I admit it, I have failed.
I have failed so epically at college football daily fantasy that I’m not even sure why I’m continuing this column. Perhaps I’m a masochist or perhaps I’m just driven to have one winning week. Either way, I’m still trudging on.
This week, I’m looking at Fan Duel’s early slate, the games through the Nebraska-Illinois contest. And really, these picks are just based on gut. After trying to use logic and stats and spreadsheets and everything else under the sun, I’m now just leaning on the play I’ve seen in the last four weeks.
Stick with me, I’m gonna have a winner eventually.
Here’s a quick look at the players I like for this week’s daily fantasy:
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QUARTERBACK
EARLY
Dane Evans, Tulsa ($8,200): Evans’ last performance consisted of 427 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma. Coming off a bye, Evans should be ready to put up gaudy numbers against Houston. Evans has not passed for fewer than 320 yards in any game this year.
RUNNING BACK
EARLY
Shock Linwood, Baylor ($8,100): Texas Tech’s rushing defense is one of the worst in the country. TCU’s Aaron Green was able to rush for 168 yards and two touchdowns against the Red Raiders last week. Linwood, who’s coming off a 168 yards and a touchdown against Rice, should be extra motivated in a conference game.
Matt Dayes, N.C. State ($5,100): With Shadrach Thornton dismissed, Dayes is the main rushing attraction for the Wolfpack. He had 104 yards and three touchdowns against South Alabama last week, but will face a tougher task against Louisville. Still, at this price point, Dayes could be an awesome sleeper option at the very least to get touchdowns.
WIDE RECEIVER
EARLY
Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky ($6,800): Western Kentucky likes to spread the ball around, but Taylor has been the most consistent of the Hilltoppers’ receivers. He’s had nine catches in each of his last two games and three touchdowns in that span. Rice has been susceptible to the pass this season, so this has the potential to be a big matchup for Taylor.
Geronimo Allison, Illinois ($6,200): Allison was targeted a whopping 17 times in last week’s game against Middle Tennessee. He "only" pulled down 10 of those passes, but he did have 128 yards to make it a pretty good fantasy day. The Nebraska secondary is awful. Allison is quarterback Wes Lunt’s favorite option, so he should be able to put up some big numbers in this matchup.
Kenny Lawler, Cal ($6,800): Lawler had seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against Washington last week and should be poised for another big game against a porous Washington State defense.
TIGHT END
EARLY
Josiah Price, Michigan State ($3,300): Price has been a consistent touchdown magnet for quarterback Connor Cook. And while he doesn’t put up great target and receiving yard totals, the touchdowns make up the point difference. If you’re not a big fan of this pick, try Northwestern’s Dan Vitale for the same price.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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