College Football DFS: Wednesday MACtion Slate

DraftKings and FanDuel are spreading three-game slates of MACtion action on Wednesday. Let's dive in, beginning with the current odds and totals for the contests.

SLATE OVERVIEW

Toledo (-6.5) at Eastern Michigan  

Western Michigan   at Central Michigan  

Northern Illinois   (+14) at Ball State  

There's evident parity in all three of Wednesday's MAC games. Even the odds in Ball State's favor are a bit deceiving, as the Cardinals have had trouble defensively, and Northern Illinois showed that their offense could produce with 30 points against Buffalo. Even though Huskies QB Ross Bowers has completed only 55 percent of his pass attempts, Ball State's defense could present a more favorable environment for Northern Illinois to keep this game close. The WMU/CMU game is sure to be exciting as it's a clash between conference leaders in offense and defense. The Broncos are lighting it up with almost 50 points per game, while the Chippewas have provided a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.  Finally, all eyes will be on Toledo to see if they can rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Western Michigan. They'll face EMU's first-year starter Preston Hutchinson, who almost stole a win for the Eagles against Ball State.  I will have the highest exposure to Ball State, Western Michigan and Toledo. 

QUARTERBACK

Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan (DK $7.900, FD $10,400)  @ Central Michigan

Eleby is coming off a stunning win against Toledo, where he threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns. It was a signature win for the Broncos, who look like contenders in the conference with a 2-0 record. Their success is due in large part to Eleby, who's yet to throw a pick and has a penchant for throwing the long ball to standout WR D'Wayne Eskridge (DK $7,400, FD $9,300). Eskridge's salary is a little high, and I think there are equally appealing options for less on the slate, but you have to consider this stack when rostering Eleby.

Eli Peters, Toledo (DK $7,100, FD $9,000) @ Eastern Michigan

As previously stated, the Rockets should be supremely motivated to bounce back after the loss to WMU. Even though Toledo lives and dies by the run, Peters has sufficiently revved up the passing game and is on pace to crush his seasonal averages. Through two games, he's averaging almost 280 yards per game and currently has five passing touchdowns and only one interception.

Daniel Richardson, Central Michigan  (DK $6,300, FD $8,200) vs. Western Michigan

It's odd to call Richardson a budget pick, but that's precisely where both sites have him, sandwiched in with backup QBs for other teams. The likely reason for his low price is the uncertainty surrounding David Moore (suspension).  It's unlikely that the NCAA will pop up in the next 24 hours and lift his suspension for a banned substance, but if you go with Richardson, you must take a look at the game before kickoff. Richardson didn't have to do much against Northern Illinois last week, but he showed value-crushing potential against Ohio in a narrow 30-27 win.  This game will be a tough test for the Chippewas, and they'll need to air it out to stay relevant. With two starts under his belt, Richardson is in line to improve if he still plays.  If Moore suits up to play, you have to move off him, but I'm not opposed to going with Moore as a contrarian late swap.

RUNNING BACK

Caleb Huntley, Ball State  (DK $8,700, FD $11,200) vs. Northern Illinois

Huntley is the biggest chalk play on the slate, even though his FanDuel salary is incredibly high. He's the MAC's leading rusher, and if the game goes as Vegas expects, the Cardinals may fall back on their running game sooner rather than later. In two games, he's rushed for five touchdowns and 334 yards. These are video game-like numbers and worth the elevated salary.  Keep your exposure to him high, and find a way to fit him in.

Bryant Koback, Toledo  (DK $7,600, FD $9,800) @ Eastern Michigan

It's no surprise that I'm endorsing Huntley and Koback once again, and unless you make some significant sacrifices, you may not be able to fit both of them in. I like his price on FanDuel much better, and you might have a better chance to get them both in over there. Koback is a dual-threat as a pass catcher, and that's a trait that Huntley doesn't provide, His rushing totals have yet to break 100 yards, but in the PPR format, he makes up for that deficiency.

Shakif Seymour, Toledo  (DK $4,600, FD $7,300) @ Eastern Michigan

If I can find an intangible to believe in, I'll usually go all-in with it in GPPs, and that's why Seymour makes my list despite already endorsing Koback. Seymour is expected to return to the team after the death of his mother. There's no way to calculate what an emotionally-charged player may do in a situation like this, but in the face of tragedy, we've seen career games from players in almost every sport imaginable. My sympathies go to his family, and I hope he plays his heart out for them.

Also consider: Kobe Lewis, Central Michigan (DK $6,800, FD $8,900), Lew Nichols, Western Michigan (DK $5,500, FD $7,700)

WIDE RECEIVER

Ball State WRs vs. Northern Illinois

Justin Hall (DK $7,000, FD $9,400) is an easy add whenever the Cardinals play, but Yo'Heinz Tyler (DK $5,000, FD $8,200) is someone you should have on your radar if you want to get involved in this offense on the cheap.  There's no question that Hall will have the superior numbers, but Tyler actually has one more catch than Hall over the first two games. I have no problem playing both of them in a stack with Drew Plitt (DK $7,300, FD $8,600), There is an equally compelling argument for Antwan Davis (DK $4,500, FD $7,800), who surprisingly leads the team with 13 catches.

Tyrice Richie, Northern Illinois  (DK $5,700, FD $8,000) @ Ball State

Working on the assumption that the Huskies will be playing from behind, I like Richie's chances in this game. With 16 catches for 176 yards over the first two games, he's the most appealing option for Ross Bowers, who might have an easier time against a Ball State defense that's been forgiving to opposing quarterbacks.

Jaylen Hall, Western Michigan  (DK $4,100, FD $7,100) @ Central Michigan

I think Hall is a diamond in the rough at this price point.  I suppose that his low price is due to the fact that he only has three catches through the first two games, but two of those catches were for touchdowns. He's never had more than four catches in a game in his three years with the team, but his nose for the end zone could make him a great value and allow you for a little more space in your lineups.

Also consider: Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan (DK $4,600, FD $7,200) vs. Toledo