We’ve got a loaded 12 game slate today and plenty of different ways to attack it for DFS. There are multiple strong game environments, a mix of chalky workhorses, and plenty of leverage spots where you can get unique in your builds.

To help make sense of it all, I’m introducing a new Matchup Rating system, a quick way to spot the best places to attack each defense. Think of it like a DFS heat map, grading each matchup on a 1 to 10 scale:

10 = Smash spot. One of the best angles on the slate
7–9 = Strong advantage. Matchups I lean into most
4–6 = Neutral. Talent and volume over matchup
1–3 = Thin. Only viable in deep GPP stacks

Each offense is graded in four areas against the defense:
Pass – How favorable the passing matchup is overall
Slot – How vulnerable the defense is in the middle
Deep/Time – Will the QB have time for vertical shots
Run – How favorable the matchup is for RBs

So when you see:
Run: 9/10 → defense gets gashed on the ground
Slot: 8/10 → defense weak inside, slot WRs and TEs thrive
Deep/Time: 7/10 → QB likely has clean pockets for verticals
Pass: 6/10 → solid but not a must attack

At the end of each game breakdown I’ll also call out the Top Matchups (rated 7–10) so you can quickly identify the players best set up to exploit their opponent.

ARK at ND

Line/Total: ND -4.5 / 63.5
Team Totals: ARK 29.5, ND 34.0

Arkansas Starters
QB: Taylen Green (Low Owned)
RB1: Mike Washington Jr. (Low Owned)
RB2: Braylen Russell (Low Owned)
WR1: O’Mega Blake (Chalk)
WR2: Jalen Brown (Low Owned)
WR3: CJ Brown (Low Owned)
TE1: Jaden Platt (Low Owned)

Notre Dame Starters
QB: CJ Carr (Low Owned)
RB1: Jeremiyah Love (Mega Chalk)
RB2: Jadarian Price (Low Owned)
WR1: Jordan Faison (Chalk)
WR2: Malachi Fields (Moderate)
WR3: Jaden Greathouse (Low Owned)
TE1: Eli Raridon (Low Owned)

Notes: Green’s rushing ability is the big upside against an ND defense that has already allowed four rushing TDs to QBs. Blake fits perfectly against weak slot coverage, and Jalen Brown provides vertical shots. For ND, Jeremiyah Love is in a smash spot against a defense giving up nearly 190 rush yards per game. Carr has weapons in Faison and Fields against a shaky secondary.

Opportunities Ratings
ARK vs ND: Pass 7, Deep/Time 7, Run 6, Slot 6
ND vs ARK: Run 9, Pass 7, Slot 7, Deep/Time 5

Top Matchups
Taylen Green (QB run equity 7, Low Owned)
O’Mega Blake (slot 7, Chalk)
Jeremiyah Love (run 9, Mega Chalk)
Jordan Faison (slot 7, Chalk)
Malachi Fields (vertical 7, Moderate)

AUB at TA&M

Line/Total: TA&M -6.5 / 52.5
Team Totals: AUB 23.0, TA&M 29.5

Auburn Starters
QB: Jackson Arnold (Low Owned)
RB1: Damari Alston (Low Owned)
RB2: Jeremiah Cobb (Low Owned)
WR1: Eric Singleton Jr. (Moderate)
WR2: Cam Coleman (Low Owned)
WR3: Malcolm Simmons (Low Owned)
TE1: Preston Howard (Low Owned)

Texas A&M Starters
QB: Marcel Reed (Low Owned)
RB1: Le’Veon Moss (Low Owned)
RB2: Rueben Owens (Moderate)
WR1: Mario Craver (Mega Chalk)
WR2: KC Concepcion (Low Owned)
WR3: Ashton Bethel-Roman (Low Owned)
TE1: Amari Niblack (Low Owned)

Notes: Arnold’s legs add rushing TD potential, while Alston is a sneaky play against an average front. Singleton steady, Coleman leverage deep. Reed’s dual-threat skillset gives him ceiling, Craver is the chalk WR1, Concepcion the pivot.

Opportunities Ratings
AUB vs TA&M: Deep/Time 7, Run 7, Pass 6, Slot 4
TA&M vs AUB: Pass 8, QB Run 8, Slot 7, Run 5

Top Matchups
Damari Alston (run 7, Low Owned)
Cam Coleman (deep 7, Low Owned)
Marcel Reed (QB legs 8, Low Owned)
Mario Craver (slot 7, Mega Chalk)

BAY at OKST

Line/Total: BAY -20.5 / 57.5
Team Totals: BAY 39.0, OKST 18.5

Baylor Starters
QB: Sawyer Robertson (Low Owned)
RB1: Bryson Washington (Mega Chalk)
RB2: Caden Knighten (Low Owned)
WR1: Josh Cameron (Moderate)
WR2: Michael Trigg (Low Owned)
WR3: Kole Wilson (Low Owned)
TE1: Matthew Klopfenstein (Low Owned)

Oklahoma State Starters
QB: Zane Flores (Low Owned)
RB1: Rodney Fields Jr. (Low Owned)
RB2: Freddie Brock IV (Low Owned)
WR1: Terrill Davis (Low Owned)
WR2: Gavin Freeman (Low Owned)
WR3: Christian Fitzpatrick (Low Owned)
TE1: Josh Ford (Low Owned)

Notes: Bryson Washington is the centerpiece against a very soft run defense. Cameron and Trigg are viable in stacks if OSU pushes volume. Davis is the deep bring-back option for OSU.

Opportunities Ratings
BAY vs OKST: Run 10, Pass 6, Deep/Time 5, Slot 5
OKST vs BAY: Pass 6, Run 6, Deep/Time 3, Slot 2

Top Matchups
Bryson Washington (run 10, Mega Chalk)
Terrill Davis (deep 7, Low Owned)

CINCY at KU

Line/Total: KU -6 / 57.0
Team Totals: CINCY 25.5, KU 31.5

Cincinnati Starters
QB: Brendan Sorsby (Moderate)
RB1: Tawee Walker (Low Owned)
RB2: Evan Pryor (Low Owned)
WR1: Cyrus Allen (Low Owned)
WR2: Caleb Goodie (Low Owned)
WR3: Jeff Caldwell (Low Owned)
TE1: Joe Royer (Low Owned)

Kansas Starters
QB: Jalon Daniels (Chalk)
RB1: Leshon Williams (Mega Chalk)
RB2: Johnny Thompson Jr. (Low Owned)
WR1: Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (Low Owned)
WR2: Levi Wentz (Low Owned)
WR3: Cam Pickett (Low Owned)
TE1: DeShawn Hanika (Low Owned)

Notes: Sorsby has dual-threat ceiling, and KU’s defense leaks production to the slot where Allen and Caldwell operate. Williams is cheap chalk if Hishaw is out. Daniels has dual-threat ability, Henderson Jr. is the top WR option.

Opportunities Ratings
CINCY vs KU: Slot 9, Pass 6, QB Run 6, Run 4
KU vs CINCY: Run 8, QB Run 7, Pass 5, Slot 5

Top Matchups
Cyrus Allen (slot 9, Low Owned)
Jeff Caldwell (slot 9, Low Owned)
Leshon Williams (run 8, Mega Chalk)
Jalon Daniels (QB legs 7, Chalk)

GT at WAKE

Line/Total: GT -13.5 / 52.5
Team Totals: GT 33.0, WAKE 19.5

Georgia Tech Starters
QB: Haynes King (Mega Chalk)
RB1: Jamal Haynes (Mega Chalk)
RB2: Malachi Hosley (Low Owned)
WR1: Eric Rivers (Low Owned)
WR2: Malik Rutherford (Low Owned)
WR3: Isiah Canion (Low Owned)
TE1: Brett Seither (Low Owned)

Wake Forest Starters
QB: Robby Ashford (Moderate)
RB1: Demond Claiborne (Chalk)
RB2: Ty Clark III (Low Owned)
WR1: Carlos Hernandez (Low Owned)
WR2: Chris Barnes (Moderate)
WR3: Sterling Berkhalter (Low Owned)
TE1: Eni Falayi (Low Owned)

Notes: King’s rushing ability makes him one of the highest-ceiling QBs on the slate. Jamal Haynes is in a smash RB spot against a weak front. GT WRs are thinner plays, though Canion is a cheap GPP dart. Wake has vertical potential against GT, with Barnes and Berkhalter viable. Claiborne has steady usage but needs game flow to stay competitive.

Opportunities Ratings
GT vs WAKE: Run 9, QB Run 7, Pass 3, Slot 2
WAKE vs GT: Deep/Time 9, Slot 9, Pass 8, Run 4

Top Matchups
Haynes King (QB legs 7, Mega Chalk)
Jamal Haynes (run 9, Mega Chalk)
Chris Barnes (deep 9, Moderate)
Sterling Berkhalter (deep 9, Low Owned)

IL at USC

Line/Total: USC -6.5 / 60.5
Team Totals: IL 27.0, USC 33.5

Illinois Starters
QB: Luke Altmyer (Low Owned)
RB1: Kaden Feagin (Low Owned)
RB2: Ca’Lil Valentine (Low Owned)
WR1: Hank Beatty (Moderate)
WR2: Collin Dixon (Low Owned)
WR3: Hudson Clement (Low Owned)
TE1: Cole Rusk (Low Owned)

USC Starters
QB: Jayden Maiava (Low Owned)
RB1: Waymond Jordan (Chalk)
RB2: Eli Sanders (Low Owned)
WR1: Makai Lemon (Mega Chalk)
WR2: Ja’Kobi Lane (Low Owned)
WR3: Jaden Richardson (Low Owned)
TE1: Lake McRee (Low Owned)

Notes: Illinois has vertical opportunity against USC’s single-high looks. Beatty and Dixon are the main WRs to target. Feagin is a secondary piece. On the USC side, Makai Lemon is the alpha and in a strong spot. Jordan offers steady RB usage, while McRee adds a cheap TE option.

Opportunities Ratings
IL vs USC: Deep/Time 9, Pass 6, Slot 5, Run 4
USC vs IL: Pass 8, Run 6, Slot 4, Deep/Time 2

Top Matchups
Hank Beatty (deep 9, Moderate)
Collin Dixon (deep 9, Low Owned)
Makai Lemon (WR1 smash 8, Mega Chalk)

IU at IOWA

Line/Total: IU -7.5 / 48.5
Team Totals: IU 28.0, IOWA 20.5

Iowa Starters
QB: Mark Gronowski (Low Owned)
RB1: Kamari Moulton (Low Owned)
RB2: Terrell Washington Jr. (Low Owned)
WR1: Jacob Gill (Low Owned)
WR2: Sam Phillips (Low Owned)
WR3: (no clear WR3 with projection)
TE1: Zach Ortwerth (Low Owned)

Indiana Starters
QB: Fernando Mendoza (Low Owned)
RB1: Roman Hemby (Chalk)
RB2: Kaelon Black (Low Owned)
WR1: Elijah Sarratt (Chalk)
WR2: Omar Cooper Jr. (Moderate)
WR3: E.J. Williams Jr. (Low Owned)
TE1: Cooper Nowakowski (Low Owned)

Notes: Indiana’s passing duo of Sarratt and Cooper Jr. is strong enough to succeed against Iowa. Mendoza’s fantasy value comes through the air. Iowa’s offense is low ceiling, though Moulton gets touches and Ortwerth can act as a short-yardage TE punt.

Opportunities Ratings
IU vs IOWA: Pass 7, Deep/Time 5, Slot 3, Run 2
IOWA vs IU: Run 2, Pass 2, Slot 2, Deep/Time 1

Top Matchups
Elijah Sarratt (WR1 leverage 7, Chalk)

LSU at MISS

Line/Total: MISS -1.5 / 54.5
Team Totals: LSU 26.5, MISS 28.0

LSU Starters
QB: Garrett Nussmeier (Low Owned)
RB1: Caden Durham (Low Owned)
RB2: Ju’Juan Johnson (Low Owned)
WR1: Aaron Anderson (Moderate)
WR2: Barion Brown (Low Owned)
WR3: Zavion Thomas (Low Owned)
TE1: Trey’Dez Green (Low Owned)

Mississippi Starters
QB: Trinidad Chambliss (Moderate)
RB1: Kewan Lacy (Chalk)
RB2: Logan Diggs (Low Owned)
WR1: Harrison Wallace III (Moderate)
WR2: Deuce Alexander (Low Owned)
WR3: Cayden Lee (Low Owned)
TE1: Dae’Quan Wright (Low Owned)

Notes: LSU’s passing is the better DFS angle with Anderson as WR1 and Thomas as a punt. Durham is a thinner play. For Ole Miss, Lacy is the bell cow and a strong RB choice. Wallace is a steady WR1 and Chambliss’ rushing adds floor.

Opportunities Ratings
LSU vs MISS: Deep/Time 6, Pass 5, Run 5, Slot 2
MISS vs LSU: Run 8, Pass 5, Slot 3, Deep/Time 2

Top Matchups
Kewan Lacy (RB1 leverage 8, Chalk)

MSST at TENN

Line/Total: TENN -7.5 / 62.5
Team Totals: MSST 27.5, TENN 35.0

Mississippi State Starters
QB: Blake Shapen (Moderate)
RB1: Fluff Bothwell (Low Owned)
RB2: Davon Booth (Low Owned)
WR1: Anthony Evans III (Chalk)
WR2: Brenen Thompson (Moderate)
WR3: Jordan Mosley (Low Owned)
TE1: Seydou Traore (Low Owned)

Tennessee Starters
QB: Joey Aguilar (Low Owned)
RB1: DeSean Bishop (Moderate)
RB2: Star Thomas (Low Owned)
WR1: Chris Brazzell II (Moderate)
WR2: Braylon Staley (Moderate)
WR3: Mike Matthews (Low Owned)
TE1: Ethan Davis (Low Owned)

Notes: Shapen is viable in this shootout and pairs well with Evans III and Thompson. Bothwell has usage and can be a sneaky RB play. For Tennessee, Brazzell II and Staley headline the passing game, with Bishop a viable RB in game stacks.

Opportunities Ratings
MSST vs TENN: Run 8, Pass 6, Slot 6, Deep/Time 2
TENN vs MSST: Deep/Time 4, Run 3, Pass 2, Slot 2

Top Matchups
Fluff Bothwell (run 8, Low Owned)
Anthony Evans III (slot 7, Chalk)
Brenen Thompson (WR2 role 7, Moderate)

OSU at UW

Line/Total: OSU -8.5 / 51.5
Team Totals: OSU 30.0, UW 21.5

Ohio State Starters
QB: Julian Sayin (Low Owned)
RB1: CJ Donaldson (Low Owned)
RB2: Bo Jackson (Low Owned)
WR1: Jeremiah Smith (Chalk)
WR2: Carnell Tate (Low Owned)
WR3: Brandon Inniss (Low Owned)
TE1: (none projected)

Washington Starters
QB: Demond Williams Jr. (Low Owned)
RB1: Jonah Coleman (Moderate)
RB2: Adam Mohammed (Low Owned)
WR1: Denzel Boston (Moderate)
WR2: Dezmen Roebuck (Low Owned)
WR3: Omari Evans (Low Owned)
TE1: Decker DeGraaf (Low Owned)

Notes: Smith is the premier WR on the slate and can beat Washington’s man coverage. Tate offers deep GPP leverage. Donaldson can pay off with volume if OSU plays from ahead. For Washington, Coleman is steady, Boston leads at WR, and Evans fills out the trio. Williams Jr.’s rushing keeps him in GPP consideration.

Opportunities Ratings
OSU vs UW: Slot 8, Run 8, Pass 7, Deep/Time 6
UW vs OSU: Run 2, Pass 2, Slot 2, Deep/Time 2

Top Matchups
Jeremiah Smith (WR1 smash 8, Chalk)
Carnell Tate (deep 7, Low Owned)
CJ Donaldson (run 8, Low Owned)

PITT at UL

Line/Total: UL -4.5 / 57.5
Team Totals: PITT 26.5, UL 31.0

Pitt Starters
QB: Eli Holstein (Moderate)
RB1: Desmond Reid (Low Owned)
RB2: Juelz Goff (Low Owned)
WR1: Raphael Williams Jr. (Low Owned)
WR2: Kenny Johnson (Low Owned)
WR3: Cataurus Hicks (Low Owned)
TE1: Justin Holmes (Low Owned)

Louisville Starters
QB: Miller Moss (Moderate)
RB1: Isaac Brown (Low Owned, monitor)
RB2: Duke Watson (Low Owned, monitor)
WR1: Caullin Lacy (Chalk)
WR2: Chris Bell (Moderate)
WR3: TreyShun Hurry (Low Owned)
TE1: Jaleel Skinner (Low Owned)

Notes: Pitt’s offense should focus inside against Louisville’s zone, making Raphael Williams Jr. and Hicks the key DFS options. Reid can be used if cleared. On the Louisville side, Lacy is reliable while Bell is the perimeter pivot. Moss will likely lean pass heavy if RBs are limited.

Opportunities Ratings
PITT vs UL: Slot 10, Pass 7, Deep/Time 5, Run 6
UL vs PITT: Slot 7, Pass 3, Deep/Time 2, Run 2

Top Matchups
Raphael Williams Jr. (slot 10, Low Owned)
Cataurus Hicks (slot 10, Low Owned)
Caullin Lacy (slot 7, Chalk)
Chris Bell (perimeter 7, Moderate)

UTAH at WVU

Line/Total: UTAH -12.5 / 47.5
Team Totals: UTAH 30.0, WVU 17.5

Utah Starters
QB: Devon Dampier (Moderate)
RB1: NaQuari Rogers (Low Owned)
RB2: Wayshawn Parker (Low Owned)
WR1: Ryan Davis (Chalk)
WR2: Tobias Merriweather (Low Owned)
WR3: Jo Buchanan (Low Owned)
TE1: Dallen Bentley (Low Owned)

West Virginia Starters
QB: Jaylen Henderson (Low Owned)
RB1: Clay Ash (Low Owned)
RB2: Tye Edwards (Low Owned, Q)
WR1: Cam Vaughn (Low Owned)
WR2: Rodney Gallagher III (Low Owned)
WR3: Jaden Bray (Low Owned)
TE1: Grayson Barnes (Low Owned)

Notes: Dampier has bounce-back potential with QB rushing equity. Davis is the clear WR1 and benefits most from WVU’s slot weakness. Merriweather and Buchanan are cheap darts. Bentley fills the TE role. For WVU, Bray is the best GPP bring-back.

Opportunities Ratings
UTAH vs WVU: Slot 8, Deep/Time 7, Pass 5, Run 5
WVU vs UTAH: Pass 6, Run 5, Slot 1, Deep/Time 1

Top Matchups
Ryan Davis (slot 8, Chalk)
Tobias Merriweather (deep 8, Low Owned)
Devon Dampier (QB legs 7, Moderate)

Core Leverage Notes

Chalk clusters
Bryson Washington (RB, BAY) Mega Chalk
Jeremiyah Love (RB, ND) Mega Chalk
Mario Craver (WR1, TA&M) Mega Chalk
Leshon Williams (RB, KU) Mega Chalk if Hishaw out

Low owned darts
Cam Coleman (WR2, AUB) Low Owned
Jeff Caldwell (WR3, CINCY) Low Owned
Sterling Berkhalter (WR3, WAKE) Low Owned
Tobias Merriweather (WR2, UTAH) Low Owned

Most Exploitable Matchups (7–10 Only)

By Game
ARK vs ND: Love (9), Green (7), Blake (7), Faison (7), Fields (7)
AUB vs TA&M: Reed (8), Craver (7), Coleman (7), Alston (7)
BAY vs OKST: Bryson Washington (10), Terrill Davis (7)
CINCY vs KU: Allen (9), Caldwell (9), Leshon Williams (8)
GT vs WAKE: Jamal Haynes (9), King (7), Barnes (9), Berkhalter (9)
IL vs USC: Beatty (9), Dixon (9), Lemon (8)
IU vs IOWA: Sarratt (7)
LSU vs MISS: Lacy (8)
MSST vs TENN: Bothwell (8), Evans III (7), Thompson (7)
OSU vs UW: Smith (8), Tate (7), Donaldson (8)
PITT vs UL: Williams Jr. (10), Hicks (10), Lacy (7), Bell (7)
UTAH vs WVU: Davis (8), Merriweather (8), Dampier (7)

Slate-Wide Sorted

10s
Bryson Washington (RB, BAY) Mega Chalk
Raphael Williams Jr. (WR1, PITT) Low Owned
Cataurus Hicks (WR3, PITT) Low Owned

9s
Jeremiyah Love (RB1, ND) Mega Chalk
Jamal Haynes (RB1, GT) Mega Chalk
Hank Beatty (WR1, IL) Moderate
Collin Dixon (WR2, IL) Low Owned
Chris Barnes (WR2, WAKE) Moderate
Sterling Berkhalter (WR3, WAKE) Low Owned
Cyrus Allen (WR1, CINCY) Low Owned
Jeff Caldwell (WR3, CINCY) Low Owned

8s
Marcel Reed (QB, TA&M) Low Owned
Kewan Lacy (RB1, MISS) Chalk
Jeremiah Smith (WR1, OSU) Chalk
CJ Donaldson (RB1, OSU) Low Owned
Ryan Davis (WR1, UTAH) Chalk
Tobias Merriweather (WR2, UTAH) Low Owned
Makai Lemon (WR1, USC) Mega Chalk
Leshon Williams (RB1, KU) Mega Chalk

7s
Taylen Green (QB, ARK) Low Owned
O’Mega Blake (WR1, ARK) Chalk
Jordan Faison (WR1, ND) Chalk
Malachi Fields (WR2, ND) Moderate
Cam Coleman (WR2, AUB) Low Owned
Mario Craver (WR1, TA&M) Mega Chalk
Terrill Davis (WR1, OKST) Low Owned
Haynes King (QB, GT) Mega Chalk
Elijah Sarratt (WR1, IU) Chalk
Anthony Evans III (WR1, MSST) Chalk
Brenen Thompson (WR2, MSST) Moderate
Carnell Tate (WR2, OSU) Low Owned
Caullin Lacy (WR1, UL) Chalk
Chris Bell (WR2, UL) Moderate
Devon Dampier (QB, UTAH) Moderate