DraftKings CFB DFS Lineup Picks: Daily College Fantasy Football (1/3/25)

Mike Marteny's DraftKings daily fantasy college football lineup picks for Friday (1/3/25). His CFB DFS lineup picks and DFS sleepers will help you win.

This might be the last classic DraftKings slate of the 2024 college football season since the semifinals are played on different days. If DK still does a classic setup over the two games, I'll put together something for you. If not, I'll see you on January 20!

We start with the SERVPRO Bowl in Dallas between North Texas and Texas State (otherwise known as the opt-out bowl). The nightcap is the Duke's Mayo Bowl from Charlotte between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. Let's do this!

In this article, I will provide you with my daily fantasy college football lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/3/25, starting at 4 p.m. Eastern. I’ll give multiple player suggestions for players at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, aiming to highlight one option at the salary scale's high, middle, and lower end. Good luck, RotoBallers.

DraftKings CFB DFS Picks - Quarterbacks

Brad Jackson, Texas State ($8.8K)

Hearing rumors on additional TXST players who might sit out of bowl or only play a half. Nothing for sure yet, but wouldn’t rule it out at this point.

— Evan Rickler (@TxstEvan) December 29, 2024

Jordan McCloud is rumored to be one of those players, choosing to play more at the Shrine Bowl in front of more scouts. I've seen that he does want to play for his team, but he's not going to be pushed. I would say he'll be lucky to play for a half.

This is Jackson's time to shine ... perhaps his only time. Pitt transfer Nate Yarnell has already committed to the Bobcats for 2025 and is expected to be the starter. If you're using a Texas State quarterback, Jackson is the safe pick, but both are significant risks at their price points.

Max Brosmer, Minnesota ($6K)

We finally get to a guy who has something to play for. This is Brosmer's final collegiate game. He is still trying to catch the eye of NFL scouts and get an invite to the NFL Combine. I expect a big game out of Brosmer here. I also expect the Minnesota offense to call more plays for him in this one.

Also consider: Drew Mestemaker, North Texas ($8.5K); William Watson III, Virginia Tech ($4.5K)

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DraftKings CFB DFS Picks - Running Backs

Darius Taylor, Minnesota ($7.6K)

In last year’s bowl game, Darius Taylor went off for 208 rushing yards and one score

Who will be this year’s bowl game standout? pic.twitter.com/bl8JMBTGgH

— RTB GOPHERS (@RTBGophers10) January 2, 2025

Taylor has already announced that he will play for Minnesota in 2025. He had a bit of a down year this year, at least compared to what was expected after last year's bowl game. Will we see a repeat? For this price, it's worth finding out!

Lincoln Pare, Texas State ($3.4K)

Ismail Mahdi is sitting out for this one, so expect Pare to get a lot of carries. He had 26 carries against South Alabama in the regular-season finale with Mahdi out. We could see an absolute monster out of Pare at a ridiculously low price.

Also consider: Shane Porter, North Texas ($5K); Jeremiah Coney, Virginia Tech ($3.1K)

DraftKings CFB DFS Picks - Wide Receivers

Joey Hobert, Texas State ($6.3K)

Last regular season game in my college career and ended up with over 3000 career receiving yards. Love these boys and am blessed to get one more opportunity with them. #EATEMUP #CatsBy90 @TXSTATEFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/XZ3NtrjmWn

— Joey Hobert (@joey_hobert12) November 30, 2024

Hobert is expected to play, but just how much is the subject of debate with the rumors around McCloud. I don't think Hobert is a full no-show, but I could see a scenario where he and McCloud play a couple of last series together and ride off into the sunset.

That would destroy McCloud's value, but if Hobert scores, he pays off at this price. The ceiling is low, but I think his floor is as safe as any Bobcat except for Pare.

Daniel Jackson, Minnesota ($5.8K)

The price isn't prohibitive whatsoever on this slate. I'm playing Jackson and Hobert because I can afford it and because they are by far the two best receivers on the slate. If what I think about Brosmer is correct, Daniel Jackson is going to be a busy man tonight.

Ayden Greene, Virginia Tech ($4.1K)

Both Jaylin Lane and Da'Quan Felton are out for this game. That leaves Greene and Stephen Gosnell as the only proven receivers. I can see using both if you're running four receivers since Tech is likely going to be trailing in this game.

Also consider: Jaden Williams, Texas State ($5.4K); Dalton Carnes, North Texas ($5.2K); Blair Conwright, North Texas ($4.4K)

DraftKings CFB Stacks

Minnesota

The Gophers are the only team that is confirmed to have their normal offense intact. Brosmer, Taylor, and Jackson are all elite plays. Elijah Spencer and Marcus Major are worth considering. This is one of the few scenarios where I may run a five-man stack from one team.

Also consider: Texas State, North Texas

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