CFL Fantasy Podcast, Ep. 48: Trev and Zach are back!

TORONTO — Zach Collaros is back, but should Fantasy players roll the dice if he gets the start on Friday night?

On the one hand, Collaros offers a bargain bin salary of $5,896, allowing for big spending elsewhere in the lineup. Conversely, the Bombers’ backup hasn’t played in a game since Week 1.

“He hasn’t played since the first quarter of the first game of the season,” said Hannah Nordman. “He’s injury prone, it’s his third offensive system this year. I don’t know how anyone can justify this play, especially against the Stamps defence.”

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As of Thursday morning, the Bombers have yet to make up their minds on who will start Friday’s contest vs. Calgary. Chris Streveler limped his way to the finish line in Week 19 and Collaros handled first team reps throughout practice. If he does start, Collaros will try to spark a Bombers passing game that has struggled in eight games since Matt Nichols was injured.

Though the debate may have been hypothetical, it was certainly contentious on this week’s CFL Fantasy Podcast presented by LeoVegas:

Both Hannah and Pat Steinberg will err on the side of caution when it comes to the quarterback position. Jeff Krever, however, is intrigued by a low-cost buy at the position.

“This isn’t any first-time starter that we’ve seen — Zach Collaros is a veteran,” countered Krever. “He has been in this league. He can read a defence. He’s going to get the ball to the receivers in Winnipeg. At minimum I think he gives you 15 points this week. And if that’s the floor, I’m okay with that. I’m pretty confident he lands in that 15-20 point range.”

The Bombers have struggled without Matt Nichols, going 3-5 in eight games while averaging just 6.8 yards per passing attempt. Streveler has thrown more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (7) over that span.

Perhaps Collaros could provide a much-needed spark going into the playoffs. Even so, he would undoubtedly be a bold Fantasy play given his situation.

While Jeff is quick to point out Collaros’ past success again Calgary — he went 2-0 as a starter against the Stamps last season — Pat argues the risk is too high to ignore.

“Last year against the Stamps, 49 of 69, pretty good percentage there, 622 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions but most importantly he won both his games against Calgary,” said Krever.

“I’m just not confident,” said Steinberg. “I really like Collaros and I’m cheering for him, I hope he’s able to resume his career and have a long term future in this league. But for a guy that hasn’t played since the first series of Week 1, and has been injury prone, and hasn’t been very good in recent years, he’s not on my radar.

“It’s not like we’re talking about a good matchup,” he added. “This is a Bombers offence that has not been very pass heavy, even when Matt Nichols was in at quarterback. I feel like this is going to be a heavy dose of Andrew Harris. It’s going to be a simple playbook that is put in front of Collaros. None of these things translate to a really good Fantasy game, plus you’re going up against one of the best defences in the CFL. Nothing about this seems attractive.”

The return of Trevor Harris and an awkward encounter between the Ticats and Alouettes were also among topics on this week’s podcast, as Pat, Jeff and Hannah get you ready for Week 20 in Fantasy.