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College Football Fantasy Breakdown (Sat. 9/1): The Kyler Murray Era at Oklahoma Begins

The first full slate of the college football season is here, and both DraftKings and FanDuel have brought back CFB DFS.

DraftKings has a 16-game main slate at noon pm ET and nine-game night slate at 7:00 pm ET, while FanDuel has a six-game early slate at noon pm ET and a 13-game main slate at 3:30 pm ET.

For more information on the slate, see Sean Newsham’s CFB DFS rankings, and also check out The Action Network’s Live Odds page for line updates.



Game of the Week: Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma (-20.5)

Oklahoma had the best offense in the nation last year by pretty much any metric you choose. Of course, the Sooners’ prolific passing attack was led by star quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now it’s Kyler Murray’s turn to run the show. The Oklahoma offense ranks just 97th in returning production, but there’s no shortage of playmakers in Norman. Running back Rodney Anderson and wide receivers Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb highlight a stacked Saturday slate. On the other sideline is head coach Lane Kiffin, who is entering his second season at Florida Atlantic. Running back Devin Singletary had a monster 2017 season, rushing for 1,918 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. How will Singletary and the Owls fare against the College Football Playoff-contending Sooners?

Quarterbacks

Trace McSorley (Penn State): $9,800 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel

If you find Murray’s price too high, consider the cheaper McSorely. He had a huge 2017 campaign, posting a 3,570-28-10 passing line and adding 491 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. McSorley has 20-1 odds to win the Heisman trophy this season, and Penn State will feature him in Week 1 against Appalachian State. McSorley has excellent receiving weapons in wide receivers Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins, but his real DFS value lies in his rushing upside. He rushed for a touchdown in nine different games for the Nittany Lions last season. Against an overmatched Mountaineers defense, McSorley provides a high fantasy floor due to his dual-threat ability.

Ross Bowers (California): $7,500 DraftKings, $9,600 FanDuel

Bowers had a solid 3,039-18-12 passing line last season, leading the Golden Bears to the No. 18 passing-downs efficiency rate in the country. North Carolina is dealing with major suspensions this season due to NCAA infractions and will be without both starting defensive ends in this game. California is a pass-first offense, and without first-string defensive ends applying pressure, Bowers should have a clean pocket for most of the game. Also, North Carolina has an uptempo spread offense: If the Tar Heels don’t convert first downs, it could result in extra Golden Bears possessions. In a slate loaded with top quarterbacks, Bowers offers nice upside at a reasonable price.

Armani Rogers (Nevada-Las Vegas): $6,100 DraftKings, $4,000 FanDuel

Rogers is a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. Last season he had a mediocre 1,471-6-5 passing line, but he rushed 146 times for 780 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine full games of action. The Runnin’ Rebels ranked No. 12 in the nation last season in Rushing IsoPPP (offensive explosiveness), mostly due to Rogers’ elite playmaking ability. Last year, Ohio State thoroughly shut down the freshman phenom in Week 3, holding him to 88 yards passing and 22 yards rushing while forcing two interceptions, so Rogers isn’t a matchup-proof player. The USC defense represents a crucial test for Rogers in his sophomore season, but he still offers upside as a punt option.

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Running Backs

Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma): $9,700 DraftKings, $10,000 FanDuel

Anderson’s receiving upside makes him a fantasy threat even if the Sooners go with a pass-heavy game script against the Owls. Moreover, Murray’s running ability demands defensive attention, which potentially will open up even bigger holes for Anderson. And if Oklahoma opts for a conservative run-heavy game plan to protect Murray before conference play, Anderson should benefit immensely from positive game script.

Scottie Phillips (Mississippi): $5,100 DraftKings, $8,200 FanDuel

Phillips is a junior college transfer who rushed for 1,070 yards and 13 touchdowns last season with Jones County. Throughout the offseason, he competed for the starting job with the veteran Eric Swinney, who was recently ruled out with an illness. After the graduation of Jordan Wilkins, who propelled the offense to No. 9 in Offensive S&P+ Rating last season, the Rebels have limited backfield depth, so Phillips will be entrusted with three-down responsibilities for Week 1. He’s a bargain given his projected workload against the Red Raiders.

Nico Evans (Wyoming): $4,500 DraftKings

Evans’ fantasy appeal is tied to Wyoming’s defensive strengths and passing limitations. The Cowboys defense ranked 11th in the country against the pass last year and 29th overall. In last week’s game against New Mexico State, the Cowboys held the Aggies to eight total yards in the first half. Wyoming’s defense was suffocating, enabling the offense to rack up a 40:41 time of possession. Evans amassed 24 rushes for 190 yards and a touchdown for the game despite resting most of the fourth quarter. There’s marked uncertainty regarding most of the value running backs in this slate, but Evans’ workload is unquestioned. His high fantasy floor makes him an excellent cash-game play on the cheap.

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Wide Receivers

A.J. Brown (Mississippi): $10,800 DraftKings, $10,600 FanDuel

Brown is one of the most electrifying players in college football and was voted a preseason All-American. Last season, he posted a ridiculous 75-1,252-11 receiving line in 11 games. He is the No. 1 playmaker for an Ole Miss offense that ranked No. 9 in the country last season in Offensive S&P+. Despite contending with elite SEC secondaries, he hauled in 6.8 receptions per game. Texas Tech’s defense ranked 113th in defensive efficiency last season and 70th against the pass. The Texas Tech-Mississippi game has an above average total (67) with a tight spread (2.5), which should translate to big and sustained offensive production. Given Brown’s reliability, projected volume, and playmaking ability, he’s worth paying up for in Week 1.

Vic Wharton III (California): $5,800 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel

Wharton was the Golden Bears’ most productive receiver last season, amassing a 67-871-5 receiving line. He was also California’s most consistent receiver, catching at least five passes in nine games. The slate is loaded with high-priced talent at every position, so finding a reliable yet cheap No. 1 receiver is valuable. Wharton should benefit from a pass-heavy game script against a depleted North Carolina defense. His projected receiving volume makes him a great cash play, but he may also be chalky. Consider fading him in guaranteed prize pools.

KJ Hamler (Penn State): $3,900 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel

If you need to scrape the bottom of the barrel, Hamler is a great upside play. He redshirted last year as a freshman while rehabbing from a torn ACL, but he’s been announced as the starting slot receiver against Appalachian State. Hamler is an athletic receiver with an unofficial 4.43-second 40 time, and the Nittany Lions may rely on him to replace the production of the graduated wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Mike Gesicki. He also has some additional touchdown potential as a kick returner. If you’re looking for cheap upside, he’s your guy.

DFS Stacks

Mississippi

The Rebels may post big offensive numbers in a Big 12-style shootout with Texas Tech.

  • QB: Jordan Ta’amu
  • WR: Brown
  • WR: D.K. Metcalf
  • RB: Phillips

Penn State

The Nittany Lions should dominate an overmatched Appalachian State squad.

  • QB: McSorley
  • WR: Johnson
  • WR: Thompkins
  • WR: Hamler

West Virginia

The Mountaineers impressed in Week 1 against Virginia Tech last season. Quarterback Will Grier and company could have a similar performance against the lackluster Tennessee defense.

  • QB: Grier
  • WR: David Sills V
  • WR: Gary Jennings Jr.
  • WR: Marcus Simms

Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have not named a starting quarterback, but their receiving corps should still be dynamic. With plenty of value options available, consider stacking multiple Texas Tech receivers in a potentially high-scoring affair with Ole Miss.

  • WR: T.J. Vasher
  • WR: Ja’Deoin High
  • WR: Zach Austin


Photo Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Pictured Above: Kyler Murray

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The first full slate of the college football season is here, and both DraftKings and FanDuel have brought back CFB DFS.

DraftKings has a 16-game main slate at noon pm ET and nine-game night slate at 7:00 pm ET, while FanDuel has a six-game early slate at noon pm ET and a 13-game main slate at 3:30 pm ET.

For more information on the slate, see Sean Newsham’s CFB DFS rankings, and also check out The Action Network’s Live Odds page for line updates.



Game of the Week: Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma (-20.5)

Oklahoma had the best offense in the nation last year by pretty much any metric you choose. Of course, the Sooners’ prolific passing attack was led by star quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now it’s Kyler Murray’s turn to run the show. The Oklahoma offense ranks just 97th in returning production, but there’s no shortage of playmakers in Norman. Running back Rodney Anderson and wide receivers Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb highlight a stacked Saturday slate. On the other sideline is head coach Lane Kiffin, who is entering his second season at Florida Atlantic. Running back Devin Singletary had a monster 2017 season, rushing for 1,918 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. How will Singletary and the Owls fare against the College Football Playoff-contending Sooners?

Quarterbacks

Trace McSorley (Penn State): $9,800 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel

If you find Murray’s price too high, consider the cheaper McSorely. He had a huge 2017 campaign, posting a 3,570-28-10 passing line and adding 491 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. McSorley has 20-1 odds to win the Heisman trophy this season, and Penn State will feature him in Week 1 against Appalachian State. McSorley has excellent receiving weapons in wide receivers Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins, but his real DFS value lies in his rushing upside. He rushed for a touchdown in nine different games for the Nittany Lions last season. Against an overmatched Mountaineers defense, McSorley provides a high fantasy floor due to his dual-threat ability.

Ross Bowers (California): $7,500 DraftKings, $9,600 FanDuel

Bowers had a solid 3,039-18-12 passing line last season, leading the Golden Bears to the No. 18 passing-downs efficiency rate in the country. North Carolina is dealing with major suspensions this season due to NCAA infractions and will be without both starting defensive ends in this game. California is a pass-first offense, and without first-string defensive ends applying pressure, Bowers should have a clean pocket for most of the game. Also, North Carolina has an uptempo spread offense: If the Tar Heels don’t convert first downs, it could result in extra Golden Bears possessions. In a slate loaded with top quarterbacks, Bowers offers nice upside at a reasonable price.

Armani Rogers (Nevada-Las Vegas): $6,100 DraftKings, $4,000 FanDuel

Rogers is a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. Last season he had a mediocre 1,471-6-5 passing line, but he rushed 146 times for 780 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine full games of action. The Runnin’ Rebels ranked No. 12 in the nation last season in Rushing IsoPPP (offensive explosiveness), mostly due to Rogers’ elite playmaking ability. Last year, Ohio State thoroughly shut down the freshman phenom in Week 3, holding him to 88 yards passing and 22 yards rushing while forcing two interceptions, so Rogers isn’t a matchup-proof player. The USC defense represents a crucial test for Rogers in his sophomore season, but he still offers upside as a punt option.

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Running Backs

Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma): $9,700 DraftKings, $10,000 FanDuel

Anderson’s receiving upside makes him a fantasy threat even if the Sooners go with a pass-heavy game script against the Owls. Moreover, Murray’s running ability demands defensive attention, which potentially will open up even bigger holes for Anderson. And if Oklahoma opts for a conservative run-heavy game plan to protect Murray before conference play, Anderson should benefit immensely from positive game script.

Scottie Phillips (Mississippi): $5,100 DraftKings, $8,200 FanDuel

Phillips is a junior college transfer who rushed for 1,070 yards and 13 touchdowns last season with Jones County. Throughout the offseason, he competed for the starting job with the veteran Eric Swinney, who was recently ruled out with an illness. After the graduation of Jordan Wilkins, who propelled the offense to No. 9 in Offensive S&P+ Rating last season, the Rebels have limited backfield depth, so Phillips will be entrusted with three-down responsibilities for Week 1. He’s a bargain given his projected workload against the Red Raiders.

Nico Evans (Wyoming): $4,500 DraftKings

Evans’ fantasy appeal is tied to Wyoming’s defensive strengths and passing limitations. The Cowboys defense ranked 11th in the country against the pass last year and 29th overall. In last week’s game against New Mexico State, the Cowboys held the Aggies to eight total yards in the first half. Wyoming’s defense was suffocating, enabling the offense to rack up a 40:41 time of possession. Evans amassed 24 rushes for 190 yards and a touchdown for the game despite resting most of the fourth quarter. There’s marked uncertainty regarding most of the value running backs in this slate, but Evans’ workload is unquestioned. His high fantasy floor makes him an excellent cash-game play on the cheap.

>> Sign up for The Action Network’s daily newsletter to get the smartest NFL conversation delivered into your inbox each morning.

Wide Receivers

A.J. Brown (Mississippi): $10,800 DraftKings, $10,600 FanDuel

Brown is one of the most electrifying players in college football and was voted a preseason All-American. Last season, he posted a ridiculous 75-1,252-11 receiving line in 11 games. He is the No. 1 playmaker for an Ole Miss offense that ranked No. 9 in the country last season in Offensive S&P+. Despite contending with elite SEC secondaries, he hauled in 6.8 receptions per game. Texas Tech’s defense ranked 113th in defensive efficiency last season and 70th against the pass. The Texas Tech-Mississippi game has an above average total (67) with a tight spread (2.5), which should translate to big and sustained offensive production. Given Brown’s reliability, projected volume, and playmaking ability, he’s worth paying up for in Week 1.

Vic Wharton III (California): $5,800 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel

Wharton was the Golden Bears’ most productive receiver last season, amassing a 67-871-5 receiving line. He was also California’s most consistent receiver, catching at least five passes in nine games. The slate is loaded with high-priced talent at every position, so finding a reliable yet cheap No. 1 receiver is valuable. Wharton should benefit from a pass-heavy game script against a depleted North Carolina defense. His projected receiving volume makes him a great cash play, but he may also be chalky. Consider fading him in guaranteed prize pools.

KJ Hamler (Penn State): $3,900 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel

If you need to scrape the bottom of the barrel, Hamler is a great upside play. He redshirted last year as a freshman while rehabbing from a torn ACL, but he’s been announced as the starting slot receiver against Appalachian State. Hamler is an athletic receiver with an unofficial 4.43-second 40 time, and the Nittany Lions may rely on him to replace the production of the graduated wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Mike Gesicki. He also has some additional touchdown potential as a kick returner. If you’re looking for cheap upside, he’s your guy.

DFS Stacks

Mississippi

The Rebels may post big offensive numbers in a Big 12-style shootout with Texas Tech.

  • QB: Jordan Ta’amu
  • WR: Brown
  • WR: D.K. Metcalf
  • RB: Phillips

Penn State

The Nittany Lions should dominate an overmatched Appalachian State squad.

  • QB: McSorley
  • WR: Johnson
  • WR: Thompkins
  • WR: Hamler

West Virginia

The Mountaineers impressed in Week 1 against Virginia Tech last season. Quarterback Will Grier and company could have a similar performance against the lackluster Tennessee defense.

  • QB: Grier
  • WR: David Sills V
  • WR: Gary Jennings Jr.
  • WR: Marcus Simms

Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have not named a starting quarterback, but their receiving corps should still be dynamic. With plenty of value options available, consider stacking multiple Texas Tech receivers in a potentially high-scoring affair with Ole Miss.

  • WR: T.J. Vasher
  • WR: Ja’Deoin High
  • WR: Zach Austin


Photo Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Pictured Above: Kyler Murray

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