Peter McCabe/CFL.ca
TSN CFL Fantasy presented by LeoVegas is easy to play with just seven roster spots and a $40,000 salary cap.
However, success does require a healthy team, with all seven players in active CFL lineups. With such small rosters, an empty slot can be a devastating blow to your week’s score.
In addition, practice reports can be the source of hidden gems that produce big numbers despite low ownership percentage, providing an edge over the rest of the field.
With that, CFL.ca breaks down some of the critical roster notes for each game.
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Montreal at Ottawa
Friday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Dominique Rhymes, WR, OTT
REDBLACKS receiver Dominique Rhymes ($5,687) won’t play Friday vs. Montreal. The young receiver has had a fine season for Ottawa but won’t get to build on his 1,056-yard campaign.
Dominique Davis, QB, OTT
Dominique Davis ($5,190) will be the REDBLACKS’ starting quarterback on Friday. The dual-threat quarterback is an intriguing buy-low option against a Montreal team looking ahead to the post-season.
Will Arndt, QB, OTT
After starting the last three games, Will Arndt ($5,000) will back up Dominique Davis ($5,190) when the REDBLACKS play their final game of 2019. The 26-year-old rookie has thrown three touchdown passes and averaged 5.6 yards per attempt this season.
John Crockett, RB, OTT
The REDBLACKS will have John Crockett ($4,314) back in the lineup vs. Montreal. Crockett was enjoying a strong first year in the CFL before being injured back in Week 11.
Jerminic Smith, WR, OTT
Rookie receiver Jerminic Smith ($2,500) will get the start for the REDBLACKS at receiver. Smith caught four passes for 38 yards in his debut earlier this season, but carries some risk even as a low-cost purchase.
Vernon Adams Jr., QB, MTL
Vernon Adams ($10,195) is listed as the Alouettes’ starting quarterback for the last game of the regular season. The Als pulled him at halftime last week, so don’t expect him to play much as the team gets ready for the playoffs.
William Stanback, RB, MTL
With Jeremiah Johnson ($5,504) sidelined, William Stanback ($7,044) will be the Als’ starting running back on Friday. Jarveon Williams ($2,500) is also on the depth chart, so don’t expect Stanback to get too much work with the playoffs in sight.
DeVier Posey, WR, MTL
Veteran receiver DeVier Posey ($6,301) will sit again for the Als. The veteran speedster has dealt with some injuries his first season in Montreal, so the team will make sure he’s well rested for the post-season.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, MTL
Jeremiah Johnson ($5,504) won’t play on Friday vs. Montreal. Johnson has seen his role increase over the second half of the season, and he’ll get some much deserved rest before the playoffs.
Quan Bray, WR, MTL
Quan Bray ($5,348) is one of several receivers out of the Alouettes’ starting lineup this week. A more appropriate question might be ‘who’s playing’? Bray has been one of the CFL’s biggest breakout stars in 2019.
Matt Shiltz, QB, MTL
Despite being listed as the backup, Matt Shiltz ($5,167) should see plenty of snaps in the season finale vs. Ottawa. Still, it would be hard to trust a non-starter from a Fantasy perspective.
Chris Matthews, WR, MTL
Veteran receiver Chris Matthews ($3,422) will sit out the team’s finale on Friday. Matthews has become a touchdown dependent option in Fantasy, with three of his nine catches going for majors since joining the Als.
Kaion Julien-Grant, WR, MTL
Draft pick Kaion Julien-Grant ($2,500) will make his first start on Friday vs. Ottawa. In a meaningless game, this is as good a time as any for the Alouettes to get a good look at their 2019 selection.
Dante Absher, WR, MTL
With the Alouettes resting some of their top receivers, Dante Absher ($2,500) will make his first start on Friday vs. Ottawa. The 25-year-old has caught one pass for five yards in his first CFL season.
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
Cody Fajardo, QB, SSK
Riders quarterback Cody Fajardo ($10,695) is questionable for Saturday’s game. It’s a stunning development for a team that’s one win away from a division title — but Fajardo injured his back during practice and was held out on Thursday. He’s listed as the starter, but fans looking to play him will need to check right up until game time.
Trevor Harris, QB, EDM
As expected, Trevor Harris ($9,805) will not play in the Eskimos’ final regular season game on Saturday vs. Saskatchewan. Harris returned from injury last weekend, but the Esks believe the extra rest will benefit him ahead of the Eastern Semi-Final.
Greg Ellingson, WR, EDM
The Eskimos will give veteran receiver Greg Ellingson ($7,488) a breather this week before the team’s trip to Montreal for the Eastern Semi-Final. Ellingson is among a handful of stars sitting out the season finale.
C.J. Gable, RB, EDM
Running back C.J. Gable ($7,373) remains sidelined against Saskatchewan. Gable has been out since Week 17, and the Eskimos have no reason to rush him back into a meaningless game.
Shaquille Cooper, RB, EDM
Shaq Cooper ($5,780) will make another start for the Eskimos at running back this week. The upside is obvious, but Fantasy users may exercise caution after he was largely contained last week vs. Saskatchewan.
Ricky Collins, WR, EDM
Ricky Collins ($5,294) won’t play in the Eskimos’ final regular season game Saturday vs. Saskatchewan. It’s a chance for Jason Maas to get his team rested and healthy before a challenging post-season trip to the East.
Logan Kilgore, QB, EDM
With Harris out again, Logan Kilgore ($5,353) will be the Eskimos’ starter in Saturday’s finale, as the Eskimos look to rest several of their starters. The risk here is that Jason Maas could take the opportunity to give Troy Williams ($5,000) some reps here as well.
Tevaun Smith, WR, EDM
Tevaun Smith ($4,282) is on the roster, but may not play vs. Saskatchewan as he’s listed in a backup role. Better to avoid Smith in a difficult week for the Eskimos’ offence.
Kevin Elliott, WR, EDM
With several stars sitting, Kevin Elliott ($3,688) draws into the Eskimos’ lineup this week. There are likely better value options this week, though the veteran is looking to make the most of a rare opportunity.
Christion Jones, RB, EDM
Returner and running back Christion Jones ($3,360) will miss the rest of the season, the Eskimos have announced. It’s a tough blow for the Eskimos’ special teams.
Diego Viamontes, WR, EDM
Diego Viamontes ($2,500) will make his first career start on Saturday vs. Saskatchewan. He was the first overall pick in the CFL Mexican draft back in January, and would be the first ever global player to start in the CFL.
Toronto at Hamilton
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET
Brandon Banks, WR, HAM
The Ticats will give CFL leading receiver Brandon Banks ($14,00o) a breather on Saturday. Banks won’t suit up as the team looks forward to hosting the Eastern Final on Nov. 17.
Bralon Addison, WR, HAM
In addition to Banks, star receiver Bralon Addison ($9,167) is also out of the lineup for Saturday’s game vs. Toronto. The Ticats are clearly resting a number of their top players as they get ready for the post-season.
Dane Evans, QB, HAM
Dane Evans ($9,073) is listed as the Ticats’ third string quarterback, making him unlikely to even dress for Saturday’s contest vs. Toronto. Prospect Hayden Moore ($5,000) is slated to start as Hamilton gets ready for the Eastern Final on Nov. 17.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, HAM
Tyrell Sutton ($5,013) will sit out the Ticats’ final game of the regular season on Saturday. The veteran could use some rest instead of playing a meaningless game, and will be replaced by American Cameron Marshall ($4,942) and Canadian Maleek Irons ($2,500).
Hayden Moore, QB, HAM
Hayden Moore ($5,000) will be the Ticats’ starting quarterback on Saturday vs. Toronto. We’ve seen other young quarterbacks thrive in this situation, yet Moore carries the risk of any first-time starter, especially with several other starters out of the lineup.
Cameron Marshall, RB, HAM
Cameron Marshall ($4,942) returns to the starting lineup on Saturday vs. Toronto. It’s a bit of an audition for Marshall, who’s fallen behind Tyrell Sutton ($5,013) on the team’s depth chart. Sutton, however, is out of the lineup in a meaningless game.
Marcus Tucker, WR, HAM
After dropping on the depth chart, Marcus Tucker ($3,569) returns to a starting role. He could be one of the Ticats’ leading receivers this weekend with Addison and Banks being rested.
Maleek Irons, RB, HAM
First-year Canadian running back Maleek Irons ($2,500) is listed as the backup to Cameron Marshall ($4,942) this week. Still, Irons should see his share of touches, and at such a low cost may be worth the dice roll in Week 21.
Jalin Marshall, WR, HAM
Jalin Marshall ($2,500) gets the start at receiver this week vs. Toronto. The Ticats could see a heavy rotation at the position, but it’s also a chance for Marshall to feature prominently as the team gets a look at some of its up and coming prospects.
Derel Walker, WR, TOR
Derel Walker ($7,985) will miss a third straight game for the Argos. The team’s leading receiver will be replaced by rookie draft pick Kurleigh Gittens Jr. ($2,500).
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB, TOR
McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($8,082) is unlikely to take any snaps for the Argos on Saturday. The veteran is listed third on the team’s depth chart behind young quarterbacks Dakota Prukop ($5,000) and Michael O’Connor ($5,000).
James Wilder Jr., QB, TOR
James Wilder ($6,940) is back on the Argos’ roster this week, but listed as the backup to A.J. Ouellette. The Argos’ running back could see limited carries in what some speculate might be his last game as an Argo.
Dakota Prukop, QB, TOR
Dakota Prukop ($5,000) will make his first career start on Saturday. The Argos’ pivot played well in second half action against the REDBLACKS in Week 21, though it’s unknown how long he’ll play with Michael O’Connor also set to take snaps.
Michael O’Connor, QB, TOR
Canadian Michael O’Connor ($5,000) is listed as the primary backup this week for the Argos. O’Connor threw his first career touchdown pass in just over a quarter or action vs. the REDBLACKS.
A.J. Ouellette, RB, TOR
A week after scoring his first career touchdown, A.J. Ouellette ($3,500) is slated to make a second consecutive start for the Argos. Ouellette should see enough touches on the ground and through the air to make him Fantasy relevant at his current low salary.
Chandler Worthy, WR, TOR
The Argos have placed receiver Chandler Worthy ($2,500) on the one-game injured list. Fantasy players will need to adjust accordingly, as Worthy was a popular buy-low option going into the week.
Kurleigh Gittens Jr., WR, TOR
Kurleigh Gittens ($2,500) will make his first career start for the Argos in place of the injured Chandler Worthy ($2,500). Gittens is a 2019 draft pick, though is difficult to trust given the Argos will play their backups at quarterback.
Calgary at BC
Saturday | 10:00 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, WR, CGY
Stamps receiver Eric Rogers ($8,294) will be sidelined for Saturday’s game vs. the BC Lions. This isn’t ideal for the Stampeders, who need a win over the Lions to clinch a home playoff game and possibly even a West Division title.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
Don Jackson ($5,555) is back in the starting role for the Stampeders at running back. He was replaced by Ante Litre the last two weeks, but should play a significant role in the team’s matchup with the BC Lions.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Returner and running back Terry Williams ($3,887) is back in the lineup for the Stampeders. He’s a boom or bust option, and there are probably better value options this week in Fantasy.
Ante Litre, RB, CGY
After starting two games, Ante Litre ($3,000) is listed third on the Stampeders’ running back depth chart. Fantasy users are advised to stay away as the volume isn’t likely to be there for Litre.
Aaron Peck, WR, CGY
Aaron Peck ($2,500) will be in the lineup in place of Eric Rogers this week vs. BC. Peck hauled in six passes for 42 yards in his debut earlier, and could be a sneaky buy-low option vs. the Lions in a critical game for the Stamps.
