Who's ready for our first full Saturday of college football games?! After getting some appetizers on Thursday and Friday, our CFB DFS picks kick into full gear with Saturday's college football Week 1 schedule. In this Playbook, we'll break down top CFB DFS lineup plays on DraftKings and FanDuel while focusing on the main early slate. For the purposes of this writeup and top picks, we'll use the DraftKings 14-game early main slate as a baseline. If you're playing on FanDuel, the slate features some night games as well. Some of the top players and teams in action for this Saturday afternoon CFB Week 1 slate include Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies, Bo Nix and the Oregon Ducks, Blake Corum and the Michigan Wolverines, and Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns. All the CFB Week 1 odds below are via DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of this writing. Let's now get into the top CFB DFS picks for Saturday's college football Week 1 slate on September 2nd.

 

College Football Week 1 Schedule – CFB DFS Saturday Main Slate 

  • 12 pm ET – Northern Illinois at Boston College (-8.5) – 50.5 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Virginia at Tennessee (-28) – 56 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Colorado at TCU (-20.5) – 63 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Arkansas State at Oklahoma (-36) – 58 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Ball State at Kentucky (-26.5) – 49 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Utah State at Iowa (-23.5) – 43.5 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Eastern Carolina at Michigan (-36) – 52 O/U
  • 2 pm ET – Mercer at Ole Miss (-31) – 47.5 O/U
  • 3 pm ET – Portland State at Oregon (No Line Posted)
  • 3:30 pm ET – Rice at Texas (-35.5) – 59 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Boise State at Washington (-14) – 58.5 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Ohio State (-30.5) at Indiana – 59 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Buffalo at Wisconsin (-28) – 53.5 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Tennessee State at Notre Dame (No Line Posted)

 

College Football Week 1 CFB DFS Picks

Top CFB DFS Quarterbacks

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Bo NixOREPORST1010031.79  
After putting up big numbers for Oregon last year, Bo Nix is back as a top QB play for us. He put up nearly 3,600 passing yards and 30 pass TDs a season ago while adding in 510 rushing yards and 14 rush TDs. That dual-threat ability is what we love for DFS as he showcased the weekly upside to score 2-3 times on the ground in any single game. This is a soft matchup for Week 1 and Nix should post 30-35 DK points like he did many times last year. He’s expensive, but there’s enough value to fit him into cash lineups.
Dillon GabrielOUARST910025.111110024.22
While Oklahoma’s season didn’t exactly go as planned last year, Dillon Gabriel still put up numbers with over 3,000 passing yards, 25 pass TDs, and 6 rush TDs. In this easy home opener matchup, Gabriel should be a safe QB cash play for 25-35 fantasy points. The Sooners have one of the higher team totals on the slate and Gabriel will have a lot to do with the scoring. The blowout factor is in play, but he should still do plenty before likely exiting early in the second half.
Joe Milton IIITENNUV870010.82110008.72
With Hendon Hooker gone, Joe Milton is now the starting QB for this high-scoring Tennessee offense. That fact alone makes Milton an attractive DFS play for all formats – which should be the case all season. There are a ton of weapons at Milton’s disposal and Hooker was a stud for us last year. Though Milton doesn’t bring the same dual-threat ability to the table, he has arguably a better arm and can easily throw for 300+ yards and multiple scores for 25-30 DK in this season opener. UVA’s defense presents a favorable matchup for the Vols at home.
Michael Penix Jr.UWBSU840028.371080026.65
Michael Penix is back as Washington’s stud QB and he’ll be a top QB play for us all season in this high-scoring offense. It starts this week in a high-total matchup with Boise State. Penix also gets all three of his top receivers back with Odunze, McMillan, and Polk making up one of the best WR corps in the country. The Boise defense lost some of its core pieces from last year and could get carved up by Penix and the Huskies offense. The price tags are pretty affordable for a guy who put up 345 yards, 4 TDs, and 35 DK in the season opener last year.
Quinn EwersUTRICE770014.69980013.39
Quinn Ewers went through some growing pains last season as a first-year starter for Texas, but he’s expected to be a legit Heisman contender in 2023. After showing flashes last year, there’s a lot to like about Ewers taking another step forward and developing as one of the top passers in the sport. He has a ton of weapons in this Texas receiving corps and should start the season with a big performance against Rice. The prices on both sites are actually bargains compared to other top QBs on the slate, so don’t be surprised if Ewers is a popular cash or GPP play.
Chandler MorrisTCUCOL69004.0794005.90
Chandler Morris is now TCU’s starting QB with Max Duggan gone. You might remember, Morris started Week 1 last year against Colorado but was hurt in the opener and never took the job back from Duggan. Bank on him to come out motivated and he gets to face a Buffs defense that’s expected to be among the worst in the Pac-12 yet again with a complete roster overhaul. It’s a good spot for Morris, who will be manning TCU’s Air Raid offense. He may go overlooked on this slate, but the upside for 25-30 DK or more is certainly there considering the Horned Frogs’ high team total.
Taylen GreenBSUUW680023.75710021.49
There really aren’t many viable value QBs on this slate, which makes it tough for our Super-Flex spot. If you aren’t paying up for two guys, Taylen Green offers some upside. The Boise State offense became much more dangerous when Green took over starting duties last season. He’s a dual-threat who ran for 10 TDs and 586 yards with a few huge rushing performances. Green will have to do a lot with his arm and legs in this matchup to keep pace with Washington’s offense. The Huskies defense is on the weaker side, too.

Top CFB DFS Running Backs

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
TreVeyon HendersonOSUIU780013.99920012.99
Henderson is back as the 1A in the Ohio State backfield with Miyan Williams as the 1B. As with most weeks, both should be considered just GPP plays because they split carries and eat into each other’s production. We do know that OSU will put up points and win big over Indiana, even on the road here. The upside for both or either to go for 100+ yards, multiple scores and 25-30 DK is always there. It’s just tough to pay up for either in cash with just an average output as a possibility.
Blake CorumMICHECU690025.19  
Blake Corum is back and reportedly fully recovered from his knee injury at the end of last season. Michigan’s lead back was a weekly stud for us last year and we have no reasons to expect anything different in 2023. The only worries about playing him for this opener is the blowout factor with the Wolverines as huge favorites and him coming off the injury. Still, we can easily see 150+ yards, 2+ TDs, and 30+ DK from him at his best. Limit exposure to GPPs, though, with other top backs in better spots.
Braelon AllenWISCBUFF670019.91  
Wisconsin is going through an offensive scheme change this offseason with more passing and spread formations. Transfer QB Tanner Mordecai is also in town, so the Badgers passing attack should actually be legit. On one hand, that will lead to less stacked boxes for Braelon Allen to post better ypc averages and be more efficient. Yet, it may also lessen his workload from his 20+ touches he regularly saw a year ago. Even so, Allen is a top DFS play at RB this week and the “cheaper” DK price could make him popular in cash.
Quinshon JudkinsMISSMERC660023.78  
With Zach Evans gone, Quinshon Judkins is now the main man for Ole Miss. As a true freshman last year and in a split backfield, Judkins quickly emerged as a weekly DFS stud while racking up 1,567 rushing yards and 16 rush TDs for a 23 DK average. He saw a heavy workload last season and was very productive with the carries. Expect more of the same as Judkins will be a top play every slate. His DK salary is very attractive while priced lower than other top RBs.
Kaleb JohnsonIOWAUTST57009.89  
Kaleb Johnson will be Iowa’s lead back this year after leading the team with 779 rushing yards in 2022. When given a bigger workload last season, Johnson had some big DFS outputs as a true freshman. In the mid-5k price range on DK, he’s a solid value in an easy home matchup against Utah State’s bottom-tier defense. Johnson could easily have a 100-yard game with a TD or two to exceed value. There’s a good chance Iowa goes run-heavy in this opener with QB Cade McNamara questionable to play with a leg injury.
Emani BaileyTCUCOL54005.3783004.64
Bailey has reportedly emerged as TCU’s RB1, though Trey Sanders has transferred in and could make an immediate impact. Bailey is an explosive back who averaged 8.1 ypc as a backup to Kendre Miller and Emari Demarcado last year. He was productive when given the carries and could easily run for 100+ yards with multiple TDs in a soft matchup vs Colorado to open the season. Alabama transfer Trey Sanders will also be in the mix and is worth a cheap GPP dart.
Jonathon BrooksUTRICE530016.11000013.97
The Longhorns backfield will look very different from last year with both Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson off to the NFL. It’s expected to be a 1-2 punch with Jonathon Brooks and CJ Baxter as the top two guys. On the DK slate, Brooks is a huge value in the mid-5k range – especially considering his expensive FD price. He showed flashes of his talent in limited run last year and should be priced much higher. Baxter is more of a GPP play until we see something from him in this Texas offense. Either way, both are running behind a strong offensive line and get an easy matchup vs Rice. We could see 100+ yards from both in the opener.
Dillon JohnsonUWBSU520014.33800011.93
With Cam Davis out for the season, Dillon Johnson is now Washington’s starting RB. The Mississippi St transfer put up over 700 combined rushing and receiving yards last season in a pass-heavy offense and was always productive when given a higher volume of touches. The opportunity is now there with Davis out and Wayne Taulapapa gone from last year. The cheaper price tags make him a clear value play, especially in a high-total matchup vs a weaker Boise State defense.
Tawee WalkerOUARST37001.3247001.23
Oklahoma’s RB depth chart for Week 1 offered a few surprises. Tawee Walker was named a co-starter with Marcus Majors while Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk were listed as co-backups. We should see all four get touches in this season opener with a blowout win incoming. For what it’s worth, many beat reporters view Barnes and/or Sawchuk being OU’s top backs this season. Still, Walker is worth a GPP dart at his dirt-cheap price tags as a co-starter. Since he’s the most unproven of the Sooners’ RBs, Walker could get more second-half run as well.

Top CFB DFS Wide Receivers

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Marvin Harrison Jr.OSUIU910023.961010018.91
Arguably the best wide receiver in college football is back and ready to dominate opposing secondaries again. There’s really no argument against playing Marvin Harrison Jr. in cash or GPP lineups. The only worry would be Ohio State’s uncertain QB situation with CJ Stroud gone and both Kyle McCord and Devin Brown expected to play in this opener. Either way, Harrison will be a top target for whomever is in the game and he can anchor cash or GPP lineups. There’s also plenty of value to fit him in with high-priced QBs or RBs.
Troy FranklinOREPORST770016.39  
Troy Franklin is back as Bo Nix’s top target in the Oregon offense. He led the Ducks pass-catchers in every major receiving category last season with 61 catches, 891 yards, and 9 TDs. In an easy matchup vs Portland State, we should expect Nix and Franklin to be connecting often. While others lock in the Ohio State, Washington, or Texas receivers, Franklin may go overlooked and can be a great contrarian play in cash or GPP for the DK slate.
Emeka EgbukaOSUIU740022.06920017.42
Egbuka, the 1B to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the Ohio State WR corps, is also firmly in play for all formats when the Buckeyes are on the slate. He usually goes overlooked or ignored by casual players who just opt to roster Harrison. That makes him an attractive GPP play or contrarian cash option. There’s enough production and scoring to go around for both Harrison and Egbuka to be DFS studs on a weekly basis.
Rome OdunzeUWBSU730021.34940017.49
The Washington should be one of the best in college football yet again with Michael Penix back under center. The Huskies also return their top three reviers as Odunze, McMillan and Polk make up one of the elite WR corps in the country. All three are firmly in play for this season opener and will be options all season. It’s tough to choose between them, but Odunze is the headliner after he put up 1,145 yards with a 21 DK per game average in 2022. We may see Odunze be more popular than the OSU guys on the DK slate because he's cheaper.
Xavier WorthyUTRICE660015.29910012.74
Worthy is back as Quinn Ewers’ top target in the Texas offense. He “only” put up 760 yards last year while catching 9 TDs. Although there is a ton of talent in this Longhorns’ offense, we can expect Worthy to take another step forward as one of the best receivers in the country and better chemistry with Ewers. The Worthy-Ewers stack could be a popular one in Week 1 and all season long. It could also be less popular than a Washington or OSU stack this week.
Tre HarrisMISSMERC610019.55  
The Louisiana Tech transfer could quickly emerge as a top receiver in the Ole Miss offense. Incoming transfer stud Zakhari Franklin looks doubtful to play, so Harris is the most proven pass-catcher. Last year at LaTech, he had 954 receiving yards and 10 TDs in a lesser offense than his new one. Ole Miss lost Malik Heath and Jonathan Mingo, the top two pass-catchers from last year’s team, so Harris has the opportunity to post big numbers as the WR1 while Franklin is out.
Ryan O'KeefeBCNIU610015.59  
Ryan O’Keefe was a DFS stud last year for UCF and now transfers over to Boston College. He could immediately step into the vacated targets and receiving production of Zay Flowers. At just over 6k on the DK slate, O’Keefe is very affordable for his proven talent and potentially large target share in this offense. He’s built similarly to Flowers and can line up both inside and out to be a top weapon for QB Emmett Morehead. Since many people will look at the OSU, Texas, and Washington top WRs, this is a nice GPP pivot.
Bru McCoyTENNUV480012.67950010.24
Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman are off to the NFL, so there’s a ton of receiving production up for grabs in the Tennessee passing game. Bru McCoy is a top candidate to step into a larger role in the Vols’ receiving corps. The former USC transfer posted 52 catches, 667 yards, and 4 TDs last season despite Hyatt and Tillman dominating the target share. McCoy is way underpriced on DK and should be a popular value in cash. The $4800 salary might be the cheapest we see him at all year.
Andrel AnthonyOUARST48002.9757002.47
The Michigan transfer has earned a starting WR role for Oklahoma, which should put him on our radar right away. Andrel Anthony is expected to replace the downfield threat that Marvin Mims was last year in the Sooners offense. If we pencil in Anthony into that role, keep in mind that Mims led OU in receiving yards with 1,083 last season. There’s a chance Anthony emerges as a favorite target for QB Dillon Gabriel, especially on deep balls. His price tags on both sites are way too cheap for the potential here, but roster with caution until we see how the targets shake out. Drake Stoops is also a good play as OU’s starting slot receiver.
Trayvon RudolphNIUBC46000  
Trayvon Rudolph is back for NIU after missing all of last season due to a knee injury. Don’t forget, he’s an electric playmaker and arguably the top WR in the MAC at full strength. At sub-5k on the DK slate, this is a very cheap price for a guy with his talent and Rocky Lombardi back healthy at QB for Northern Illinois. Since there is so many elite WRs and value plays at the position this week, Rudolph is an attractive contrarian play to break the slate.
Ramel KeytonTENNUV410011.7288007.99
As mentioned above with Bru McCoy, the Tennessee WR corps will be replacing both Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman. It’s a prime opportunity for Ramel Keyton to move into a bigger role as one of the Vols’ top receivers. Keyton put up 562 yards and 5 TDs last year, but his targets and production will be elevated now. Much like McCoy, the DK price for Keyton is way too low for his new role in the high-scoring offense. Get either McCoy or Keyton in your DK cash lineups.
Ja'Tavion SandersUTRICE370011.1878009.35
Sanders emerged last year as one of Quinn Ewers’ favorite targets and was a great value play for us. Even with Texas adding Adonai Mitchell and having Xavier Worthy still around, Sanders should remain heavily involved in the offense as one of its top receivers – especially in the red zone. His sub-4k DK price is way too low for a guy that regularly outperformed the salary. He looks like a solid cash value if you want some cheap exposure to the Texas offense.
Jared WileyTCUCOL32006.7754006.49
Jared Wiley wasn’t one of TCU’s top offensive weapons last season, but he’s expected to take on a bigger role this year. The tight end could be poised for a breakout season with a larger pass-catching role in the Horned Frogs’ Air Raid offense. He’s also expected to be one of the top red zone weapons for new QB Chandler Morris. Many of the TCU receivers are overpriced for this slate but Wiley is very cheap to return value.

 

CFB DFS Week 1 Core Plays 

Top DraftKings Stud Plays

  • Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
  • Quinn Ewers – Texas
  • Dillon Gabriel – Oklahoma
  • Quinshon Judkins – Ole Miss

Top DraftKings Value Plays

  • Bru McCoy – Tennessee
  • Dillon Johnson – Washington
  • Jonathon Brooks – Texas
  • Ja'Tavion Sanders – Texas
 

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