By Bob Coatsworth,
CFL.ca
FANTASY PICKS
Calgary (7-7-1) @ Winnipeg (8-6-1)
Friday, October 19 – 8:00 PM ET
The Stamps and Bombers were the last to face each other in Week 16, but will take the field first in a Week 17 full of rematches. This time in Winnipeg, the Bombers would be wise to find a way to get Charles Roberts more involved with some key pass catchers hurting. Roberts touched the ball 15 times last week, but hasn’t been getting it nearly enough over the last month and Winnipeg’s 1-3 record reflects that. Much of the outcome of this game hinges on whether or not Henry Burris plays. If Burris starts, expect him to build a lead and keep the Stampeders ahead by going after Winnipeg’s depleted secondary. If Tom Higgins goes with Ben Sankey the game plan will be much more conservative and should allow the Bombers to steal a win at home. I’ll wager a guess that Higgins opts to protect his starter with not much at stake in this game.
My Pick: Winnipeg 27 Calgary 23
Toronto (8-7) @ Montreal (7-8)
Saturday, October 20 – 3:00 PM ET
Montreal looked tough jumping out to a 10-0 lead quickly in Toronto, but then their offence fell asleep. The Argonauts have won six of their last seven. The Als have dropped four of their last five. Toronto looks to be the pick here, but history shows over the last two seasons that it’s been difficult for one to dominate the other late in the year. I’ll bank on the Alouettes to get their offence going on the new field turf at the Big O.
My Pick: Montreal 26 Toronto 18
Edmonton (5-9-1) @ B.C. Lions (11-3-1)
Saturday, October 20 – 10:00 PM ET
The Eskimos turned in a phenomenal effort against the Lions in Edmonton last week only to come up short in the end. Stefan LeFors surprised many critics with a much better performance than he turned in during his first two appearances. Although he had three passes intercepted he made things happen with his legs, rushing for 60 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Lions have won five in a row and five of their last six at home versus the Esks. Their late-season stumble before the playoffs will have to wait at least another week.
My Pick: B.C. Lions 31 Edmonton 16
Hamilton (2-13) @ Saskatchewan (10-5)
Sunday, October 21 – 6:00 PM ET
Terry Caulley has proven to be a nice replacement for Jesse Lumsden in Hamilton’s offence. He was responsible for their fast start at home last week before they went cold from the second quarter on. Former Hec Crighton winner Andy Fantuz had a career day for Saskatchewan amassing 240 receiving yards and three touchdowns. With a home playoff date within reach the Roughriders will cruise past the Tiger-Cats. Hamilton has lost five straight in Regina by an average of 18 points.
My Pick: Saskatchewan 42 Hamilton 15
PLAYER RANKINGS
Quarterbacks
1. Kerry Joseph
2. Henry Burris*
3. Anthony Calvillo
4. Jarious Jackson
5. Kevin Glenn
Running Backs
1. Joe Smith
2. Charles Roberts
3. Joffrey Reynolds
4. Wes Cates
5. Terry Caulley
Wide Receivers
1. D.J. Flick
2. Kerry Watkins
3. Andy Fantuz
4. Ken-Yon Rambo
5. Jeremaine Copeland
6. Paris Jackson
7. Terrence Edwards
8. Tony Miles
Slotbacks
1. Ben Cahoon
2. Jason Clermont
3. Geroy Simon
4. Milt Stegall
5. Arland Bruce
Kickers
1. Damon Duval
2. Paul McCallum
3. Rob Pikula
4. Sean Fleming
*- player’s ranking affected by injury status
Injury Notes:
Calgary – Henry Burris worked out with the scout team this week, while Ben Sankey was getting first-team reps. The Stampeders are being very careful with Burris since they don’t want to re-aggravate the injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Coach Tom Higgins says a starter won’t be named until game time, but if practice is any indication, Burris will sit out. If you can find out for sure before tonight’s 7:30 p.m. ET roster deadline it will be a huge advantage considering Burris is regularly a 30-plus points player each week.
Winnipeg – Kicker Troy Westwood will sit for a third consecutive week. Rob Pikula will handle the field-goal duties. Receivers Derick Armstrong (calf) and Arjei Franklin (shoulder) have missed practice time during the week. Armstrong is listed as questionable, while Franklin is doubtful. Offensive lineman Matt Sheridan (ankle) is a doubtful starter, but centre Obby Khan (knee) is expected to play. Valuable cornerback Juran Bolden suffered a back injury at Calgary last week and will be replaced by Robert Bean.
Edmonton – Receiver Trevor Gaylor has fallen out of favour with Danny Maciocia and could be left off the active roster on Saturday. Maurice Mann is expected to take his spot if this happens. Jason Tucker (knee) and Tyler Ebell (shoulder, ankle) sat out of practice again this week with nagging problems, but should play. This routine has been the same for the last few weeks. T.J. Acree (foot) is listed as questionable, but is probably closer to doubtful.
B.C. Lions – Jarious Jackson will start at quarterback again in Week 17. Paul McCallum, despite coming off a game he called the worst punting performance of his career, will be in the lineup for the Lions Saturday.
Saskatchewan – Fullback Chris Szarka will be out Sunday after slicing the tips of two of his fingers off in a power-saw accident. They were surgically re-attached and he’s expected to miss 3-4 weeks. Neal Hughes takes his place. Matt Dominguez (knee) will not play in Week 17.
Hamilton – Richie Williams and Timmy Chang could both see time at quarterback if Casey Printers (back) isn’t ready for Sunday. Defensive back Damian Anderson has gone home to St. Louis for personal reasons. He’s expected to miss the remainder of the season. That will cause some shuffling in the secondary and could result in Jykine Bradley making his first start of the year. Brock Ralph (shoulder) is hurting again and is doubtful to play. Chris Bauman (leg) is hobbled but expected to play.
Bob Coatsworth is Content Producer at TheScore.ca 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)
