Daily Fantasy College Football Week 4: DraftKings Last-Minute Picks and Advice
Time is running out to set your DraftKings lineup in Week 4 of the college football season, but look no further for last-minute picks.
Although the early slate of games is riddled with potential daily fantasy standouts, the key is selecting the right breakout candidates to fill a roster and propel your team up the leaderboard.
Early-season production, trends, matchups and a little bit of Vegas were the primary influences in the compilation of this list.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Quarterback: Kendall Hinton, Wake Forest ($6,000)
John Wolford opened the season as the starter, but an ankle injury thrust Kendall Hinton into action last week.
Despite throwing two interceptions, the true freshman responded well. He tallied 159 passing yards, adding 101 yards and two touchdowns on the ground throughout three quarters of action. ACC Football News noted the significance of his performance:
According to Dan Collins of the Winston-Salem Journal, Wolford is doubtful for Saturday. So, Hinton will step in for the Demon Deacons once again.
Plus, Indiana's defense doesn't pose a major threat. The Hoosiers already surrendered a 100-yard outing to the only dual-threat quarterback they've faced—Mark Iannotti of Southern Illinois.
In a week where having a top-tier quarterback complemented by a thrifty option is ideal, Hinton represents the latter with a healthy ceiling.
Running Back: Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia ($4,900)
West Virginia boasts a collection of weapons, but Wendell Smallwood should be the go-to option in a young offense.
Though Smallwood shares time with Rushel Shell ($4,500), the former holds an important difference over the latter: catches. DraftKings offers a full point per reception, and Smallwood snagged four passes in each of the Mountaineers' first two outings.
In addition to the junior running back's 7.1 yards-per-carry average, Maryland is the nation's No. 77 rush defense. Also, West Virginia is favored by more than two touchdowns, per Odds Shark, so Smallwood should receive a handful of late carries, too.
It's safe to project Smallwood will have more touches than necessary to reach value, and his upside is undoubtedly appealing.
Running Back: Markell Jones, Purdue ($4,400)
Markell Jones is perhaps the furthest thing from a contrarian option, but his $4,400 price is difficult to ignore considering the matchup.
Similar to Smallwood, Jones also splits touches in the backfield. However, Purdue lacks playmakers outside of the backfield. Top receiver Danny Anthrop ($3,800) is dealing with a nagging knee injury, and DeAngelo Yancey ($4,400) can't handle the entire offensive load.
Consequently, the Boilermakers will turn to Jones and D.J. Knox ($5,100) in what figures to be a high-scoring affair. Odds Shark lists the over/under at 75—the second-highest of the weekend.
Jones has scored a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games and added a receiving score two weeks ago. Considering the amount of points expected, Jones should easily reach and likely surpass value.
Wide Receiver: Reginald Davis, Texas Tech ($4,900)
If you want points, you've come to the right place. The over/under has gradually risen throughout the week and, as of this writing, sits at 83.5.
Texas Tech is fresh off a 35-24 upset victory of Arkansas, and TCU is fresh out of defenders. The No. 4 team in the nation has lost a stunning amount of starters on that side of the ball, according to Carlos A. Mendez of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram:
Additionally, Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($8,900) seems to be overflowing with confidence, and an outing against a depleted defense must have him and the Red Raiders ready to attack. Jakeem Grant ($7,400) is the star of the receivers, but Reginald Davis is looking to build on a 115-yard, two-touchdown day.
The afternoon matchup will be a fast-paced, high-scoring thriller, and Davis should be a beneficiary of Mahomes' pass-happy day.
Wide Receiver: Dennis Parks, Rice ($4,800)
After missing the first game of 2015, wide receiver Dennis Parks has exploded as a focal point in a promising Rice offense.
The senior reeled in eight catches for 77 yards against Texas and racked up eight receptions, 163 yards and two touchdowns opposite North Texas. Conversely, the Owls' No. 2 pass-catcher during the last two games has grabbed a combined four passes for 63 yards.
Most importantly for Parks, though, Baylor doesn't play much defense—further evidenced by the 74.5 over/under line. The Bears ceded 82 yards and a pair of scores to SMU's Courtland Sutton, followed by nine catches and 93 yards to Lamar's Reggie Begelton.
Parks isn't a flashy play, but he's poised to be a productive one.
Head over to DraftKings and sign up for daily fantasy college football today. Assemble your lineup to participate in contests with big cash prizes.
Follow Bleacher Report CFB and DFS writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
