November 9, 2018

Semi-Final Fantasy Locks: Running backs have the edge

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

TORONTO — With smaller rosters and a reduced salary cap, it’s harder to get higher-priced options into the lineup in CFL Playoff Fantasy.

That means decisions on top talent should be made carefully but also with conviction, because your most expensive option will most likely need to be your most productive if you’re going to have a chance to top the leaderboard.

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Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman have already set their lineups for the division semi-finals, including their locks of the week: players they’re certain will come through with a high point total.

The biggest point of contention this week may have been Andrew Harris, who draws a difficult matchup against the Riders’ dominant run defence but will play a critical role in the Blue Bombers’ hopes of going on the road and advancing in the post-season.

While some are skeptical, Nordman is certain Harris will have his name all over the stat sheet on Sunday evening in Regina.

“It’s cold in Saskatchewan,” she said. “If balls are not hitting hands properly, if Nichols is struggling in any way early on, they’re going to have to not panic and they’re going to have to use Andrew Harris. If they win it’s going to be largely in the hands on Andrew Harris, and I do think Winnipeg is winning this game. Andrew Harris is the first player I placed in my lineup.”

More on the opening week of the Grey Cup Playoffs can be heard on this week’s podcast:

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» Projections, strategies for the semi-finals
» CFL Fantasy Podcast: Listen and subscribe!
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While Nordman likes Harris in the West, Krever would prefer the two running backs in the East Division — specifically Alex Green, the priciest option of all at the running back position.

“This is the best running back by far to take this week,” said Krever. “I know he’s expensive, but you can find a way to get him on your roster. He’s going to get the catches, he’s going to get the goal line work. He has a nose for the end zone, almost a touchdown a game in his CFL career. Roll with Alex Green and roll with him with confidence.”

Steinberg, meanwhile, is looking on the other side of the Hamilton-BC matchup, locking in on Travis Lulay‘s top receiving target in Bryan Burnham.

“He is BC’s number one receiver, he’s been so good down the stretch,” said Steinberg. “He rises to the occasion in big games. I think Bryan Burnham is going to to be outstanding against Hamilton.”

A summary of this week’s locks and money picks is provided below.

Projections below powered by RotoExperts.

CFL Fantasy Podcast Semi-Final Locks

SEMI-FINALS PLAYER POSITION SALARY PROJECTION
KREVER Alex Green RB $9,441 16.36
STEINBERG Bryan Burnham WR $6,165 11.81
NORDMAN Andrew Harris RB $8,075 18.20