September 20, 2018

Fantasy Status Report: Who’s in and who’s out for Week 15?

Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca

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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Montreal at Winnipeg
Friday | 8:30 p.m. ET

Antonio Pipkin, QB, MTL

The Alouettes have made a quarterback change for Week 15, moving Antonio Pipkin ($6,856) to the bench in favour of Johnny Manziel ($6,000). The move doesn’t come as a surprise after Pipkin threw four interceptions in last week’s loss to BC, including two pick-sixes.

Johnny Manziel, QB, MTL

Johnny Manziel ($6,000) will make his third career start Friday night after being named the Alouettes’ Week 15 quarterback. He’s a risky Fantasy proposition to say the least, but adventurous managers may like his upside if he can do some damage with his legs.

Tyrell Sutton, RB, MTL

Injured running back Tyrell Sutton ($5,992) is back on the Alouettes’ depth chart this week, but he’s listed behind William Stanback ($4,092), indicating he won’t likely play. It’s not a great matchup anyway against the CFL’s third-ranked run defence, with the Bombers allowing 97.2 yards per game on the ground this season.

William Stanback, RB, MTL

With Sutton not expected to play, William Stanback ($4,092) is in line to make his third start for the Alouettes on Friday night. He has a tough matchup with the Bombers defence, but offers a nice blend of size and speed and has also seen time on returns. The ceiling is high and the price is nice.

Weston Dressler, WR, WPG

After being sidelined since Week 9, Weston Dressler ($4,467) is back in the Bombers’ starting lineup for Friday night’s game vs. Montreal. Dressler carries some risk following the layoff, but has a favourable matchup against an Alouettes defence that’s struggled to stop slotbacks this season.

Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, WPG

The Bombers list Kenbrell Thompkins ($2,500) in their starting lineup this week. Thompkins looked seriously injured when he left the game and did not return last time out against Saskatchewan, so his inclusion this week is good news. From a Fantasy perspective, Thompkins is a solid sleeper against the Alouettes.

Edmonton at Ottawa
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET

D’haquille Williams, WR, EDM

D’haquille Williams ($8,396) missed practice time this week due to a flight issue, according to reports, and not because of any issue with his hand. The hand injury occurred during the Eskimos’ win over Calgary in the Labour Day rematch, but he returned in the second half and should be a full go for Saturday’s game in Ottawa.

C.J. Gable, RB, EDM

The Eskimos will have C.J. Gable ($7,100) back in the lineup when the travel to nation’s capital for a date with the REDBLACKS on Saturday. Gable missed the Labour Day rematch with Calgary but has since had two weeks to recuperate.

Martese Jackson, RB, EDM

Recently-acquired Martese Jackson ($3,293) has practised with his new team and is expected to debut this week. Jackson was one of the most productive returners in the league with the Argos and could even see some work in the Eskimos’ offence, though how quickly he’s worked in remains to be seen.

Greg Ellingson, WR, OTT

After being placed on the disabled list, Greg Ellingson ($6,515) has since returned to practice and is listed as a starter for Saturday’s game. Start him with confidence against the Eskimos.

Saskatchewan at Toronto
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET

Duron Carter, WR, TOR

Duron Carter ($3,530) will make his first start as an Argo on Saturday. Carter was used sparingly in his debut two weeks ago, but has now had several weeks to learn the offence and earn the trust of Marc Trestman. He’ll have plenty to prove against his former team.

Dexter McCluster, WR, TOR

Dexter McCluster ($2,500) will not dress for Saturday’s matchup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. McCluster practised this week and seemed like he might make his debut, but eager Fantasy players will have to wait to utilize the former NFL Pro Bowl returner.

Hamilton at BC
Saturday | 10:00 p.m. ET

Brandon Banks, WR, HAM

Brandon Banks ($10,516) will not play on Saturday, according to multiple reports, even though he’s listed as a starter on the team’s depth chart. It’s a tricky situation, but Fantasy players are advised to stay away. Banks missed last week’s game due to a groin injury and didn’t practise all week.

Alex Green, RB, HAM

The Ticats will be without starting running back Alex Green ($9,263) on Saturday against the Lions. Green has been the most productive Fantasy back in the league when healthy, but for now it’ll be John White ($3,885) handling the load for the Tabbies.

John White, RB, HAM

It’ll be John White ($3,885) getting the call at RB for the Ticats this week in Green’s absence. Head Coach June Jones has praised White and his conditioning, pointing out that the running back has shed some weight since training camp. White should be fresh and explosive as he gets a rare look for the Tabbies.

Travis Lulay, QB, BC

The Lions got some good news this week regarding injured quarterback Travis Lulay ($5,886), who they believe will be back before season’s end. He’s still expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks, giving Jonathon Jennings ($5,680) another opportunity at the helm of the Lions’ offence.

Jonathon Jennings, QB, BC

With Lulay out, Jonathon Jennings ($5,680) gets the call for the BC Lions. Jennings has failed to recapture his early-career success, but has a decent floor from a Fantasy standpoint based on his ability to run. Facing the Ticats’ top-ranked pass defence, however, will be no easy task.