Underdog Picks of the Week: Our top plays for college and NFL (Sept. 12-13)
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The college football season started in earnest last week following a brief Week 0 debut the prior weekend. But now we’re gearing up for an elite Week 2 slate, and oh hey, the NFL is officially back, too.
Every week, our DFS experts — Andrew Olson and Adam Spencer — will provide their favorite picks for both college football and the NFL. This week, they have 3 college and 3 NFL picks on the board.
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Now, let’s dive into the picks of the week:
Our Week 2 CFB picks
Here are the picks we like for Saturday’s Week 2 action:
Andrew Olson
Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama WR: Longest reception higher than 26.5 yards
Coleman-Williams drops more balls than he should, but encouragement from Kalen DeBoer and Keelon Russell make it clear that the third-year wide receiver’s targets are not going away. Kentucky has some questions in the secondary, and Coleman-Williams has displayed a knack for the big play.
Cutter Boley, Arizona State QB: Lower than 184.5 pass yards
As one would expect, Boley’s completion percentage and yards per attempt numbers were significantly lower in road games last year as a Kentucky Wildcat. It’s hard to see him playing well facing a stingy Texas A&M defense at Kyle Field.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State QB: Lower than 213.5 pass yards
Mestemaker posted dreadful passing numbers in the loss to Tulsa, his OSU debut. Throwing the ball 49 times, he completed under 60% of his passes at a rate of 4.9 yards per attempt for 241 yards. He has the rough luck of facing Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks next.
Adam Spencer
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State QB: Higher than 289.5 pass+rush yards
I’m drinking all the Kamario Taylor Kool-Aid. The Mississippi State QB was electric in his 2026 debut last week. Minnesota is a step up in competition, but I just think that means he’ll have to throw and run even more. I like him to hit 300+ combined pass+rush yards in this one.
Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama WR: Higher than 73.5 receiving yards
Even with a couple of high-profile drops last week, Coleman-Williams easily cleared this total, posting 130 yards on 5 catches. Kentucky’s defense will be better than ECU’s, but if Coleman-Williams cuts down his drops, he should still be good for around 80 or more yards.
Aneyas Williams, Notre Dame RB: Higher than 80.5 rush yards
Notre Dame faced a Wisconsin team that was surprisingly stout on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Rice gave up 148 rushing yards to Houston Christian last week. I expect the Irish to establish the run early in this one, which will lead to a big day for Williams.
Our Week 1 NFL picks
Here’s who we’re backing for the first Sunday of NFL action in 2026:
Andrew Olson
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons RB: Higher than 17.5 rush attempts
Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique issue and Michael Penix Jr. is inactive to begin the season. Whether the Falcons turn to Cooper Rush or play Tagovailoa at less than full strength, expect them to lean on their star running back.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills RB: Higher than 12.55 fantasy points
As fantasy players all noticed during their drafts this summer, Cook is once again an RB1. Cook cleared this fantasy point number throughout 2025 and he enters 2026 healthy. There’s no reason to think he starts slow in Week 1.
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins RB: Higher than 15.5 rush attempts
The outlook for the Miami Dolphins is pretty bleak this year. With Malik Willis now at QB, there are some questions about Achane’s opportunities in the passing game. No matter how the receiving numbers shake out, Achane should be in for a heavy workload on the ground.
Adam Spencer
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens RB: Higher than 0.5 rush+receiving TDs
I can get a good multiplier on King Henry to find the end zone? I’m absolutely going to take that. Thank you very much.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB: Higher than 232.5 pass yards
I’m not convinced that the Bengals defense will be much better than it was last year. Meanwhile, Mayfield and his receivers will actually be healthy for this game, which should lead to some big numbers.
DJ Moore, Buffalo Bills WR: Lower than 47.5 receiving yards
The Texans have one of the best defenses in the entire NFL. They also have Josh Allen’s number when he comes to Houston, where he’s 0-4 in his career. Derek Stingley Jr. makes sure DJ Moore’s Buffalo debut is a lackluster one.
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Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
