Adam Gagnon/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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Winnipeg at Ottawa
Friday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Nic Demski, WR, WPG
The Bombers will have national slotback Nic Demski ($4,416) back in this lineup for Friday night’s game vs. Ottawa. Demski was injured two weeks ago and was forced to miss Week 16, but has practised all week. He has 412 yards and three touchdowns in his first season in Winnipeg.
Daniel Petermann, WR, WPG
With Demski’s return to the lineup, Daniel Petermann ($2,500) is out of the starting lineup for the Bombers for Week 17. The 2018 draft pick hasn’t looked out of place at all this season, but isn’t a recommended play Friday night vs. Ottawa.
Toronto at BC
Saturday | 7:00 p.m. ET
James Widler Jr., RB, TOR
Argos running back James Wilder Jr. ($8,323) will be sidelined for Saturday’s game in BC and likely longer after being injured last weekend in Calgary. It’s been a tough season for Wilder, who’s endured somewhat of a sophomore slump with 4.7 yards per carry. Branden Burks ($2,500) and Dexter McCluster ($2,500) are looking to fill the void.
Branden Burks, RB, TOR
With Wilder sidelined, Branden Burks ($2,500) will make his first career start at running back for the Argos on Saturday at BC Place. Burks had arguably the play of the pre-season when he scored on a catch-and-run vs. the Ticats, and now he’ll get an extended look as a starting running back.
Dexter McCluster, RB, TOR
Despite the injury to Wilder, Dexter McCluster ($2,500) is the second running back in line for the Argos for Saturday’s game in BC. McCluster had a solid debut vs. the Stamps last weekend, amassing 27 rushing yards on four carries and 46 receiving yards on six catches. He should get his share of touches in Vancouver.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC
No word yet on who will be the Lions’ starting running back Saturday night, but there’s a chance Jeremiah Johnson ($6,910) will be out of the rotation if Tyrell Sutton ($6,343) makes his debut. You’ll have to check the depth chart, and even keep an eye out for a last-minute scratch, if you plan to start a Lions running back.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, BC
The Lions have said Tyrell Sutton ($6,343) could make his debut this week depending on whether he’s ready. Sutton would add toughness to the team’s backfield and boost a rushing attack that’s near the bottom of the CFL in every category.
Calgary at Montreal
Monday | 1:00 p.m. ET
Eric Rogers, WR, CGY
Dave Dickenson says he expects Eric Rogers ($8,192) to be ready to return for a Thanksgiving Monday clash with the Alouettes. Rogers has been sidelined since Week 7 but is a top-ranked Fantasy play, with five touchdowns in five games this year after returning from the NFL.
Don Jackson, RB, CGY
The Stamps’ running back carousel appears to have slowed for now, as Don Jackson ($6,823) is healthy and should be the top option for Dave Dickenson going forward. Despite facing an Alouette defence that is stingy against the run, he’ll get plenty of touches and opportunities to find the end zone.
Reggie Begelton, WR, CGY
Stampeders receiver Reggie Begelton ($4,676) is expected to miss the rest of the season after breaking his arm. It’s a tough loss for the Stamps and awful luck for Begelton, who was making the most of the added reps in an injured Calgary receiving corps.
Chris Matthews, WR, CGY
It appears Chris Matthews ($2,500) is on the fence for Monday’s matchup with the Montreal Alouettes. Matthews was signed this week as much-needed injury relief, but with only a week of practice, it’s hard to expect a significant impact — if he does in fact suit up.
BJ Cunningham, WR, MTL
Als top receiver BJ Cunningham ($4,944) is questionable for Montreal’s meeting with Calgary after missing practice early in the week. Cunningham left last week’s game with an injury, though there hasn’t been much of an update since. Monitor closely.
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
Sunday | 4:00 p.m. ET
D’haquille Williams, WR, EDM
CFL-leading receiver Duke Williams ($9,055) is questionable for Monday’s Thanksgiving contest against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He didn’t practise on Thursday according to Dave Campbell of CHED, but the long week plays into his favour. For what it’s worth, the Eskimos said they expect to have him in the lineup.
Naaman Roosevelt, WR, SSK
It’s expected that Naaman Roosevelt will miss a second consecutive game after being placed on the six-game injured list. Kenny Shaw ($3,611) is Roosevelt’s replacement in the lineup and makes for an intriguing sleeper.
Kenny Shaw, WR, SSK
With Roosevelt sidelined, Kenny Shaw ($3,611) will look to make the most of his opportunity with the Riders. Shaw has been talented but unlucky so far in his career, reaching 1,000 yards with the Argos in 2016 before losing most of his 2017 campaign to two separate injuries. But he gets open and converts on his targets, and he’s also shown early chemistry with Zach Collaros.
