This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback:
Jeremiah Masoli, HAM vs. SSK ($10,800): Masoli has had a week to rest up and get ready for a rematch with the Roughriders, a squad he lit up for 333 yards through the air and another 60 on the ground in Week 4. The veteran has now rattled off nine straight 300-yard games, tying an all-time CFL mark. Masoli has yet to tally under 20 fantasy points, while the Riders have allowed the second-most pass yards (292.0) per game and the most total pass attempts (144), with the latter figure particularly notable considering they've only played four games. They're also yielding the third-highest average yards per pass (8.1) and have already allowed seven completions of more than 30 yards, while Masoli is averaging a healthy 9.4 yards per attempt. With Mike Reilly on bye and Bo Levi Mitchell banged up this week, Masoli is the choice if you're paying up.
Matt Nichols, WPG at TOR ($8,600): Travis Lulay ($9,200) is likely to be a popular choice this week in this general price tier, but he's got a tough matchup against the Redblacks' relatively stingy secondary. Meanwhile, Nichols' ownership in tournaments could well take a dive after a three-interception performance last week against the Lions, but he's worthy of a look against an Argonauts secondary that's often been permeable this season. Toronto has displayed unsightly numbers in a number of pass defense categories, including passing touchdowns allowed (seven, second-most in CFL), passing first downs allowed (56, second-most in CFL), passing yards per game allowed (297.5, most in CFL) completion percentage allowed (71.7, most in CFL), average yards per pass (9.4, most in CFL) and completions of more than 30 yards (nine, second-most in CFL). Nichols is likely to be a lot better after working out some kinks over his first two games of the season, especially considering the level of competition and his impressive array of weapons.
James Franklin, TOR vs. WPG ($8,500): After two solid games to open his starting tenure in Toronto, there's no reason to move off Franklin as an affordable option at quarterback this week. Franklin came just short of the 300-yard mark in Week 5 against the Eskimos, and he compiled 22.78 fantasy points a week prior versus Edmonton in his debut. The mobile signal caller can hurt teams through both the ground and air, making him all the more appealing against a Blue Bombers defense that's proved vulnerable against both. Winnipeg comes in allowing the most first downs in the CFL (107), including the third-most rushing first downs (39) and the most passing first downs (58). They've also yielded the most rushing touchdowns (seven), most completions (130) and second-highest completion percentage (69.1), making them a target across the board.
Running Back:
Andrew Harris, WPG at TOR ($8,500): Harris once again demonstrated why he's an every-week play with his Week 5 effort versus the Lions, posting 35.8 fantasy points on the strength of a 139-yard rushing night. That stellar effort was an encore to a 26.1 fantasy-point day against BC in Week 4, making Harris one of the most valuable fantasy assets in the league over the last pair of contests. He now draws a matchup against an Argonauts squad whose considerable vulnerabilities to the pass were just detailed in Nichols' entry, and which is also surrendering a robust 121.0 rushing yards per contest at a clip of 5.4 yards per attempt. It's also worth noting that Harris has yet to log below 12 carries this season, so he should be in for another solid workload.
James Wilder, Jr., TOR vs. WPG ($7,900): Like Harris – his opposite number in Week 6 – Wilder offered a tangible reminder of the havoc he's capable of wreaking the last couple of weeks by averaging 23.75 fantasy points over that span. Wilder also scored twice on the ground during that stretch, and he's coming off a season-high six receptions in Week 5. The stout back is built to tolerate a heavy workload, and a Blue Bombers squad that's displayed vulnerability to both the pass and run could well facilitate a productive all-around effort. Wilder's strong receiving night in Week 5 is also encouraging in terms of his rapport with new quarterback James Franklin, certainly another factor in his favor as he enters his third game alongside the new signal caller.
William Powell, OTT vs. BC ($7,500): Powell fell victim to the offensive malaise brought on by the explosive Stampeders defense in Week 5, as he carried eight times for a season-low 17 yards. However, considering the veteran had tallied between 94 and 138 rushing yards in his other three games this season, the poor performance can likely be chalked up as an outlier. In Week 6, Powell draws a much more palatable matchup in the form of the Lions, who have allowed the most rushing yards (152.0) and highest yards per rush (6.3), and are tied with the Blue Bombers for most rushing touchdowns surrendered (seven). This should also be a contest in which the running game remains relevant throughout, which means Powell is likely to see volume much closer to the 15 carries he averaged over the first three weeks.
Don Jackson, CGY vs. MTL ($7,400): Jackson qualifies as a fourth running back option that's hard to ignore this week, considering his matchup is almost as good as Powell's. The 24-year-old has been stellar as the lead option for the Stampeders thus far, posting between 84 and 123 rushing yards through his first four games, a stretch that includes a pair of 100-yard efforts. He also got involved in the passing game in Week 5, totaling three receptions for 24 yards. Meanwhile, the Alouettes have been nearly as bad as the Lions in stopping the run, as they've yielded the second-most rush yards per contest (140.3), along with the fourth-most rushing first downs (37). With the Stamps' ferocious defense quite possibly helping Calgary build a big lead in this contest, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jackson rack up some serious rushing volume in the second half.
Wide Receiver/Slotback:
Brandon Banks, HAM vs. SSK ($9,200): Outside of the Eskimos' D'haquille Williams, few receivers have been better in the early going than Banks, who's generated three straight 100-yard efforts on his way to fantasy-point tallies between 20.9 and 27.8 in those contests. Banks has also been involved on punt returns the last two games, enhancing his already formidable value. The veteran punished this same Roughriders secondary for seven catches and 113 yards in Week 4. And as detailed in Masoli's entry, Saskatchewan has allowed plenty through the air, especially downfield.
Darvin Adams, WPG at TOR ($7,500): Adams showed some nice synergy with Matt Nichols despite a disappointing Week 5 defeat, as he posted season highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (72). When combined with another solid effort in Week 3 (three catches, 66 yards, one TD), it's clear Adams enjoys having the veteran quarterback under center. The duo could be downright dangerous if things click in Week 6, considering the weaknesses the Argos have shown against the pass that were detailed earlier in Nichols' entry. Adams sports double-digit fantasy points in four of his first five games, and the matchup would appear to line up for more of the same in what could be a high-scoring affair in Week 6.
Terrence Toliver, HAM vs. SSK ($6,800): There's usually a nice array of receiver/slotback selections in the mid-tier, but Toliver particularly stands out this week. The veteran has bounced back nicely after essentially missing all of 2017 with a knee injury, posting at least 70 receiving yards in each of his first three games. Meanwhile, his 13 receptions over that span show that he's recaptured some strong chemistry with Jeremiah Masoli rather quickly. Given the Riders' vulnerabilities to the pass and the fact Masoli's put up at least 36 attempts in three of his first four games, there should be a nice allotment of targets coming Toliver's way.
Reggie Begelton, CGY vs. MTL ($4,700): Begelton has quietly turned in a strong first four games, averaging 14.2 yards on his 13 grabs. The 24-year-old has seen an $800 price bump over Week 5, but still checks in as an appealing bargain with a sub-$5K price tag. Begelton should be a consistent option even if Bo Levi Mitchell were to miss the contest with his knee injury. And the fact the Alouettes allow 271.8 passing yards per game, the most passing touchdowns (10) and the third-highest completion percentage (66.2) certainly make his case as well.
Team Defense:
Calgary Stampeders vs. Montreal Alouettes ($5,200): This is one of those weeks where the most expensive choice is also the best one when it comes to defense. After a thoroughly dominating performance against the Redblacks in Week 5, there's really no reason to move off the Stampeders, especially considering their matchup against one of the more punchless offenses in the league. Calgary boasts the most forced turnovers (14) – including the most fumble recoveries (five) – and they've logged the most overall points off turnovers (51). They also lead the CFL in sacks (13), which dovetails perfectly for fantasy purposes with the fact the Alouettes have yielded the most QB takedowns (14). Montreal has also produced the fewest touchdowns (five), lowest net offensive yards per game (250.5), lowest yards per play (5.2), fewest first downs (58) and fewest plays from scrimmage (48.3), cinching the Stamps' case as this week's top unit.
