This past week in fantasy you could have experienced a bad bounce. Bo Levi Mitchell didn’t play the second half, and both Stamper Kamar Jorden and Eskimo Travon Van left their respective games in the first quarter with injuries. No one can predict these kinds of things. So that’s what we’re going to talk about for CFL Fantasy week 7. The dependable players who are worth considering, given the matchup or their sustainable success so far in the season: the “good old reliables”.
CFL Fantasy Week 7: Good Old Reliable
Matt Nichols, Blue Bombers Quarterback ($11,210)
The one major knock on Matt Nichols is that he’s too conservative. Instead of pushing the ball downfield and keeping the defence on their toes, he checks it down. Running back Andrews Harris leads the team in receptions and second in targets. But whether it’s entertaining or boring, you can’t argue with the end result. The Blue Bombers are 13-5 when Nichols starts, and two of those losses were decided by less than a field goal.
His 2016 success continues into this season. The 30-year-old put up 20-plus fantasy points in three of the first five weeks. Nichols doesn’t turn over the ball and gives the players plenty of opportunities to make plays. But he can still deliver big plays when needed. That’s all you can ask from a quarterback.
Nichols faces a Redblacks defence that’s allowed quarterbacks to tally over 20 fantasy points in five of their six contests.
William Powell, Redblacks Running Back ($5,161)
Powell has not put up the outrageous numbers some other tailbacks have, but he’s been consistent. The 29-year-old has the speed and agility to make defenders miss and that’s why is such a factor in the pass and ground game. He’s posted at least 90 yards in his last three games.
It’s a known fact Powell will get his touches to make plays; all that’s missing is a touchdown. He hasn’t found the end zone since week one against the Stampeders. That’s the difference between a solid week and a great week. The defence will have their hands full with the Redblacks’ many weapons (Ellingson, Sinopoli, Spencer, and Stangby). It’s the perfect opportunity for Powell to make his presence felt.
Depending on the status of Eskimos back Van this week, the Redblacks runner is the cheapest starting running back in fantasy.
Bakari Grant, Roughriders Wide Receiver ($5,382)
At the beginning of the year the Roughriders were in the conservation as one of the best receiving corps in the league. The big names that jumped off the page (and still do) include Duron Carter, Naaman Roosevelt, and Chad Owens, who hasn’t played yet due to injury. So far, though, Bakari Grant has been the most consistent receiver in Saskatchewan.
The 30-year-old is on pace to have a career year. He’s made 27 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns. In terms of fantasy, he’s hit double digits in four of five contests. The California-Davis product does not get the deep passes his counterparts get, but he makes something happen with the ball in his hands. He leads the team in yards per catch and yards after the catch with 165. Grant’s total YAC is more than double the next highest receiver on the team.
Grant’s purchase price is in the middle of the pack – making him a great value.
Bryan Burnham, Lions Wide Receiver ($5,265)
Bryan Burnham has been on a roller coaster so far in the 2017 campaign. He’s either at the top of the hill with big numbers, or his numbers are racing down into a major dip. But this week’s good old reliable should be at the top of the ride. The matchup is too good for him to pass up.
The stats show that against the Roughriders, receivers who line up in the slot generate numbers. In five games, the defence has given up an average of 15.84 fantasy points to this position. They can contain players on the outside more often than not, but have trouble inside the numbers. This is when Burnham can shine and take some of the pressure off the injured Emmanuel Arceneaux.
Tulsa product Burnham is on top for the Lions in targets, yards, and plays of over 30 yards. Nevertheless, he comes at a very cheap price. But at any moment he can produce a momentum changing event and make jaws drop.
So there are your good old reliables for CFL Fantasy Week 7. Who are your picks for this week? Are you taking any of our sure bets? Tell us in the comments!
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