DraftKings college football picks December 27: Oh say can U(S)C?

DraftKings college football quarterback picks December 27:

Top Tier:

We saw a stout Washington defense shut down Anthony Gordon in the Apple Cup. The Air Force defense may be good enough to do the same. Gordon is going to get his yards, but if the Falcons can hold him out of the end zone like Washington did, this could be another dud for Gordon. On a slate loaded with great backs, I’m more inclined to spend my money there.

Jamie Newman will play against a tough Michigan State defense. I love the upside on Newman, and he will at least have Washington back in this one, but this price feels a little high for the defense he is facing.

Middle Tier:

Kedon Slovis has 12 touchdowns to just one interception over the last three games for USC. Is the Iowa defense better than Cal? I doubt it, and Slovis lit them up too. However, Kellen Mond is the same price in a much better matchup against Oklahoma State. USC’s receivers give Slovis a higher floor and higher upside. Mond is the more certain pick of the two.

The Washington State run defense has given up 170 yards per game on the ground. Their pass defense is even worse, which is why I’m high on Donald Hammond. In addition to his strong running over the last three games, Hammond has also managed to clear 100 passing yards in all three of those games. It’s the best of both worlds for Hammond against this defense.

Bargain Shoppers:

I have not been the least bit impressed with Brian Lewerke again this year, but he’s worth a look on the cheap against a porous defense like Wake. I tend to think that the Deacons will get ahead in this game and force Michigan State to throw to win. Lewerke looked better down the stretch than he did earlier in the season. He could be a solid value play.