Week 11 Fantasy Locks: Shaqardo warning!

TORONTO — Of all the exciting storylines through the first half of the season, one of the most intriguing might just be the emergence of the offence in Saskatchewan.

Going into the season there were plenty of question marks surrounding the Riders’ attack, especially at the quarterback position where Zach Collaros entered June as the No. 1 guy.

The rise of Cody Fajardo and a dynamic receiving duo in Kyran Moore and Shaq Evans has led to one of the most explosive offences in the league, with Saskatchewan ranking second in the CFL at 369 yards per game and a league-best 9.2 yards per pass play.

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For Jeff Krever and Pat Steinberg of the CFL Fantasy Podcast presented by LeoVegas, there’s no reason to avoid the surging Riders as they come off the bye week rested and ready to produce. Fajardo and Evans make up two of this week’s three locks on the podcast.

“When I look at the quarterbacks right now in Fantasy I like the guys that are running around a lot,” said Krever. “Fajardo is running it every single game, and he’s throwing the ball deep, among the league leaders in yards per attempt. I didn’t think I would see the day this year when the Saskatchewan Roughriders are the second-ranked offence in the CFL. Here we are today. Like that offence, like Cody Fajardo, he’s my lock.”

“I love the price tag, under $6,500,” Steinberg said of Evans. “Love the matchup against the Ottawa REDBLACKS, one of three teams allowing more than 300 yards per game through the air. I think the Riders are going to have a nice game through the air, I think Evans is going to get a ton of targets. He’s my lock of the week.”

While Pat and Jeff zero in on the Riders, Hannah Nordman likes the matchup for the Alouettes’ offence and Vernon Adams Jr. against the Argos. Toronto has allowed a league-worst 9.1 yards per attempt this year and an opposing quarterback rating of 111.1, the second-worst in the CFL.

“There’s nothing I don’t like about him,” said Nordman. “He didn’t miss a beat coming back from injury, threw 50 times, ran the ball. I think Toronto’s still exploitable. He’s no longer in that super cheap quarterback category, he’s up around $9,500 but I’m okay with it. I think Vernon Adams is putting up a big total again this week.”

CFL Fantasy Podcast, Ep. 39: The contingency plan

What’s life without Matt Nichols like in Winnipeg? Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman discuss Chris Streveler’s Fantasy prospects and more in the CFL Fantasy Podcast presented by LeoVegas.

Every week, the podcast trio also submits money picks of under $3,500 in value to accompany locks. This week Jake Wieneke, Chris Matthews and Rodney Smith are intriguing bargain bin pickups.

“If you feel good about this Montreal matchup and you think there are going to be big points on the Alouettes side, Wieneke had five receptions last week, a season-high, he’s got four touchdowns on the year, they’re looking at him in the end zone. I don’t think you can miss on Jake Wieneke at under $3,000.”

For Steinberg, the absence of Matt Nichols shouldn’t have much of an effect on Matthews. In fact, some might argue the hulking receiver could benefit from Streveler’s cannon of an arm.

“I still think Chris Matthews is going to have a breakout game for Winnipeg,” added Steinberg. “To see him at just over $3,000 and to see him break that 50-plus yard reception against BC, it’s too tempting not to. Even if he doesn’t have a big game you’re probably OK with a few points regardless at his price.”

Rounding out this week’s bargain picks is Smith, who’s quietly contributing each week in a role with the Argos.

“Second year in the league, he’s a big man, he’s 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, you don’t mess with that guy,” said Krever. “Made a highlight-reel catch last week, but the thing I like about it is he’s earning the trust of McLeod Bethel-Thompson.”

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

Projections below powered by DailyRoto.

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 11 Locks

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 11 Money Picks