Daily Fantasy College Football Week 8: DraftKings Optimum Lineup, Matchup Guide
As we inexplicably speed past the halfway mark of the 2015 college football regular season, more and more standout players are forging their way into "stud" territory.
At this point in the year, the expected production level will likely match the result. There isn't a lot of deviation at this point. When selecting a fantasy roster, the player's opponent is arguably the biggest determiner as to whether you should select him.
As is the case with DraftKings, fantasy players are allowed two quarterbacks, two running backs, three receivers and two flex players. All nine players must equal no more than $50,000.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Optimum Lineup for Week 8
QB: Maxwell Smith (SDSU, $4,900), Brett Rypien (Boise State, $6,500)
RB: Zack Langer (Tulsa, $5,900), Stanley "Boom" Williams (Kentucky, $5,500)
WR: Jordan Payton (UCLA, $5,800), Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss, $6,100), Demarcus Ayers (Houston, $6,200)
Flex: De'Runnya Wilson (Mississippi State, $5,500), Vic Enwere (Cal, $3,600)
Budget: $50,000
Used: $50,000
QB Analysis
A Kentucky transfer, Smith has been a breath of fresh air for the San Diego State offense.
The Aztecs are on a three-game winning streak, in large part due to Smith's effectiveness as a passer. He doesn't turn the ball over, as evidenced by throwing only two interceptions thus far.
In the last two weeks, he has completed more than 70 percent of his passes. With Utah State coming to town, one can expect the Aggies to put up plenty of points. As such, this could provide Smith with more opportunities in the passing game.
Rypien has been effective since taking over the starting job for the Broncos. On the year, he's thrown seven touchdowns to only four interceptions. He's also completing passes at a 63.6 percent clip.
This weekend, Boise State will host a struggling 1-6 Wyoming team. Rypien has already demonstrated the ability to feast on cupcakes this season (Virginia, Hawaii). There's no reason why he can't do the same to the Cowboys.
RB Analysis
Tulsa running back Zack Langer has rushed for at least one touchdown in every game this year. The bruising tailback has accrued 596 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
He won't necessarily be a home run threat to break a long run, but he appears to be good for at least one score. Langer rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown earlier this year against Oklahoma.
Kentucky back Stanley "Boom" Williams is running to the tune of a 7.2 yards-per-carry average. In some respects, he's the antithesis of Langer.
While he's not going to be a grind-it-out type of running back, his slashing style works perfectly with the upstart Wildcats offense. Williams is at his best when he can utilize his speed in space. On the year, he's rushed for 456 yards on only 63 carries.
He's also coming off one of his better games of the season, running for 113 yards and two touchdowns versus Auburn.
WR Analysis
Treadwell's money total is curiously low, considering he leads the SEC in catches (49) and receiving yards (654). He's unquestionably Chad Kelly's favorite target and more often than not impacts the game in a big way.
Against a sometimes-shaky Texas A&M team this weekend, Treadwell should accumulate big numbers. Don't be surprised if this contest ends up being a shootout down in Oxford, Mississippi.
Like Treadwell, Payton is UCLA's top receiver in both yards and receptions. Josh Rosen had his second-best game statistically last week versus Stanford and appears to be hitting his stride as a passer.
With Cal allowing a considerable amount of passing yards per contest, Payton could be in line for a big day.
Ayers and the explosive Houston offense are salivating at the thought of playing an 0-7 UCF team this weekend. The diminutive receiver (5'10", 178 lbs) out of Texas is lightning-quick, has legitimate deep-threat speed and is without a doubt the most dynamic skill player on Houston's roster.
Ayers has double the amount of catches (46) as the next-best statistical output on the roster. He should be good for at least one touchdown in this expected blowout.
Flex Analysis
Wilson has caught four touchdowns in the past four games, including two last week in the win over Louisiana Tech.
With his combination of size and speed, he's a terror on any jump-ball scenario down the sidelines. Signal-caller Dak Prescott makes him an obvious focal point of the offense. Wilson leads the team in receiving yards (433) and touchdown catches (five).
Wilson's smallish money total also makes him an attractive play this week.
Enwere is a big wild card this week. Cal is playing UCLA, which has been absolutely horrid against the run in 2015. The Bruins gave up 310 yards on the ground last week in the loss to Stanford.
Since the injury to Eddie Vanderdoes, Jim Mora's team hasn't displayed the ability to play even adequately against any sort of effective rushing attack.
The big back (6'1", 230 lbs) out of Texas has been sharing time with Daniel Lasco. He has been injured for the majority of the year but will try to give it a go against the Bruins. If Lasco gets nicked in the game (which is a distinct possibility), Enwere would assume the role as the lead back. Regardless, he might be the goal-line option as a means to keep Lasco healthy.
Costing only $3,600, he could be a huge steal in Week 8 play.
Enter the DraftKings $1.25 M Play-Action contest this weekend. Use promo code BLEACHER REPORT when you sign up.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
