With a much more compact schedule this week we are in a far better position for Fantasy players. So, here are suggested plays this weekend.
CFL Fantasy
It gets harder as the year goes on to find value plays while salaries are adjusted, still, our plays the last several weeks have been putting up decent point totals.
This week I’m sticking with the Redblacks, so I’m taking both the moderately-priced Caleb Evans and the Ottawa defence. I’m also taking De’Lance Turner since Cameron Artis-Payne returns to a backup role on the depth chart after his strong debut with the Alouettes last week.
My other RB is Andrew Harris who did Andrew Harris things last week, and I expect him to keep it rolling.
With Harris carrying a large price tag I was able to pick up Nic Demski who has had great Fantasy numbers and is climbing the receiver chart and increasing in Fantasy salary. After that, looking for a value play, I took Lamar Durant who fills out a Lucky Whitehead-less Lions receiving corps with his return. Finally, with little left on the salary cap, I picked up Nick Holley in the hope he can repeat his recent effort if he gets targets. Honestly, it was a coin toss between him and the Lions Keon Hatcher.
Total CFL Pick ‘Em
As mentioned above, I am sticking with Ottawa over Montreal. The Redblacks improvement has been visible and I think being at home helps them find the win column again this week against an Als flock minus Vernon Adams.
BC and Calgary has turned into an important matchup. I expect the Lions will win. The injury to Lucky Whitehead is a significant issue that requires the receiving corps to step up but Brian Burnam, Shaq Johnson, Jevon Cottoy and crew are more than capable to compliment Michael Riley’s leadership, especially with Durant’s return. The Stampeders’ Ka’Deem Carey is reemerging as a game-changer so this may be another classically exciting CFL game.
Finally, I’m taking Winnipeg over the Elks. There is enough talent in Edmonton to win a home game against anybody. However, following the reports of Trevor Harris being yanked from the pivot, I’m simply going to say this, what coaches say when these things happen matters. The best coaches make a point of taking personal responsibility. My read? It’s still the Elks vs. Themselves.
DraftKings Classic Mode – Full Slate
Last week’s full slate team cashed again in the contest I played it, even with the extended slate, I’m feeling a bit more confident than usual this week.
With a different salary and roster structure there are often a few different plays available on the DraftKings slate than simply playing the CFL Fantasy squad, but this week, that’s not a bad play. The players who are not on the CFL Fantasy team, that I suggested above, but might be worth a look on DK include Carey as well as Jake Wieneke, DeVonte Dedmon and the Bombers DST.
Wieneke has grown into a great weekly option at a reasonable salary. His ability to find the end zone makes him extra valuable.
Dedmon is a value play. With incredible upside, DeVonte is always worth a look as he can light up a Fantasy scoreboard in the return game alone.
The Bombers DST has had an outstanding year and, although more costly than the value-play defences, they look like a potential point-getter against an Elks team that is stammering and moving toward inexperience at the pivot in an attempt to turn things around.
I’d usually be far more hesitant to suggest a 3RB possibility in DK for CFL classic mode but as the season gets later history shows this pairing to be more profitable, so I just may start Harris, Carey and Turner in a lineup.
As ever, I mention that on occasion I do make plays and play lineups other than those I recommend here.
It seems like our shortened season has made this Thanksgiving similar to how we often look at Labour Day, “the season really starts now.” Enjoy your fall football as the CFL playoff push gets interesting.