CFB FanDuel DFS Breakdown for Week 0
While we don't have a full slate of games on our hands Saturday, we at least get an appetizer before the entree that is Week 1, including a handful of power-conference squads duking it out.
USC leads the way on the expected scoring front, projected to hit the half-century mark with 50 points on the board, while Florida State isn't too far behind at 43.0. Those are the two expected blowouts of the weekend.
Each of the other four games on the slate sports a spread that sits in the 8.5-point range or fewer, and no team is projected for more than 28.0 points (Virginia). Thus, we have a couple blowouts where backups could eke out some points late, but starters also can put up big points in efficient ways, and four tight-knit contests where starters could rack up yards.
College Football DFS Weather (winds 15+ MPH, precip. chance 50-plus percent and hot/cold temps noted)
North Carolina vs. TCU - Some Chance of rain in Dublin, per usual in Ireland
Notable College Football Injuries/Absences for Week 0
QB
None
RB
Samuel Singleton, Florida State - Was limited some earlier in camp. TBD but seems likely he should be available
WR
Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii - Status unclear, some reports suggesting he won't start, but no confirmation
Tanook Hines, USC - Considered a GTD, no reason for the team to push him with an injury of that magnitude. He'll likely be limited if he plays
Jordan Dwyer, TCU - Coach is hopeful he'll give it a go, but his status is unclear
Terrell Anderson, USC - Being held out as a precaution
Rico Flores, Virginia - Won't suit up due to a hamstring issue
TE
Jaxxon Warren, North Carolina - Set to miss some time due to injury
College Football DFS Tools
- FanDuel Lineup Optimizer
- Matchups Page (Vegas odds, opponent averages, etc.)
- Advanced Lineups Page
- Stats
- Team Trends
- Targets
- Defense vs. Position
- Team Rankings
Week 0 CFB DFS Plays on FanDuel
Quarterback
Ashton Daniels, Florida State ($11,000) vs. New Mexico State
Unlike Jayden Maiava and HC Lincoln Riley at USC, Mike Norvell doesn't have the luxury of a cushion to work with -- he's fighting to keep his job in Tallahassee. Thus, I expect the starters may stick around a bit longer in this contest to leave no doubt and make this a one-sided affair. It'll cost you, but Daniels is a dual-threat option under center who could account for touchdowns in multiple ways, rushing for 669 yards and three touchdowns at Stanford two seasons ago and 280 yards and a pair of scores over just four games at Auburn last year. This defense won't be up to the task here.
CJ Bailey, NC State ($10,500) at Virginia
Bailey has been a steady presence under center for the Wolfpack each of the past two seasons, and a Week 2 matchup against Virginia last season allotted him his third-best fantasy effort of the campaign, racking up 28.4 fantasy points. Even if the Wolfpack is a bit better defensively this season, there's no sense they are expected to be a juggernaut, and the Cavs surrendered a whopping 8.1 yards per pass attempt last year. The Wolfpack are 4.5-point underdogs for this contest, so they may be required to air it out.
Micah Alejado, Hawaii ($9,700) at Stanford
The only team worse against the pass on a per-attempt basis last season than Virginia on Saturday's slate was Stanford, surrendering 8.5 yards per pass and 280.6 passing yards allowed per game. You know what Hawaii does at this point, right? Chuck the rock. The team known for its "run-and-shoot" scheme throws among the most in college football. Despite Alejado missing two games last season, he still threw the ball 430 times over 11 games, including 39 times against Stanford. That didn't result in a great showing against the Cardinal in last year's opener, but he'll have some more experience with a full season under his belt as the starter this time around.
Running Back
The Top Dogs
King Miller, USC ($8,900) vs. San Jose State
We have co-starters atop the USC depth chart ahead of the opener, with Waymond Jordan co-headlining. Jordan runs you a cool $1,400 more and is coming off of a season-ending injury in 2025. He was slowed in spring and was good to go for the start of fall camp, but I wouldn't be shocked if the staff opts to ease him back into action for the Trojans coming off a significant injury, facing an inferior opponent. Miller was more than adequate as a starter down the stretch last year, and I'd take my chance on him in this one before the starters come off the field for good. USC should be pretty vanilla on offense in the opener, with plenty of ground game.
Micah Ford, Stanford ($8,800) vs. Hawaii
On the flip side of the Hawaii-Stanford clash is a squad that has a less-than-impressive starter under center in Davis Warren, who hasn't started a game since 2024, and unproven options in the receiving game. Thus, I'd expect we'll see a heavy dose of Ford heading the Cardinal's rushing attack in this one. The junior racked up 643 rushing yards and four scores on the ground over nine games last year, including a big showing to end the season with 29 carries for 150 yards and a score against Cal in Week 13 before missing the season finale versus Notre Dame. Hawaii yielded 4.7 yards per rush attempt a season ago and is going to run a lot of plays, allowing the Cardinal to do the same.
Mid-Tier Targets
Ousmane Kromah, Florida State ($7,700) vs. New Mexico State
Kromah has been a buzzed-about name during fall camp, and the expectation is he should get 15-to-20 carries per game for the 'Noles. I feel like he should be the one priced where Quntrevion Wisner ($9,900) sits in this matchup, so you are getting a steep discount here. Take advantage; this is probably one of my favorite plays.
Bargain Options
Jalen Likely, Jacksonville State ($5,500) at North Dakota State
This is a dart throw here, as most are at this range, but Likely impressed in spring and is listed atop the depth chart for the Gamecocks heading into Week 1. Cam Cook rushed for 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns in the lead-back role for Jax State last year, so there's certainly some upside if Likely can emerge into a headlining role in this backfield.
Shahn Alston, USC ($5,000) vs. San Jose State
Riley Wormley ($6,000) ranks above Alston here on the depth chart for the Trojans, but I'm expecting this thing to get out of hand at some point. There is no rule for redshirting freshmen anymore, so there's no reason to keep Alston out of the game if things get one-sided, and it might be an opportunity for him to plunge into the end zone in the second half and provide some fantasy production. Wormley is $1,000 more and would likely be the next man in the game if you have the budget for it, but Alston will likely see minimal roster rates if you're looking to go contrarian.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
The Top Dog
Duce Robinson, Florida State ($8,500) vs. New Mexico State
It's hard to bypass an established, healthy, high-volume target here with Robinson. Almost every other name near the top of this list has been either banged up or isn't fully established as a No. 1 starter, so this is something to take advantage of. On top of that, the 'Noles are projected to top the 40-point mark in this clash. Give me the most established member of this offense at a reasonable rate
Mid-Tier Targets
Mark Bowman, USC ($6,300) vs. San Jose State
Bowman is another buzzy name this fall, and he's claimed the starting role on the depth chart at tight end for USC to open 2026. With Hines banged up and Anderson also sitting out, there's inexperience to go around in the receiving room heading into the opener. The tight end is the safety blanket here for Maiava, so it wouldn't shock me if he gets plenty of opportunities.
Kainoa Carvalho ($7,000) and Audric Harris, Hawaii ($6,500) at Stanford, Kainoa Carvalho
Carvalho is a small slot guy who could be in the mix this Saturday. Reports are that the kid can fly, and he could be part of Saturday's rotation, though it's unclear to what extent. This is a room overall with only one established starter (Ashlock), and even he is injured. So, take some shots, and Carvalho could be one if you want to pay up.
Harris is a bit of a risk at this price point, as we don't have a guarantee he start, but he seemed like a name that has drawn some buzz as a transfer from Washington, and he was the high school teammate of Alejado at Bishop Gorman. This prior connection could pay off in the opener, especially with Ashlock questionable, at best, to give it a go.
Note: My favorite Hawaii plays are below
Bargain Options
Trent Mosley ($5,500), Kayden Dixon-Wyatt ($4,900) and Corey Simms ($5,300), USC vs. San Jose State
Much like the Bowlman situation above, I'd expect to see a lot of this trio of wideouts in the early portions of Saturday's game, especially if Hines is deemed unavailable for the contest. Mosley has essentially solidified himself as the regular starter in the slot this season, so he's my favorite target of the bunch. Dixon-Wyatt was the surprise inclusion atop the chart with Anderson unexpectedly out, and Simms is listed as a co-starter alongside Hines. I'd probably order my targets in the order they are listed here, given that information, though Simms over Dixon-Wyatt is an arguable call if Hines is out.
Jerry McClure, San Jose State ($5,400) at USC
McClure is only listed as a co-starter on the opening depth chart, which could drive some people away from using him, but he is a name that has drawn buzz and seems the most likely option to claim the Danny Scudero role in the slot for the Spartans in 2026. What would that entail? Well, Scudero compiled 88 catches for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. McClure is no shoo-in to replicate that level of production, and the matchup certainly isn't ideal, but he's a guy you can throw a dart at if you're looking for someone with upside at a cheap salary.
Devin Alves, ($5,100), Tama Uiliata ($4,300), Hawaii at Stanford
The general belief for this contest is that Pofele Ashlock will likely sit out the opener, and if that's the case, the wide receiver depth chart will be wide open here. Alves and Uiliata are two names being thrown about as potential starters here, and getting them this cheap would be a steal if they are. I think I may even slot Uiliata as my favorite, because he might be the better bet to see action in the slot, with Alves potentially starting out wide.
