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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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Ottawa at Winnipeg
Friday | 8:30 p.m. ET
Weston Dressler, WR, WPG
The Bombers have placed Weston Dressler ($4,876) on the six-game injured list after he left last week’s contest and did not return. Ryan Lankford ($3,106) moves into the lineup for his first start of 2018, while Kenbrell Thompkins ($2,500) could also see more targets in Dressler’s absence.
Ryan Lankford, WR, WPG
With Weston Dressler ($4,876) out for the next little while, Ryan Lankford ($3,106) will make his first start of 2018. Lankford has big-play ability and has also factored in as a returner in the past, bringing a proven track record to the Bombers’ offence. He’s a solid buy-low option in what could be a high-scoring meeting with Ottawa.
BC at Toronto
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
Anthony Coombs, WR, TOR
Anthony Coombs ($2,856) will make his 2018 debut for the Argos after missing the first seven games with an injury. After averaging nearly five receptions per game last season, making eight or more catches on four different occasions, the hybrid slotback/running back offers sneaky value in his return to the lineup.
Mario Alford, WR, TOR
Mario Alford ($2,500) will make his CFL debut at wide receiver for the Argos this weekend. He’ll start at field wideout, opposite of Rodney Smith ($2,500) Alford is an electrifying speedster who ran a 4.27 at his NFL Pro Day, a dimension the Boatmen have lacked since the departure of DeVier Posey. However, he’ll be hard to trust in Fantasy
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
According to Lowell Ullrich, Jeremiah Johnson ($7,345) is practising with the starters in BC and should be back in the lineup in Week 10. Johnson gets a tough draw in the Argos’ run defence but can be started with confidence.
Travon Van, RB, BC
Despite a strong 2018 debut, Travon Van ($5,501) could be out of the lineup this week with the return of Jeremiah Johnson ($7,345). Keep an eye on the Lions’ depth chart when it’s revealed on Friday.
Ricky Collins, WR, BC
Ricky Collins ($4,108) might not play this week after suffering an apparent hamstring injury in last week’s win over Edmonton. That could mean more looks for Kevin Elliott ($3,606), who continues to gain traction since making his Lions debut.
Montreal at Edmonton
Saturday | 9:00 p.m. ET
C.J. Gable, RB, EDM
It appears the Eskimos will be without running back C.J. Gable ($7,466) in Week 10, who has yet to practice this week. Keep an eye on the situation, but Shaq Cooper, who will be available in Fantasy once he’s activated, could be the next man up.
Johnny Manziel, QB, MTL
Johnny Manziel ($7,000) will miss Saturday’s game after the team announced he is being put through concussion protocol. With all the injuries to Alouettes’ quarterbacks, Antonio Pipkin ($2,500) is set to make his first career start.
Antonio Pipkin, QB, MTL
The Alouettes will start their fifth quarterback of the season as Antonio Pipkin ($2,500) makes his 2018 debut vs. the Edmonton Eskimos. The deck is stacked against him, but at his price tag Pipkin could actually be an intriguing play while opening up serious roster flexibility elsewhere. He’s an explosive runner who could pile up big-time yards on the ground.
Calgary at Saskatchewan
Sunday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
Barring any setbacks, Don Jackson ($6,283) is expected to start at running back in Week 10 after missing time with a hamstring injury. Jackson has been effective when healthy but faces a tough matchup against the Riders’ stifling run defence.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
According to Kristen Anderson of Postmedia, Terry Williams ($4,345) is also in line to return to the lineup. Williams missed the team’s previous contest in Week 8 and has played second fiddle to Don Jackson ($6,283) this season while also handling return duties.
Rob Bagg, WR, SSK
The Riders have brought back receiver Rob Bagg ($2,500) after he was released in training camp. There’s no word yet on what role he’ll play in Week 10, but he’s not a recommended Fantasy play at this time.
