This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback
Mike Reilly, EDM at TOR ($11,700): Reilly draws the best matchup of the week on paper, as the Argonauts check in allowing the third-most pass yards (281.0), highest completion percentage (82.4), highest average yards per pass (11.0), highest QB rating (90.0) and highest offensive efficiency rating (142.8). Reilly's offensive credentials speak for themselves, and he's opened the season by averaging a whopping 35.07 fantasy points per contest through three games. Reilly threw for over 300 yards in two of those first three contests, and he's tallied four rushing touchdowns already. It also bears mentioning Toronto has allowed the most rushing yards per game (158.0) and third-highest average yards per rush (6.1), two figures that are relevant in Reilly's case given his ability to make plays with his legs.
Trevor Harris, OTT at MTL ($9,700): Harris saw a major drop in production against the stingy Stampeders defense in Week 2, but that's not entirely surprising given Calgary's ability to limit opposing offenses. Harris was stellar with 345 yards passing in Week 1 against the Roughriders, and his matchup in Week 4 lends itself to production much closer to his opening-game numbers. The Alouettes have allowed the most passing touchdowns (seven), second-most passing first downs (33) and second-highest quarterback rating (85.5) through the first three weeks. Additionally, Harris eviscerated them last season over two games, going a combined 61-for-82 for 719 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.
James Franklin, TOR vs. EDM ($7,300): Franklin gets first dibs at the starting quarterback job with Ricky Ray (neck) presumably out for the season, and the University of Missouri product brings some nice upside via both the air and ground. The 26-year-old impressed in limited CFL action over the last three seasons – spent in Edmonton – throwing for 1,449 yards and posting a sparkling 12:1 TD:INT over 12 games. In relief of Ray last week he went 9-for-14 through the air and netted 67 yards and a passing touchdown. He also has a pair of rushing scores over two games in part-time action, and he will likely have a little extra juice while facing his old squad in Week 4. He draws a very good matchup on paper as well, as Edmonton checks in allowing the second-most passing touchdowns (six) and third-highest average yards per pass (8.6). Moreover, they're also allowing the second-most rush yards (151.0), most rushing touchdowns (four), most rushing first downs (29) and highest average yards per rush (6.6), certainly relevant numbers when considering Franklin's mobility.
Running Back
William Powell, OTT at MTL ($7,600): I'll get off the Andrew Harris bandwagon for one week, although the versatile veteran still makes for a great choice if you have a few extra hundred to spend. Powell is far from a consolation choice, however, as he averaged an outstanding 21.95 fantasy points over the first two games on the strength of 94- and 123-yard efforts on the ground. Powell can contribute through the air when necessary, but look for plenty more running Friday, as the Alouettes come into Week 4 allowing the second-most rushing first downs (28), third-highest rushing yards per game (140.7) and most rushing attempts (80). Additionally, with the Redblacks having a good chance to build a sizable second-half lead in the contest, Powell – already averaging 16 carries per game -- could see some heavy usage in the latter stages of the contest.
James Wilder, Jr., TOR vs. EDM ($7,400): Wilder looked much more like himself on the ground in Week 2, gaining 60 yards on 10 carries. He added four receptions for the second time in as many games, and he will now face off against an Eskimos squad that was getting steamrolled by the Lions' Jeremiah Johnson last week virtually every time he touched the ball. Edmonton is ranked near or at the bottom of the league in virtually all rush defense categories, including rush yards allowed per game (151.0), rush attempts (69), average yards per rush (6.6) and rushing touchdowns allowed (four). Additionally, as explained in Franklin's entry, the Eskimos also give up plenty through the air, which dovetails perfectly with Wilder's ability to produce in the passing game.
Tyrell Sutton, MTL vs. OTT ($6,300): The Tiger-Cats duo of Mercer Timmis and Sean Thomas-Erlington are both priced very reasonably, but it's very difficult to ascertain who will get the bulk of the workload and whether Timmis will vulture goal-line carries again, as was the case in Week 3. Therefore, while they're certainly options if you need to save, I consider Sutton a bit more reliable in terms of workload. The veteran is well established as the lead back in Montreal, and he's capable of contributing through both the ground and air. Sutton was stifled by a tough Roughriders rush defense in Week 3 (11 rushes, 20 yards), but he was typically solid in the first two weeks (19 carries, 118 yards, along with eight receptions for 59 yards). The Redblacks have yet to truly be tested on the ground, and Sutton should see plenty of work in his trademark dual-capacity role out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver/Slotback
Derel Walker, EDM at TOR ($9,800): If you need to save a few hundred, Greg Ellingson ($9,100) certainly is viable for either cash games or tournaments. However, Walker could be primed for a resurgent performance after looking merely human (11 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown) the last two weeks. The Argonauts have plenty of trouble defending the pass as detailed in Mike Reilly's entry, and Walker naturally remains the prolific veteran's favorite target. It also bears mentioning that Walker had considerable success against Toronto last season, totaling 16 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown in two regular-season meetings.
Brandon Banks, HAM at SSK ($8,600): The Tiger-Cats pass catchers have all done well at one point or another over the first three games of the season, and Banks was a shining example of such the last two weeks, totaling 17 receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown during that span. Additionally, he got back in on the return game last week, totaling 54 yards in that department. Banks will reportedly continue seeing time on special teams while serving as a full-time receiver, adding to his overall fantasy utility. Looking at this week, the Roughriders have allowed the second-most completions (65) and third-most passing touchdowns (four) in the early going, furthering Banks' case.
Kenny Stafford, EDM at TOR ($6,300): Hamilton's Terrence Toliver ($6,400) is also worthy of consideration at this price tier, but Stafford has been one of the high-octane Eskimos' most pleasant surprises in the early going. He's averaging a solid 12.53 fantasy points per game, totaling five and six receptions, respectively, in Weeks 1 and 3. He only logged one catch in Week 2, but it went for an impressive 55 yards, validating some of Stafford's downfield chops. The Argonauts' vulnerability defending the pass was discussed earlier and makes Stafford one of the better value plays at receiver in Week 4.
Rashaun Simonise, WPG vs. BC ($3,300): Simonise is strictly a tournament flyer, but he offers a very enticing combination of rock-bottom price and upside. He flashed in Week 3 with two receptions for 64 yards, and he's in play again facing a Lions defense that's allowing the most passing yards per game (303.5). BC is also allowing the second-highest completion percentage (72.3), average yards per pass (9.3) and passing efficiency rating (102.5). It remains to be seen who will be throwing the ball to Simonise this week, though, as veteran Matt Nichols (knee) could make his season debut and supplant impressive rookie Chris Streveler.
Team Defense
Ottawa Redblacks at Montreal Alouettes ($4,800): The Redblacks appear to be in prime position on paper, as they draw an Alouettes offense that's been mostly inept thus far this season and that could even be missing starting quarterback Drew Willy (upper body). Montreal has scored the second-fewest points per game (14.3) and fewest touchdowns (three), while also allowing the most sacks (11). The Redblacks counter with the second-most forced turnovers (seven) and have allowed just 18 completions per game through two contests. They are also leading the league with four interceptions, and it's certainly worth noting they're also allowing the lowest completion percentage (53.7), second-lowest average yards per pass (7.5), opposing QB rating (47.6) and lowest passing efficiency rating (68.1).
