THE SLATE (Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook): 

12 pm ET -- Kansas State at Texas (-3) -- 52.5 O/U

12 pm ET -- Ohio (-6) at Bowling Green -- 48 O/U

12 pm ET -- Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan (-8.5) -- 64 O/U

12 pm ET -- Boise State (-3) at San Diego State -- 44.5 O/U

1 pm ET -- Utah State (-16.5) at New Mexico -- 49 O/U

1:30 pm ET -- Iowa at Nebraska (-1) -- 41 O/U

3:30 pm ET -- Missouri at Arkansas (-14.5) -- 62.5 O/U

3:30 pm ET -- South Florida at UCF (-18.5) -- 62 O/U

3:30 pm ET -- Cincinnati (-14) at East Carolina -- 57 O/U

3:30 pm ET -- UNLV at Air Force (-18) -- 49.5 O/U

4 pm ET -- Colorado at Utah (-24) -- 51.5 O/U

4:30 pm ET -- TCU at Iowa State (-15) -- 60 O/U

7 pm ET -- North Carolina at NC State (-6.5) -- 62.5 O/U (FD ONLY)

8 pm ET -- Washington State (-1) at Washington -- 44.5 O/U (FD ONLY)

 

Top Implied Team Totals (per DK Sportsbook Odds)

UCF -- 40.25 points

Arkansas -- 38.5

Utah -- 37.75 

Iowa State -- 37.5 

Central Michigan -- 36.25

Cincinnati -- 35.5

NC State -- 34.5

Air Force -- 33.75 

Utah State -- 32.75

Quarterbacks
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Desmond RidderCINCYECU970025.661100025.89
On a slate without many top-tier quarterbacks, Ridder is in a class of his own for Friday and we can expect him to be popular in cash. The Cincy dual-threat has picked it up in real-life and DFS lately with an undefeated record and Playoff berth still alive. He’s put up 27, 35 and 41 DK points over the last three games respectively and has also been more involved as a rusher - raising his DFS value to a safer level. We also don’t have to worry about the blowout risk with Ridder and the Cincy offense because they’ll gladly run up the score.
Cameron RisingUTAHCOL830019.811020020.99
Though there’s blowout risk here, Rising has a solid GPP ceiling in this soft matchup vs. Colorado’s defense that’s been getting lit up all year. He’s put up 23+ DK points in six of ten games but was also held to less than 10 three other times. It’s a boom-or-bust play for tournaments but one that can pay off in a favorable matchup.
KJ JeffersonARKMIZZ790023.3980022.01
The Super-Flex/QB2 range on this slate is a bit shaky, but Jefferson stands out because he’s facing a terrible Mizzou defense. Though there’s a chance the Arkansas attack stays run-heavy here, Jefferson could also throw for multiple TDs and add in some rushing production of his own to return value. Ideally Missouri keeps it close enough for Jefferson to throw more often than he usually does.
Ben BryantEMUCMU630016.63840016.3
This in-state MACtion rivalry could be a sneaky good target on this slate and Bryant is firmly in play while anchoring things for the EMU offense. Though he’s coming off a dud outing, Bryant has been putting up impressive numbers during conference play and will benefit from facing a below-average CMU pass defense. This game could end up being a high-scoring, back-and-forth offensive shootout and Bryant is an interesting bargain as the QB on one side of that.
Will HowardKSUUT56009.92700010.24
K-State QB Skylar Thompson is doubtful to play after getting hurt last week, so Howard is in line to start. Though backup Jaren Lewis could also get some snaps, Howard likely runs the offense the majority of the time as he’s started games over the last two years when Thompson’s been out. This matchup vs. Texas’ shaky defense is a favorable one and Howard could easily return value on some affordable price tags - like when he put up 26 DK in a start earlier this year.

Also Consider: 

Sam Howell -- North Carolina ($11,400 FD Only)

Devin Leary -- NC State ($10,000 FD Only)

Daniel Richardson -- Central Michigan ($6,800 DK / $9,000 FD)

Max Duggan -- TCU ($6,200 DK / $7,500 FD)

Running Backs
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Lew Nichols IIICMUEMU1000030.381120027.76
Nichols’ sky-high price tags are obviously tough to stomach, but he’s been worth it as one of the best DFS RBs in the country lately. Over the last four games, Nichols has put up 45, 31, 55 and 45 DK points with at least 160 rushing yards, 2+ TDs and 26+ touches in each. There’s no reason for the volume to stop since CMU is on a six-game winning streak while feeding Nichols. Now he gets a favorable matchup vs. Eastern Michigan’s run defense that’s giving up 193 ypg and 5.18 ypc during conference play. Pretty hard to fade Nichols in any format honestly.
Breece HallISUTCU930028.481080025.82
It’s not often Breece Hall plays second-fiddle at RB for a DFS slate but that’s the case here with Nichols in action. Considering the situation, it may make Hall a bit less popular than he normally is because people are playing Nichols. Either way, this matchup for one of the best college RBs makes him a top play yet again. Hall faces a TCU rush defense that’s allowing 230 ypg and 5.6 ypc during Big 12 play - setting up a smash spot and a great play in all formats.
Deuce VaughnKSUUT910029.71000025.01
There are too many good RBs in action on this slate and Vaughn is another who’s in a great spot. The Texas run D is giving up 205 ypg and 5.01 ypc to conference opponents and could lack some motivation for this season finale after ending the year on a sour note. Vaughn, meanwhile, has at least 100 yards and a TD in four straight games and has 30+ DK in five of the last seven. Expect another big performance from a guy who should see heavy volume with QB Skylar Thompson doubtful.
Jerome FordCINCYECU830024.58970021.88
Ford returned from injury last week and stepped right back into Cincy’s lead back role. He finished with 105 total yards and a TD on 22 touches for a solid 18.5 DK points. That’s about the floor we’re used to from Ford this season, but there’s a ceiling for 100+ rushing yards and multiple scores against an inconsistent ECU rush defense. With people likely playing the other top RBs on this slate, Ford could be a nice contrarian option.
De'Montre TuggleOHIOBGSU600015.17850013.95
In case you didn’t know or forgot, Bowling Green has one of the worst defenses in the country and the rush D in particular is terrible - allowing 205 ypg and 4.28 ypc during conference play. While Ohio’s offense is more pass-heavy at times, they could lean on Tuggle and the run game in this matchup to grind out the win. Tuggle hasn’t been overly impressive - totaling 100+ rush yards just once this season - but his involvement as a receiver keeps his floor safer than you’d think. The matchup, though, gives him a higher ceiling than the price tags indicate here.
Dominique JohnsonARKMIZZ470010.3963009.91
We’ve been targeting this matchup vs. Mizzou’s poor rush defense all season - so let’s keep it going with Arkansas’ backfield. Johnson has slowly but surely been stealing the Razorbacks’ lead role away from Trelon Smith and the increased price tag is now catching up. Still, Johnson is too cheap for what he can do in this extremely favorable matchup - like when he ran for 100+ yards and 2 TD for 29 DK just three games ago.

Also Consider: 

Tyler Badie -- Missouri ($8,700 DK / $9,200 FD)

Tavion Thomas -- Utah ($8,500 DK / $10,200 FD)

Calvin Tyler Jr. -- Utah State ($6,200 DK / $8,300 FD)

George Holani -- Boise State ($5,800 DK / $6,900 FD)

Jawon Hamilton -- Eastern Michigan ($5,000 DK / $6,700 FD)

Wide Receivers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Treylon BurksARKMIZZ820022.86900017.2
The majority of Arkansas’ offense should have tons of success in this matchup vs. Missouri and Burks will lead the way receiving-wise. He’s been excellent lately with 24+ DK points in five of the last six games. We can pencil in similar production yet again today in a favorable matchup and it makes him a solid option in all formats if you’re paying up at WR.
Kalil PimpletonCMUEMU720019.28870015.78
We should be targeting both sides of this CMU/EMU game and Pimpleton could easily break the slate like he’s done multiple times this year. He’s been feasting on MAC competiton for the past couple months and should have no issues putting up 100+ yards and a TD or two. Also a great play in all formats with a higher ceiling than most expensive WRs today.
Hassan BeydounEMUCMU660017.78830014.02
The EMU trio of receivers are all in play in this high-scoring matchup vs. a poor CMU pass defense. Beydoun leads the way in terms of floor/ceiling combo and he’s the best pairing with Ben Bryant if you want to go in that direction. If you want cheaper expsosure to the EMU pass-catchers, then look at Tanner Knue or Dylan Drummond.
Charlie KolarISUTCU630015.18760012.23
It took back-to-back monster DFS performances for DK to finally react and price Kolar accordingly. Even stiill, the Iowa State tight end is a great play in all formats as he faces a soft TCU defense. This Cyclones offense is leaning very heavily on Breece Hall and Kolar, so at least we know the target volume will be there for him.
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
JaCorey SullivanCMUEMU520018.48850016.05
Though Pimpleton is the headliner in CMU’s receiving corps, Sullivan is a very solid No. 2 pass-catcher in the offense - and he’s a bit too cheap on the DK slate. He’s been a TD machine with scores in seven of nine games this season and a near-lock for 10-20 DFS points - which is safer than you can say about other WRs in the 5k price range on DK.
Derius DavisTCUISU47009.2466006.43
With Quentin Johnston questionable to play today, we could have Davis in a No. 1 receiving role for TCU in a higher-total game where they might be trailing the whole time. It sets up for plenty of volume for Davis target-wise and a chance for him to easily return value in cash. Last week with Johnston out, Davis stepped up with his best game of the year and 29 DK points. We’ll take that all day at these price tags.
Brady RussellCOLUTAH32005.8353007.15
Here’s the situation with Colorado this week. As huge underdogs to Utah, we can expect the offense to be very pass-heavy (espcially in the second half) as the team plays catch-up. Then there’s the fact that No. 1 wideout Brendan Rice has been ruled out. So one of these cheap Buffs’ receivers will return value and Russell is the safest among them. The tight end has already been a safety valve for QB Brendan Lewis and could easily have 4-5 catches with enough yardage to be a nice salary-saver.

Also Consider: 

Deven Thompkins -- Utah State ($8,900 DK / $10,200 FD)

Josh Downs -- North Carolina ($9,700 FD Only)

Ryan O’Keefe -- UCF ($6,900 DK / $8,600 FD)

Tanner Knue -- Eastern Michigan ($5,700 DK / $7,900 FD)

Thayer Thomas -- NC State ($7,400 FD Only)

Brandon Bowling -- Utah State ($5,100 DK / $7,300 FD)

Dylan Drummond -- Eastern Michigan ($4,900 DK / $7,500 FD)

Tre Tucker -- Cincinnati ($4,800 DK / $6,700 FD)

Austin Osborne -- Bowling Green ($4,300 DK / $5,600 FD)

 

DraftKings Core Plays

QB Desmond Ridder -- Cincinnati ($9,700)

RB Dominique Johnson -- Arkansas ($4,700)

RB Breece Hall -- Iowa State ($9,300)

WR JaCorey Sullivan -- Central Michigan ($5,200)
 

FanDuel Core Plays

RB Lew Nichols III -- Central Michigan ($11,200)

RB Deuce Vaughn -- Kansas State ($10,000)

WR Hassan Beydoun -- Eastern Michigan ($8,300)

WR Derius Davis -- TCU ($6,600)