College Football DFS: Week 4 Friday Slate Picks and Strategy for DraftKings and FanDuel

We have a three-game slate on tap to begin our Week 4 DFS coverage, and I've identified my favorite picks and an interesting leverage spot to consider. Let's begin!

CFB Week 4 Friday Slate Overview for DraftKings and FanDuel

I've identified a wrinkle in this slate that's easy to research but also easy to forget, and it involves Chip Kelly. While OC with Ohio State, he called the offensive plays that dramatically unraveled the Hoosiers, 38-15, handing Indiana its first loss of the season in 2024. The Wildcats have roared to a 2-0 start after convincing wins over San Diego State and Colorado, and it's clear that Kelly has implemented his trademark offense once again with great effect. While I don't envision an upset in Evanston, I think the outcome will be much closer than the Vegas numbers suggest. The DFS implication is a greater willingness to get Northwestern involved in this build, especially in MME situations where a contrarian approach is often the best path to profit.

NCAA Weather - clear for all three games

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College Football DFS Week 4 Picks for Friday, September 25

Quarterback

Aidan Chiles, Northwestern (DK $6,000, FD $9,800) vs. Indiana

I'll start by following the Kelly methodology I outlined above. Chiles is no stranger to Big Ten battles as a transfer from Michigan State, and while his numbers haven't been stellar in college, his production has markedly increased under Kelly's offense. He took a 38-13 loss to Indiana last season while with Michigan State, but we aren't sure yet if the 2026 edition of Indiana matched the same firepower as the Cinderella 2025 edition - they haven't played anybody of note. I'm confident that Chiles and his weapons will actively test the Hoosiers' defense, and while I doubt Curt Cignetti will be surprised by Northwestern's upside, it could be a harder out than most expect. I understand the inclination to be suspicious of Chiles, but given the other options available at the position, I think he's well worth the risk.

Tait Reynolds, Clemson (DK $6,900, FD $9.000) @ California

The contrarian selection has less to do with Reynolds and more to do with Clemson's defense, which has bounced back after getting embarrassed by LSU. The team's imposing pass rush was on full display last week against UNC, and Will Heldt has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. It will be the best defensive unit Cal has faced, and it will give Reynolds and the offense more possessions by keeping Cal's offense on the bench. Assuming Dabo Swinney sticks with Reynolds and doesn't give any snaps to Christopher Vizzina, I think it could be a good opportunity for the freshman in his second start.

Running Back

Turbo Richard, Indiana (DK $7,000, FD $10,000) @ Northwestern

Our feelings about Chip Kelly and Northwestern's offense don't translate over to the Wildcats' defense, and we need to acknowledge the Hoosiers' potency. I also like Richard because I think Northwestern will keep the score close enough to keep the first string on the field longer. Like our next selection, Richard has a lot of talent behind him on the depth chart, but if Richard excels early, they'll stick with what works/

Gideon Davidson, Clemson (DK $6,900, FD $7,800) @ California

To accurately depict California's run defense, we need to ignore the totals against Wagner and look at Syracuse and UCLA. Although their defense was fair against the Orange, UCLA's Wayne Knight-led running room spun up 277 rushing yards against them. I would put Davidson's skill set on par with Knight, although UCLA's offensive line might be slightly better. Either way, I think the Tigers will lean heavily on the run to shift pressure away from Tait Reynolds, which means more touches for Davidson. He has some skill behind him, but Chris Johnson has been largely ineffective.

Also consider: Roderick Robinson, UAB (DK $5,300, FD $7,400) vs. Navy

Wide Receiver

Charlie Becker, Indiana (DK $7,100, FD $9,700) @ Northwestern

Indiana's pass offense should have plenty of success against the Wildcats, and Becker is Josh Hoover's top target. His production comes with an expensive price tag, but his yardage and touchdown total are much higher than Nick Marsh's (DK $6,800, FD $8,100) in those categories. Their reception totals are about even, and the larger cost differential on FanDuel might justify downgrading there, but the similar cost on DraftKings makes Becker the smart option on that site.

Griffin Wilde, Northwestern (DK $5,600, FD $7,700) vs. Indiana

The Chiles/Wilde stack is something I'm very interested in pursuing, and it's a strong candidate to anchor most of my lineups. Although Wilde hasn't found the end zone yet, he's been Chiles' top target in both of the Wildcats' opening games. I expect Chip Kelly to draw up plays Indiana hasn't seen on tape.

Bryant Wesco, Clemson (DK $5,400, FD $7,200) @ California

Although I wouldn't rule out T.J. Moore, Wesco's metrics look slightly better following the loss to LSU. Tait Reynolds is establishing good rapport with both receivers, and I believe the pervasive bad press about this offense will keep roster rate down across the board. The lack of usable options could offset the negative press, however.