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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Edmonton at Montreal
Thursday | 7:30 p.m. ET
C.J. Gable, RB, EDM
All signs are pointing towards C.J. Gable ($6,378) starting at running back this week for the Eskimos in their matchup against Montreal. Gable has practised all week and is listed at the top of the running back depth chart. Still, prospective owners may want to check in right before the game, as the Eskimos have added Shaq Cooper ($2,500), meaning one American running back is likely to be scratched.
Shaq Cooper, RB, EDM
The Eskimos have listed Shaq Cooper ($2,500) on their depth chart this week. This may just be precautionary in the event C.J. Gable ($6,378) isn’t able to go. Either way Cooper is a flimsy play with no certainty of getting any carries in Week 7.
Bryant Mitchell, REC, EDM
Bryant Mitchell ($3,359) still can’t get into the starting lineup on the Eskimos’ offence. Mitchell was considered a potential breakout star going into 2018, but an early-season injury and the re-emergence of Kenny Stafford put things on hold. The talent is oozing, but until the opportunity arises, Mitchell is difficult to trust.
Vernon Adams Jr., QB, MTL
The Alouettes have announced that Vernon Adams Jr. ($5,000) will start Thursday night vs. Edmonton. With his running ability, Adams could offer value at the quarterback position, going into Week 7 with the lowest salary among starting pivots. But it’s still a risky play, especially with the team preparing at least one package for Johnny Manziel ($7,000).
Adarius Bowman, REC, MTL
Newly-acquired Adarius Bowman ($2,630) will not be in the lineup for the Montreal Alouettes this week. Bowman has not been a factor at all this season and will look to eventually resurrect his career when he gets on the field.
Johnny Manziel, QB, MTL
While he won’t start, Johnny Manziel ($7,000) will see the field this week for the Montreal Alouettes. He’ll be fun to watch, but should not be deployed on Fantasy lineups until he’s named the starter. That could happen as early as Week 8.
Chris Harper, QB, MTL
With Chris Williams traded, the starting boundary wideout position in Montreal appears to belong to Chris Harper ($2,500). Harper has a chance to become a key Fantasy contributor down the road, but for now he’s nothing more than a dart throw — especially with a new QB in Vernon Adams under centre.
Toronto at Winnipeg
Friday | 8:30 p.m. ET
James Wilder Jr., RB, TOR
After reportedly leaving practice Wednesday with a lower body injury, James Wilder Jr. ($7,983) is listed as the starting running back on the Argos’ depth chart. It’s a positive sign, though it doesn’t guarantee he’ll start as Martese Jackson ($3,573) and Brandon Burks ($2,500) will also be ready to go. Make sure you check in close to game time if you plan to play him.
Dexter McCluster, RB, TOR
Also removed from Wednesday’s practice was Dexter McCluster ($2,500), another Argos running back whose status is up in the air for the team’s Week 7 visit to Winnipeg. McCluster was trending towards playing his first game with the team after signing last week, but his debut may have to wait.
Martese Jackson, RB, TOR
With Wilder potentially sidelined, Martese Jackson ($3,573) could see a significant bump in value this week as the next in line for carries. He could split the work with Brandon Burks ($2,500), but his work in the return game gives him the potential to vastly out-perform his low salary. So far Jackson has been a disappointment in 2018 from a Fantasy perspective.
Brandon Burks, RB, TOR
If you can trust the Argos’ running game, Brandon Burks ($2,500) will be a solid value buy should James Wilder Jr. ($7,983) have to miss Friday’s Week 7 contest. Burks, just 24 years old, has been able to see limited snaps in the Argos’ offence already this season, and turned heads in his first pre-season with the team.
Kenbrell Thompkins, REC, WPG
Former NFL receiver Kenbrell Thompkins ($2,500) is listed as the starting receiver in Adarius Bowman’s old position. Thompkins has taken all the reps there in practice according to TSN’s Darrin Bauming, and could be an underrated value pick if he can take some of Bowman’s targets.
Ottawa at Hamilton
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. ET
Luke Tasker, REC, HAM
According to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, Luke Tasker ($6,933) has been ruled out for the Ticats’ Week 7 matchup with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Both he and Terrence Toliver ($5,640) will miss Saturday’s game.
Chris Williams, REC, HAM
Chris Williams ($4,863) will make his Ticats debut on Saturday, June Jones has told TSN’s Matthew Scianitti. Williams could play a big part in the team’s plans with Luke Tasker ($6,933) and Terrence Toliver ($5,640) both sidelined.
Terrence Toliver, REC, HAM
In addition to Luke Tasker ($6,933), the Ticats are down another receiver with Terrence Toliver ($5,640) sidelined for Saturday’s game, according to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti.
Alex Green, RB, HAM
Injured running back Alex Green ($6,181) has reportedly returned to practice this week, but isn’t likely to be removed from the six-game injured list before Saturday’s contest with Ottawa. Green’s return could further complicate a crowded Hamilton backfield, but for now John White ($3,112) appears to be emerging as the lead back.
Calgary at Saskatchewan
Saturday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Bo Levi Mitchell, QB, CGY
There don’t appear to be any concerns surrounding Bo Levi Mitchell ($8,535) and his injured knee. Mitchell returned to practice this week and said he was moving around better, making him a full go ahead of this week’s matchup with the Riders. That Saskatchewan defence is a tough draw, but Mitchell’s price tag is attractive.
