DFS Main Slate Primer: Championship Weekend

There's no time to sit around and swoon over that Iron Bowl. College football is not taking a break. In fact, this week it's time for conference championship games! Your traditional college football fantasy league is probably done for the year, but DFS is still going strong. Also, luckily for both you and me, FanDuel's contest slate for Saturday is already up, so I can provide you with prices for both FanDuel and DraftKings. There are nine games on the FD slate, but DK is only going with eight. For some reason, they are giving no love to the Conference USA title game. Sorry, UAB and FAU. All the numbers in parentheses in the stats section are FBS rankings. As we have done all season, let's get to it!

Baylor (+8) at Oklahoma 12:00 PM ET

Baylor stats: 66.8 plays per game (76), 438.5 yards per game (35), 18.5 points allowed per game (13), 359.6 yards allowed per game (36)

Oklahoma stats: 68.0 plays per game (82), 549.2 yards per game (2), 25.6 points allowed per game (50), 335.8 yards allowed per game (23)

The memory of these two teams playing each other is probably still fresh in your brain. Baylor got off to a big lead early as Jalen Hurts ($9,000 DK, $11,800 FD) had turnover issues. Then, Hurts got it in gear and the Sooners earned the 34-31 win. Normally, the Bears didn't allow that many points defensively. However, Oklahoma has an elite offense. The Sooners simply don't get shut down.

I'm going to start, counter-intuitively, by giving a fade recommendation. CeeDee Lamb ($6,800 DK, $9,000 FD) got off to a torrid start to the season. Then he missed the Baylor game. Since then, he's returned to the lineup, but the team has shied away from him. Lamb only has six catches for 52 yards over his last two games. If you want a receiver here, go with Baylor's Denzel Mims ($6,100 DK, $8,700 FD), who has 61 catches for 945 yards and 11 touchdowns. Recently, the Sooners have turned to the ground game more. Hurts is their top weapon there, but recently Kennedy Brooks ($5,600 DK, $8,000 FD) has been getting  more involved, posting three games with over 130 rushing yards in his last four outings.

Prediction: Everything went right for Baylor, at first, in its last game with Oklahoma, and the Bears still couldn't win. This game won't have everything go right. Oklahoma 34, Baylor 24

Miami (OH) (+7) at Central Michigan 12:00 PM ET

Miami stats: 63.5 plays per game (128), 306.8 yards per game (121), 29.9 points allowed per game (73), 391.9 yards allowed per game (58)

Central Michigan stats: 72.6 plays per game (53), 448.4 yards per game (25), 27.4 points allowed per game (59), 368.9 yards allowed per game (40)

I believe this is my first foray into MACtion in these primers. Miami is in the MAC title game despite having…a bad offense? The RedHawks don't run many plays, and they don't do anything with them. Admittedly, in non-conference play they faced Iowa, Cincinnati, and Ohio State. Still, that's only three games. Clearly, I am not going to recommend any Miami players. Let's fire up them Chips!

The RedHawks have allowed 180.3 yards per game on the ground, so I am going to suggest you grab Central Michigan's top running back. In this case that would be Jonathan Ward ($6,600 DK, $9,000 FD), who has rushed for 1,056 yards and 15 touchdowns. He could be a bit of a steal, even if the DFS sites are clearly onto his talent.

Prediction: Miami just lost 41-27 to Ball State. Also, I know people who went to Central Michigan. So let's go with those Chippewas, led by the running game. Central Michigan 28, Miami (OH) 17

Louisiana (+6) at Appalachian State , 12:00 PM ET

Louisiana stats: 71.5 plays per game (62), 477.8 yards per game (10), 18.9 points allowed per game (16), 382.0 yards allowed per game (52)

Appalachian State stats: 71.3 plays per game (64), 436.5 yards per game (37), 19.8 points allowed per game (19), 323.8 yards allowed per game (16)

This is the most-underrated game of the day. I'm definitely going to be flipping to it during the Baylor-Oklahoma game. These are really good offenses and defenses. The Mountaineers came so close to being undefeated, and they have wins over North Carolina and South Carolina. The Ragin' Cajuns have only two losses, one to Mississippi State, and one to, of course, App State. That was a 17-7 win for the Mountaineers. I think this could also be another low-scoring game, based on these two defenses.

He's a better value on DraftKings than FanDuel, but I like App State's do-everything quarterback Zac Thomas ($6,900 DK, $9,500 FD). What I like about him is that in addition to throwing for 24 touchdowns against six interceptions is that he's rushed for seven scores. If you want a real potential value, Elijah Mitchell ($5,800 DK, $8,400 FD) seems quite underpriced on DraftKings. The Mountaineers have a good run defense, but a guy at this price who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns just feels like a value you might want to have.

Prediction: Appalachian State is maybe the best Sun Belt team we've seen. I feel like they'll win a low-scoring affair. It'll be fun, but maybe not the best for DFS players. Appalachian State 21, Louisiana 13

UAB (+7.5) at FAU , 1:30 PM ET

UAB stats: 64.5 plays per game (123), 370.5 yards per game (88), 18.5 points allowed per game (12), 272.0 yards allowed per game (5)

FAU stats: 76.2 plays per game (15), 424.9 yards per game (46), 25.2 points allowed per game (47), 399.3 yards allowed per game (66)

Remember, this is the one game FanDuel is including that DraftKings isn't. Honestly, as somebody who covered Conference USA all year, I don't think DK necessarily made a bad decision. This likely won't be much of a game for DFS players. The Blazers don't have a great offense, and their two best players, quarterback Tyler Johnston ($7,500 FD) and running back Spencer Brown ($6,600 FD) have been dealing with injuries. Meanwhile, UAB has one of the best defenses in the country. It has only given up 92.3 yards per game on the ground. You can't really run on the Blazers.

There's only one weapon in this game that I really am intrigued about. Do you know who the best tight end in the country is? For my money, it's FAU's Harrison Bryant ($8,100 FD). He had 61 catches for 965 yards and six touchdowns this year. There is no specific tight end spot on your roster, though, which lowers his value a smidge. You should probably just steer clear.

Prediction: If the Blazers were healthy, I figured they'd eke out a win with defense and running. They aren't, though, so the Owls and Lane Kiffin will squeak it out. Then Kiffin will take the South Florida job. Book it! FAU 23, UAB 13

Cincinnati (+9) at Memphis , 3:30 PM ET

Cincinnati stats: 68.1 plays per game (65), 379.2 yards per game (81), 21.1 points allowed per game (24), 370.8 yards allowed per game (41)

Memphis stats: 68.8 plays per game (75), 475.2 yards per game (11), 24.5 points allowed per game (40), 375.3 yards allowed per game (47)

Let's run it back! Last week, Memphis hosted Cincinnati and won 34-24. This week…Memphis is hosting Cincinnati. Will it win 34-24 again? This game should be slightly different, as Desmond Ridder ($6,100 DK, $7,600 FD) is expected to start for the Bearcats at quarterback. Kenny Gainwell ($7,500 DK, $8,700 FD) has had an incredible season, but Cincinnati is good against the run, and actually held him to "only" 87 yards on the ground.

You can still go with Gainwell if you'd like, but I'm not going to recommend him with any real advocacy. I will throw my hat in the ring of Brady White ($7,500 DK, $8,300 FD) at quarterback though. He's thrown for 3,307 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, and threw for 233 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick last week. Memphis has had some issues against the run (167.5 yards allowed per game), so I honestly think Michael Warren II ($6,300 DK, $8,600 FD) is the top running back you want in this game. Not to focus too much on last week's game, but he did run for 122 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup.

Prediction: It'd be funny if Memphis won 34-24 again. I think the Tigers will win, so why not make that my prediction? Memphis 34, Cincinnati 24

Georgia (+7.5) at LSU , 4:00 PM ET

Georgia stats: 66.3 plays per game (103), 408.8 yards per game (56), 9.8 points allowed per game (2), 254.9 yards allowed per game (4)

LSU stats: 70.5 plays per game (44), 556.1 yards per game (1), 22.8 points allowed per game (32), 352.9 yards allowed per game (32)

What a battle we have here! It's the best offense in college football against maybe the best defense in college football. Georgia needs to win in Atlanta in order to lock up a playoff spot. This game definitely has the biggest stakes of any conference title game. It's only probably not going to be terribly exciting for DFS players. I've been down on Georgia's offense for fantasy purposes all year, and obviously that doesn't change here.

The question, then, is what to do with all the big names on LSU's offense. I'm talking Joe Burrow ($8,300 DK, $10,200 FD), Ja'Marr Chase ($7,800 DK, $9,700 FD), Justin Jefferson ($6,500 DK, $8,600 FD), and even Clyde Edwards-Helaire ($7,300 DK, $9,100 FD). Burrow is the second-most-expensive quarterback on both sites despite this matchup. I'm worried about the upside. If I have to go with anybody, I'll go with Jefferson. He leads the Tigers with 81 catches, and he also has 1,057 yards and 13 touchdowns. Plus, since he is a little cheaper than Chase, there is less chance of him really hurting you if Georgia's defense is totally on fire.

Prediction: I feel like Georgia can hold LSU under 30 points. I do not think the Bulldogs can score enough to get the win, though. LSU 28, Georgia 17

Hawaii (+14) at Boise State , 4:00 PM ET

Hawaii stats: 71.6 plays per game (44), 486.4 yards per game (9), 33.1 points allowed per game (100), 439.2 yards allowed per game (97)

Boise State stats: 72.1 plays per game (25), 444.1 yards per game (30), 22.5 points allowed per game (29), 359.4 yards allowed per game (9)

Apparently while we were all sleeping through Hawaii's midnight starts we were missing out on some exciting games. In addition to the Rainbow Warriors dynamic offense they have a tendency to give up a lot defensively. Hawaii has thrown for over 330 yards per game. This is a pass offense to get hyped for. Boise State's pass offense has been a more muddled situation, as three different guys have seen action. It looks like Jaylon Henderson ($6,400 DK, $9,200 FD) will be getting the start in this one, though.

The top target in Hawaii's passing attack is Cedric Byrd ($6,700 DK, $8,900 FD). He has a whopping 91 catches, admittedly through 13 games. On the flip side, the Broncos have questions at quarterback, while the Warriors have allowed over 200 yards per contest on the ground. So here's some love for Boise's George Holani ($5,600 DK, $8,200 FD), the team's most-productive running back.

Prediction: Hawaii won't have its home-field advantage in this one, and Boise's defense is tough enough to cover for any issues under center. Boise State 31, Hawaii 24

Virginia (+28.5) at Clemson , 7:30 PM ET

Virginia stats: 69.7 plays per game (58), 379.3 yards per game (80), 24.1 points allowed per game (38), 351.5 yards allowed per game (31)

Clemson stats: 72.5 plays per game (22), 527.2 yards per game (4), 9.7 points allowed per game (1), 230.7 yards allowed per game (1)

It's cool that Virginia is in the ACC title game for the first time. Now, the Cavaliers are going to be sacrificed to the Tigers. Clemson has a top-five offense and a top-five defense. Don't even bother thinking about a single Virginia player. This is all about the Tigers!

After a slow start, Trevor Lawrence ($7,700 DK, $9,700 FD) has looked like his normal self. Over his last five starts he has 16 passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. Obviously, you want a receiver from this game, be it Tee Higgins ($6,000 DK, $8,600 FD) or Justyn Ross ($5,700 DK, $7,900 FD). They're both great, and on DraftKings they are a tossup. Go with your personal taste. On FanDuel, I think the difference in price is enough to go with Ross. Also, don't forget about Travis Etienne ($7,300 DK, $9,500 FD). He's also quite good at this whole football thing.

Prediction: Clemson obliterates Virginia, and Dabo Swinney keeps being a weird, obnoxious guy that's really hard to root for. Clemson 52, Virginia 17

Ohio State (-16.5) at Wisconsin , 8:00 PM ET

Ohio State stats: 77.3 plays per game (13), 534.8 yards per game (3), 11.8 points allowed per game (3), 232.6 yards allowed per game (2)

Wisconsin stats: 69.2 plays per game (80), 443.2 yards per game (32), 14.6 points allowed per game (7), 278.8 yards allowed per game (6)

Poor Wisconsin. The Badgers looked great in beating the Golden Gophers, and this is their reward. This team is really good…but it's not Ohio State. The Badgers have a great defense, but the Buckeyes' is better. Jonathan Taylor ($7,900 DK, $8,900 FD) is one of the best running backs in recent college football member, but J.K. Dobbins ($8,000 DK, $10,300 FD) is better. Jack Coan ($5,800 DK, $6,500 FD) is…OK he's nowhere near as good as Justin Fields ($8,200 DK, $10,000 FD).

I can't recommend any Badgers, obviously. I also can't recommend Dobbins, especially at that FanDuel price. Wisconsin has only given up 96.6 yards per game on the ground. That just means we have to turn our attention to the Ohio State passing game. You can go with Fields if you want to splash cash on your quarterback for an elite guy, but I think the player I am most enthused for is receiver Chris Olave ($5,600 DK, $8,200 FD). He's a big-play guy with 11 touchdowns on 41 catches.

Prediction: Earlier this year, Ohio State beat Wisconsin 38-7 at home. A neutral field will help the Badgers a bit, but the Buckeyes are too talented offensively to lose. Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 14