Slate Breaker: FD CFB DFS Bowl Season (12/28)

Quarterbacks

Play of the Day: Avery Johnson, Kansas State (vs NC State)

I cannot wait to see what Johnson can do now that he has the QB position to himself. While Johnson may not be the best passer, he is elite with the ball in his hands. He reminds me a lot of WVU's Garrett Greene since he can just explode out of nowhere. He has elite potential with a 5 rushing TD game already under his belt while working part time. NC State is a pretty good defense but they have struggled against rushing QBs allowing over 100 rushing yards to Drake Maye last time out. Johnson has only gotten limited playing time this season, but he has still managed to flash star power so prepare yourself for the absurd production he will put up in his first game as a starting QB.

Noah Fifita, Arizona (vs Oklahoma)

If you want 15-25 FDP then lock Fifita into your lineup. He's had some blow up games, but those were against very beatable defenses like USC and Arizona State so do not expect that this week against a tough Oklahoma defense. Fifita will still be productive though as he has scored 15+ FDP in every start this year except for one. The main problem with Fifita is his price. As the top priced QB on this slate, Fifita does not have the ceiling necessary to be so expensive, but if you just want a floor play who will not leave you disappointed then roll with Fifita.

Kevin Jennings, SMU (vs Boston College)

Jennings looked strong in his first start of the year throwing for more than 200 yards and a TD while adding 63 yards on the ground. This production was against a strong defense too as he had to go through Tulane, but now he gets one of the worst Power 5 defenses in Boston College so he should be able to produce big numbers. The only way that Jennings does not deliver in this game is if SMU dominates on the ground and just hands the ball off the whole game. Keep in mind that Jennings is a backup QB so he could disappoint you, but SMU should roll in this game which only happens if Jennings produces a solid fantasy line.

Jacurri Brown, Miami (vs Rutgers)

He is this slate's wildcard. He comes in with very little game experience, but he just oozes the potential to be an elite fantasy producer. His limited playing time has come as more of a wildcat QB with more rushing attempts than passing attempts in his career. He will have a much bigger role this week and will be fully released as a QB. His passing game does worry me a bit, but he is so cheap that I cannot fade him. His rushing alone should deliver great value since he is just $7,500. Brown has both a strong floor thanks to his rushing ability, while also featuring elite upside if he can deliver a complete line so it will be hard for me to build a lineup without him.

Running Backs

Play of the Day: Gavin Sawchuk, Oklahoma (vs Arizona)

After beginning this season in the doghouse and getting basically no work, Sawchuk has come on as a major contributor in this offense as the season has winded down with 4 straight 100 yard games. Sawchuk will likely take on an even bigger role and become the focal point of this offense with Dillon Gabriel now in Oregon. An increase in usage will lead to a monster day for Sawchuk since he was averaging 121 yards per game and nearly 7 yards per carry since becoming the starter even though it was still a pass first offense. Now that they will have to run the ball more to compensate for the loss of Dillon Gabriel, Sawchuk is going to put up a crooked number in this one.

SMU RBs (vs Boston College)

Whoever ends up being the lead back for SMU is in line for a huge day. Boston College has allowed an RB to score 15+ FDP in 5 straight games so this matchup is as juicy as it gets. Deciding between LJ Johnson and Jaylan Knighton is the real problem here. Over the last 2 weeks of the regular season, this looked like Johnson's backfield with 20+ carries in both games. Johnson's usage quickly dropped though, as he got just 2 carries in the conference championship game. I lean Knighton since he was basically a lock for 10+ touches all season long so I will take that guaranteed usage at a $1,400 discount. Make sure you have one of these backs in your lineup because they will be difference makers against this BC defense.

Mark Fletcher, Miami (vs Rutgers)

Fletcher has taken over this Miami backfield in recent weeks and he has produced in this increased role with 12+ FDP in 4 of his 5 games. He now gets to play a Rutgers' run defense which was one of the Big Ten's worst so the matchup only helps his case. Fletcher will also get to play with new QB Jacurri Brown. Brown will lead Miami to run a lot more and with Brown's rushing prowess, Fletcher will get to run against a lighter box since a defender will always be keyed on Brown. As long as this Miami offense is semi-functional, Fletcher will have a huge day.

Kye Robichaux, Boston College (vs SMU)

The Boston College offense is as run heavy as any school besides the military schools and Robichaux is a bell cow. Robichaux had 21+ carries in weeks 8-12 when he took over as the lead back and is expected to assume that role again in the bowl game. SMU has been a terrific run defense this season so even with BC's run heavy offense and Robichaux's elite usage, he could be shut down but there are few other RBs on this slate who will get more work than Robichaux.

Wide Receivers

Play of the Day: Kevin Concepcion, NC State (vs Kansas State)

Concepcion's usage is mind boggling. He is basically the team's WR1 and RB1 with an average of 10 carries per game and 7 catches per game over his past 2 games and he even threw for a TD for good measure. Concepcion is a young star who has confirmed he will be returning to his program next year so he will be playing every snap and will be very productive. Picking Concepcion is not a hot take, he will be chalky, but you will need him in your lineup or you will be left behind.

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (vs Oklahoma)

McMillan is a physical freak with elite size and great agility so it is not surprising that he has been a producer at the college level, but McMillan has gotten a bump in his play and it comes from one of the game's immeasurables, chemistry. T-Mac has been reunited with his High School QB and they have immediately clicked, leading the freak athlete to ascend into the national spotlight and join the conversation of the nation's best WRs. T-Mac is averaging 21.1 FDP with Noah Fifita as his QB showing he is as elite as any other WR in the country. Play McMillan with absolutely no hesitation, he will not leave you disappointed.

RJ Maryland, SMU (vs Boston College)

SMU should be the highest scoring offense on this limited slate so having pieces of that offense will be key to your lineups cashing. The big issue is that SMU loves to spread their production out and there are no true alphas who demand 20 carries or 10 targets, but Maryland is the closest thing the team has to a top target. Maryland has led SMU in targets this season so he at least provides some consistency in the passing game. If you feel like you need a piece of this passing attack then roll with Maryland.

Jayce Brown, Kansas State (vs NC State)

With Phillip Brooks and Ben Sinnott declaring their intention to head to the NFL, Brown may be the last guy standing in this KSU passing attack. Even while being lower down in the pecking order, Brown was still demanding targets, leading him to average 83 yards over the final stretch of games. Now that he will be the team's top target, the sky is the limit. He is as fast as anyone so he has big play potential whenever the ball is in his hands. I love Brown this week especially since he has already shown chemistry with QB Avery Johnson with the two connecting for a TD even though they have barely played together.

Isaiah Washington, Rutgers (vs Miami)

Washington is by far the most appealing piece of this Rutgers offense. The Miami defense is fairly tough so Rutgers will have to pass the ball meaning the offense will likely run through Washington. He has developed good chemistry with Wismatt down the stretch leading the team in targets over the final few games. I do not love the matchup or this offense as a whole really, but the usage and price makes Washington a play.

Dream Team

QB: Jacurri Brown, Miami (vs Rutgers)

RB1: Gavin Sawchuk, Oklahoma (vs Arizona)

RB2: Jaylan Knighton, SMU (vs Boston College)

WR1: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (vs Oklahoma)

WR2: Kevin Concepcion, NC State (vs Kansas State)

WR3: Jayce Brown, Kansas State (vs NC State)

Flex: Avery Johnson, Kansas State (vs NC State)

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