DailyRoto: Week 5 Fantasy Rankings

One of the big questions heading into Week 5 of TSN CFL Fantasy presented by Leo Vegas is whether Fantasy users can trust Mike Reilly ($12,287) in a rematch against the Eskimos. Edmonton was held to a mere 10.4 Fantasy points during a Week 2 win, but Reilly has returned to form over the past two games, putting up a combined 44.8 FP with three passing touchdowns and a rushing major to boot. The good news is that he’ll get Bryan Burnham ($7,768) back into the lineup; the opposite end of the coin is that Reilly faces an Eskimos pass defence that leads the league with a mere 180 yards allowed.

Another question is the state of the running games in Calgary and Hamilton, as both push forward without their lead backs. The Stamps may have found something with a timeshare of Terry Williams ($5,176) and Ka’Deem Carey ($4,500), but the Tiger-Cats could go with a three-headed monster. The respective backfield issues of the Stampeders and Ticats could make Saturday’s game a wash when it comes to selecting runners from either team.

Of course, there are other questions out there, and this week’s rankings will offer a host of answers.

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QUARTERBACKS

Trevor Harris ($11,737) is averaging 362 yards and two majors in his first three games with the Eskimos and strafed the Lions for 294 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2. With no Sean Thomas Erlington to stretch defences, don’t be shocked if Jeremiah Masoli ($12,334) attempts north of 50 passes against the Stampeders. The yardage will be there even against a Calgary pass defence that has yet to allow a pass longer than 26 yards.

Nick Arbuckle ($5,729) has completed an insane 90.3 per cent of his passes and will pressure Hamilton’s third-ranked pass defence. A lack of yardage keeps Matt Nichols ($8,831) in the middle of the pack even against the pass defence-challenged Argonauts. Still, Nichols is good for a couple of red zone passing majors here.

It’s a coin toss with Vernon Adams Jr. ($7,000) and Dominique Davis ($6,073) when the Als and REDBLACKS meet on Friday. Give Adams the edge here as Davis’ turnover issues makes him a huge risk while Adams can help Fantasy users with his running, offsetting his low yardage totals. McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($5,765) wasn’t bad in his first start, but until the Argonauts can find the end zone on a more consistent basis, he’s not going to garner much interest.

RUNNING BACKS

The top of the RB mountain is majestic this week, leading off with Andrew Harris ($9,427) getting his chance to run through Toronto’s eighth-ranked run defence (141.3 YPG allowed). He’ll put up monster numbers if the Bombers give him at least 20 touches. C.J. Gable ($9,243) has produced at least 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his three games and carved up the Lions for 140 total yards and a major on 26 touches in Week 2.

William Stanback ($9,087) may not duplicate his 203-yard performance from last week but did show Fantasy users (and the Alouettes) what he could do when given 20-plus touches from scrimmage. James Wilder Jr. ($9,083) will struggle with rushing yards against Winnipeg, but his pass receiving makes up for it. John White ($6,951) should be better the second time around against an Eskimos defence that held him to 24 yards on eight carries in Week 2.

Montreal’s struggles in run defence could translate into a rebound week for Mossis Madu ($6,370), who hasn’t been effective since Week 1. Hamilton allows a league-worst 144 YPG on the ground; this could be a breakout game for Carey, who looked solid in his CFL debut against the Roughriders last week. Williams’ return skills make him a strong RB2 even if he’s yielding touches to Carey. Maleek Irons ($3,000) should be the lead back for Hamilton, but look for Jackson Bennett ($2,500) and receiver Anthony Coombs ($3,890) to see touches.

RECEIVERS

Poor Brandon Banks ($14,000). His 15.4 Fantasy points in last week’s loss to the Alouettes was his “worst” outing of the season. That will change as he and Masoli will attempt to connect at least 10-15 times. Greg Ellingson ($9,495) is averaging seven catches per game, so of course he’s going to produce. If it feels like all Lemar Durant ($6,620) does is catch touchdowns, then you’re not the only one. Durant has four straight games with TD catches and it’s hard to envision that streak stopping against the Stamps.

Darvin Adams ($7,971) has had two slow games but facing the Argos will be the reset the Bombers big-play weapon needs. Ottawa won’t go anywhere with Brad Sinopoli ($8,130) being a non-factor. Bet that was drilled in the head of Davis. Toronto’s Llevi Noel ($5,722) is wolfing targets away from S.J. Green ($6,356) and Derel Walker ($6,805), while Montreal’s B.J. Cunningham($5,894) remains the best (and lone) option in Montreal’s passing game.

Eric Rogers ($7,867) has four touchdowns in his last two games, but there’s a chance Reggie Begelton ($6,307) bumps Rogers as Arbuckle’s favorite target. Red zone beast Drew Wolitarsky ($5,619) should get his share of targets against Toronto. Coombs is a low end sleeper that will fit into the Ticats ground game.

DEFENCES

Winnipeg ($6,251) gets the struggling Argos at home, making them a solid choice despite the high salary. Calgary ($5,763) is an intriguing play, especially if Fantasy users buy into Masoli throwing often. Ottawa ($4,215) is a reasonable D to run with as the Als are averaging a meh-like 23.3 points per game. Montreal is actually an interesting value play due to Ottawa’s turnover-prone manners.