College football Week 3 continues with a three-game Friday slate. CFB DFS differs from traditional NFL DFS in a few key areas. Rosters do not require a defense and instead incorporate a superflex where a second quarterback can be rostered. With the exception of short slates, using a second quarterback generally makes the most sense. From there, traditional stacking rules and other general football DFS strategies apply (such as looking at college football ownership projections). With that said, let’s get into the CFB Week 3 DFS picks and projections for Friday, Sept. 15.
CFB Week 3 DFS Picks and Projections | Friday
Quarterback
Taulia Tagovailoa ($9,600): This is a tough quarterback slate, but Taulia Tagovailoa stands out as the clear safest option. Maryland currently passes 51.4% of the time and ranks 60th in seconds per play. It also is a 14.5-point favorite in a game with a 48.5 total. Tagovailoa isn’t the most mobile quarterback, but he averaged 297 and 250 passing yards over the last two seasons. With Virginia’s defense projected to provide little resistance, Tagovailoa is the safest price-adjusted quarterback play.
Frank Harris ($6,100): Frank Harris has been playing through a toe injury and enters this game with the questionable tag. At full health, Harris easily leads this slate in terms of price-adjusted value. Last year, Harris passed for 4,063 yards while adding another 602 on the ground. Both passing and rushing have been affected by the injury, but the lack of alternatives makes Harris a top-2 option at the position. Just make sure he is active for this game.
Zac Larrier ($6,500): With few alternatives, Air Force’s quarterback Zac Larrier is an interesting GPP option. Air Force runs the triple option, which somewhat limits Larrier’s ceiling. However, Larrier has 13 and 19 designed rush attempts through two games. He currently leads the team with 33 attempts for 164 yards and two touchdowns, which makes him an intriguing GPP option against Utah State as a 10-point favorite.
Cooper Legas ($5,400): For the deep GPP options, Cooper Legas stands out above the Army and Virginia quarterbacks. Bryson Daily ($6,300) is a bit expensive for an Army quarterback, and Virginia has opted to start Tony Muskett ($5,200) despite getting out-played by freshman Anthony Colandrea ($5,200). As for Legas, he provides decent mobility, with 303 rushing yards last year. Utah State also has a 67% pass rate while ranking 20th in seconds per play. This creates enough opportunity for Legas to potentially pay off this price tag.
Running Back
Kevorian Barnes ($6,600): One of the premier feature backs on the slate, Kevorian Barnes has 46 touches through two games. He also has a 60% route rate, keeping him in play through all game environments. Army currently allows over six yards per carry to opposing backs. With Harris banged up, Barnes brings an elite floor on this slate.
Roman Hemby ($8,500): Maryland is slated to play its first semi-competitive game of the year, and Roman Hemby could receive a massive workload. Last week, Hemby carried 19 times and saw five targets, putting him in feature back territory. Behind him, Colby McDonald ($5,200) out-touched Antwain Littleton II ($6,200) 8-4 in Week 2. McDonald could be used as a contrarian piece as well.
Owen Burk ($5,500): With Air Force running the ball 92% of the time, the running back situation provides potential GPP value. After a beatdown of Robert Morris in Week 1, Owen Burk out-carried John Lee Eldridge III ($5,000) 18-8 against Sam Houston State in Week 2. This backfield could ebb and flow throughout the year, but Burk is slightly ahead of Eldridge.
Jakobi Buchanan ($3,300): Like Air Force, Army runs a version of the triple option. Unlike Air Force, Army is a 9-point underdog to UTSA in a game with a 45 total. However, both of the Army lead backs are severely underpriced. Jakobi Buchanan out-carried Hayden Reed 7-3 last time out, but this backfield could shift depending on the hot hand. Ultimately, both are viable as salary savers in this run-heavy scheme.
Editor Note: Looking for more 2023 college football predictions? Experts are to break down this college football season — make sure to check out the rest of OddsShopper’s’ college football articles. If you still need more picks, our market-based betting model might just be for you — or try it out now!
Wide Receiver
Jeshaun Jones ($7,300): Through two weeks, Jeshaun Jones has operated as Maryland’s top receiver. He has 11 targets and led the team with an 89% route participation last week. Tyrese Chambers ($6,400) missed last week and could further consolidate routes. Behind Jones, Tai Felton ($4,900) also participated in 89% of the routes. Tight end Corey Dyches ($6,300) has also been hyper-involved with a 68% route share last week. West Virginia transfer Kaden Prather ($6,500) rounds out the starting group and also offers GPP viability.
Terrell Vaughns ($6,600): With Utah State’s elevated pass rate, Terrell Vaughns has quickly emerged as the team’s top pass catcher. Vaughns now has 16 and 12 targets through two games, accounting for 165 passing yards. Jalen Royals ($5,700) could also be used as a GPP option, as he has 10 targets. Otto Tia missed last game, which pushed Colby Bowman into a 64% route share. Micah Davis also has a 52% route share and eight targets. Tia vacated a 55% route share from Week 1, making this a GPP situation to monitor behind Vaughns and Royals.
De’Corian Clark ($4,300): UTSA could get a massive boost in the passing game this week with the potential return of De’Corian Clark. Clark suited up and warmed up last week, but he ultimately did not play. Clark caught 51 passes for 741 yards last year and should immediately challenge Joshua Cephus ($6,200) for WR1 status. This should also push Tykee Ogle-Kellogg ($5,000) into the WR3 role. Just make sure Clark warms up before inserting him into lineups.
Demick Starling ($3,000): Even with the quarterback controversy, Virginia has funneled opportunity to its top three receivers. Malachi Fields ($5,200) and Malik Washington ($5,300) has 16 and 14 targets to lead this team. However, Demick Starling has also participated in 70% of the routes. This has only led to two targets, but Starling is at the stone minimum. For those looking for salary relief, Starling fits the mold.
