CFL.ca/Larry MacDougal
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.
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Calgary at Ottawa
Thursday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, REC, CGY
Eric Rogers ($7,332) will not play in Thursday’s rematch against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. According to Danny Austin of the Calgary Herald, Rogers’ knee is acting up. Reggie Begelton ($2,500) is starting in his place and is an intriguing value pick in Week 5.
Marken Michel, REC, CGY
Marken Michel ($4,458) is back in the lineup for the Stamps in Week 5. He will back up DaVaris Daniels ($4,703) at boundary wideout but should see the field plenty in the absence of Eric Rogers ($7,332). He’s still considered a risky play going into Thursday night’s matchup with Ottawa.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
The Stamps will be without Terry Williams ($4,842) for their Week 5 matchup with Calgary. Williams wasn’t listed on the team’s depth chart on Wednesday, likely opening up an even bigger role with Don Jackson ($5,000). Already the cheapest starting running back on the market this week, Jackson is almost a must-play going into Thursday night’s matchup with Ottawa.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
With Terry Williams ($4,842) out, Don Jackson ($5,000) should see his heaviest share of action yet when the Stamps visit Ottawa Thursday night. Jackson could end up being the most-picked player in Week 5, and is worth the play even against a strong REDBLACKS run defence.
Noel Thomas, REC, OTT
After breaking out in Week 4, Noel Thomas ($2,500) is getting another start at slotback for the REDBLACKS and should see some targets against the Calgary Stampeders Thursday night. While this week’s opponent presents a tougher matchup, Thomas is considered an interesting low-cost buy at the minimum salary.
Toronto at Edmonton
Friday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Bryant Mitchell, REC, EDM
Bryant Mitchell ($3,867) should be a full go in Week 4 after returning to the lineup last weekend against the Argos, albeit as a backup. Mitchell came into the game after D’haquille Williams ($6,186) left with an injury, although Williams later returned and showed no ill effects. With Derel Walker ($7,209) and Kenny Stafford ($4,634) seemingly higher in the pecking order, Mitchell remains a risky play for now.
D’haquille Williams, REC, EDM
The Eskimos had a bit of a scare last week when D’haquille Williams ($6,186) left the game after being slow to get up. However, the CFL’s leading receiver later returned and should be a full go when the Eskimos take on the Argos in a Week 5 rematch. There’s even some value there as Williams is only the fifth-most expensive receiver this week despite being the most productive non-QB in Fantasy.
Llevi Noel, REC, TOR
It looks like Llevi Noel ($2,500) could stick as the Argos’ starter at boundary wideout, giving him an opportunity to play a major role in Marc Trestman’s offence. Noel had two catches of 20-plus yards against the Eskimos and could be a sneaky play at a position that usually produces — especially if quarterback James Franklin can get the Argos’ passing game off the ground in Week 5.
Winnipeg at BC
Saturday | 10:00 p.m. ET
Jonathon Jennings, QB, BC
According to Lowell Ullrich of TSN 1040, Jonathon Jennings ($7,226) and Travis Lulay continue to split reps in practice this week. Wally Buono has been non-committal about his starting quarterback, but the Lions will take every precaution necessary with Lulay as he continues to work his way back from last year’s season-ending knee injury. This is a situation we would avoid.
