College Football Week 12 is here and it's time to dive into top CFB DFS picks for Saturday's main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. This Saturday's CFB Week 12 main slate features plenty of top teams and matchups to build college football DFS lineups around. We have high totals like UCLA vs USC, Georgia vs Tennessee, North Carolina vs Clemson, and Oklahoma vs BYU. We also have other top teams in action like Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Oklahoma, and Louisville. In this CFB DFS Playbook, we'll break down top college football DFS picks for Saturday's main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel for the early/afternoon games. Check out Pete Cole's playbook for the night slate breakdown. The FanDuel main slate includes some night games but check out these top picks when building CFB DFS lineups on both sites. All the CFB Week 12 odds listed 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 12 slate on November 18th.

 

College Football Week 12 Schedule 

CFB DFS Saturday Main Slate DraftKings

  • 12 pm ET – Louisville at Miami FL (-1) – 46.5 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Oklahoma (-24.5) at BYU – 58 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Michigan (-19) at Maryland – 50 O/U
  • 12 pm ET – Rutgers at Penn State (-20) – 40.5 O/U
  • 2 pm ET – Appalachian State at James Madison (-9.5) – 56 O/U
  • 2:30 pm ET – Utah at Arizona (-1) – 46 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – North Carolina at Clemson (-7.5) – 59 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Wake Forest at Notre Dame (-24.5) – 46.5 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – UCLA at USC (-6.5) – 65.5 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Georgia (-10.5) at Tennessee – 58.5 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Oklahoma State (-6) at Houston – 59 O/U
  • 3:30 pm ET – Oregon (-24) at Arizona State – 54 O/U

 

College Football Week 12 CFB DFS Picks

Top CFB DFS Quarterbacks

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Caleb WilliamsUSCUCLA1090030.91120029.22
The price is very high for Caleb Williams this week, but sometimes that’s what it costs to roster the talented dual-threat QB in the highest total of the slate. This matchup vs UCLA is expected to be a shootout and Williams should be plenty involved in the scoring. After struggling last week vs Oregon, this is a good opportunity for him to return to his 35-40 DFS upside like he’s done five of the past eight games. The UCLA rush defense is top-tier this year, so USC likely has to lean on Williams and the passing attack. He profiles as a better pay-up option than Bo Nix if choosing between them.
Dillon GabrielOUBYU980033.651200031.35
In case you missed it, Dillon Gabriel went absolutely bonkers last game with 62 DK points that featured 5 TD passes and 3 TD runs. Obviously, he won’t do it again this week but the GPP upside is still always there for the Sooners’ dual-threat QB. Though this matchup is on the road, BYU shouldn’t slow down the OU offense much here and Gabriel should be good for his normal 30 DK or so. If you want to lock that in for cash, it’ll cost a lot. Instead, play him in GPPs if fading Williams/Nix and hope for another smash outing.
Jordan McCloudJMUAPPST830029  
As JMU continues its undefeated season, Jordan McCloud has been excellent under center and a solid cash DFS play when on the slate. He now has at least 24 DK points in seven straight games and is averaging 35 DK per game in this stretch. Though App State is better against the pass than the run, McCloud has been so consistent no matter the matchup. Plus, he brings some dual-threat ability to the table with 4 rush TDs over the past four games and a 100-yard outburst in there.
Donovan SmithUHOKST790023.741040023.04
The Oklahoma State pass defense ranks 122nd in yards allowed per game in conference play. It immediately puts Donovan Smith on our radar in a favorable home matchup against a very suspect secondary. This is a potential bounceback spot for Smith after he struggled last week. The Houston QB has 30+ DK points in three of the last six games and 26 DK in another. Smith has proven success against shaky Big 12 pass defenses and can do it again here.
Joey AguilarAPPSTJMU750024.65  
While Jordan McCloud is a good play in this game, Joey Aguilar is also a decent option on the other side. The App State quarterback has 22+ DK points in nine of 10 games this season, which is very consistent for cash. JMU is definitely a tough matchup on the road, but the defense is dominant against the run and a bit shakier in the secondary. Expect App State to go to the air more often than not and the volume with TD upside should allow Aguilar to be a solid play.
Cade KlubnikCLEMUNC730018.42900016.47
Cade Klubnik has honestly underperformed more often than not this season, both in real life and for DFS. However, he brings some GPP upside in this high-total matchup against a shaky UNC pass defense. The Heels have allowed 3+ pass TDs in three of their last four conference games. Meanwhile, Klubnik is coming off one of his better games with 4 TDs and 25 DK last week. He can keep it going in another home matchup here and is worth a look as a GPP Super-Flex.
Ethan GarbersUCLAUSC640012.33930015.15
Ethan Garbers is expected to start at QB this week for UCLA after missing last game. He only has two full games under center as the Bruins’ starter, but those were 22 and 21 DK efforts. Both came against poor pass defenses in Stanford and Colorado, who actually aren’t that much worse than USC against the pass. The Trojans are allowing a slate-worst 284 passing yards per game in conference play (126th in FBS) and 22 pass TDs over eight Pac-12 contests. Garbers can get to 20+ DFS points based on the matchup alone if he plays the whole game and presents great value in cash or GPP.

Top CFB DFS Running Backs

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Ollie Gordon IIOKSTUH880026.951080024.53
Who else got burned by Ollie Gordon last week? Yep, probably a lot of us if you played him in cash. He’s coming off an inexplicable dud last week in a dream matchup vs UCF, but it’s more understandable when you consider OK St got down big early and had to pass more. Put it in the rearview mirror. This week is a potential big bounceback spot for Gordon against another poor rush defense. Houston is allowing 188 rush yards per game in conference play (108th in FBS) and 16 rush TDs allowed over seven Big 12 contests. Just take a look back at Gordon’s game logs and tell me he can’t have another 30-50 DFS performance here.
Audric EstimeNDWAKE800022  
Ausric Estime has produced like a top DFS RB in every game this season except Notre Dame’s two tough matchups vs Ohio St and Louisville. Besides those duds, the Irish’s bell-cow back has 20+ DK in every other game while averaging 23 DK points and 112 rushing yards per contest. He dominates lesser opponents and that’s what we have here in Wake Forest. This rush defense is 82nd in conference play in rush yards allowed per game and Estime should anchor DK cash lineups once again.
Bucky IrvingOREASU760024.381000021.08
Bucky Irving continues to produce as a high-level DFS play. He just went for 30 DK last week and now has 20+ DK in six straight games. The Oregon offense is so prolific right now and it should keep it going against Arizona St this week. Irving is getting 20-25 touches per contest with consistent work in the passing game. He’s also a good bet to find the end zone every week at this point. Roster with slight caution, thought, because we might see more of Jordan James in a potential blowout after Irving suffered an injury last week. He did come back into the game and score a TD, for what it’s worth.
Omarion HamptonUNCCLEM730027940023.69
Normally, Omarion Hampton would be a lock-and-load cash play with how hot he’s running. Yet, this tough road matchup vs a stout Clemson rush defense forces us to pump the brakes a bit. He’s hard to trust in cash because of the matchup, but there’s plenty of GPP upside if he gets going. Hampton has been a stud DFS play with a bell-cow workload in the UNC offense. He has 30+ DK in four of the last five games while averaging 180 total yards in this stretch. That production is impossible to ignore for tournament contests.
Carson SteeleUCLAUSC640015.24800013.29
Carson Steele has nothing the past two games with the UCLA offense hitting a wall. Still, he has some GPP upside and is a buy-low candidate this week against a bad USC defense. The Trojans are allowing 204 rush yards per game in conference play (121st in FBS) and 16 rush TDs over eight Pac-12 games. Steele can easily pop off and get back to his 20+ DK upside. He’s hard to trust in cash, but the GPP ceiling is definitely there because of the soft matchup.
Phil MafahCLEMUNC570014.64730012.77
Even with Will Shipley back last game, Phil Mafah still saw 17 carries for 96 yards and added in a 19-yard reception. This is now three straight productive games for Mafah and it’s hard to see Clemson going away from him with how good he’s been. Like last week, it’s possible both Mafah and Shipley split the workload with plenty of touches between them. The UNC run defense is 90th in conference play in rushing yards allowed per game. If we believe he’ll still get the work, then Mafah is a very affordable RB on both sites.
Gavin SawchukOUBYU55009.7261008.54
The OU backfield has been a revolving door all season with four different RBs being viable DFS options at some point. Gavin Sawchuk now appears to be the guy with 111 and 135 rushing yards in the past two games, including 22 carries last week. If he continues getting the work over Walker/Barnes/Major, then it could be another huge day. BYU’s defense is allowing a whopping 215 rushing yards per game in conference play (126th in FBS). The prices on both sites are very cheap if Sawchuk continues as the OU lead back in this very favorable matchup.
Ty Son LawtonJMUAPPST46009.97  
App State has really struggled against the run, allowing 194 rush yards per game in conference play (116th in FBS). It sets up well for the JMU backs and Ty Son Lawton presents some interesting value. JMU lead back Kaelon Black is dealing with an undisclosed injury and Lawton has seen more work in recent games. He went off for 27 DK two games ago with 160+ total yards on 24 touches. Lawton has some GPP upside value in this very favorable matchup, but roster with caution because we don’t know how the touches will shake out this week between him and Black.

Top CFB DFS Wide Receivers

PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Devontez WalkerUNCCLEM810026.2900019.34
Facing Clemson on the road is definitely not ideal for an expensive WR, but Devontez Walker has been a stud nearly every week since he became eligible. He’s clearly Drake Maye’s favorite target as he’s put up 29 receptions, 557 yards, and 6 TDs over just five games. Again, the road matchup vs Clemson is a tough one. Still, Walker has plenty of GPP upside with DK outputs of 42, 25, 18, and 26 in his four ACC contests.
Tez JohnsonOREASU730020.17860016.56
The Oregon WR corps is now a 1A and 1B situation with Tez Johnson actually outproducing Troy Franklin in two straight games. Johnson has gone off for 45 and 34 DK in these past two with a pair of touchdowns in both. His receptions and yards had started to pick up in previous contests, but it’s clear that Bo Nix slightly favors him over Franklin at this point and it’s raised Johnson’s floor/ceiling to a new level. Both Johnson and Franklin are safe cash plays and GPP upside options on this slate.
Tahj WashingtonUSCUCLA700017.04780013.82
Tahj Washington hasn’t always come through on his expensive price tags this year with how much USC spreads the ball around. Still, the Trojans’ top wideout always has a GPP ceiling to go off and a big game could be coming here in a potential shootout vs UCLA. He had a decent 82 yards last week vs Oregon but went for 100+ in three straight beforehand. If Washington has another 100-yard day with a TD or two, the 7k price is well worth it.
Drake StoopsOUBYU680019.22880015.52
Drake Stoops had been a solid cash WR all season, but he’s now entered another high-upside GPP tier. He’s gone off for 33 and 47 DK in the past two games with a combined 22 catches, 298 yards, and 4 TDs in this two-week stretch. He’s a clear favorite target for Dillon Gabriel with Oklahoma lacking other trustworthy pass-catchers outside of Stoops. Expect another high-volume week with clearly a ton of newfound GPP upside.
Joseph Manjack IVUHOKST560015.05720012.61
As noted above, the Ok St pass defense is allowing a ton of yards per game right now. Donovan Smith and the Houston passing attack should have plenty of success in this matchup. Samuel Brown is the headliner from the Cougs’ WR corps, but Joseph Manjack is a more affordable option. He returned from a concussion last week and scored 2 TDs. He’s now scored 5 times in his last 4 games with 15-20 DK in four straight. Manjack is also more important to Houston’s passing game now with Matthew Golden out for the season.
Elijah SarrattJMUAPPST550017.71  
Both Reggie Brown and Elijah Sarratt continue to be way underpriced on the DK slate. The majority of JMU’s receiving production is split between them and both should be well above 6k. Sarratt just went off for 13 catches, 160 yards, and 32 DK last week and has 14+ DK in six straight games with 20+ in four of those. Brown has been very productive too with DK outputs of 44, 38, and 27 over the past four games. Both offer a strong floor and ceiling to be top values in all formats.
Jacolby GeorgeMIAUL550016.87810013.77
No matter who’s been at QB for Miami this season, Jacolby George has usually gotten his receptions as one of the team’s top receivers. He now has 5+ receptions in eight of 10 games so far and just caught 2 TDs last week vs Florida St. With Tyler Van Dyke back as a starter, we saw him and George have a rapport earlier in the season and that consistent target share will make him a solid value on both sites – but more so on DK.
Dominic LovettUGATENN530010.2567008.56
Though Brock Bowers returned last week, Dominic Lovett still produced 4 receptions for 77 yards. It’s nothing huge, but this is now four straight games that Lovett has been involved in the Georgia passing attack after being quiet for much of the season. He became a bigger part of the offense with Bowers out, but it appears his role won’t get that much smaller even with his teammate back. This week, Georgia will likely need to throw more and score plenty to beat Tennessee in a potential shootout. Lovett's cheap FD price is especially attractive.
Devaughn VeleUTAHARIZ510010.83  
Devaughn Vele has come on strong the past three games with 15, 24, and 22 DK points. Utah’s receiving corps lacks any consistency outside of Vele and he’s a clear top target for Bryson Barnes right now. The Arizona defense is good against the run but a bit softer vs the pass. This matchup should force more passing from Utah and Vele can keep it going as a value WR for us. The DK price at $5100 is very cheap for what he’s been doing.
Leon Johnson IIIOKSTUH480015.67710012.00
As has been the case for a few weeks now, Oklahoma State has three value WRs to consider. Rashod Owens, Brennan Presley, and Leon Johnson are still too underpriced for the cash floor they’ve each been producing lately. Honestly, all three are in play again this week in a potential shootout and against a Houston defense ranking 93rd in conference passing yards allowed. As for Johnson, he’s come on strong after riding the bench earlier in the season. He has at least 5 catches and 60+ yards in three straight.
Logan LoyaUCLAUSC450011.72720010.47
If you want cheap exposure to the highest total of the slate and a matchup against the bad USC pass defense, Logan Loya presents some value. He’s been UCLA’s top wideout lately with Sturdivant falling off and others not stepping up. In one of Ethan Garbers’ two good games a few weeks ago, Loya was his favorite target with 7 catches for 111 yards. That’s an encouraging sign that Garbers may be looking Loya’s way more often than other Bruins’ pass-catchers this week. Either way, Loya is still averaging a solid 11.7 DK this season and should return value in a possible shootout.

 

CFB DFS Week 12 Core Plays 

DraftKings Cash

  • Audric Estime – Notre Dame
  • Elijah Sarratt or Reggie Brown – JMU
  • Phil Mafah – Clemson

DraftKings GPP

  • Caleb Williams – USC
  • Gavin Sawhcuk – Oklahoma
  • Tez Johnson – Oregon

FanDuel Cash (Early Games)

  • Caleb Williams – USC
  • Ollie Gordon – Oklahoma State
  • Phil Mafah – Clemson

FanDuel GPP (Early Games)

  • Cade Klubnik – Clemson
  • Gavin Sawchuk – Oklahoma
  • Tahj Washington – USC
 

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