Johany Jutras, 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.
RELATED
» Projections, strategies for Week 19
» Johnny Manziel leads Week 19 locks
» CFL Fantasy Podcast: Listen and subscribe!
» Lineup Tools: Rankings, projections and more
Hamilton at Ottawa
Friday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Alex Green, RB, HAM
The Ticats have activated Alex Green ($9,639) from the six-game injured list. Green is slated to start Friday night’s game in the nation’s capital, taking the spot of previous fill-in John White ($4,275). He is the most expensive running back in Week 19.
Terrell Sinkfield, WR, HAM
Newly-signed receiver Terrell Sinkfield ($5,028) could make his debut Friday night for the Ticats, but Fantasy players are advised to stay away. The speedy returner/pass-catcher is listed as a backup, making his involvement a mystery going into the game.
John White, RB, HAM
John White ($4,275) could be relegated to backup this week as Alex Green ($9,639) eyes his return to the lineup. White wasn’t carrying anyone’s Fantasy lineup, but provided solid value as a low-cost option at running back. It’s the opposite for Green, who is the most expensive back this week.
Marquay McDaniel, WR, HAM
Marquay McDaniel ($3,970) will make his first start as a Ticat on Friday in Ottawa. McDaniel made his 2018 debut last week, but failed to make a catch vs. the Toronto Argonauts. He could see some involvement in a critical all-East matchup.
Julian Feoli-Gudino, WR, OTT
Julian Feoli-Gudino ($2,500) will get another start for the REDBLACKS at field wideout. The veteran, who carries a national passport, had a breakout game two weeks ago, but was held to just one grab for 10 yards vs. the Eskimos in Week 18. He would be a shot in the dark in Fantasy.
Edmonton at BC
Friday | 10:00 p.m. ET
D’haquille Williams, WR, EDM
Eskimos head coach Jason Maas says the team’s top receiver D’haquille Williams ($8,411) is ‘fine’. Williams has been nicked up at various times this season and is enduring his worst stretch of the season, going four straight games without 100 yards. Perhaps that only means he’s due for a breakout.
Vidal Hazelton, WR, EDM
Vidal Hazelton ($4,226) is a backup for Friday night’s clash with the BC Lions. He’ll lineup behind Kenny Stafford ($4,120) at the field wideout spot, as Nate Behar ($2,500) moves back into the starting lineup. Expect much of the Eskimos’ passing game to filter through D’haquille Williams ($8,411) and Bryant Mitchell ($8,212).
Nathaniel Behar, WR, EDM
The Eskimos have added a second Canadian receiver to their lineup, adding national pass-catcher Nathaniel Behar ($2,500) to the starting group. Behar has taken strides in his second professional season, but is still hard to trust from a Fantasy perspective based on his recent involvement.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, BC
Expect a heavy workload for Lions running back Tyrell Sutton ($6,580) for the second straight week. Sutton had an impressive debut in Week 18, scoring twice and breaking the 100-yard win barrier in a win over the Stamps. With Jeremiah Johnson ($6,106) a likely scratch, Sutton is the Lions’ bell cow back.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
According to TSN’s Farhal Lalji, Jeremiah Johnson ($6,106) will be a scratch when the Lions take on the Eskimos on Friday night. Tyrell Sutton ($6,580) is clearly the preferred back in Vancouver, as the Lions look to rediscover their ground game in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Chris Rainey, RB, BC
It’s expected that Chris Rainey ($5,930) will return to the lineup for the Lions’ offence and special teams this week. The team’s running back situation may seem murky at a glance, but it’s actually quite simple: Tyrell Sutton ($6,580) is the lead back, while Rainey is the change of pace. In a favourable matchup, Rainey carries sneaky potential thanks to his home run ability.
Montreal at Toronto
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
B.J. Cunningham, WR, MTL
Alouettes receiver B.J. Cunningham ($4,901) is not expected back for Saturday’s matchup with the Toronto Argonauts. The Als’ top receiving threat was sidelined and placed on the six-game injured list earlier this month.
Joshua Stanford, WR, MTL
A week after being traded, Joshua Stanford ($2,500) could make his debut for the Alouettes in Toronto. Stanford was part of the trade that sent Philip Blake and Patrick Lavoie to Saskatchewan. He’s reportedly practised this week, though his role for this weekend’s game is unknown.
Travon Van, RB, TOR
With injuries at running back, the Argos signed Travon Van this week, though he won’t suit up for Saturday’s game. He could be a factor in Week 20 as the Argos look to evaluate talent over the final stretch of the season.
Branden Burks, RB, TOR
Branden Burks ($4,200) should continue to handle the role of lead running back for the Argos on Saturday vs. Montreal. The shifty rookie has proven particularly volatile as a receiver, making him a popular value pick in a clash with the struggling Alouettes — though Dexter McCluster ($3,500) could take some of his carries)
Dexter McCluster, RB, TOR
No word yet on whether Dexter McCluster ($3,500) will play in Week 19, though he’s on the roster. McCluster was placed on the one-game injured list last week, forcing him to miss a Week 18 clash with the Ticats. If he plays, he could eat into the playing time of Branden Burks ($4,200).
Saskatchewan at Calgary
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Naaman Roosevelt, WR, Saskatchewan
Naaman Roosevelt ($5,643) is expected to remain sidelined for the Saskatchewan Roughriders this weekend in Calgary. He’ll continue to be replaced by Kenny Shaw ($3,681), who will make his fourth consecutive start in Green and White.
Jordan Williams-Lambert, WR, Saskatchewan
It’s believed that Jordan Williams-Lambert ($4,480) will return to the Riders’ lineup this weekend. The rookie receiver was sidelined for last weekend’s loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and would be a significant boost to the team’s offence.
Bakari Grant, WR, Calgary
The Stamps have brought in veteran receiver Bakari Grant to try and boost their depleted injury corps, though he won’t play against the Riders on Saturday. Grant was actually the Riders’ leading receiver before being released in the off-season, and could play a significant role for the Stamps down the stretch.
Terry Williams, RB, Calgary
The injury to injured running back/returner Terry Williams ($4,707) appears to be less serious than initially believed. Williams was reportedly active in practice this week, though it’s unknown whether he’ll play in Saturday’s critical matchup with the Riders. He’s on the roster this week, but is a risky play considering he could be scratched.
