CFL Fantasy: Don't forget about me

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

Of all the players that have been consistently playing at a high level for their teams, many of them have not been getting the recognition they deserve. These are not the players that are in the shadows of others, but are the ones who have been putting up quality numbers whenever there are opportunities to do so. This week’s article highlights those types of individuals who have either been performing all season, or have shown flashes of success when given the chance to.

Bo Levi Mitchell, QB, Calgary – It seems like every quarterback in the CFL has been talked about in terms of break-out performances, disappointments, injuries, controversies or opportunities. In all the discussion many forget the man under center for the Stampeders. The 26-year-old has thrown for over 300 yards in five straight games, and for multiple touchdowns in four of them, yet he was contained in last week’s win against the Roughriders. The two teams meet again to conclude a home and home, and this time around do not expect Mitchell to put up the same, quiet performance. Saskatchewan’s focus will be on Calgary’s running game after giving up 132 yards last meeting. Expect the Roughriders to stack the box, which means one on one coverage of the receivers, an area in which the Roughriders’ secondary has struggled. Opposing pivots have thrown for over 300 yards in four of the past five games. Plus, the only time the defense did not surrender multiple passing touchdowns was last week against Calgary.

Brandon Whitaker, RB, Toronto – A perfect partner to help a rookie quarterback get settled into a game is the man standing by them in the backfield. In QB Logan Kilgore’s first start two weeks ago, Whitaker’s dual threat playmaking abilities helped ease the young pivot’s nerves. Whitaker had a total of 106 yards on 18 touches. This dual-threat approach is a role that the 30-year-old is known for, and with the Argos hosting a Bombers squad that is red-hot, expect Whitaker to continue to be used quite a bit. He’s averaged nearly 15 touches for around 86 yards per game. Coming off a bye week with the Boatmen, the running back has some fresh legs ready to go.

Clarence Denmark, WR, Winnipeg – The three seasons prior to 2016, Denmark led Bomber wide-outs in all major receiving categories, yet managed to get cut before this season began. Now, in light of all the injuries at the WR position, Denmark has been given another opportunity. You have to give him credit though, when his number was called last week he put on a performance, making seven catches for 67 yards and a score. The Arkansas-Monticello product knows Paul LaPolice’s playbook, and should be able to make a smooth transition back. Right now he stands as the number one option for quarterback Matt Nichols moving forward. Denmark is a cheap receiver in Fantasy and one can never underestimate a person with a second chance.

Bakari Grant, WR, Calgary – When Eric Rogers left for the NFL, the Stamps were without a true deep ball threat. In his first season with the team, the Oakland, CA native has so far attempted to fill that void. The 29-year-old has made a play of over 30 yards in three of the four games he has dressed. At any point Grant can take the top of a defense with his speed, and playing the Roughriders for the second straight week could be another opportunity to show his potential. He averaged 23.7 yards a catch in the first meeting. Saskatchewan’s defense is also prone to giving up the big play, as they have allowed at least four 20-plus yard plays per contest. He’s set at a good price for being the second option in Calgary.

Nik Lewis, WR, Montréal – Duron Carter is imposing his talents on the league this season. It’s a challenge to stop the 6’5 receiver and the big-play ability he possesses. Carter gets all the attention from opposing teams, which helps open chances for others, most notability the middle of the field. Lewis, he 13-year veteran thrives in the role he’s in now. He leads the team in receptions and is second on the team in yards and targets. The matchup against the Eskimos is perfect for a player such as Lewis. Edmonton has given up over 300 passing yards in all but one game (299 yards against Winnipeg). The veteran should find holes in the Eskimos’ lackluster defense, like many receivers have this year. The Southern Arkansas product is one of the cheapest wideouts on the market, and can continue to make history this week: he is only five catches shy of passing Don Narcisse for sixth on the CFL’s all-time list.

Ricky Collins Jr., WR, Saskatchewan – The rookie put on a show early in the season highlighted by his air guitar touchdown celebration in a Week 2 loss against the Eskimos. That game he made six catches for 115 yards and score, but the 24-year-old has since been quiet. He had instant chemistry with pivot Darian Durant before Durant went down with an injury. In his first game back, the QB struggled and looked a tad rusty, but the offense should be better in a rematch with Calgary. The Texas A&M Commerce product has been the forgotten man with Naaman Roosevelt and Rob Bagg grabbing most of the attention as of late. This week could see Collins and Durant rekindle the spark that was seen early on.