…

Against the Spread Picks

Washington (+9.5) vs Oregon

Texas(-14.5) vs Oklahoma State

Michigan (-21.5) vs Iowa

Total Wagers

Washington vs Oregon (Under 65.5)

Texas vs Oklahoma (Over 54.5)

Michigan vs Iowa (Over 34.5)

Quarterbacks

Jalen Milroe, Alabama vs Georgia (DK: $9.0K | FD: $10.5K | O/U: 56.0 | Implied: 25.5)

Jalen Milroe has the highest upside of any QB on this slate, averaging 34.8 FPG over the last four games. Unfortunately, he’s facing a Georgia defense allowing QBs to produce 14.2 FPG. If there is a weak point for the Bulldogs’ defense, it’s their pass rush and tackling. Milroe is talented enough to exploit these deficiencies and be the top DFS QB on this slate.

Jayden Maiava, UNLV vs Boise State (DK: $6.8K | FD: $8.8K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 27.75)

Jayden Maiava is the engine that makes OC Brennan Marion’s unique go-go offense run efficiently. Over the last six weeks, Maiava is averaging 287.8 passing yards. He’s eclipsed 25 yards rushing in six games showing some dual-threat ability to keep defenses honest. The Boise State defense is ranked 117th in PASS YPG (259.8) so Maiava will have plenty of opportunity to utilize his arm in this game. He is also a great stacking partner with the best WR play on the slate, Ricky White.

Taylen Green, Boise State vs UNLV (DK: $6.7K | FD: $9.0K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 30.75)

Taylen Green’s upside makes him an attractive option on this slate. For most of the season, Green was forced into a timeshare with Maddux Madsen limiting his production. However, since Madsen transferred out two weeks, Green has been the exclusive QB1. The UNLV defense is ranked 90th in QB FPG (21.7) so there is an opportunity for Green to hit value, especially if the Rebels are determined to shut down the Boise State running attack. We have Green projected at 18.5 FP tomorrow.

Gunnar Watson, Troy vs App State (DK: $6.0K | FD: $9.7K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 29.0)

Gunnar Watson is not a household DFS name, which is why I think he is priced so low. However, he is a very good passer who is averaging 274.0 PASS YPG for 24.1 FPG over his last five games. The Appalachian State defense can make it hard on explosive passing offenses, because they limit explosive passing plays, as we saw versus James Madison. If Watson is patient, then he will have success throwing underneath to his talented receiving options, particularly Jabre Barber. At $6.0K, it will be hard to exclude Watson from our lineups, especially in Cash/Single-entry contests.

Alternatives

Quinn Ewers, Texas vs Oklahoma St. (DK: $8.5K | FD: $10.2K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 34.5)

Kevin Jennings, SMU vs Tulane (DK: $6.4K | FD: $7.0K | O/U: 50.5 | Implied: 23.25)

Running Backs

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State vs UNLV (DK: $8.0K | FD: $11.5K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 30.75)

Ashton Jeanty is following in the footsteps of past great Boise State RBs, averaging 30.6 FPG this year. Last week, he shed the brace on his injured knee, and accumulated 100 yards rushing and receiving. His ability to catch passes makes him a matchup proof RB. It’s rare that we have two slate-breaking upside RBs on the slate, but that’s the case this week between Jeanty and Ollie Gordon. Jeanty will be much higher-owned with a lower salary and better matchup. I will not be fading the chalk here. Jeanty is simply too good to fade. In fact, he will be a core piece of all my builds.

Kimani Vidal, Troy vs App State (DK: $7.0K | FD: $9.2K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 29.0)

Kimani Vidal has one of the best matchups on the slate versus an Appalachian State defense ranked 99th in RB FPG (28.0). Vidal is the focal point of the Troy offense, averaging 21 carries per game. In fact, he has broken the 20-carry barrier seven times this year. Saturday will be his eighth time as Troy will attempt to defeat a hot Appalachian State team. We have him projected at 16.9 FP, but our data shows his ceiling at 23.4 FP and his floor at 5.5. Therefore, I like Vidal much more in multi-entry contests than single-entry due to his volatility.

Makhi Hughes, Tulane vs SMU (DK: $6.4K | FD: $8.9K | O/U: 50.5 | Implied: 27.25)

Makhi Hughes continues a common thread amongst our RB selections this week, volume. Over the last 8 games, Hughes is averaging 22.8 carries and 125.1 YPG for 18.6 FPG. The SMU defense is allowing opposing RB1s to average over 5 yards per carry, so Hughes has a big opportunity here. We have Hughes projected at 16.8 FP, but he will be one of the top three highest-owned RBs on the slate. Due to his high ownership and limited ceiling, Hughes is primarily a Cash/Single-entry option for me.

CJ Baxter, Texas vs Oklahoma St. (DK: $5.6K | FD: $7.8K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 34.5)

CJ Baxter was a disappointment last week as he got nicked up and watched Jaydon Blue have a breakout game. Baxter’s talent is evident, but he reminds me of a young TreVeyon Henderson who struggled to play through minor injuries. Texas HC Steve Sarkisian said he will play on Saturday. The Oklahoma State defense is allowing opposing RB1s to produce 16.8 FPG. According to their schedule-adjusted FPG, those same RBs produce 23.1 percent more FPG than their season average. Baxter is still going to be a popular play this week due to his upside and price point. Therefore, you can play him in Cash/Single-entry contests, but in light of his injury risks, I’d suggest playing him exclusively in GPP/Multi-entry contests.

Alternatives

Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma St vs Texas (DK: $9.0K | FD: $10.7K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 34.5)

Peny Boone, Toledo vs Miami OH (DK: $7.7K | FD: $10.0K | O/U: 46.0 | Implied: 27.0)

Isaac Geurendo, Louisville vs FSU (DK: $6.1K | FD: $6.1K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 24.0)

Kanye Roberts, App State vs Troy (DK: $5.3K | FD: $7.1K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 22.5)

$4.5K-or-less options

Roydell Williams, Alabama vs Georgia (DK: $4.0K | FD: $5.8K | O/U: 56.0 | Implied: 25.5)

Receivers

Ricky White, UNLV vs Boise State (DK: $6.7K | FD: $10.4K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 27.75)

Ricky White is the best WR option on the slate, averaging 20.7 FPG at $6.7K. White is a target hog, averaging 9.8 targets per game with a 35.8 percent team target share. The Boise State secondary allowed opposing WR1s to average 18.0 FPG on 5.3 receptions for 92.6 yards per game. According to their schedule-adjusted FPG, the Broncos' defense allowed opposing WRs to produce 38.5 percent more fantasy points than their season average. White is the WR lock of the slate.

Xavier Worthy, Texas vs Oklahoma St. (DK: $6.2K | FD: $8.6K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 34.5)

Xavier Worthy is too cheap in what is more than likely his last game in a Texas uniform, assuming the Longhorns don’t make the playoffs. The Oklahoma State defense is terrible versus opposing WR1s, allowing them to produce 20.4 FPG. According to their schedule-adjusted FPG, the Cowboys' defense allowed opposing WR1s to produce 51.0 percent more fantasy points than their season average. Worthy is set up perfectly to have a monster game. I’m locking him in all formats.

Brennan Presley, Oklahoma St vs Texas (DK: $5.5K | FD: $8.0K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 20.5)

Brennan Presley is breaking the mold for HC Mike Gundy as the lead Oklahoma State WR from the slot. I cannot think of a time in the last 9 seasons this has occurred under Gundy. Presley has produced 17.7 FP or more in 6 of 7 games, which would hit value on this slate. Last week, he turned 14 targets into 9 receptions for 90 yards. As a 14.5-point underdog, the Cowboys will be forced to throw the rock a ton. Presley is the safest WR to hit value on this slate.

Kaedin Robinson, App State vs Troy (DK: $5.0K | FD: $7.8K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 22.5)

Kaedin Robinson is balling out over the last two games with 16 targets, 12 receptions, 176 yards and 4 TDs for 26.8 FPG. For the entire season, Robinson has been extremely steady, averaging 15.3 FPG. As 5.5-point underdogs, Appalachian State will have to throw the rock around, giving Robinson a good shot to hit value. The Troy defense is allowing opposing WR1s to average 17.1 FPG. According to their schedule-adjusted FPG, the Trojans' defense allowed opposing WR1s to produce 25.5 percent more fantasy points than their season average. I really like Robinson in all contest types tomorrow.

Jabre Barber, Troy vs App State (DK: $4.4K | FD: $8.1K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 29.0)

Jabre Barber is way too cheap, averaging 14.5 FPG at $4.4K on DK. Barber accumulated 94 targets on the season for a 24.9 percent team target share. Over the last three games, he is averaging 8.6 targets, 6 receptions and 76 yards for 18.1 FPG. Barber will be a core piece of my lineups this week in all formats.

Alternatives

Chris Brazzell II, Tulane vs SMU (DK: $5.4K | FD: $7.2K | O/U: 50.5 | Implied: 27.25)

Keon Coleman, FSU vs Louisville (DK: $5.2K | FD: $7.6K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 27.5)

Leon Johnson III, Oklahoma St vs Texas (DK: $5.0K | FD: $7.4K | O/U: 55.0 | Implied: 20.5)

Johnny Wilson, FSU vs Louisville (DK: $4.9K | FD: $7.3K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 27.5)

$4.5K-or-less options

Jaheim Bell, FSU vs Louisville (DK: $4.2K | FD: $6.5K | O/U: 51.5 | Implied: 27.5)

Prince Strachan, Boise State vs UNLV (DK: $3.4K | FD: $5.5K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 30.75)

Jacob De Jesus, UNLV vs Boise State (DK: $3.2K | FD: $5.5K | O/U: 58.5 | Implied: 27.75)