This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback
Bo Levi Mitchell, CGY vs. TOR ($11,200): Mitchell represents a nice pivot off the more expensive Mike Reilly ($11,800), and he offers a ton of upside himself, especially in this matchup. The Argonauts have given up more passing yards than every other team except the Alouettes, allowing 301.3 yards per contest. They've also allowed the highest completion percentage (70.1), highest average yards per pass (9.7), highest QB rating (95.2) and highest passer efficiency rating (111.7). Just as important, they've allowed the second-most completions of over 30 yards (26). Conversely, Mitchell leads the CFL in completions of over 30 yards (32), has eclipsed 20 fantasy points in four of his last five games and is averaging an impressive 319.5 passing yards per game at home this season.
Jeremiah Masoli, HAM vs. BC ($11,000): Masoli checks in right behind Mitchell in terms of appealing options this week, as he'll face a Lions squad he just touched up for 311 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15. He now gets a rematch at home, where he most recently threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns in Week 12. BC is allowing a robust 8.1 yards per pass and 19 completions of over 30 yards, while Masoli checks in with 20 such connections thus far. The Lions have also allowed the second-most passing yardage (1,121) on attempts of over 20 yards, which could spell trouble against the Ti-Cats' high-powered passing attack. The fact that Masoli appears set to get Brandon Banks (groin) back this week and can also supplement his production with his legs just adds to his already significant appeal.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, TOR at CGY ($8,100): The matchup is far from appealing on paper, but Bethel-Thompson is very affordable and has demonstrated some nice upside over the past two games in particular. The 30-year-old signal caller has thrown for 296 and 321 yards over the last two games, and for no less than 260 in the last five contests. His contributions on the ground have been unpredictable, but he does have 54- and 25-yard rushing tallies this season. And the Stamps defense, while still leading the CFL in most categories, but they've allowed the fourth-most completions (270) and fourth-highest completion percentage (64.4). Given his modest price, Bethel-Thompson could conceivably generate at least a 2x return despite the opposition.
Running Back
Andrew Harris, WPG at EDM ($8,200): Harris has been disappointing for multiple weeks now, which, when coupled with his impressive all-around skill set, makes him an excellent tournament play in Week 16. The masses may flock to the cheaper James Wilder, Jr. ($7,500), but its worth noting that Harris has averaged an impressive 24.19 fantasy points over six road games. The Eskimos also make for appealing targets on the ground, as they're second only to the Blue Bombers in rushing touchdowns allowed (16), and second only to the Tiger-Cats in yards per carry surrendered (5.7) and rushes of over 20 yards allowed (11). Coupled with the fact that Harris retains a steady passing game role, he's worth the investment if you're paying up.
C.J. Gable, EDM vs. WPG ($6,800): Gable is appealing in his own right as a mid-tier play on the other side of the matchup, as the Blue Bombers have allowed the most rushing touchdowns (17). Gable returned to action last week from injury and had limited opportunity, but he still averaged 8.7 yards per rush on six carries. Like Harris, Gable also enjoys a consistent role in his team's passing attack, adding to his appeal at a very reasonable price. The veteran should also see a much more favorable game script in Week 16 than in last week's loss, which should have him back up to his usual double-digit carry workload.
William Stanback, MTL vs. SSK ($5,900): Tyrell Sutton is now in British Columbia, leaving Stanback as the clear-cut No. 1 running back in Montreal. His price doesn't quite reflect that starting position as of yet, making it a great week to jump on him. Stanback has also been very productive with his opportunities this season, as he's scored double-digit fantasy points on three occasions and averaged 6.4 yards per rush overall. Stanback has also been encouragingly involved in the passing game, upping his receptions over those of the prior week in each of the last two games. Now set for a true starter's workload, Stanback shapes up as an appealing cost-savings option versus a Riders defense that's allowed 5.1 yards per rush.
John White, HAM vs. BC ($5,400): Speaking of mispriced starting running backs, White comes in very affordable in Week 16 after not being in the player pool in his first game replacing Alex Green (hand) last week. White compiled 16.0 fantasy points versus the same Lions squad he'll face in Week 16, leaving him poised as a strong play once again. The Lions have also allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns (14), along with 5.0 yards per carry. White is also viable as a pass catcher, and the high-powered capabilities of his team's air attack should help keep the defense honest.
Wide Receiver/Slotback
D'haquille Williams, EDM vs. WPG ($10,100): Williams somewhat underwhelmed in Week 15, but he still found his way into the end zone for the fifth straight game. Williams has 20-30 fantasy-point upside any time he takes the field, and the Blue Bombers come in ranked in the bottom half of the CFL in multiple passing categories. Williams has nine receptions of over 30 yards on the season already, and given his typical target share and increased responsibility in the wake of Derel Walker's knee injury, he shapes up as worth paying for in a bounce-back spot in Week 16.
Reggie Begelton, CGY vs. TOR ($7,500): Begelton has been a silver lining in the dark cloud of injuries suffered by DaVaris Daniels (shoulder/collarbone), Kamar Jorden (leg), and Eric Rogers (knee). Begelton has hit the 150-yard mark in each of his last two games, leading to totals of 25.3 and 31.0 fantasy points. He makes for an excellent handcuff with Mitchell in lineups, considering the Argonauts' extensive troubles defending the pass that were already highlighted earlier in the latter's entry. Toronto's propensity for allowing big plays downfield are particularly relevant in Begelton's case, as he's racked up four catches of over 30 yards in limited action this season and has hauled in six of 14 targets of 20 or more air yards.
Jordan Williams-Lambert, SSK at MTL ($6,400): Williams-Lambert's teammate Kyran Moore ($6,800) is also appealing if you have a few extra hundred to spend, but JWL has some nice upside at a discount. He proved as much when he totaled 152 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Stamps, as well as last week when he hauled in a pair of touchdowns on his only two receptions. There's admittedly some risk with Williams-Lambert, but with Naaman Roosevelt (undisclosed) already ruled out against the Alouettes, he should see some extra targets. Montreal makes for an excellent target as well, as they continue to rank last in multiple pass defense categories, including passing touchdowns allowed (25), passing first downs allowed (191) and completions allowed (327).
Bryant Mitchell, EDM vs. WPG ($5,400): Mitchell remains discounted despite a strong Week 15 showing when he tallied 16.9 fantasy points against the Redblacks. He should continue to see a high target share versus the Blue Bombers in the absence of Derel Walker (knee), and given Mike Reilly's typically high volume of pass attempts, that should add up to more than enough opportunity to pay off yet another very reasonable price this week.
Team Defense
Edmonton Eskimos vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers ($4,700): The Eskimos get a crack at one of the more mistake-prone quarterbacks in the league in Matt Nichols, which should allow them the opportunity for at least a couple of turnovers. Nichols has already thrown 12 interceptions in 2018, including multiple picks in two of his last three games. He owns a 4:7 TD:INT on the road as well, while Edmonton checks in second only to the Lions with 15 interceptions on the season. They should also be able to pressure Nichols into errors a fair amount of times, as the Bombers have yielded 25 sacks on the season while the Eskimos check in second in that category as well with 33. Furthermore, Edmonton is allowing opponents the fourth-fewest plays per game (55.2), which should help limit Winnipeg's opportunities.
