James Franklin, Toronto – $7599
The division of passing and short yardage duties between McLeod Bethel-Thompson and James Franklin has limited the usability of either quarterback for CFL Fantasy. With Franklin named the starter this week, those roles should combine to make a very startable quarterback. Franklin ranks third in total quarterback carries with 55, and is going up against a Hamilton defence that has been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks at times this year. His salary presents a lower risk play that should comfortably return on your investment.
William Powell, Ottawa – $10214
No running back has received more touches per game in 2018 than William Powell’s 18.64, and he’s been wildly productive with 5.96 yards per touch. Powell remains on the field and involved in nearly all situations for Ottawa, and is virtually matchup-proof. His opponent, the Edmonton Eskimos, have been improved as a whole on defence, but their offence is a shambles and has not been able to sustain drives. In addition, last week against the inept Saskatchewan offence was the first time this season that Edmonton did not warrant a fantasy startable running back. William Powell will dominate on Saturday afternoon, both for the Redblacks and for CFL Fantasy owners.
Brandon Burks, Toronto – $4200
Earlier this week, Marc Trestman confirmed that James Wilder Jr. would miss the game against Hamilton. With Dexter McCluster also nursing a minor injury, Branden Burks has a clear path to a productive CFL Fantasy day. While Burks split the rushing workload with McCluster, the former was significantly more involved in the passing game with five targets and three receptions. Toronto leads the league in passes directed to running backs and full backs with 140 targets. That receiving involvement gives Burks a PPR baseline that makes him a safe start. In addition, his 68-yard run demonstrated that Burks has the explosiveness to be a difference maker on the field and for fantasy.
Bryant Mitchell, Edmonton – $6427
The Eskimos offensive struggles last week resulted in Bryant Mitchell only seeing four targets, saving his fantasy week with a last-second 71-yard reception. Against the Redblacks, Mitchell should return to his regular target volume. In their previous matchup in Edmonton, Mitchell had eight receptions for 69 yards against Randall Evans. Evans appears to be a favorable matchup for Mitchell, having allowed nine receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown to Darvin Adams last week. With Edmonton desperately needing a win, Mitchell will be heavily targeted and should have ample opportunity to find the end zone.
Juwan Brescacin, Calgary – $3700
In Calgary’s last three matches, Juwan Brescacin has become one of Bo Levi Mitchell’s preferred targets. Averaging 5.33 receptions and 15.7 fantasy points per game in that time, Brescacin has also become a worthy fantasy asset. Lining up as an outside field slotback, Brescacin looks to match up against Gary Peters, more favorable than the coverage Eric Rogers and Marken Michel will face on the boundary side. With a very inexpensive salary, Juwan Brescacin is an excellent upside play.
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