The Christmas lights are coming down, and the presents have all been unwrapped. However, we’re here for Bowl Season, and the New Year’s Eve Slate is sure to provide a great finale for 2024. Once again, we’ll jump into Tiering Up the Competition!
Here, you’ll find players we want to call out for good/bad reasons at each pricing level, helping you build your very best lineups for DraftKings Main and Night slates! Today, we’ll look at the Main Slate for New Year’s Eve. Let’s take a look at our options….
Quarterbacks
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The elephant in the room, Jalen Milroe ($10,300) is a tough pill to swallow as the most expensive quarterback in this pool. His hot/cold performance over the last few games of the season, combined with what is expected to be a team that feels better than the bowl they’ll be playing in, does not seem like a particularly favorable combination to tackle that price tag.
Looking at Garrett Nussmeier ($9,100) or LaNorris Sellers ($8,500) as cheaper options is a much more favorable option with a good upside. Drew Allar ($8,100) has a good matchup against a Boise State defense that’s better against the run than in the past. However, the question of how much Penn State needs to throw the ball will determine if he’s viable.
Middle of the Pack
Sawyer Robertson ($8,000) is the only choice in this range I’d consider. Baylor sees an LSU defense that has been suspect for most of the season, and he should be a lower-owned option due to its fairly elevated price.
Bare Minimum
Bargains this slate come from the Sun Bowl. Harrison Bailey ($5,200) is expected to start for the Cardinals, with Tyler Shough opting out and Pierce Clarkson entering the portal. He’s a journeyman QB in today’s CFB but he should be put in a good position with Brohm’s offense having an extended period of time to plan.
On the other side of that matchup, Demond Williams ($5,600) is technically backing up Will Rogers ($5,600). However, Williams’ dual-threat ability is why I like him at this price. It’s very, very risky, but I expect Williams to see extended time as he’s being eased into the role of starter, as the future of this team.
Running Backs
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Call the homer police, I’m advocating a fade of Ashton Jeanty ($10,900) this week. I just don’t think he’ll be able to deliver 3-4x that’s necessary to pay off his price tag at this price. Jeanty could easily be the second rusher this season to earn 100+ yards on the ground against Penn State, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Instead, look at Bryson Washington ($8,500) as the lead back for Baylor going up against LSU.
Middle of the Pack
In this group, there are some good options at a discount. Nicholas Singleton ($7,500) should see good usage, with his versatility coming into play with the passing game. His athleticism sets up well for this matchup against Boise State, though don’t underestimate the Broncos’ very solid run defense.
Isaac Brown ($7,100) has been a certified dude over the last half of the season and has massive upside if he can establish himself against the Washington defense. Caden Durham ($6,300) is a similar play, as he’s come alive down the stretch. Baylor’s defense is 80th against the run, so it’s certainly vulnerable.
Bare Minimum
With Justice Haynes entering the portal, I’m fully okay with punting on a cheap RB play in Jam Miller ($4,200). He’s versatile enough that even if Michigan’s defense plays their best game, there’s still a path to him hitting value.
Wide Receivers
High-Priced
There are good options at the top this week. Tyler Warren ($7,500) should see a nice floor of targets and one of the best touchdown expectations of any receiver on the slate.
Denzel Boston ($7,100) is a great high-volume play, as Louisville allows over 238 yards per game through the air (good for 94th in the nation). Even if you’re fading Milroe this week, Ryan Williams ($6,700) is a solid choice. The explosive freshman should be relied upon early and often as they face off against Michigan.
Middle of the Pack
If you want to pivot off Denzel Boston, Giles Jackson ($6,100) is a decent play at a lower cost, but the volume likely won’t be as heavy. Though in a solid matchup, he could be the better option for this game.
Aaron Anderson ($5,700) offers a great stacking partner with Nussmeier this week as LSU faces off against Baylor. With Kyren Lacy having opted out, Anderson should act as WR1 for the Tigers. On the other side of that matchup, Josh Cameron ($5,000) is Baylor’s top target, and if a shootout transpires, he should see great opportunity.
Chris Bell ($4,800) and Caullin Lacy ($4,500) are good options, as Ja’Corey Brooks appears to have opted out as well.
Bare Minimum
A lack of volume from the Penn State offense could easily scare you off of Harrison Wallace III ($4,300); however, Boise has had plenty of time to scheme up to try and bracket/defend Tyler Warren at TE. If Warren is indeed kept in check,k then Wallace will be the next option Penn State will turn to in an attempt to jump-start the passing game. It’s a good matchup to attack, as Boise’s pass defense is permeable.
Chris Hilton Jr. ($3,700) and Mason Taylor ($3,200) are some peripheral options for LSU’s passing attack that you can target in Lacy’s absence. They’re less reliable than Anderson, but both should see enough volume to hit at cost easily.
Nyck Harbor ($3,100) presents an explosive stack with Sellers and has been heating up in the last few games. Without Rocket Sanders in the lineup, South Carolina’s passing attack could be the play.
