COLLEGE FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAY - WEEK 5 9/26
Did you know you can play College Fantasy Football?
If you haven't tried it join this weekend's free entry contest with $50 in prizes here.
To help you build a winning lineup here are Matt Delima's favorite plays this weekend.
QUARTERBACKS
ELITE
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (at Arkansas) - $188,200
The Razorbacks host Texas A&M in Week 5 after having lots of problems against Rutgers. Manziel has led the Aggies to at least 42 points in every contest.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon (vs Cal) - $200,000
Cal’s defense struggles across the board and rank near the bottom in points allowed per game. Their schedule has done them no favors either since Oregon will be their third ranked opponent in four weeks. Mariota will be the focal point of the offense.
MID-TIER
James Franklin, Missouri (vs Arkansas St.) - $146,900
Franklin can be one of the more productive dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. His passing stats have improved dramatically compared to last season and his opponent should offer plenty of scoring opportunities.
Brandon Connette, Duke (vs Troy) - $139,800
Week 4 was a breakout game for Duke’s Connette. He accounted for six TDs, 323 passing yards and 101 rushing yards. Troy is allowing just under 35 points per game.
BARGAIN
John O’Korn, Houston (at Texas-San Antonio) - $105,000
The Cougars offense is more balanced these days, but that should not impede O’Korn’s passing attack. UTSA will likely make this a shootout.
A.J. McCarron, Alabama (vs Ole Miss) - $93,900
McCarron seems to be playing down to the level of competition. The Crimson Tide’s passing attack can improve and at this price point, McCarron is a solid value.
RUNNING BACKS
ELITE
Marion Grice, Arizona St. (vs Southern Cal) - $170,400
Grice is tied for the most touchdowns in the nation (8) and with that, the Sun Devils’ offense revolves around him. Not only can he rush for over 70 yards per game, he is making big contributions as a pass-catcher with 15 receptions through three games.
De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon (vs Cal)- $146,800
Cal is ranked 121st in rushing defense, allowing 262 yards per game. For a run-heavy team like Oregon, Thomas could go off here in a blowout.
MID-TIER
Mark Weisman, Iowa (at Minnesota) - $92,600
Weisman very quietly ranks sixth in rushing yards (468) and leads the nation in carries despite limited playing time in Week 4. He needs to find the end zone more, but for this salary, he’s a very safe bet.
Josh Ferguson, Illinois (vs Miami-OH) - $93,600
Ferguson splits this backfield with Donovonn Young, but the former’s ability to catch the football adds enough points to more than make up the difference. The RedHawks have been miserably bad to start the season. Ferguson is a steal at this price given the opponent.
BARGAIN
Alex Collins, Arkansas (vs Texas A&M) - $82,900
If Collins crossed the goal-line more often, his salary would be over $120K every week. Despite only scoring twice, Collins has 481 rushing yards. If the Aggies go up early, Collins might get washed out of the game. On the other hand, if it stays close, A&M lacks the defense to keep him in check.
Roderick McDowell, Clemson (vs Wake Forest) - $53,300
Clemson has remained a bit reluctant to fully establish their running game, opting to keep the ball in Tajh Boyd’s hand. As the Tigers move further into ACC play, they’ll need to stay balanced. McDowell is the team’s leading rusher and while his numbers aren’t impressive, he’s about as cheap as they come in Week 5.
WIDE RECEIVERS
ELITE
Paul Richardson, Colorado (at Oregon St.) - $200,000
The only thing to slow down Richardson this season has been the rains and flooding in Colorado. In just two games, he already has 21 receptions for 417 yards and four TDs. He’s obviously expensive, but his upside scoring potential is too great to ignore.
Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (vs UAB) - $137,000
This senior continues to prove he is one of the best receivers in the SEC. He’s caught at least six passes in each game and eclipsed 100-receiving three times. Vandy isn’t good enough to turn any game into a blowout, so that’ll keep Matthews on the field.
MID-TIER
Michael Campanaro , Wake Forest (at Clemson) - $116,000
Week 3 is a great example of what Campanaro can do when given the opportunity. He caught 16 balls for 177 yards. Developing some consistency would take him to the elite level.
Jamison Crowder, Duke (vs Troy) - $127,100
Crowder, along with his quarterback Brandon Connette, had one of their best games in Week 4. The junior pass-catcher hauled in seven receptions for 141 yards for a touchdown .
BARGAIN
Shakim Phillips, UConn (at Buffalo) - $85,700
Phillips is dinged up and did not participate in UConn’s Week 4 game against Michigan. Make sure he starts before using him in our lineup. He is a steal at this salary, assuming he plays of course.
Josh Huff, Oregon (vs Cal) - $81,500
Yet another Oregon player on the list. Huff has been good, but not quite great. Last week, he caught six passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers can continue to improve with the Ducks scoring nearly 60 points per game.
TIGHT ENDS
ELITE
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (vs Arizona) - $66,700
Jenkins finally put it together for a pretty good game in Week 4. After a sluggish start and an injury hindering him, Jenkins caught five balls for 62 yards and a touchdown. Worth every penny until he separates as the most expensive tight end by far.
MID-TIER
Colt Lyerla, Oregon (vs Cal) - $42,300
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m all in with the Ducks. Cal’s rush and pass defense both rank towards the bottom of FBS. Owners will be lucky to see him as anything more than a third- or fourth-option for Oregon.
BARGAIN
Justin Sinz, Purdue (vs Northern Illinois) - $27,900
An injury to regular starting TE Game Holmes, pushing Sinz into a starting role. The former Wisconsin native isn’t much of an athletic specimen, but he does play in an pro-set offense that will look to keep him involved and productive.
Best of luck and enjoy the games!
FF-Justin