The prices of top tier players continue to rise slowly in CFL Fantasy. To keep your score rising, you have to balance of grabbing a couple of big name individuals with having enough money to spare to complete a contending roster. Here for CFL fantasy week 13 are some options that fit the bill, which could give you a much-needed midseason fantasy boost.
CFL Fantasy Week 13: Affordable Options
Darian Durant, Alouettes Quarterback ($9,788)
Darian Durant is a big sleeper heading into this week. The Alouettes and the pivot struggled profoundly the previous two games. Saying that, this is a perfect situation for him to bounce back. In their 41-18 loss to the Lions, the 35-year-old completed 20 of 28 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown. He also found the end zone using his legs. And most importantly, he ended the game with zero turnovers.
This week they battle a Redblacks squad with no Trevor Harris and a secondary that ranks dead last against the pass. Their defence will most likely play more with Drew Tate under centre. All this points to a big game from Durant and the offence. Durant’s best game came against Ottawa in week 5, when he threw for over 450 yards and 22.1 fantasy points.
This offence is a lot better than its recent showings might imply. The veteran won’t be down for long.
Kienan LaFrance, Roughriders Running Back ($3,500)
When the Roughriders lured Kienan LaFrance away from the defending Grey Cup champion Redblacks, it was a big deal. The back played an instrumental part in the team’s run in the playoffs and looked posed to grow from it. The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in training camp, though, that kept him out for the first six weeks. He was soon a distant memory, especially with American Cameron Marshall filling the void and doing more than expected.
The Canadian got his first start with Saskatchewan last week in the Banjo Bowl, Marshall having sustained an undisclosed lower body injury against the Blue Bombers the previous week. LaFrance put up solid numbers, 16 total touches for 70 yards and a touchdown. He remains the starter this week against a Hamilton Tiger-Cats squad that has given up the most rushing touchdowns in the league.
Considering his production in his first start, his low price, and how often the Roughriders’ backs are involved in their offence, Lafrance is a must have.
Marken Michel, Stampeders Wide Receiver ($4,277)
Big plays are Marken Michel’s bread and butter. Since being promoted from the practice roster in week 2, the rookie has shown flashes of brilliance. His role only increased after star Kamar Jorden went down with an injury. The 24-year-old still has much to learn about the Canadian game, but is on the right path.
You can’t knock him for his hands and ability to go long. He’s made plays of over 40 yards in three of the past six contests. Michel’s average of 21.4 yards per catch is tops in the league among starting receivers. He does most of his damage when he gets one-on-one coverage on the outside.
The Massachusetts product is a boom or bust kind of receiver who relies heavily on the long ball. He can appear at a moment, a perfect example being in week 6 when he posted six receptions for 190 yards and a major. The receiver was named one of the CFL players of the week for the performance.
To add more reasons to take him, Stamps leading receiver Davaris Daniels suffered a lower body injury last week and his status is unknown against the Lions. Michel may be good option for the amount he’s worth in fantasy and the possibility of Bo Levi Mitchell throwing his way even more.
Brandon Banks, Tiger-Cats Wide Receiver ($4,971)
The speedster is mostly known for his return game and not much else under former head coach Kent Austin. Since June Jones took over three weeks ago, Brandon Banks’ role has completely changed. Jones is widely known for his run and gun offence and finds a way to get the fastest players the ball in open space.
In two games under the new coach, Banks has flourished. He had nine catches for 152 yards and a major. Through the first eight games he caught eight balls for 52 yards and one score. On some plays, newly appointed starter Jeremiah Masoli seems to have tunnel vision towards Banks. Everyone knows the 29-year-old is lightning in a bottle. He’s showed it with for two big plays of over 30 yards the previous two games. Banks is worth a look.
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