College Fantasy Football: Looking ahead to Week 1 in the Pac-12
The first full week of college football is coming up, which means it’s time to set your fantasy rosters. Here are some players to love heading into the week and others to consider putting on the bench. We look today at the Pac-12.
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LOVE 'EM
OK, I admit it. I believe the hype around USC’s revamped offense. I think Daniels is going to throw for a lot of yards and touchdowns to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman and I think it starts in the opener against Fresno State. The Bulldogs are a quality team but the USC receivers played a lot of these guys in high school and were simply better than them. If the Trojans cannot score big points then dump all their players from your fantasy roster and look elsewhere but I think Daniels has a big showing in the opener.
*****
Yes, Eason transferred but he lost his job to Georgia’s Jake Fromm, who might be one of the top quarterbacks selected in next April’s NFL Draft. Eason is still one of the best high school quarterbacks in recent years and Washington is going to pound Eastern Washington so he should point up some good fantasy points. The former five-star could throw it to Salvon Ahmed out of the backfield, he will have some receivers who will emerge, he has some excellent tight ends and the offensive line will be one of the best in the country.
*****
I’m expecting a shootout in Corvallis this weekend and, quite frankly, I’m surprised the total isn’t higher than 72, which is the highest for any game in the conference. Starting Jefferson is almost a no-brainer but especially here he should be in all lineups. Oklahoma State has a completely retooled defensive line so there will be holes to run through and it’s not like the Cowboys' defense played all that well last season. Oregon State is going to give Jefferson the opportunity to make things happen and he’s a must-start in all fantasy leagues this weekend.
*****
NOT SO SURE
Stanford is looking for receivers after losing JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Trent Irwin. The Cardinal will also look to establish the run behind an improved offensive line with Cameron Scarlett as the featured back. I just don’t see a whole lot of points scored in this game and neither does Las Vegas as the over/under is set at 47.5 points. This is going to be a grueling, not-exciting slugfest. Costello is one of the best quarterbacks in the country but in Game 1, for fantasy purposes, I’m not excited about the matchup.
*****
Herbert could easily be the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft - even ahead of Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa - but I don’t like the Oregon quarterback in this spot. The Ducks have lost some receivers heading into the opener and even though the Ducks have an excellent offensive line, Auburn’s defensive front might be even better. I’m really shocked the over/under in this game is 55.5 because I think it’s going to be low scoring like last year’s Auburn/Washington game. Herbert is a great quarterback but there are better situations here.
*****
Again, I think Moss is one of the best running backs in the Pac-12, if not nationally, but I don’t like situation. This is fantasy so maximizing points is the most important thing and not solely talent. This is a rivalry game. This is the season opener. This is at BYU. Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley is going to run himself. And BYU’s entire goal is clogging up the middle to slow down or stop Moss. Plus, the over/under has plummeted from 57.5 to 48.5. Put Moss on your fantasy team because he’ll have a big workload this season but bench him for this matchup.