Week 3 Fantasy Locks: National RBs lead must-picks

TORONTO — While the Riders are gaining plenty of popularity in TSN CFL Fantasy presented by LeoVegas, Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman aren’t fully convinced quite yet.

Six of the 20 most chosen players in Fantasy this week are Riders, but this week’s Fantasy locks come from elsewhere as Andrew Harris, Sean Thomas-Erlington and Derel Walker have been tabbed as must-picks.

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Almost everyone can agree that Thomas-Erlington is on track for a big week against Montreal. The Ticats’ running back is the most chosen player in Fantasy this week and is Steinberg’s lock for Week 3.

“He still helps you manage your cap pretty well, you know he’s going to get the lion’s share of the carries, he’s been very dynamic so far and I like his matchup against Montreal,” said Steinberg. “At $5,100 he’s too attractive not to have in.”

While the Argos struggled in Week 1 on both sides of the ball, Derel Walker should remain on the Fantasy radar moving forward. The former Esks pass-catcher signed a massive free agent deal in the off-season and while he isn’t a popular choice this week, there’s no reason to shy away.

“That’s the comfort that James Franklin needs,” said Krever. “He’s having a tough time right now, people are doubting him. James Franklin, go with what works. You know Derel Walker, he’s your guy. The best receiver in the CFL in my opinion and I think he’s going to get a ton of targets.

“Doesn’t have to face Delvin Breaux,” he added. “Nick Marshall, he’s a tough matchup, but he’s shown he can be beat as well, especially if he’s going press coverage. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for Franklin and Walker to hook up on a big play.”

While Nordman is also going with the upstart Thomas-Erlington, she’s forming quite the Canadian duo with Andrew Harris as her lock. Harris had a dominant performance in Week 1 and is back after the bye to face the Eskimos.

“I feel like I always talk about him, but I haven’t picked him yet as a lock,” said Nordman. “Andrew Harris, that’s my Fantasy comfort food. My running backs were the two easiest guys to place again. Sean-Thomas Erlington and Andrew Harris. That’s who I’m going to. I need a win this week. I need some points. He’s always good for points.”

CFL Fantasy Podcast, Ep. 31: The future is now

The future has arrived as Cody Fajardo and Vernon Adams Jr. receive a rare opportunity. Plus, is Sean Thomas-Erlington the lock of the year against Montreal? Pat Steinberg, Hannah Nordman and Jeff Krever dissect Week 3 in the CFL Fantasy Podcast presented by LeoVegas.

The podcast trio also submitted bargain buys for this week, selecting a player roughly $3,500 or less. There are a number of productive pass-catchers worth rolling the dice on this week, but Lucky Whitehead, Juwan Brescacin and Chris Matthews are on this week’s radar.

Whitehead, a rookie in 2019, will make his second consecutive start for the Bombers and could even see time as a returner along with Charles Nelson.

“I think Lucky Whitehead’s an explosive player,” said Krever. “They looked to him deep and tried some shots downfield last game. Get him the ball in space. He’s cheap and there’s a lot of upside there.”

Brescacin found the end zone on a 50-yard touchdown in Week 1, and figures to emerge as a central part of the Stampeders’ offence in his fourth season in the league.

“He’s already caught a touchdown pass in one game, he’s a red zone target, he’s elusive, he’s speedy, he can make big plays,” said Steinberg. “I think Juwan Brescacin at $3,600 is a really interesting play.”

While Chris Matthews was a popular pick before being injured in Week 1, Hannah Nordman is wasting no time going back to the former Most Outstanding Rookie, who returns to the Bombers.

“This is pretty much the only time you’ll get him in that money pick range,” said Nordman. “Chris Matthews at $3,500.”

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

Projections below powered by DailyRoto

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 3 Locks

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 3 Money Picks