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 8 DFS picks and projections for Friday, Oct. 20.
CFB Week 8 DFS Picks and Projections | Friday, Oct. 20
Quarterback
Preston Stone ($12,200): SMU is a 19.5-point favorite over Temple in a game with a 55.5 total. The Mustangs rank 29th in pace and throw the ball 51.7% of the time. With nasty time shares at every position except quarterback, Preston Stone stands out as the safest play on the slate. Somewhat mobile, Stone accounts for 93 cumulative rushing yards so far this year. As a passer, Stone also averages 243.7 yards per game on 33 attempts. Temple allows 9.2 yards to opposing quarterbacks, setting up Stone for increased efficiency.
E.J. Warner ($9,000): Despite coming in as a massive underdog, Temple still ranks 14th in pace and throws the ball 63.5% of the time. Quarterback E.J. Warner missed last week’s game with a concussion, but he has now had two weeks to recover. While not the most mobile quarterback, Warner averages 291.3 yards per game on 45.3 attempts. As long as he receives clearance, Warner deserves flex and contrarian captain consideration.
Running Back
Jaylan Knighton ($9,400): The SMU backfield has shifted multiple times this year, but Jaylan Knighton currently leads the group with 14.4 touches per game. He also led the backfield with 11 touches last week, making him the safest of the bunch. LJ Johnson played a change of pace role with five touches. However, Camar Wheaton missed his second straight game with a hamstring and Velton Gardner did not see the field a week after 15 carries himself. Wheaton has allegedly done more in practice this week, but remains questionable. No explanation was given for Gardner’s volatile role.
Darvon Hubbard ($3,200): The Temple backfield has become a near 50/50 committee between Joques Smith and Darvon Hubbard with Edward Saydee handling occasional change of pace work. Over the last two weeks, Hubbard has actually out-carried Smith 22-18. At a much cheaper price tag, Hubbard makes sense as a salary saver.
Wide Receiver
Amad Anderson Jr. ($7,800): Temple recently expanded their receiver rotation to include Jordan Smith. This mostly came at the expense of Dante Wright and Zae Baines. Amad Anderson Jr. has remained untouched and still eclipsed 80% of the routes last week. On the year, Anderson averages 56.3 yards per game on 6.9 targets.
R.J. Maryland ($5,400): SMU’s tight end, R.J. Maryland has the safest role among all pass catchers. He leads the team with 4.8 targets per game on a 63.2% route share. This equates to a modest 34.3 receiving yards per game.
Key’Shawn Smith ($4,400): Behind Maryland, Jake Bailey ranks second with 3.8 targets per game on a 55.7% route share. However, Key’Shawn Smith actually led the team in routes at 60% last week. Smith also tied Maryland for a team-leading six targets last week. Ultimately, SMU rotates Roderick Daniels Jr., Moochie Dixon, Jordan Kerley, Jordan Hudson, and Romello Brinson onto the field as well. However, Smith could be a safer option with the rising route share.
David Martin-Robinson ($2,400): Another player unaffected by Temple’s changing wide receiver rotation, tight end David Martin-Robinson has routinely eclipsed 80% of the team’s routes. Over the last three games, Martin-Robinson averages 6.3 targets per game, putting him in play as a value option.
