Colorado vs Colorado State: DFS College Football Picks

September 13, 2024

By: John Supowitz

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter reacts before a college football game against North Dakota State Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. Hunter is a top college football DFS pick for Colorado vs Colorado State. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Week 3 of college football brings an in-state rivalry that gave us one of the best games of 2023: Colorado vs. Colorado State. This time, the game will be played in Fort Collins, where the Rams will look to avenge their 2023 double-overtime loss.

For CFB DFS, this game brings intriguing opportunities on PrizePicks for the Week 3 CFB slate. Whether you’re picking the Colorado passing game with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, or go with the home team, there are plenty of projections to build your winning lineup.

Let’s get into some analysis of the top picks for Colorado vs. Colorado State for CFB DFS.

Sign up with PrizePicks promo code 'Playbook' and score $50 after your first $5 CFB lineup

‍

Colorado vs. Colorado State: Time, TV, Location

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff

Location: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, Col.

TV: CBS

Colorado was a massive letdown last season after coming in with so much hype, including a comeback win over Colorado State. Maybe they got caught up in everything outside of football, but the product was lackluster.

Maybe in Year 2, they will be ready—or not. In Week 1, they came close to an upset as North Dakota State kept it close. Then they went to Nebraska, a team they easily beat last year. It was a whole different story as they went down 28-0 and could never catch up.

Now, they come back to where their downfall began. Although they won against Colorado State, it took two overtimes at their home field as big favorites.

After that, Pac-12 play began, and they went 1-8 the rest of the way.

Now, we look at the rematch, which is in Fort Collins this time. Can they get the win?

Colorado vs. Colorado State: CFB DFS Picks for PrizePicks

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders: More than 349.5 Passing Yards (Demon Pick)

The bad news for the Buffaloes is that running back Dallas Hayden is unlikely to play. While he is the leading rusher, he has only 52 yards and zero touchdowns this season. In fact, Colorado has not had a rushing touchdown in its first two games.

The offensive line has been generally awful in both pass and run blocking; PFF gives them a 57.5 pass-blocking grade. Fortunately for them, Colorado State only has a 59.7 pass-rush grade (93rd in college football) and a 43.4 coverage grade (132nd). Sanders won’t get a better matchup this year.

Against this defense, Texas QB Quinn Ewers hit 260 yards on 27 attempts before exiting the game early in Week 1. Sanders should be fine in the pocket and will likely reach his numbers based on volume.

Colorado WR Travis Hunter: More than 100.5 Receiving Yards

With the game plan of a pass-first offense for Colorado, we should see many of these Buffalo wide receivers put up some impressive numbers.

Travis Hunter is the most impressive college athlete in the country; it’s hard to doubt he isn’t a top draft pick in 2025.

He’s Sanders’ favorite target, as he leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He also has 20 targets over his first two games, going over 100 yards in both.

Colorado State’s secondary was torched by Texas in Week 1, and while Colorado is nowhere near that same level, it’s the best way to judge the type of pass defense they have — a poor one.

Sign up with PrizePicks promo code 'Playbook' and score $50 after your first $5 CFB lineup

‍

Colorado WR Jimmy Horn: More than 25.5 Yards Longest Reception

Colorado’s offense isn’t just Sanders and Hunter; they have a few other formidable options. One of those is WR Jimmy Horn, son of former NFL WR Joe Horn.

Like his father, he has dynamic speed, and while he is successful on most routes, the vertical up the middle is his specialty. With Hunter and LaJohntay Wester pulling away safeties, Horn can run that route against just a nickel back and clear the field for a long reception.

Two games into 2024, Horn has his career high in aDOT (average depth of target) at 12.1 yards, so look for him to get deep in this game, in addition to run after the catch opportunities against a lacking secondary.

Colorado State QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi: 199.5 Passing Yards – More – Goblin Pick

The best way for the Rams to stay competitive with the Buffaloes is to go toe-to-toe. That means matching them when they score. That was going to be tough regardless, as Colorado has more playmakers, but now it could be nearly impossible.

It all depends on the status of Colorado State WR Tory Horton. He is the best receiver on the team and one of the best in the country. He left last week’s game with a groin injury. While head coach Jay Norvell says he’s “hopeful” Horton will play, it’s not certain he will be 100%.

If he plays as a decoy, they do not have another receiver with more than three catches on the year. The reason to make this a "Goblin" play is that the Colorado defense hasn’t been great to start the year, and Fowler-Nicolosi could be passing a lot, as we predict they’ll be playing from behind.

Build Your Week 3 CFB DFS Lineup on PrizePicks

This game could jumpstart each of these teams’ seasons. Colorado can rebound after a tough loss and get ready for Big 12 play, while Colorado State getting an upset would draw a lot of attention to the program. They’re certainly hungry after last year’s loss in Boulder.

With PrizePicks, you simply pick more or less on at least two CFB player projections, lock in your lineup, and enjoy the game. Just stay in the green to win real money when it’s all said and done.