CFL Fantasy: Different Strengths

Each week, we’ll look at players with favourable matchups or that may otherwise present value for TSN Fantasy Football, CFL edition, presented by Moores. 

Derel Walker, Adarius Bowman, Naaman Roosevelt, Emmanuel Arceneaux and Duron Carter are the protocol typical receivers football teams look for. They each possess an impressive mixture of size, speed, agility and athleticism which can impact the game at any time or even completely take over. Those players that can line up on the outside are a must-have, but the shorter, speedy, and elusive slot backs are up to the task as well. This week highlights players that may not check off all the boxes for their position, but can make an impact in their own way. 

Logan Kilgore, QB, Toronto – The 26-year-old pivot was brought back down to earth after a rough outing against the Bombers. In his second career start, Kilgore was picked off five times in the team’s 34-17 loss. This week against the Eskimos presents an opportunity for him to rebound. The Middle Tennessee product is not afraid to take shots down the field, as was especially clear last week, when this mentality was not phased despite the five interceptions. Some games the gun-slinging mentality will work to perfection, while other times it can backfire, just ask newly-inducted NFL Hall of Famer, Brett Favre. The Edmonton’ defense is a gunslinger’s best friend: they have given up at least four 20-plus yard plays in every game but one. The one time they didn’t was last week against a less-than-stellar Alouettes offense. Kilgore is still learning on the job, but is building confidence with every snap. Considering the matchup, and the potential within the Argos’ quarterback, there could be flashes of aerial attacks this week at BMO Field. 

Jeremiah Johnson, RB, BC – The running backs have not been putting up good numbers on a week-to-week basis, and for Fantasy owners it has been truly frustrating. Now it seems that only Bombers’ Andrew Harris can put up consistent numbers, but he comes at a high a price. A solution to your problem is the feature back for the Lions. He’s averaged over double digits in fantasy points since his return in Week 7. The 29-year-old has at least 10 touches in all four games he’s dressed. If you take into account the passing game BC possess and all the weapons, defenses are forced to worry more about that than the running game. Johnson is going to get his touches, the questions now is how much space will he have to operate with?

Luke Tasker, SB, Hamilton – The slot back leads the Ticats in receptions (47), receiving yards (524), and sits second in targets (58). Right now the 25-year-old is on pace to eclipse all his career highs that were set in 2015 season. The reason why Tasker’s game will be elevated to the next level is simply because of quarterback Zach Collaros. Before the quarterback went down with an ACL tear last year, Tasker was one of his favourite targets. In the duo’s first game together since September of 2015, they connected eight times for 86 and a score in the team’s loss to the Lions. The matchup against the Roughriders could not be any better for the Cornell product. Saskatchewan has allowed a slot back to catch for over 100 yards in five of their last six contests. A good example of this, was Stampeders slot back Marquay McDaniel. He averaged 110 yards in the back-to-back games against the Riders, so why can’t Tasker match that? 

Diontae Spencer, SB, Toronto – One of the biggest buzzes surrounding the Argos heading into the 2016 campaign was their dynamic and speedy receiving core. Spencer is attempting to fill the shoes of long time Argo and 2012 Most Outstanding Player, Chad Owens. But like the majority of Boatmen wide outs, Spencer’s season debut was delayed due to injury. The 5’8 receiver put on a show in his return with 11 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown last week. This was after he and Kilgore were fingertips shy of connecting on two other deep balls. He has the speed to get open and few can keep up stride for stride with him. Spencer is a cheap player and is only going to get more comfortable down the road. 

Brad Sinopoli, SB, Ottawa – Last year’s Most Outstanding Canadian has continued where he left off. Similar to 2015, he’s second in receptions. For Henry Burris, the University of Ottawa product has been the most reliable receiver for him in the short passing game, or when he feels pressured. Sinopoli is not known for his wheels, but more for his football smarts, since he was a quarterback in University. He knows how to get open, how to read defenses, and is still learning the position. The Alouettes may have the worst offense in the league, but their defense is tough and physical. When you face Montreal, you know that every single yard is going to be a battle. An efficient way to earn those yards is utilizing the short game, and that’s the Peterborough, Ontario native’s specialty. Also every week it seems a different Redblacks receiver has a big game, and Sinopoli has not had one of those games in quite some time.