The continued offensive firepower of the Big 12, combined with a plethora of bad defense, means we can spread our college football DFS love all around this week. In fact, an ACC quarterback could be the slate breaker, and an SEC game may be the most stackable.
These are the players I’ll focus on for many of my roster spots in Week 8.
Quarterbacks
Hendon Hooker, Virginia Tech ($8,700 on DraftKings, Game not on FanDuel) – The Hokies undoubtedly regret not playing Hooker before two weeks ago because he has this offense humming. Hooker scored seven total touchdowns in the past two games, including four scores against Boston College after completing 11 of 15 passes for 111 yards and rushing 18 times for 164 yards. Oddsmakers predict Virginia Tech will put up nearly 40 points on Wake Forest this week, and Hooker should play a large role in that scoring.
Max Duggan, TCU ($6,800 on DK, $9,500 on FD) – The Horned Frogs’ offense suffered some inconsistencies in its first three games, in part due to Duggan’s sometimes erratic play, which reflects in his lower DFS salary. But, the Oklahoma defense – or lack thereof – can cure what ails an offense, and with his dual-threat capabilities, Duggan should be considered for rosters.
Running backs
Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State ($7,500 on DK, $9,500 on FD) – It’s surprising to see Hubbard so cheap in college football DFS, which could be partially a reflection of the Cowboys not having played in three weeks. Vegas doesn’t expect a monster offensive output from this game between Oklahoma State and Iowa State, with an over/under of 53, and the Cowboys favored by three, but Hubbard will get his 20-plus touches.
Jerrion Ealy of Ole Miss/Tank Bigsby of Auburn ($6,800/$6,500 on DK, $8,800/$8,600 on FD) – Take your pick (or use both) of these two running backs in what oddsmakers anticipate will be the highest-scoring game on the slate. Ealy rushed 23 times for 112 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas last Saturday, his second straight 100-yard game. Bigsby rushed 16 times for 111 yards and a TD against South Carolina that day, also his second straight game hitting the century mark. Both should enjoy nice running lanes in Week 8. I’d give the edge to Ealy, since he will likely get the most touches of the two.
Wide receivers
Devonta Smith, Alabama ($8,400 on DK, $9,700 on FD) – After taking a surprising back seat to Jaylon Waddle to open the year, Smith dominated the past two weeks with 24 receptions for 331 yards and three TDs. Either player should be fine for your rosters, but I think Smith provides better value at only a slightly higher price than Waddle.
Eli Stove, Auburn ($5,500 on DK, $7,000 on FD) – Returning from injury, Stove caught seven passes for 60 yards and a touchdown against the Gamecocks. He should receive looks from Bo Nix early and often against the porous Rebels defense.
