With the College Fantasy Football playoffs kicking off this week for many leagues, Joe Goodwin, Volume Pigs, and myself have transitioned to a CFF sleeper column to help managers earn a championship ring in the next three weeks.
Do not go crazy setting lineups—keep your stars and productive fantasy producers active. Nonetheless, injuries may dictate picking up a replacement player. Good luck to all the readers and let’s get those CFF trophies over the final three weeks of the campaign.
Week 11 CFF Sleepers
Quarterbacks
Jordan McCloud, James Madison vs. UConn (Laub)
FPPG: 26.1
O/U 49, JMU -26.5
Fantrax Rostership: 38%
Opponent Passing Defense: 252.6 YPG. & 14 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 84.4
I might be one of the only college football fanatics looking forward to the James Madison-UConn game this weekend. Of course, I hope my Huskies pull off the upset…I am not optimistic as UConn is a huge road underdog. Why will I be watching? Jordan McCloud and the Dukes are undefeated and one of the more interesting offenses (425 YPG & 33.2 PPG.) to watch in the nation.
After carving up Georgia State for 307 yards passing, 104 yards rushing and six touchdowns, McCloud ranks as CFF QB No. 11 with over 225 fantasy points. After nine games, James Madison is undefeated and leads the Sun Belt East Division at 6-0. Despite my hopes for a UConn victory, the Dukes will easily defeat the Huskies at home, and McCloud produces over 25 fantasy points for the fifth time this season.
Notebook: “I think (Jordan) is really developing confidence where he can bounce back from those bad plays and not let it affect him. I think you saw him out there having fun in the second half, making guys miss on blitzes and making big plays,” coach Curt Cignetti stated after the victory over Georgia State (dnronline.com).
Joey Aguilar, Appalachian State at Georgia State (Goodwin)
FPPG: 23.6
O/U 60.5, Appalachian St. +1.5
Fantrax Rostership: 25%
Opponent Passing Defense: 285.4 YPG. & 18 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 78.1
This week, Joey Aguilar and the Appalachian State Mountaineers take on the 104th-ranked defense of Georgia State. Aguilar, in the past five weeks, has averaged 31.3 points per game while throwing for 14 touchdowns. Georgia State gives up almost 420 yards per game, 285 yards in the air. In addition, the Panthers have given up 18 passing touchdowns in their nine games. Georgia State also allows opposing quarterbacks to complete 65% of passing attempts, the same number Aguilar averages per game. All this adds up to Aguilar having a huge game.
The last 5 performances against Georgia State by quarterbacks:
- vs. James Madison: Jordan McCloud, 307 yards passing and four touchdowns; also had 104 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns.
- vs. Georgia Southern: Davis Brin, 334 yards passing and three touchdowns
- vs. Louisiana: Zeon Chriss, 106 yards passing and a touchdown; also had 119 yards rushing
- vs. Marshall: Cam Fancher, 301 yards passing and a touchdown
- vs. Troy: Gunnar Watson, 256 yards passing and a touchdown
The Mountaineers’ signal-caller is as good or better than any of the quarterbacks on this list and will exceed any of these stat lines.
Graham Mertz, Florida at LSU (Volume Pigs)
FPPG: 18.6
O/U 63.5, Florida +13.5
Fantrax Rostership: 16%
Opponent Passing Defense: 236.4 YPG. & 16 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 77.3
People are still seeing Florida’s Graham Mertz with Wisconsin Badger-tinted glasses this season, and that’s got to stop. Mertz, at only 16% owned, has scored 25 or more points in two of his last three games: South Carolina (31.35), UGA (20.3), and Arkansas (25.8). He’s thrown two or three touchdown passes in five straight games, and his connection with true freshman Eugene Wilson is starting to heat up. He also has an old reliable in Ricky Pearsall, who’s had a productive season also.
Most importantly, the Gators get a pivotal matchup this weekend in Baton Rouge versus what might be the worst defense in SEC history—LSU’s secondary looking holier than a donut shop on National Holy Donut Day. I think that makes sense…Mertz and the Gators probably won’t win, but the Florida passer should be due for a big outing.
Honorable Mention QB Sleepers
Noah Fifita, Arizona at Colorado
FPPG: 18.8
O/U 53.5, Arizona -10.5
Fantrax Rostership: 15%
Opponent Passing Defense: 300.7 YPG. & 24 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 73.5
Chandler Rogers, North Texas at SMU
FPPG: 23.1
O/U 67, North Texas +14.5
Fantrax Rostership: 38%
Opponent Passing Defense: 166.4 YPG. & 12 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 84.4
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Who has been the biggest surprise among quarterbacks in College Fantasy Football after 10 weeks?
- Kaidon Salter, Liberty: 11%
- Jalen Milroe, Alabama: 21%
- Hayes King, Georgia Tech: 40%
- Thomas Castellanos, Boston College: 28%
“Hayes King: I just mentioned to a league mate yesterday that who would have ever thought anyone out of Georgia Tech would be fantasy-worthy, let alone King and what he has been able to do this year. I know I passed on him when he was available on the wire.” @JustinNottingh6
“Haynes King has been among the most consistently good CFF QBs this season. And NO ONE expected it.” @CFFLists
“Say what you will—HOMER PICK—whatever but it’s Thomas Castellanos. Not only has he led the nation in rushing yards from a quarterback but he has single-handedly changed the landscape for the Eagles and his pass game has gotten better EVERY week…never mind the six wins so far!” @_NinoBrown_
“I voted for Thomas Castellanos. Came out of nowhere for me.” @CffDfs
10 to the end zone 👑
📺 @TheCW pic.twitter.com/cj75aOxS6u
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) November 4, 2023
Running Backs
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech at Boston College (Goodwin)
FPPG: 15.1
O/U 49.5, Virginia Tech +2.5
Fantrax Rostership: 28%
Opponent Rushing Defense: 169 YPG. & 19 R-TDs
PFF Grade: 69.7
Virginia Tech goes up against Boston College and their 83rd-ranked defense. Before last week against Louisville, Tuten had scored in three straight outings (Syracuse, Wake Forest, and Florida State). The two games that set up Tuten to break out this week are versus Syracuse and Pittsburgh.
- Against Syracuse: 18 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown
- Against Pittsburgh: 24 has for 109 yards, four receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown
In addition to Tuten’s ability to be an effective rusher (averaging 4.4 yards per rush), he is also a viable option in the passing game. Over the past five games, Tuten had 23 targets while grabbing 16 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. This game sets up to be an “old-school” game where the running attacks and possession will be the key to victory. Tuten sets up to be the workhorse in the Hokies game plan to win.
Phil Mafah, Clemson vs. Georgia Tech (Laub)
FPPG: 14.8
O/U 55.5. Clemson -14.0
Fantrax Rostership: 28%
Opponent Rushing Defense: 220 YPG. & 21 R-TDs
PFF Grade: 78.4
Last Saturday morning, I learned the news that Will Shipley—who sustained a concussion two weeks ago—was not going to play against Notre Dame. I had to immediately pivot and acquire another runner to replace Shipley in lineups. Luckily, Phil Mafah remained on the waiver wire in two leagues, and I rostered the powerful ball carrier in two large Dynasty leagues. I placed Mafah into all my lineups, and he scored 30.6 fantasy points on 186 rushing yards and two scores…Woo Hoo!
When looking at this week’s matchups, the Clemson ground game against the Georgia Tech run defense immediately stood out as one of the biggest mismatches on the slate. Even if Shipley suits up (he is practicing and improving according to reports), Mafah still likely earns plenty of carries for fantasy diehards in need of backfield assistance. Of course, Mafah’s ceiling depends on Shipley’s availability. Regardless of who starts, pick up the Tigers’ leading rusher (625 yards) and touchdown scorer (8), and plug Mafah into lineups this Saturday.
Notebook: “Phil (Mafah) knew what his role was going to be today. I said, ‘Hey, this is your role this week, and this is what the team needs. Shipley can’t play, and you’re going to have to carry the load.’ And he was ready,” Swinney expressed after Mafah’s outstanding performance versus Notre Dame (greenvilleonline.com).
Makhi Hughes, Tulane vs. Tulsa (Volume Pigs)
FPPG: 14.3
O/U 53.5, Tulane -22.5
Fantrax Rostership: 38%
Opponent Rushing Defense: 143.4 YPG. & 20 R-TDs
PFF Grade: 84.0
Tulane’s Mekhi Hughes might not really be a sleeper anymore for CFF diehards, given that he’s now eclipsed 100 yards rushing in five straight games. Nonetheless, Fantrax tells me that he is still only rostered in 38% of leagues, which means some of you out there can probably still scoop him for this weekend. Tulane plays a struggling Tulsa team, who rank 90th against the run according to Fantrax. We already know Hughes is seeing 20 or more carries in this game (barring injury, of course), so the production should follow fairly seamlessly.
Honorable Mention RB Sleepers
Terron Kellman, Charlotte vs. Memphis
FPPG: 4.7
O/U 52, Charlotte +12
Fantrax Rostership: 1%
Opponent Rushing Defense: 168.7 YPG. & 12 R-TDs
PFF Grade: 68.1
When it comes to sleepers, there are levels to this hobby of ours. The names I’ve covered are certainly on the lower end of Fantrax ownership, but if you’re a CFF diehard (and you likely are because you’re reading this article), you were probably already familiar with each of those players.
I’ve got a bonus name for the degenerates out there. A name that paid subscribers at VolumePigs would have seen earlier this week. That is Charlotte’s Terron Kellman. He has now seen 20-plus carries in back-to-back weeks, with scores of 9.7 and 14.2 points.
Those outputs are not good enough, clearly, but with that kind of touch volume, and a matchup versus the nation’s 105th ranked run defense (according to Fantrax), the recipe is here for mucho fireworks on Saturday. Add on that Memphis might be without both its starting quarterback and running back, and Charlotte could be primed for the upset; or at the very least keep the game competitive to the end. If you’re truly desperate this week, or simply looking to score some brownie points for creativity, the 49ers’ Kellman could be a cool play.
Kaden Feagin, Illinois vs. Indiana
FPPG: 8.8
O/U 43.5, Illinois -6.0
Fantrax Rostership: 17%
Opponent Rushing Defense: 161.6 YPG & 15 R-TDs
PFF Grade: 69.6
You can't catch him. 😤@FeaginKaden x @IlliniFootball
📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/yovGttZa1W
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 4, 2023
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Identify the top free agent acquisition in College Fantasy Football heading into Week 11:
- Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State: 15%
- Malik Sherrod, Fresno State: 28%
- Phil Mafah, Clemson: 48%
- Elijah Sarratt, James Madison: 9%
“Malik Sherrod is looking pretty electric right about now—just in time to help a limping playoff team.” @CFFLists
“Phil Mafah as long as Will Shipley is out. Could be a real workhorse for ya down the stretch.” @JustinNottingh6
“Malik Sherrod for me. I have been riding the train for about a month, and I am happy to have him during crunch time.” @aceholesrule
“Given that Will Shipley was out due to a concussion, I doubt he’ll miss more time. Phil Mafah was a good one-week rental, but I’d prefer Sherrod or Sarratt.” @volumepigs
“Malik Sherrod has been hot fire! He was my first pick for @CFFLists but I’m going with Phil Mafah. 38 attempts for 156 yards and two scores. Shipley had an ugly injury and there is no need to rush him…ride the big fella for another big week!” @_NinoBrown_
Wide Receivers
Elijah Sarratt, James Madison vs. UConn (Volume Pigs)
FPPG: 15.5
O/U 49, JMU -26.5
Fantrax Rostership: 14%
Opponent Passing Defense: 252.6 YPG. & 14 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 80.7
As John mentioned QB Jordan McCloud in the section above, it shouldn’t surprise readers that James Madison’s got some WRs who are also benefiting from the improved passing offense this season. The Dukes’ attack started off somewhat lackadaisical in 2023, but they continue to hone in on their skills each week.
Elijah Sarratt—who mysteriously remains at only 13% owned—has now scored 14 or more points in his last five games, and scored over 20 in three out of those five. McCloud keeps putting it in the end zone, and someone has to be on the other end of that line. Reggie Brown is fairly involved too, but Sarratt appears to be the favorite target man week after week. Oh, and the Dukes play UConn’s 117th-ranked pass defense this week.
Sean Atkins, South Florida vs. Temple (Goodwin)
FPPG: 17.1
O/U 66.5, USF -8.0
Fantrax Rostership: 23%
Opponent Passing Defense: 233 YPG. & 21 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 70.6
It has been the breakout season for Sean Atkins. In his first four campaigns, he had 28 receptions. He has doubled that total in 2023 by already grabbing 60 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns. Atkins leads South Florida in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. When South Florida attacks teams in the air, Atkins is the focus for the Bulls.
In the past five contests, Atkins has had 44 targets, almost nine per game. Although Atkins doesn’t stretch the field vertically like other top-tier receivers, he still has that ability. Against Navy, the Bulls’ playmaker took a Byrum Brown pass 88 yards for a score. Make no mistake: although Atkins does his best work on intermediate routes, he can take advantage when defenses allow it.
Temple’s defense is 117th against receivers, setting up Atkins for a big game. The Owls have struggled against good offenses this season and have surrendered 55 (SMU), 45 (North Texas), 49 (UTSA), and 48 (Tulsa) points. South Florida averages 30.2 points per game and should feast against Temple, giving Atkins his time to shine.
Eugene Wilson, Florida at LSU (Laub)
FPPG: 16.5
O/U 63.5, Florida +13.5
Fantrax Rostership: 25%
Opponent Passing Defense: 236.4 YPG. & 16 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 83.6
A five-star recruit last year, Eugene Wilson has helped ignite the Gators’ passing attack since October 7. In four games, the true freshman has garnered 41 targets and corralled 33 passes for 312 yards and four scores. He has produced 90.3 fantasy points (22.6 FPPG) and is CFF WR No. 18 over the hot stretch.
The LSU defense surrenders 407 yards and 28.2 points per game, and in the last five games versus SEC opponents, the Tigers have been torched for 185 points (37 PPG). The Gators offense averages over 400 yards and nearly 29 points per game. Florida will attack the Tigers’ secondary, and Wilson sees another game with double-digit targets on Saturday night.
Notebook: “Football isn’t anything new to Eugene Wilson. His father, Eugene Wilson II, was Second Team All-Big Ten at Illinois in 2002. The New England Patriots drafted him with the 36th overall pick in 2003. Wilson spent four seasons in Foxboro at safety, where he won Super Bowls in 2003 and 2004. In Super Bowl XXXVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, he recovered a fumble,” wrote Noah Ram (gainesville.com).
Honorable Mention WR Sleepers
Tez Johnson, Oregon vs. USC
FPPG: 15.6
O/U 73.5, Oregon -16.5
Fantrax Rostership: 30%
Opponent Passing Defense: 249.5 YPG. & 24 P-TDs
PFF Grade: 80.9
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Who has been the most impressive true freshman wide receiver in the country after 10 weeks?
- Amare Thomas, UAB: 4%
- Kevin Concepcion, North Carolina State: 27%
- Eugene Wilson, Florida: 43%
- Zachariah Branch, USC: 26%
“Amare Thomas for me. Consistent catches and nice production in general all season.” @aceholesrule
“I picked Amare Thomas, but I could have easily gone with Kevin Concepcion.” @cusumano_sal
“Kevin Conception for me. Been doing it all year.” @StevenFantasyF
“Eugene Wilson has been electric these last four weeks against SEC competition to boot. But I’m still going with Kevin Concepcion! He has done it with two different quarterbacks this season. He averages 12 YPC, and even with MJ Morris kind of fizzling out, Concepcion has delivered!” @_NinoBrown_
CFF All-Americans: Week 10
- QB Jordan McCloud, Georgia State: 48.6 points
- QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama: 48.3
- RB Dillon Johnson, Washington: 52.7
- RB RJ Harvey, UCF: 36.1
- WR Lajohntay Wester, Florida Atlantic: 57.2
- WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina: 42.7
- WR Tez Johnson, Oregon: 40.4
- TE Zach Horton, James Madison: 21.3
- Flex Byrum Brown, South Florida: 42.3
CFF Player of the Week: Dillon Johnson, Washington
Dillon Johnson in the win over #20 USC:
🟣 256 rushing yards
🟣 4 TDs
🟣 9.8 yards per carry pic.twitter.com/SzHgT4i2ug— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 5, 2023