The Canadian Press
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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Ottawa at Toronto
Thursday | 7 p.m. ET
James Franklin, QB, TOR
Four games into his stint as a starting quarterback, James Franklin ($7,844) finds himself on the Argos’ bench after being replaced by McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($6,000). We liked Franklin’s Fantasy upside as a starter, but for now he’s a non-option, so make sure he’s out of your lineup in Week 8.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, QB, TOR
Former NFL quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson ($6,000) will make his first career start Thursday night vs. Ottawa. Marc Trestman has been true to his word that it’s an open competition for the No. 1 job in Toronto with Ricky Ray sidelined, and now it’s Bethel-Thompson’s turn. The 30-year-old has a rocket of an arm and offers a low salary, but is considered a risky option against a tricky Noel Thorpe-coached defence.
S.J. Green, REC, TOR
The Argos have listed S.J. Green ($5,344) as their starting slotback despite the veteran reportedly nursing a knee injury in practice this week. While his production has been all over the place, Green is still among the league leaders in targets and offers upside at a price of $5,344.
Anthony Coombs, REC, TOR
Week 10 appears to be the targeted return date for Anthony Coombs ($2,651), who has yet to play in 2018 after suffering an injury in training camp. Coombs was rumoured to be close but didn’t make the team’s lineup for Thursday night vs. Ottawa.
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
Thursday | 10 p.m. ET
Zach Collaros, QB, SSK
The Riders have named Zach Collaros ($6,145) their starting quarterback for Thursday night’s contest vs. the Eskimos. Collaros has been out since the second game of the season and will look to spark a struggling Rider passing game that ranks last in the CFL. With Duron Carter ($3,763) back on offence, Collaros offers value as the second-cheapest starting quarterback in Fantasy in Week 8.
Brandon Bridge, QB, SSK
Brandon Bridge ($5,432) won’t start on Thursday, but according to Chris Jones will get some playing time. He is not a recommended play with Zach Collaros ($6,145) back under centre for the Green and White.
Marcus Thigpen, RB, SSK
With Jerome Messam released following a criminal charge, Marcus Thigpen ($5,045) should see some more opportunities out of the Riders’ backfield. Don’t mistake him for a workhorse — he’s best used when in open space — but he offers solid value against an Edmonton run defence that ranks second-worst in the CFL.
Tre Mason, RB, SSK
Tre Mason ($4,000) is listed second on the Riders’ depth chart following the departure of Jerome Messam. The former NFL back could see the majority of the touches in the Riders’ backfield and has the talent to emerge as a star in the CFL at age 24.
Duron Carter, REC, SSK
Riders fans will be happy this week as Duron Carter ($3,763) is back on offence. Shaq Evans ($2,500) is staying at boundary wideout, meaning Carter will be seen running the waggle from the slotback position. Carter offers elite potential at his current value and the floor is solid.
Caleb Holley, REC, SSK
Caleb Holley ($2,898) is out of the Riders’ lineup following the return of Duron Carter. Despite a high average and a penchant for bit plays, Holley’s production has been modest at best early in 2018.
Shaquelle Evans, REC, SSK
Chris Jones said Shaquelle Evans ($2,500) has earned the opportunity to remain at boundary wideout, even with Duron Carter (3,763) returning. For those in search of a minimum-cost play, Evans is a sleeper, especially with Collaros back behind centre.
Hamilton at Montreal
Friday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Brandon Banks, REC, HAM
The Ticats aren’t ruling out Brandon Banks ($7,740) from playing in Friday’s contest vs. the Montreal Alouettes. Banks was spotted with a brace on his knee and has been limited in practice this week.
Luke Tasker, REC, HAM
According to Drew Edwards of the Hamilton Spectator, Luke Tasker ($6,657) has practised all week and should be good to go Friday night in Montreal. After missing time Tasker’s return will be welcome in the Ticats’ offence. He’s a high-volume option and carries a modest price tag, although there are only so many footballs to go around in Hamilton.
Terrence Toliver, REC, HAM
In other Ticats receiver news, Terrence Toliver ($5,430) was also back in practice this week and is expected to play on Friday. Toliver has put up consistent production this season, averaging 11.8 Fantasy points throughout four contests.
Alex Green, RB, HAM
It appears the Ticats will start Alex Green ($5,998) at running back this week. Green will make his 2018 debut as he comes off the six-game injured list and should be a safe option against a weak Montreal Alouettes run defence.
Johnny Manziel, QB, MTL
Johnny Manziel ($7,000) will make his long-anticipated CFL debut Friday night, making his first career start against his former team the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Manziel’s running ability gives him a solid floor, which, combined with the massive upside and low salary, makes him a popular option this week in Fantasy.
Vernon Adams Jr., QB, MTL
Despite racking up 19.9 Fantasy points in his 2018 debut, Vernon Adams ($5,000) should not be in Fantasy lineups this week after being replaced by Johnny Manziel ($7,000). Adams could still see the field vs. Hamilton but not enough to make him a factor this week.
Adarius Bowman, REC, MTL
The Alouettes are expected to start newly-acquired receiver Adarius Bowman ($2,539) this week at slotback. Someone has to catch the ball in Montreal outside of B.J. Cunningham ($4,779), and Bowman is looking to take advantage of a fresh start after struggling to produce with Winnipeg.
BC at Calgary
Saturday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, REC, CGY
Eric Rogers ($7,848) has missed some time at Stampeders practice this week as he continues to deal with a knee injury, according to Todd Saelhof of the Calgary Herald. It’s the same knee that sidelined him for a game earlier in the season. Fantasy players should monitor carefully and, at this point, consider other options for Week 8.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
Don Jackson ($5,979) has been limited in practice for the Stampeders this week, according to Todd Saelhof of the Calgary Herald. The Stamps are still holding out hope he can play, making Thursday a critical day for the explosive rookie running back. Keep an eye on things right up until kickoff if you plan on using him, and be ready to plug in Romar Morris ($2,500) if necessary.
Terry Williams, RB, CGY
Speedy running back and return man Terry Williams ($4,069) remains questionable for Saturday’s game vs. BC. The fact that Calgary is the last team to play this week makes it especially challenging to get a Stampeders running back in the lineup, although backup option Romar Morris ($2,500) can easily be substituted if the Stamps’ top two runners can’t get healthy in time.
Romar Morris, RB, CGY
With Don Jackson ($5,979) and Terry Williams ($4,069) questionable for Saturday’s game, Romar Morris is taking all the reps in practice and ready to go if needed. Morris has electrifying speed and ability and could play a heavy role as a returner and running back, so if Jackson and Williams can’t play, you’ll want to fit him into your lineup.
Chris Rainey, RB, BC
Lions running back and return man Chris Rainey ($6,349) is doubtful for Saturday’s contest against the Calgary Stampeders, according to TSN‘s Lowell Ullrich. Fantasy players are advised to steer clear.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
After missing some time with an apparent ankle injury, Jeremiah Johnson ($6,250) is expected to be back for Saturday’s Week 8 matchup. While he’s a risky play against an elite Calgary defence, there should be plenty of opportunities in a backfield that may be without Chris Rainey ($6,349).
Brandon Rutley, RB, BC
The Lions have announced that Brandon Rutley ($4,787) will be out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL. Tough break for Rutley, who was finally getting the chance to be a starter and looked explosive against the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Travon Van, RB, BC
If Chris Rainey ($6,349) doesn’t play, the Lions are expected to activate Travon Van ($4,745) for the first time this season. Van would likely work in tandem with Jeremiah Johnson ($6,250), making him a dangerous play, especially against Calgary’s stout defensive front.
