CFL Fantasy Podcast, Week 17: The Mike Reilly dilemma

TORONTO — Is Mike Reilly‘s grip as the top CFL Fantasy quarterback loosening?

For the first time in two years Reilly’s salary has dipped below $14,000, as the reigning Most Outstanding Player just hasn’t been himself the last couple of weeks.

But as the salary and ownership numbers fall, is concern over Reilly’s recent production rational?

“I am worried about the Edmonton Eskimos’ offence and thus I just cannot sit here and tell you that Mike Reilly is the number one, no questions asked Fantasy quarterback anymore,” said Pat Steinberg on this week’s CFL Fantasy Podcast.

The entire podcast, including the rest of the debate, can be heard below as Steinberg, Hannah Nordman and Jeff Krever get you ready for Week 17:

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The Esks’ offence has been shut out in five of the last eight quarters, dropping back-to-back games by a combined score of 58-18. In the span of three losses over the last four weeks, Reilly has dipped below the 20 Fantasy point mark on three different occasions.

Last week, as the Esks’ offence turned the ball over a season-high seven times, Reilly was picked off twice, finishing with just 6.7 points — by far his lowest of the season.

But while Steinberg is skeptical, Hannah Nordman says it’s still too early to hit the panic button on the 2018 Fantasy points leader.

“He’s still the top Fantasy QB option,” she said. “He’s played 14 weeks, he’s been the top-scoring QB in six of them. He’s the only quarterback to reach the 40-point mark and he has done it twice.

“Every other quarterback has had that bad week. This guy has one bad week and you’re writing him off? He’s still the top option.”

“I still think Reilly’s floor is solid,” added Krever. “A lot higher than a lot of these other quarterbacks in their worst games. And he’s on pace for 50 touchdowns still. I have faith in Reilly and until proven otherwise, I’m OK with the price tag being what it is.”

Through most of the season, the dilemma surrounding Reilly had less to do with production and more to do with cost. At $14,000, starting Reilly at quarterback requires some cap manipulation elsewhere, whether it’s finding extra bargain buys or foregoing a defence.

For Steinberg, though, the gaudy numbers we’re accustomed to are no longer a guarantee.

“With Derel Walker out of the lineup they look like a different offence right now,” said Steinberg. “They’ve lost four of five, and in those four losses they’ve scored 24 or fewer points. There are two or three much better Fantasy options out there right now.”

The podcast trio also discussed the Riders’ offensive resurgence, the Andrew Harris vs. William Powell running back battle, injury news, locks of the week and more in the latest from the CFL Fantasy Podcast.