Week 14 Fantasy Locks: Plenty of cost efficient options

TORONTO — Fantasy players will have to get creative if they want to insert a high-cost receiver such as Reggie Begelton ($10,621) or Brandon Banks ($12,591) into lineups this weekend.

Begelton and Banks are the top-projected receivers for Week 14 and could easily pay off in TSN CFL Fantasy presented by LeoVegas. However, in order for it to work, cost-efficiency must be found elsewhere throughout the lineup.

Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman offer up this week’s locks, as well as bargain picks of $3,500 or less.

One low-cost option that could open up cap space is Ticats pivot Dane Evans, who is Nordman’s lock of the week.

“I’m hoping that Hamilton-Calgary game is a high-scoring game, and the only guy I feel confident locking in right now is Dane Evans,” she said. “I think he gets the ball where it needs to go, and at $6,100 I can manage locking that salary into my lineup.”

» Play TSN CFL Fantasy presented by LeoVegas today!

While many Fantasy users are looking Begelton’s way — despite his high cost — Steinberg has a different Stampeders receiver in mind.

“I think Eric Rogers is in line for a huge game,” said Steinberg. “They got him re-established on Saturday against Edmonton. Eight targets, six catches. This Reggie Begelton story isn’t getting lost on the rest of the league. I think when you’ve got those two guys both capable of dominant games, it’s going to open things up for the guy that was previously getting blanketed.”

Finally, on the running back radar, there are plenty of intriguing options in Week 14. For Krever, no one has a higher ceiling than William Stanback vs. the Riders.

“Part of it has to do with the Jeremiah Johnson injury, but he’s got a really good matchup against the Riders,” said Krever. “Not saying they aren’t good at defending the run, but their secondary is terrific and this is a week that the Alouettes really have to focus on running the football and getting William Stanback involved.

“They need to find ways to get him in space and running downhill because in my opinion he’s the best running back in the CFL.”

CFL Fantasy Podcast, Ep. 42: The new WR1

Has Reggie Begelton become the top receiving option in TSN CFL Fantasy? Plus, could Jonathon Jennings haunt his former team? Pat Steinberg, Jeff Krever and Hannah Nordman debate.

Every week, the podcast trio also submits money picks — $3,500 or less — to help you break the cap. This week’s top value choices are Josh Huff, Shaq Johnson and Chris Matthews.

While Johnson has been hit or miss this season for the Lions, a matchup with the struggling REDBLACKS presents big-play opportunities. So far the speedster’s longest play of the season remains 53 yards, set back in Week 6 vs. the Riders.

“I do think there’s going to be some passing in that game, I think both Reilly and Jennings have the opportunity of airing the ball out,” said Steinberg. “I don’t love either team’s secondary, there’s some receiving yards to be had. Shaq Johnson is a boom or bust play, but he’s got burner speed and if this is an aerial game he’s a threat to bust off a big gain.”

In Calgary, the Stampeders’ dynamic duo of Rogers and Begelton gets all the press, but an injury to Markeith Ambles opens the door for a third American receiver to step in and make in impact.

“I’m going to that wide receiver factory in Calgary,” said Krever. “Every time the Stamps get injuries at receiver, a new young guy comes along and becomes a star. They take these guys from the practice roster and they get it done. Josh Huff, third round NFL Draft pick, he was a star with the Oregon Ducks, he’s fast — he’s a good player and, given the opportunity at that boundary wide receiver spot, he’s earning the trust of Bo Levi Mitchell, I think he’s due for a really big game.”

Rounding out this week’s money picks is Chris Matthews, who could make his Alouette debut with a trip to Saskatchewan.

“This kind of feels like cheating, but if he plays, I really think Chris Matthews should be in your lineup,” said Nordman. “I don’t think you should wait a week. If he comes in and has a huge week, he’s jumping right up [in price]. You will not see a cheaper Chris Matthews and I think there’s some big potential.”

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

Projections below powered by DailyRoto.

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 14 Locks

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 14 Money Picks