By Bob Coatsworth,
CFL.ca
Putting a fantasy lineup together to open a new football season can be a daunting task.
Players switch teams in the off-season, they take on different roles and shuffle up and down depth charts. Being informed about who’s going to be on the field for opening kickoff gives your fantasy team the opportunity to flourish, while others learn from their mistakes.
If you can avoid taking a mulligan on the first week, it’ll go a long way at the end of the season when a few precious points can win the pool. Knowing what’s going on gives you a slight edge on the competition, and like G.I. Joe used to say, “Knowing is half the battle.”
Here’s a look at the eight CFL clubs, what personnel changes they’ve made and how those players fit in with their new teams.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
The Argos made the most highly-publicized move of the off-season, bringing in suspended Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams. Barring any setbacks, the 2002 NFL rushing leader will be Toronto’s starter. Given his immense upside, Williams is going to be a popular pick early in the season. As for the rest of the team, the Argonauts look similar to 2005 offensively with the exception of adding multi-purpose receiver Keith Stokes from Winnipeg. Stokes isn’t much to get excited about since he won’t be more than a third or fourth option in the passing game. His worth will be proven on special teams. Former Carolina Panthers starting receiver Donald Hayes signed with the Argonauts on Wednesday and might be worth keeping an eye on.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Montreal’s experiment with former Dallas Cowboy Quincy Carter lasted just a few days of camp, so Anthony Calvillo is assured to lead the Als at quarterback again this season. Nealon Greene replaces Ted White as the second stringer, finally giving Calvillo some capable, veteran experience at the position. Dave Stala should get more looks at slotback this season with Terry Vaughn now in Hamilton.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Jason Maas won’t have to fight for playing time with Ricky Ray in 2006, as he’s found a starting job with the Tiger-Cats. Corey Holmes and Josh Ranek make up a revamped Ticats backfield, while Jesse Lumsden pursues an NFL career with the Washington Redskins. Holmes and Ranek were big fantasy producers in 2005, so it will be interesting to see how much their value drops sharing time together on the same team. Kwame Cavil and Vaughn join a receiving corps that never had a true number one last season.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Onterrio Smith made headlines signing with the Bombers. He, however, has been sidelined by a foot injury for most of training camp and is in danger of being cut. As it stands, Charles Roberts, last year’s CFL rushing leader, will retain his hold on the starting job. Winnipeg picked up quarterback Brad Banks from Ottawa in the Dispersal Draft. He’ll likely start the season in a backup role, but has potential to thrive in the starting position should Kevin Glenn fall short.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
The defending Grey Cup champions return the same lineup offensively with the exception of Khari Jones and Steven Jyles in secondary quarterbacking roles. Jones has the edge to assume the backup job to Ricky Ray, but the Eskimos have been impressed with Jyles’ athleticism. Troy Davis will start at running back, while Jason Tucker remains the team’s big play receiver.
B.C. LIONS
Dave Dickenson was one of the most consistent fantasy pivots in the CFL last season, throwing just five interceptions to go against 21 touchdowns. With Casey Printers off to the NFL, Dickenson won’t have a quarterback controversy to worry about and should be good for an easy 25 points every week. Paul McCallum moves over from Saskatchewan to become B.C.’s new kicker. Antonio Warren led the league with 13 rushing touchdowns in 2005 and is still the number one running back. Don’t count out NFL Europe star Joe Smith. The Lions signed him last month and he’s making a push for strong consideration.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Calgary’s biggest off-season transaction was the acquisition of free agent wide receiver Elijah Thurmon. Thurmon was the go-to-guy in Regina last season, leading the Roughriders with 88 catches and 1,048 yards. With the Stamps he joins an already potent group of receivers in Nik Lewis, Jeremaine Copeland, Ken-Yon Rambo and newcomers Markus Howell and Scotty Anderson. In his new surroundings you won’t be able to bank on the same production from Thurmon. Avoid him for the first week to see how he fits in. Former Ticat Danny McManus is the team’s new backup quarterback.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
The Riders have big plans to open up their offence this year. New quarterback Kerry Joseph will play a large part in that. Joseph will have former Renegade teammate Jason Armstead as his primary receiving target. Saskatchewan added both players through the Dispersal Draft and together, they should form a high-octane duo. Hec Crighton trophy winner Andy Fantuz looks to find regular playing time at slotback, while fellow Canadian university grads Rob Pikula and Luca Congi are battling it out to be the team’s new kicker.
Bob Coatsworth works as an editorial coordinator at The Score Television Network and has been a fantasy sports enthusiast for years.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
