This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback
Jeremiah Masoli, HAM vs. WPG ($10,400): Through the first two weeks, Masoli has played like a man that has a former NFL first-round pick behind him on the depth chart, and one that carries some serious name recognition to boot. Understandably, Masoli is not about to give up his starting job without putting his best foot forward, and with an impressive average of 27.57 fantasy points over his first two games, that's exactly what he has managed to do. The veteran comfortably eclipsed 300 passing yards in each of his first two games, and he added 59 rushing yards in a Week 2 upset of the Eskimos. He will draw an appealing matchup against a porous Blue Bombers secondary in Week 3, one that has allowed the most completions (51) and attempts (76) through two games, along with a robust 67.0 percent completion rate. The fact that Masoli lit up Winnipeg for 338 passing yards and two touchdowns along with 48 rushing yards in Week 16 of last season serves to further his already formidable case.
Chris Streveler, WPG at HAM ($8,900): Streveler sees another $1,100 price hike this week, and deservedly so. The rookie was solid in Week 1 with 20.12 fantasy points against the Eskimos, but he fully exploited the vulnerable Alouettes defense in Week 2 for 344 yards of total offense (246 passing, 98 rushing) and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). The performance netted a whopping 37.64 fantasy points, and he could be poised for another explosive output in what could well turn into a shootout against the Tiger-Cats. Hamilton checks in allowing the most passing yards per game (291.5) and third-highest average yards per pass allowed (8.8), and they're also yielding a healthy 5.7 yards per rush, a particularly relevant number when considering a quarterback as mobile as Streveler. His own squad's suspect defense figures to force Streveler to remain aggressive, as they could have their hands full with the Tiger-Cats' impressive array of passing game weapons.
Brandon Bridge, SSK vs. MTL ($7,800): Zach Collaros (concussion) has hit the six-game injured list and Bridge has already been named the starter for Saturday's contest. That makes him my low-priced option of the week over Drew Willy, his counterpart on the opposite sideline. The Alouettes have been as dreadful on defense in the early going as they were last season, allowing a whopping 80.7 percent completion rate and 9.2 yards per pass, both ranking as the second-highest figures in the league through two weeks. Montreal has also given up the most passing touchdowns (six) thus far, and they're ranked or tied for last in points allowed (39.0 per game), offensive touchdowns allowed (eight) and first downs allowed (53). Just as important to factor in when considering a quarterback as mobile as Bridge is the fact that Montreal is allowing the most rushing yards per game (181.0) and most rushing first downs (22), two factors that could really help Bridge supplement his fantasy production via the air.
Running Back
Andrew Harris, WPG at HAM ($7,800): For the third straight week, Harris looks to be the top option if you're paying up at running back, especially with William Powell ($7,400) facing a stingy Stampeders defense. Harris was in midseason, dual-threat form against the Alouettes in Week 2, rushing for 58 yards and adding another 68 receiving yards and a touchdown. The versatile back has developed a quick rapport with rookie signal caller Chris Streveler, and given the latter's early success, defenses will be increasingly forced to respect the pass even though it's not Matt Nichols lining up under center. The Tiger-Cats are allowing a healthy 5.7 yards per rush and 291.5 passing yards per contest through two weeks, with the latter figure checking in as the highest in the CFL. Both numbers bode well for Harris, who can hurt teams equally through the ground and air.
Jerome Messam, SSK vs. MTL ($6,500): Messam gets a crack at the soft underbelly of the Alouettes defense, which as cited in Bridge's entry, have allowed the most rushing yards and rushing first downs in the CFL through two weeks. The scoreboard significantly limited Messam's opportunities in a blowout loss to the Redblacks in Week 2, but that just means his legs should be fresh for his prime Week 3 matchup. The Roughriders showed how much they would like to lean on the veteran workhorse when they handed it to him 21 times in Week 1, and with starting quarterback Zach Collaros (concussion) hitting the injured list, Messam may be relied on heavily again in a game the Riders could potentially enjoy a sizable second-half lead in.
Mercer Timmis, HAM vs. WPG ($5,600): Timmis showed up in a big way during Week 2, amassing a career-best 133 yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Eskimos. The 24-year-old had only rushed for a combined 26 yards on eight carries in the previous two seasons, so naturally, he still has plenty to prove. However, he's certainly priced right for a matchup against a Blue Bombers squad that has allowed 14 rushing first downs and 5.4 yards per rush. Timmis showed some breakaway speed with a 44-yard scoring jaunt in Week 2, and with plenty of attention being heaped on the impressive Hamilton passing game, the running lanes could be there for him again in Week 3.
Wide Receiver/Slotback
Luke Tasker, HAM vs. WPG ($8,900): To be clear, I always consider Derel Walker ($10,100) to be in play, but Tasker comes at a significant discount in Week 3 and provides plenty of upside himself. The veteran receiver has already compiled 11 receptions for 174 yards over the first two weeks, and given the Tiger-Cats' high-powered passing game and his rapport with Jeremiah Masoli, he's liable to be targeted heavily again in Week 3. As mentioned in Masoli's entry, the Blue Bombers have allowed the most completions and pass attempts in the CFL through two weeks, which bodes well for Tasker's chances of generating another strong return in what should be a high-scoring, back-and-forth game.
Emmanuel Arceneaux, BC at EDM ($7,800): Arceneaux's teammate Bryan Burnham ($8,200) is certainly worthy of consideration here for those that can spend the extra few hundred, but Arceneaux is a solid play for all the same reasons. The veteran has developed a strong connection with quarterback Jonathon Jennings over the last few seasons, and he will be poised for a strong night against an Eskimos secondary that is tied with the Alouettes for most touchdowns (six) allowed through the air over the first two games. They've also yielded a robust 8.8 yards per pass, and Edmonton's ability to light up the scoreboard should force the Lions to remain aggressive for all four quarters.
Caleb Holley, SSK vs. MTL ($6,300): Holley offers some cost-effective exposure to the Alouettes secondary, which, as noted in Bridge's entry, gives up plenty of production through the air. Holley is one of the Roughriders' true downfield threats, especially with Duron Carter concentrating on defense thus far. Holley is averaging an impressive 23.6 yards per catch over the first two weeks, logging a 30-yard-plus catch in each game. It's also worth noting he was productive against the Alouettes last season, logging eight receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown over two games.
Drew Wolitarsky, WPG at HAM ($4,700): Wolitarsky's price remains extremely reasonable despite the fact he tallied an impressive 20.6 fantasy points on the strength of a pair of receiving touchdowns in Week 2. Wolitarsky has shown nice chemistry with quarterback Chris Streveler while playing the part of possession receiver and security blanket for the rookie. That could well continue against the Tiger-Cats in what should be a competitive matchup, and his stout 6-foot-2, 223-pound frame could afford him multiple opportunities in the red zone again.
Team Defense
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Montreal Alouettes ($4,800): The Alouettes are clearly still adjusting to new head coach Mike Sherman's offensive system, as they've scored a CFL-low 20 points through the first two games. Montreal ranks last or near the bottom in multiple offensive categories, including sacks allowed (eight), time of possession (27:04) and net offense (232.5 yards per game). They've also yet to log a passing touchdown on the season, and the Roughriders check in having recorded the third-most two-and-outs (12) over the first two games. They're also already averaging a solid 11.0 fantasy points per game despite a rough night against the Redblacks on the road in Week 2. Now back in their home stadium – where they amassed 15.0 fantasy points in Week 1 against the defending Grey Cup champion Argonauts – they should be primed to feast on the inefficiency of the Montreal offense.
