Jason Halstead/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The TSN CFL Fantasy game is easy for any fan to play, with just seven roster spots and a $40,000 salary cap.
However, success requires, at a bare minimum, knowledge of which star players are sitting due to injury. With such small rosters, a wasted spot on a player who isn’t in the lineup can be a devastating blow to your week’s score.
Meanwhile, the more dedicated Fantasy player will want to keep close tabs on who’s practising with the first-team offence. 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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Hamilton at Saskatchewan
Thursday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Brandon Bridge, QB, SSK
After being pulled at halftime during last weekend’s loss to Montreal, Brandon Bridge ($5,341) will start for the Riders Thursday night vs. Hamilton. The price is right if you feel the Canadian quarterback can have a bounce back performance. However, Bridge could have a short leash once again, with David Watford ($5,000) looking over his shoulder. Either quarterback is a high-risk play at this point.
Jerome Messam, RB, SSK
While his ownership numbers are trending downward, too many Fantasy players are still deploying Jerome Messam ($3,889) in their lineups based on his early-season output. Last week Messam did not receive a single touch, and is listed as the third back going into Thursday meaning Chris Jones will continue to lean on his Americans in Tre Mason ($3,000) and Marcus Thigpen ($4,000).
Shaquelle Evans, REC, SSK
With Duron Carter making his third consecutive start at corner, Shaquelle Evans ($2,500) continues to handle the boundary wideout position for the Riders. Evans is emerging as a second option in the Riders’ passing game and is worth consideration after racking up 133 yards and seven catches in two games, although he draws an undesirable matchup against corner Delvin Breaux who can shut down the very best.
John White, RB, HAM
The Ticats have activated international running back John White ($4,316) and listed him as a backup for Thursday’s visit to Regina. White is a boom-or-bust option this week, as the talented back is also competing with Mercer Timmis ($3,000) and Sean Thomas-Erlington ($3,000) for touches. The Ticats are also facing as tout Rider run defence this week, making White a difficult option to trust despite his upside.
Ottawa at Montreal
Friday | 7:30 p.m. ET
William Powell, RB, OTT
The REDBLACKS said they originally planned to get William Powell ($8,289) the ball a lot more than the 13 carries he got vs. Calgary. Powell is off to a terrific start, averaging 108.5 rushing yards per game early in the season, and could see much heavier usage if his team can play with the lead against the Montreal Alouettes.
Drew Willy, QB, MTL
It’s looking highly unlikely Drew Willy ($6,069) will play in Week 4 after missing the first two days of practice this week. Jeff Mathews ($5,000) has run the first-team offence in Willy’s absence. The bye week could influence the Als’ decision to hold Willy out this week as he sets his sights on a Week 6 return.
Jeff Mathews, QB, MTL
Jeff Mathews ($5,000) continues to handle first-team reps for the Als in practice in the absence of Drew Willy ($6,069). Mathews has the arm and the weapons at his disposal to do some damage, and comes at the right price as the cheapest Week 4 starter, but is considered a high-risk play in a home date with the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Edmonton at Toronto
Saturday | 5:30 p.m. ET
Bryant Mitchell, REC, EDM
Bryant Mitchell ($3,579) continues to be a full participant at practice for the Eskimos, pointing all fingers towards a Week 4 return. Mitchell emerged as a reliable target for Mike Reilly in 2017 and could be quite the sleeper in his first game back.
Rodney Smith, REC, TOR
Following the release of Brian Tyms, former NFL receiver and 6-foot-6 Rodney Smith ($2,500) could see an opportunity to move into the starting role at boundary wideout. Keep an eye on the depth charts this week as that has been a productive position in Marc Trestman’s offence and could produce an intriguing sleeper at minimal cost.
James Franklin, QB, TOR
With Ricky Ray ($8,326) possibly done for the year, James Franklin ($6,000) is getting his fourth career start and his first as a Toronto Argonaut. This is a big opportunity for Franklin, the CFL’s most highly-touted prospect for the last couple of years. Fantasy players will have to decide whether the small price tag outweighs the risk of a first-time starter, but there’s potential for a big outing in what could be a high-scoring game.
BC at Winnipeg
Saturday | 8:30 p.m. ET
Matt Nichols, QB, WPG
A day after being activated from the 6-game injured list, Matt Nichols ($7,808) shared first-team reps with rookie Chris Streveler in his return to practice Wednesday. With it being a Saturday game and Nichols ramping up activity, the odds are trending towards Nichols starting on Saturday. Keep an eye on the situation, as Nichols would be an intriguing play against a struggling Lions’ secondary and would also impact the value of his receivers
