FanDuel CFB DFS picks for the main Saturday, August 31st slate
By Matt Rogers
FanDuel CFB: Quarterback and Super FLEX Position
Before we jump right into the Quarterback options, you’re likely wondering why I’m merging the quarterback and Super FLEX roles. The reason is related purely to strategy. In the Super FLEX position, you have the option to pick a player from any position. It’s essentially a catch all, allowing you to play your top pick.
The Super FLEX position was available last season, and I noticed playing one of my top quarterbacks often worked best. Yes, if you peg the right running back with a huge run game or wide receiver hauling in over ten receptions, 100+ yards, and multiple touchdowns, you have a great play at the Super FLEX.
BUT, pegging a running back or wide receiver is frankly more difficult. We never really know each team’s game plan, we’re only guessing based on analysis. So, we’re not sure how much of the offensive work-share a RB or WR receive each game.
Obviously, the quarterback will have the ball the most each game. And, there are several top QB’s we know will likely have 20+ FanDuel CFB points. So, for that reason, I think the best play at the Super FLEX position is the quarterback.
Now, who do we like?
There are many great FanDuel CFB options for Saturday with so many of the great, and top 25, teams playing in this slate. The list can be overwhelming. But, there are some big risks I’m likely going to avoid.
Justin Fields ($10,100) now at Ohio State playing on their home field against a very vulnerable FAU defense is tempting. But, I’m not confident playing a still unproven quarterback start in his first game for a new team against a coach who knows this program well. This one is a hard fade for me!
Adrain Martinez ($10,300) is a do-it-all quarterback who could be a great play against the South Alabama Jaguars, but I’m worried about Martinez getting enough time on the field to really pile up massive points. This, too, is a risk I’m trying to avoid today. We have many players playing teams they could crush, and likely don’t see much action in the second half.
So, while I do think the Texas Longhorns have a good shot at beating Louisiana Tech, that is the type of game I could see the QB sticking it out for four quarters, or at least toward the end of the 4th quarter.
And, speaking of do-it-all quarterbacks, Sam Ehlinger ($10,400) emerged as a fantasy college football star last season. I was touting Sam often last season, and I love him agains to start this season, in Texas, against an opponent I believe they can stomp on offense.
In a very similar situation, is an obvious play, Tua Tagovailoa ($10,200). But the very idea of playing Tua makes me want to puke chalk all day. Is he a great CFB DFS play? Yes. Will he help you win GPP plays? Not likely.
I’m tempted to snag Justin Herbert ($9,500) for the Super FLEX or quarterback spot, but I don’t like the match-up on a neutral field against a tough Auburn Tigers team. However, he should be high on your list most weekends. The kid has enormous talent and the Ducks offense is strong again.
There are numerous other lower profile QB’s I’m considering, but I am likely going to settle paying up for Bryce Perkins ($10,000). Yes, I know it’s hard to believe. The UVA Cavaliers actually have a talented quarterback who is a great FanDuel CFB DFS play.
Last season, Perkins consistently ran the ball between 15 and 25 times per games. While doing so, he often ran over 50 to 100 yards in those games and could pile up as many as two rushing touchdowns in those games.
In addition, Perkins is throwing the ball between 20 to 30 times a game, and often climbs over 200 yards in a game. Twice in his last five games, Bryce piled up three passing touchdowns. Matched with his run game, and with a good matchup, Perkins has a solid chance of piling up over 30 FanDuel CFB points.
Fortunately, Perkins is playing a Pittsburgh defense who has continued to struggling on defense. The Panthers often play in shoot-outs, even on their home field. So, this is likely a great play for this slate.