Johany Jutras/CFL
TORONTO — The TSN CFL Fantasy game is easy for any fan to play, with just seven roster spots and a $40,000 salary cap.
However, success requires, at a bare minimum, knowledge of which star players are sitting due to injury. With such small rosters, a wasted spot on a player who isn’t in the lineup can be a devastating blow to your week’s score.
Meanwhile, the more dedicated Fantasy player will want to keep close tabs on who’s practising with the first-team offence. Practice reports can be the source of hidden gems that produce big numbers despite low ownership percentage, providing an edge over the rest of the field.
With that, CFL.ca breaks down some of the critical roster notes for each game:
WEEK 1 STATUS UPDATE
Edmonton at Winnipeg
Thursday | 8:30 p.m. ET
Chris Streveler, QB, WPG
The Bombers have named Chris Streveler ($2,500) their starting quarterback for Week 1 vs. Edmonton. Streveler won the competition with Alex Ross, while regular starter Matt Nichols will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. The opportunity to add Streveler to the roster at the minimum salary of $2,500 likely won’t last no matter how he performs on Thursday.
Bryant Mitchell, REC, EDM
The Eskimos will be without receiver Bryant Mitchell ($3,867) for their season-opener. That could make super sleeper D’haquille Williams ($2,868) even more appealing in Week 1 as the sophomore lines up in the slot.
Jordan Robinson, RB, EDM
It appears Jordan Robinson ($2,500) has won the backup running back job, beating out Shaq Cooper ($2,500) who’s been added to the Eskimos’ practice roster. Robinson made the most of his carries in pre-season and could also see chances in the return game.
Toronto at Saskatchewan
Friday | 9 p.m. ET
Zach Collaros, QB, SSK
While Chris Jones refuses to confirm a starter, Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation is reporting Zach Collaros ($6,598) will start in Week 1. Collaros struggled in his Riders debut in pre-season, going 6-for-16 for 41 yards but he’s the one fans are waiting to see after a big off-season trade. Brandon Bridge ($5,138) could factor in either way.
Tre Mason, RB, SSK
After releasing David Cobb and Zac Stacy, it appears the Riders have settled on Tre Mason ($2,500) as their international running back while Marcus Thigpen (suspension) sits the first two weeks of the season. Jerome Messam ($4,368) is still expected to get the bulk of the carries but Mason should get his touches.
Anthony Coombs, REC, TOR
Argos slotback Anthony Coombs ($2,797) will miss the season-opener Friday night after being placed on the 1-game injured list. Jimmy Ralph ($2,500) gets the start in Coombs’ place.
Brian Tyms, REC, TOR
Has many had projected, Brian Tyms ($2,500) is the Argos’ starter at boundary wideout for Week 1 vs. the Saskatchewan Roughriders. With DeVier Posey departed and Anthony Coombs on the injured list, Tyms could be the No. 3 option in the Argos’ offence in a spot that generates touchdowns.
Hamilton at Calgary
Saturday | 7 p.m. ET
Terrence Toliver, REC, HAM
According to Steve Milton of the Hamilton Spectator, Ticats receiver Terrence Toliver ($4,950) is still at least a couple of weeks away from making his 2018 debut. Toliver missed almost all of last year after suffering a major knee injury in the season-opener.
Alex Green, RB, HAM
According to TSN’s Louis Butko, Alex Green ($6,173) will miss at least the first two weeks of the season with a hand injury. This could open the door right away for newly-signed running back John White.
John White, RB, HAM
The Ticats have signed veteran running back John White. We’ll find out soon whether he’s in the Ticats’ plans for Week 1, but it’s assumed he’ll contribute following an injury to Alex Green ($6,173). Another option out of the Hamilton backfield could be Mercer Timmis ($2,500).
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Dave Dickenson said this week that Terry Williams ($3,595) has earned the Stamps’ starting running back job and could be in for a dual return role as well. Williams offers good value as the cheapest starting running back in Week 1.
Eric Rogers, REC, CGY
One of the game’s most expensive receivers in Eric Rogers ($6,327) is also one of the most popular this week in CFL Fantasy. But Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson told Sportsnet 960 that he’s yet to make a decision on whether the recently-signed receiver will play in Week 1.
Montreal at BC
Saturday | 10 p.m. ET
Drew Willy, QB, MTL
It’s unlikely Matthew Shiltz ($5,000) will dress in Week 1 as he continues to nurse an injury, according to the Montreal Gazette‘s Herb Zurkowsky. The team has signed veteran Jeff Mathews, but for now Drew Willy ($4,441) is firmly entrenched as the Als’ starting quarterback.
Shaq Johnson, REC, BC
Keep an eye on Canadian receiver Shaq Johnson ($2,500), who’s questionable for Saturday’s game after injuring his foot during Wednesday’s practice according to Lowell Ullrich.
