Welcome to the first real slate of this college football week 4. We have a fun three-game slate on our hands and it's a fun one. There isn't a single game that has a higher over/under than the rest, so we're working with a pretty balanced set of scores here.
Let's boost the bankroll on this Friday before we go into one of the best weekends of the year! In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy college football lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on 9/20/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.
There's a big difference whether you're playing on FanDuel or DraftKings. We'll get to it in depth at each position, but DK is a lot softer with pricing on this slate. Let's dive into some top plays at each position! You can follow me on Twitter @VarneyDFS. I will be around all day to answer questions.
Featured Promo: For this week only, take 50% off any full-season or yearly Premium Pass on the site! Just enter discount code THANKS when checking out. Thanks for being a reader, and Happy Holidays! Sign Up Now!
FanDuel, DraftKings DFS Quarterbacks
Hank Bachmeier - Boise State - FD $9,400 DK $6,900
We have a fun little three game slate on our hands here and it couldn’t be more interesting. Without one game holding a crazy over/under or lopsided spread, it will force folks to really dive in and understand these teams. Hank Bachmeier has been a deadly QB to start and has racked up the yards like crazy. Air Force isn’t a great defense and they just allowed a big game to Steven Montez and Colorado. Bachmeier is the safest QB on the board and he has plenty of upside if Boise State goes off.
J’Mar Smith - Louisiana Tech - FD $8,400 DK $5,700
J’Mar Smith and Louisiana Tech are favorites here in the highest total on the slate. Smith has already thrown for 800+ yards on the season and he’s a threat to run it in on the ground as well. He’s way too cheap on both sites and my favorite point per dollar QB. This FIU defense is nothing to be afraid of and this LT offense is expected to put up at least 28 points. Smith let’s you pay up elsewhere while maintaining the same upside at quarterback.
FanDuel, DraftKings DFS Running Backs
Zack Moss - Utah - FD $10,000 DK $7,600
Whether you’re playing on FanDuel or DraftKings, Zack Moss the top option at running back. Utah is a four-point favorite on the road and they’ll be leaning on Moss all game long. He’s the cornerstone of this offense and their number one priority is always for Moss to establish the run. USC hasn’t been great against the run, allowing 4+ YPC against both BYU and Stanford. Moss is clearly the most expensive back on the slate, and rightfully so. He’s the only bell cow back playing for a team that’s favored. You can afford him on both sites and I would recommend doing so.
Robert Mahone - Boise State - FD $8,900 DK $5,900
There’s a steep drop after Zack Moss, which is why I recommend doing what you have to in order to get him in there. Robert Mahone has taken a backseat a few times this year, but he is the feature back and he will get 20 touches in tough games. We saw him get 25 during opening week to Florida State. Air Force is expected to keep this game competitive and Mahone should be in there for at least 75% of the runs. Boise State is a comfortable favorite and they will try to keep Mahone involved once they possess the lead. His price is way too low on DraftKings and he’s a guy I’d be willing to play in both cash games and tournaments.
Taven Birdow - Air Force - FD $6,700 DK $4,600
If you need some savings, Taven Birdow has been a great compliment at running back to Kadin Remsberg. Remsberg is the clear number one, but Air Force runs the option and both of these guys are out there in most sets. Birdow has averaged a whopping seven yards per carry and he should have gotten in the end zone last week. Birdow is way too cheap for many carries he’s going to get here.
DraftKings DFS Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir - Boise State - FD $9,000 DK $6,700
If you’re playing Hank Bachmeier, you’re going to want to pair him with at least one wide receiver. Two is fine. If I had to pick one, Khalil Shakir has stepped up as the number 1 receiver in this offense and Bachmeier has targeted him six more times than anyone else. His price is fair and I doubt he sees more ownership than any of these receivers. Air Force doesn’t have a bad pass defense, but they also aren’t very good. Bachmeier should once again throw for 300 yards and Shakir should get at least 8-10 balls himself.
Adrian Hardy - Louisiana Tech - FD $7,600 DK $6,000
Hardy reeled in 75 balls a year ago for 1,145 yards. He’s the top option on this offense and will be targeted 10+ times in most games. If you’re playing J’Mar Smith, Hardy is far too cheap and a guy you almost have to pair with him. The FIU defense is terrible and LT should be able to throw for 250 yards. I expect at least 80-100 of those to go to Hardy. He has a great shot at scoring and he won’t be overly popular. Hardy is a great play in all formats.
Michael Pittman Jr. - USC - FD $8,600 DK $5,600
Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Vaughns are both huge target hogs in this offense. They do face off with a tough Utah squad this week, but they’ll be forced to throw and Slovis should be able to get over 200 through the air. These guys will both be peppered with targets, and we’re on Pittman because of the price on both sites. He’s way too cheap for a guy that’s going to get 10 targets and is a huge threat in the red zone. USC isn’t an offense you want to pour too much into against the Utes defense, but there are a few decent spots that you can take advantage.