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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Edmonton at BC
Thursday | 10 p.m. ET
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
After aggravating his previous ankle injury, according to TSN’s Lowell Ullrich, Jeremiah Johnson ($7,158) will not play in Week 9. The Lions will instead lean on the duo of Travon Van ($4,816) and Chris Rainey ($6,627).
Chris Rainey, RB, BC
The Lions will have running back and returner Chris Rainey ($6,627) back in the lineup Thursday night after missing him in Week 7. Rainey could see an increased role with Jeremiah Johnson ($7,158) out of the lineup, although Travon Van ($4,816) is expected to take the role of lead back.
Travon Van, RB, BC
Travon Van ($4,816) is the value buy in an otherwise expensive week at running back in TSN CFL Fantasy. Van faces an Eskimos defence that has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season, tied for the most in the CFL. While he could lose some carries to Rainey, the workload should be solid for the former Eskimo back.
Shaquille Johnson, WR, BC
Returning to the lineup after a one-game absence is Shaquille Johnson ($3,269), who gets the start at field wideout. Averaging 8.6 Fantasy points per game this season, the Lions’ speedy national is a deep sleeper against a beatable Eskimos secondary.
Kevin Elliott, WR, BC
A week after making his first start as a Lion, Kevin Elliott ($3,023) is listed as a backup for Thursday night’s contest vs. the Eskimos. The veteran had a nice debut, hauling in four catches for 62 yards against the Stamps, but is a risky play considering he may not see a lot of the field.
Vidal Hazelton, WR, EDM
Despite returning to practice this week, Vidal Hazelton ($3,705) will not suit up for Thursday’s matchup with the Lions. It’s status quo for Week 9 in the Eskimos’ pass-catching corps.
Hamilton at Winnipeg
Friday | 8:30 p.m. ET
Brandon Banks, WR, HAM
Brandon Banks ($9,190) could split punt return duties with Chris Williams ($4,556) with usual returner Frankie Williams sidelined. Though he may be pricey, Banks is a solid play in Week 9, sitting among the league-leaders in targets and now moving into the slot after the addition of Williams.
Chris Williams, WR, HAM
The Ticats are listing Chris Williams ($4,556) as their starting boundary wideout, making him an intriguing value play against Winnipeg. Williams is also listed as the team’s primary punt returner. There are a lot of mouths to feed in that Ticat offence, but there’s big boom-or-bust potential in Week 9 from Williams.
Montreal at Ottawa
Saturday | 8 p.m. ET
Vernon Adams, QB, MTL
The Alouettes have reportedly placed Vernon Adams ($5,545) on the six-game injured list. Adams was the backup anyway, but this means a new No. 2 in Montreal in the event anything happens to Johnny Manziel ($7,000).
Adarius Bowman, WR, MTL
Adarius Bowman ($2,630) has practised with the starters this week according to Didier Orméjuste or RDS. The price is right, but it’s hard to bank on the veteran receiver for anything given his lack of production in 2018.
