This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback
Mike Reilly, EDM at MTL ($11,600): A week off and a matchup against the most vulnerable defense in the CFL shapes up as a tasty Week 7 recipe for Reilly, who scored between 21.9 and 40.62 fantasy points in each of his first five games. He has eclipsed the 300-yard mark twice and 400 yards on one other occasion as well, and he has already compiled 13 total touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, the Alouettes come in allowing the most points per game (29.6), second-most touchdowns (14), most passing touchdowns (12), second-highest completion percentage (67.6), second-highest quarterback rating (90.6) and second-highest opponent passing efficiency rating (102.7). The combination of both sets of numbers set up spectacularly for Reilly, who's worth the cash if you're paying up at quarterback this week.
Matt Nichols, WPG vs. TOR ($9,200): Naturally, there will be plenty of hype surrounding Johnny Manziel ($9,500) this week, but word is that he's slated to be used sparingly in his first game in Montreal. Meanwhile, Nichols bounced back with a three-touchdown effort against this same Argonauts squad in Week 6 after a lackluster first two games. He makes for an appealing mid-tier play at quarterback again in Week 7, especially with the home matchup. Toronto is the worst pass defense in the league on paper, with that claim supported in part by the fact they've allowed the second-most passing touchdowns (nine), most passing first downs (70), most passing yards per game (287.0), highest completion percentage (71.4) and highest average yards per pass (9.3). Nichols racked up 23.9 fantasy points in last week's performance and has gotten sharper with each passing game, upping his completion percentage and passing yardage totals over those of the previous contest in each of the last two games.
James Franklin, TOR at WPG ($8,100): Franklin underwhelmed against this same Blue Bombers squad in Week 6, mustering only 8.54 fantasy points. The biggest difference from his previous successes was that the Argos limited their downfield passing significantly, leading to a paltry 7.2 YPA -- the lowest of his three starts. However, the fourth-quarter quarterback is putting up plenty of attempts of late -- 36 a piece in each of the last two games -- meaning he should have the opportunity to generate a better stat line in the rematch. It's worth noting the Blue Bombers have allowed the most completions (151) and attempts (224) -- along with the third-highest completion percentage (67.4) and second-most passing first downs (65) – setting the stage for a possible bounceback from Franklin.
Running Back
Andrew Harris, WPG vs. TOR ($8,800): It might be getting somewhat redundant, but Harris remains the clear-cut top choice at running back in Week 7. He continues to justify that lofty status by outdoing himself each week, upping his rushing yardage total over those of the prior contest for five consecutive games. He topped out at 161 yards on the ground against this same Argonauts defense in Week 6, and there's nothing to suggest that he can't turn in another strong performance. Toronto is now allowing the third-most rushing yards (133.6) and third-most rushing first downs (43) as well, furthering Harris' case.
William Powell, OTT at HAM ($7,800): Powell has logged at least 13 carries in all but the blowout loss to the Stampeders in Week 5, and he offered a tangible reminder of what he's capable of in the passing game in Week 6 with seven catches for 61 yards. The veteran running back is locked into a solid workload each week, and he will face a Tiger-Cats defense that's allowed the most rushing yards per game (139.2), highest average yards per rush (6.5) and the third-most rushing touchdowns (six). Powell is averaging a healthy 5.2 yards per clip, and the numbers suggest he'll be set up for one of his more productive outings in Week 7.
Tyrell Sutton, MTL vs. EDM ($6,700): Sutton continues to quietly roll along, toiling away on the worst team in the CFL so far while still churning out solid production. The veteran scored double-digit fantasy points in four of his first five games, delivering between 11.1 and 18.5 during that stretch. As customary, he has been a solid presence in the passing game, notching between three and six receptions in each contest. The Eskimos have been vulnerable at times to the running game, giving up the second-most rushing first downs (46) while also allowing the fourth-most rush yards per game (129.6), third-highest average yards per rush (5.5) and second-most rush touchdowns (seven).
John White, HAM vs. OTT ($4,800): White remains bargain priced despite seeing his salary rise from an absurd $3,000 in Week 6. The veteran back garnered 11.5 fantasy points on the strength of 55 rushing yards and a touchdown in that contest, and his solid performance could well earn him the starting nod again in Week 7. Alex Green – who has yet to play this season – did practice this past Tuesday, but it's likely he will be out at least one more week with his hand injury. If so, that would likely give White a solid workload at minimum, making him worth a tournament flyer at his very reasonable price.
Wide Receiver/Slotback
D'haquille Williams, EDM at MTL ($9,500): For the very same reasons that make his quarterback a great play, Williams shapes up as the top option at receiver in Week 7. The emerging wideout has rattled off four consecutive 100-yard games, scoring between 23.5 and 31.9 fantasy points in those contests. Williams' excellent size/speed combination makes him a threat all over the field, particularly against an Alouettes secondary that's been as porous as indicated in the numbers cited in Reilly's entry. Williams has found the end zone in three of the past four contests and has an excellent chance of adding to that haul versus a Montreal defense that has allowed the most passing scores in the CFL (12) and nine pass completions of 30 or more yards.
Eric Rogers, CGY at SSK ($8,700): There's a number of appealing options in this tier, including Rogers' teammate Kamar Jorden ($8,800) as well as Derel Walker ($8,600) and Brad Sinopoli ($8,500). However, Rogers boasts some serious downfield chops, as evidenced by his impressive 15.7 yards per grab and five receptions of 20 or more yards. Rogers also leads the CFL in receiving touchdowns with four, this despite having played in only four games. He notched totals of 33.1 and 29.3 fantasy points in two of his last three games, providing a glimpse at his upside. The Roughriders rank only about middle-of-the pack in most pass defense metrics, but Rogers has the speed and typically sees the workload -- he is averaging more than seven targets per game -- to offer a solid return.
Darvin Adams, WPG vs. TOR ($8,100): Adams delivered as a mid-priced receiving option last week, supplying 20.2 fantasy points on the strength of a six-catch, 82-yard, one-touchdown night. The veteran is clearly rebuilding his chemistry with quarterback Matt Nichols the more the latter plays, as he has improved his reception and receiving yardage totals over those of the prior week in each of the three games Nichols has played thus far. Given that he draws a rematch against the same Argonauts defense he touched up last week – and one whose vulnerabilities through the air were detailed in Nichols' entry – Adams once again makes for a viable cash game or tournament selection.
Rodney Smith, TOR at WPG ($4,200): Smith is this week's cost-effective tournament flyer, given that he acquitted himself well in his Week 6 starting assignment against this same Blue Bombers defense. The 6-foot-6 Smith posted 9.0 fantasy points through a four-catch, 50-yard effort, with his receiving yardage serving as a team high. The Blue Bombers have given up a fair share in the passing game as explained in James Franklin's entry, and Smith doesn't need to provide an inordinately large return to justify his very affordable price.
Team Defense
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Calgary Stampeders ($4,100): It's an interesting situation for defenses in Week 7, and the fact that the two best units are playing each other makes it particularly intriguing. The Stampeders are the highest-priced defense of the week at $5,400, but they're also likely to be very highly owned. Their opponents, the Roughriders, thus make for a seriously interesting pivot, but there's a case to be made beyond just the $1,300 savings in salary. Saskatchewan comes in having allowed the second-fewest total touchdowns (nine), including the second-fewest passing touchdowns (four) and second-fewest rushing touchdowns (three). They've also yielded the lowest yards per rush (4.4) and second-lowest rush yards per game (75.0). They've been more middle-of-the-pack in terms of pass defense metrics, but they're also tops in two-and-outs forced (36) and fumble recoveries (six). Calgary boasts a solid offense, but Bo Levi Mitchell has proven susceptible to turnovers in the past, and it's worth noting the Roughriders held him to a 2:3 TD:INT against them in three regular-season meetings last season, along with a mediocre average of 203.7 passing yards per contest.
