Slate Breaker: FD CFB DFS Week 5 (Thur)

Quarterbacks

Play of the Day: Austin Reed, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

Austin Reed is the only QB on this slate who has shown any kind of consistency. Sure he did just have two lackluster weeks in a row, but that was against a true powerhouse in Ohio State and the other was against an underrated Troy defense. But Reed is the reigning passing yards leader from 2022, so he is bound to have a big bounce back performance. And he is in a perfect scenario to do so, with a matchup against Middle Tenn who gave up the third most passing yards per game a year ago. Reed will be very chalky but he should be the highest scorer on this limited slate so make sure you have him because he will be worth every penny.

Logan Smothers, Jacksonville State (@ Sam Houston)

Smothers is one of my favorite values on the slate. Sam Houston is no easy defense but they do struggle against the run and running is Smothers' strength. He took over the starting position and thrived as he kept this offense churning, forming a formidable rushing duo with lead back Malik Jackson. I think Jacksonville should control this game meaning Smothers should end with a bevy of those ever so valuable QB rushing yards. Get this guy in your lineup.

Nicholas Vattiato, Middle Tennessee (@ WKU)

While Vattiato may not be the best QB on this slate, with WKU heavy favorites, he should be very busy. Middle Tennessee will be trailing by multiple scores by the end of the first quarter so expect a lot of passing attempts for Vattiato making him a solid floor play at the very least. 


Running Backs

Play of the Day: Anthony Watkins, Tulsa (vs Temple)

Watkins has officially taken over this Tulsa backfield and he gets an ideal landing spot to show off his skills taking on a vapid Temple run defense. Temple allowed 193 yards per game a year ago and do not look like they have gotten any better allowing 195 yards on the ground to start the year. In this matchup a year ago, Tulsa lead back Deneric Prince had an absolute game rushing for 231 and 1, so if Watkins only has half the performance in this year's matchup he will be well worth the price. 

Edward Saydee, Temple (@ Tulsa)

For as bad as the Temple run defense is, Tulsa is almost as bad allowing 208 ypg in 2022. They have shown improvements this year only allowing 124 yards but that is mainly due to being diced up throw the air by Michael Penix and Dillon Gabriel. I expect that 124 mark to drastically increase by the end of the season and this could be the week that begins. This is a pick mostly about the matchup than Saydee. Saydee is a solid player but he lacks the playmaking ability that would make him a reliable fantasy option as he has averaged less than 4 yards per carry over his career. But in a plus matchup, Saydee will get enough volume to be a serviceable play on this limited slate. 

Malik Jackson, Jacksonville State (@ Sam Houston)

Malik Jackson is the second half of this potent Jacksonville rushing attack. With Ron Wiggins' unfortunate injury, Jackson has a stranglehold on the RB job with no other back topping 10 carries since he took over the job. Sam Houston can be beat on the ground and Jacksonville loves running it so expect to see him early and often which should lead to a bountiful fantasy day.


Wide Receivers

Play of Day: Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

Corley is just as obvious a pick as Austin Reed is, he is the top player on the best offense so do not get cute and overthink it, you need Corley in your lineup.

Easton Messer & Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

The Western Kentucky offense has a history of providing multiple high level fantasy receivers. With Corley locked into a solid role, Messer is the leading candidate to be the next best option at receiver. Messer has been the clear number two over the past couple games, but things get a little tricky this week. Dalvin Smith was on the field all the time when healthy but he got hurt in Week 2. He was dressed and warmed up last week so it looks like a good chance he will play this week, but there will be very limited info on his availability pregame. If Smith plays he is a tremendous value and with how much WKU will be passing the ball Messer is a good value regardless of Smith's health.

Amad Anderson Jr., Temple (@ Tulsa)

If Dante Wright misses another game, Anderson instantly becomes a must start but even if Wright plays, Anderson is still worthy of your attention. Even with both in the lineup in Week 1, Anderson finished with just 6 less yards than Wright. They both have established roles in this offense, but if Wright is out, then Anderson becomes the only real option in the Temple passing game which means a boatload of targets for the speedster. Expect another busy and productive week for Anderson as Temple looks to keep pace with Tulsa's offense.

Elijah Metcalf, Middle Tennessee (@ WKU)

If you are going for Vattiaito, then Metcalf makes for a nice stack as he is the clear top target on this team and with WKU going to crush this team, there will be a lot of opportunities for Metcalf to succeed as Middle Tennessee will pass it out to keep pace. Vattiato and this offense have sputtered at times, but if they find a groove on Thursday, Metcalf will be a big benefactor


Dream Team

QB: Austin Reed, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

RB1: Anthony Watkins, Tulsa (vs Temple)

RB2: Malik Jackson, Jacksonville State (@ Sam Houston)

WR1: Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

WR2: Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky (vs MTSU)

WR3: Amad Anderson Jr., Temple (@ Tulsa)

Flex: Logan Smothers, Jacksonville State (@ Sam Houston)


**DISCLAIMER: Remember, sports and fantasy are supposed to be fun. Please play responsibly.**

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