Week 21 Fantasy Locks: Something to play for

TORONTO — With some of the league’s biggest stars set to take in Week 21 from the sidelines, the final week of the season provides some pretty obvious Fantasy locks.

Quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and Cody Fajardo are two of the most popular players in Fantasy this week. They’re also two of this week’s three Fantasy locks, leading their respective teams into matchups that will ultimately decide first-round matchups.

For Hannah Nordman, Fajardo is worth the high price tag in a favourable matchup against the resting Eskimos.

“He’s a little more expensive at nearly $11,000, but he is feeling it right now,” said Nordman. “Twenty-six points last week, I was pretty happy with that. Cody Fajardo is going to be in my lineup along with a bunch of other Riders and Stampeders this week.”

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Pat Steinberg is turning to Bo Levi Mitchell, who’s coming off a four touchdown game vs. Winnipeg that saw him put up 30-plus points. Mitchell could benefit from an indoor matchup against the struggling Lions, with Calgary needing a victory to secure a home playoff game.

“I just take a look at this situation and what the Stampeders need to do and who they’re playing, I would be stunned if he doesn’t have another huge Fantasy week,” said Steinberg. “Against the BC Lions, he’s coming in at less than $10,000 — I’m going with Bo Levi Mitchell as my lock of the week.”

Staying in Calgary, Jeff Krever rounds out this week’s locks with a rare defensive pick against a Lions’ offence expected to start Danny O’Brien.

“I know a popular strategy out there is to not play a defence,” said Krever. “I’ve played a defence every week this year, and I think it’s really helped me because if you’re getting 10 or more points every week, it really is a boost to your lineup — you’re basically playing an extra position on your team.

“Given the Lions’ inexperience at quarterback and how good the Stampeders’ defence has been this season, I think that unit comes up with a gem.”

CFL Fantasy Podcast, Ep. 49: Playoffs?! Don’t talk about playoffs

As some CFL teams start looking ahead to the playoffs, Pat, Jeff and Hannah try to navigate a challenging final week in TSN CFL Fantasy.

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 Maleek Irons, Marcus Thigpen, and Jalin Marshall.

Irons could see a spike in production if the Ticats choose to sit Tyrell Sutton. The rookie running back had 10 carries for 43 yards last week, adding two more touches through the air.

“Maleek Irons is my cheap $2,500 guy,” said Krever. “I think he gets in the game and plays for the Ticats. Good Canadian, young player and is in their future plans. I think they get him some experience and see what he can do over the stretch of an entire game.”

For players like Irons and Riders running back Marcus Thigpen, it’ll be important to keep an eye on the depth charts going into this week’s games. Thigpen has also increased his role lately and could be a vital part of the Riders’ playoff success.

“If Powell is going to be limited, I really like Thigpen,” said Steinberg. “You know he’s got the ability in the return game, he’s still a very dynamic runner. I do think that at just under $3,100, especially depending on what we find on the depth chart, there’s some intrigue in Thigpen.”

Ticats receiver Jalin Marshall rounds out this week’s money picks, as he looks to take advantage of an offence that could rest a number of starters this week including Brandon Banks and Bralon Addison.

“Placed on the one-game injured list last game, but with that playing time opened up you may see his return,” said Nordman. “He had 85 yards and a touchdown over Ottawa. This guy can put up big points, he’s only $2,500, playing time is available. Check him out if he’s on that depth chart.”

Projections below powered by DailyRoto.

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 21 Money Picks

CFL Fantasy Podcast Week 21 Locks