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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Hamilton at Toronto
Friday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Alex Green, RB, HAM
Ticats running back Alex Green ($9,838) remains on the team’s six-game injured list coming out of the bye. John White ($4,086) will continue to handle the duties of lead running back in his absence, and is an appealing Fantasy option thanks to his cheap price tag and steady involvement.
Terrell Sinkfield, WR, HAM
Newly-signed Ticats receiver/returner Terrell Sinkfield ($5,128) will not make his 2018 debut Friday night. Sinkfield brings speed and explosiveness to the team’s receiving corps after some devastating injuries, but he only signed on Wednesday and will need some time to get acclimated with his new surroundings.
Terrence Toliver, WR, HAM
Ticats receiver Terrence Toliver ($4,151) has been placed on the six-game injured list, sidelining him for Friday night’s game and likely longer. This adds to the long list of injured receivers in Hamilton, with Brandon Banks ($11,854), Luke Tasker ($9,227) and Mike Jones ($4,383) looking at some heavy lifting as a result.
Marquay McDaniel, WR, HAM
Marquay McDaniel ($4,048) is on the depth chart and expected to play his first game with his new team on Friday night. He’s listed as a backup behind Luke Tasker, but should get some chances to see the field. McDaniel is not likely to be a reliable Fantasy contributor at this time.
James Wilder Jr., RB, TOR
It doesn’t appear that James Wilder ($8,456) will be back this season for the Argos. Wilder missed last week’s game and remains on the six-game injured list. Branden Burks ($4,200) has taken Wilder’s spot and should see plenty of touches on Friday night vs. Hamilton.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB, TOR
After eight starts, McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($7,891) has been relegated to backup as the Argos switch to James Franklin ($7,669) behind centre. There were times when Bethel-Thompson showed promise, but his struggles last weekend against BC sealed his fate for now. There is no reason to play him in Fantasy.
James Franklin, QB, TOR
The Argos are going to get another look at James Franklin (7,669) after naming him the starter for Week 18. Franklin was once considered an up-and-coming star at the position, but was benched in favour of Bethel-Thompson earlier this season after making just four starts. Franklin’s goal line work gives him some sneak Fantasy upside, as even off the bench he’s contributed points each week.
S.J. Green, WR, TOR
S.J. Green ($6,062) is in the Argos’ starting lineup for Friday’s clash with the Ticats. Green left last weekend’s game after a collision vs. the BC Lions, but practised throughout the week and appears to be good to go against the Argos’ arch rival.
Branden Burks, RB, TOR
Branden Burks ($4,200) is likely to see an expanded role at running back on Friday due to the injury to Dexter McCluster ($3,500). Burks is the only true running back on the roster outside of fullback Declan Cross ($2,525) and could be in for a big game against the Ticats’ bottom-ranked run defence.
Dexter McCluster, RB, TOR
The Argos will be without Dexter McCluster ($3,500) for Friday’s matchup vs. the Ticats. McCluster is on the one-game injured list, which means Branden Burks ($4,200) is likely in for an expanded role.
Myles White, WR, TOR
Myles White ($2,500) will make his first career start for the Argos at field wideout on Friday night. The twin brother of cornerback Mitchell White, Myles hauled in three passes for 31 yards and scored his first career touchdown against the BC Lions last weekend.
Saskatchewan at Winnipeg
Saturday | 2:00 p.m. ET
Weston Dressler, WR, WPG
The Bombers have listed Weston Dressler ($5,105) as a starter for Saturday’s matinee with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Dressler reportedly hasn’t practised much this week, but Head Coach Mike O’Shea has been hopeful he can go. It’s a risky situation for Fantasy users as Dressler could still be a late scratch with Corey Washington ($2,500) standing by in case.
Naaman Roosevelt, WR, SSK
Riders receiver Naaman Roosevelt ($5,760) remains out of action heading into Week 18. He will continue to be replaced by Kenny Shaw ($4,136) in the Riders’ lineup when the take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday afternoon.
Jordan Williams-Lambert, WR, SSK
Jordan Williams-Lambert ($4,583) will be sidelined for Saturday’s matchup with the rival Bombers. That’s two big injuries in the Riders’ receiving corps, making Kenny Shaw ($4,136), Kyran Moore ($4,509) and Shaq Evans ($3,241) a little more valuable going into Week 18.
Kenny Shaw, WR, SSK
Kenny Shaw ($4,136) will make his third straight start for the Riders in the absence of injured Naaman Roosevelt ($5,760) on Saturday afternoon. Shaw has hit 70-plus yards in each of his first two starts and with Jordan Williams-Lambert ($4,583) also potentially sidelined, he should see plenty of looks as the Riders’ most reliable receiving option.
Caleb Holley, WR, SSK
Caleb Holley ($2,939) has drawn back into the lineup for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Holley was injured earlier in the season but is ready to return, and is getting an opportunity to start with the recent injuries in the Riders’ receiving corps. He’s a shot in the dark as the team’s starting field wideout.
Ottawa at Edmonton
Saturday | 5:00 p.m. ET
Mike Reilly, QB, EDM
The price continues to drop for Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly ($12,802), who has had back-to-back games of single-digit Fantasy production. Reilly is the only quarterback to reach 40 points this season, but is this the week he breaks out of his slump? It’s a risky proposition but the payoff could be massive.
BC at Calgary
Saturday | 8:00 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, WR, CGY
Eric Rogers ($7,722) is questionable for Saturday’s game vs. the BC Lions as he attends the birth of his child. Head Coach Dave Dickenson believes Rogers will be available, but noted that Rogers’ personal life is a priority and the Stamps will be ready just in case. This makes Rogers a risky Fantasy play considering the Stamps play the last game of the week.
Marken Michel, WR, CGY
Add another name to the Stamps’ growing list of injured receivers, as Marken Michel ($6,650) has been placed on the six-game injured list. Markeith Ambles ($2,500) and Chris Matthews ($2,500) will need to step up in his absence. It’s hard to imagine a group that’s had more injures than the Stampeders’ pass-catchers.
Romar Morris, RB, CGY
Romar Morris ($5,928) is back in the lineup for the Stampeders this week in place of Terry Williams ($4,794). The speedy Morris is a nice complement to Don Jackson ($6,764) and also handles some return duties, but he’s an expensive gamble considering the uncertain workload.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Terry Williams ($4,794) is out of the lineup for the Stamps in Week 18, with Romar Morris ($5,928) drawing in. Williams scored a touchdown last week and is in a battle for opportunities with Morris, but either way, Don Jackson ($6,764) is the top option for the Calgary Stampeders.
Chris Matthews, WR, CGY
Chris Matthews ($2,500) is starting at boundary wideout for the Stamps in Saturday night’s game vs. the Lions. Matthews was trending towards playing anyway, but the injury to Marken Michel made it a necessity. Despite just signing last week, Matthews could see plenty of opportunities on an injury-plagued Stamps receiving corps.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
With Tyrell Sutton ($6,430) set to make his first start as a BC Lion, Jeremiah Johnson ($6,983) is likely the odd man out this week for the BC Lions. Johnson had his best game of the season last week but the Lions likely favour Sutton’s toughness, especially against a physical Stampeders defence.
Jonathon Jennings, QB, BC
Jonathon Jennings ($6,579) will back up Travis Lulay ($6,304) in Saturday’s contest vs. the Calgary Stampeders. Jennings had his ups and downs in his second stint as a starter this season, but Lulay is the quarterback of choice when healthy.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, BC
Tyrell Sutton ($6,430) will be the BC Lions’ starting running back Saturday night vs. Calgary. Sutton was brought in to add physicality to the Lions’ running game and should see a heavy workload against one of the league’s dominant front sevens. It’s a tough matchup, but the volume could make Sutton a worthy pick.
Travis Lulay ($6,304)
Sidelined since Week 14 with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Travis Lulay is back behind centre for the BC Lions in Week 18. He’s welcomed back with a tough matchup on the road against the league-leading Stampeders, but the Lions should play with some urgency knowing they’re playing for post-season positioning.
