This article is part of our DraftKings CFL DFS Picks series.
Quarterback
Mike Reilly, EDM at BC ($11,700): Despite displaying atypically subpar accuracy in last week's win against the Roughriders, Reilly still found a way to make a significant impact. That included scoring the winning touchdown on the ground, his sixth rushing score of the season. It's a fitting example of the fantasy value Reilly brings to the table each week, as it seems he finds his way to a strong performance by utilizing a mix of his ample talents on the overwhelming majority of occasions. He is set up well for one of his trademark explosions in Week 9, as the Lions come in allowing the third most net offensive yards per game (405.2), third highest yards per play (6.7), third most passing yards per game (293.5) and third highest average yards per pass (8.7). Reilly also touched up this same defense for 326 passing yards and four total touchdowns in Week 3 on his way to 37.54 fantasy points, and his seemingly rejuvenated connection with the speedy Derel Walker makes him all the more dangerous.
Jeremiah Masoli, HAM at WPG ($11,200): Masoli has become nearly as automatic as Reilly when it comes to fantasy production, as the veteran has taken his game to a whole new level in 2018. Masoli boasts six 300-yard games in seven tries thus far, scoring at least 20 fantasy points in all of those contests, including over 30 twice. That tally partly consists of a season-high 369 passing yards against this same Blue Bombers defense back in Week 3, a game in which Masoli completed a blistering 75.6 percent of his 41 attempts. Partly as a result of that contest, Winnipeg checks in allowing the most completions (171) and pass attempts (255) on the season, along with the third highest completion percentage (67.1). While some of the Blue Bombers' other pass defense metrics look solid, Masoli simply has too many weapons at his disposal in the passing game –Brandon Banks and Jalen Saunders head the list – and a now healthy Alex Green in the backfield to keep defenses honest. The fact that the Bombers have also allowed the second most rushing touchdowns (nine) is another point in the favor of the mobile signal caller, who has already rushed for more than 50 yards twice and totaled 36 yards and a score on the ground in Week 8.
Travis Lulay, BC vs. EDM ($9,400): While Trevor Harris ($10,700) is in an enviable position against the Alouettes, the potential for that game to get out of hand early and Harris subsequently see his playing time curtailed is definitely there. Lulay checks in $1,300 cheaper, and with only a $200 bump in price despite an impressive first three games as a starter. The veteran has a pair of 300-yard performances and a 281-yard night on his 2018 ledger thus far, and he is set up for another potentially prolific tally in Week 9. The Eskimos' aggressive style figures to have a reciprocal effect on the Lions, who should be throwing plenty to keep pace. Edmonton's secondary has been susceptible to the big play throughout the season, allowing 15 completions of more than 30 yards, second most in the CFL. Lulay has yet to be slowed and has plenty of options in the passing game, leaving him poised to serve as one of the best fantasy-point-per-dollar values on the slate.
Running Back
Andrew Harris, WPG vs. HAM ($8,700): Harris is back off a bye week, which essentially means he is back atop the running back heap in Week 9. The productive veteran actually disappointed in his most recent game, posting an underwhelming 12.85 fantasy points against the same Argos defense he bullied a week earlier. However, he's had a week to rest up for a rematch against a Tiger-Cats defense that he compiled 83 total yards against (on 17 touches) in Week 3. Hamilton has actually gotten appreciably worse versus the run since then, as the 156.2 rushing yards per game they're currently surrendering (at a league-high 6.2 yards per carry) rank as the most in the CFL. The Tiger-Cats have also allowed the third most runs of more than 20 yards (six), boosting Harris' value even further. Harris has scored between 26.1 to 35.8 fantasy points in the three games prior to his Week 7 downturn, and given the amount of times he typically handles the ball, he's worth it if you're paying up at running back.
C.J. Gable, EDM at BC ($6,800): Speaking of the Eskimos, Gable checks in as a viable option as well on a week where there's plenty of appealing running backs. As just alluded to, the Lions are tied with Gable's Edmonton squad in allowing the most rushing touchdowns in the league, and they've been even more vulnerable to the big play on the ground while allowing seven runs of more than 20 yards. BC is also allowing 124.5 rushing yards per contest at a clip of 5.3 yards per tote. Gable's workload has been encouragingly consistent, as he has seen double-digit carries in five straight games, with the high point of his season coming in Week 3 when he eviscerated this same Lions defense for 23 carries, 165 yards and a touchdown on his way to a season-best 27.2 fantasy points.
Alex Green, HAM at WPG ($6,700): Green put any doubts about his health to rest in Week 8, racking up 19.4 fantasy points against the Alouettes on the strength of a 15-carry, 74-yard, two-touchdown effort. The injury that cost Green the first six games of the season was to his hand, so he has exceedingly fresh legs at a time of the season when those of the defense might be starting to feel a little wear and tear. He will take on a Blue Bombers defense that has allowed a robust 5.0 yards per rush and the second most rushing touchdowns (nine) in the league, making him a bargain at his current price.
Travon Van, BC vs. EDM ($5,300): Van is listed as the top running back on the Lions' depth chart for Week 9 with Jeremiah Johnson on the injured list. A matchup against his 2017 squad at a bargain price seems like an appealing combination, which is exactly what Van, who can contribute both on the ground and through the air, offers. The Eskimos have been vulnerable against the run, tied with the Alouettes for most rushing first downs allowed (58), while yielding 124.3 rushing yards per game at an average of 5.8 yards per carry (second highest in the league). What's more, they're tied with the Lions for most rushing touchdowns allowed (10) and have yielded six runs of more than 20 yards in their first seven games.
Wide Receiver/Slotback
D'haquille Williams, EDM at BC ($9,800): Williams' Week 8 stat line is somewhat deceiving, as his two-catch, 41-yard night versus the Roughriders could have been exponentially better had he not been given a modest 17-yard gain on what initially looked like a 98-yard touchdown. The combination of his rather ordinary final line and teammate Derel Walker's explosive night could work out to your benefit if rostering Williams in GPPs in Week 9, as ownership is likely to be at least slightly diverted. Williams naturally has an abundance of upside, as evidenced by his five-game stretch of 23.5 to 31.9 fantasy points prior to last week's downturn. He has the size and speed to be a threat anywhere on the field, and given that BC has already given up 10 completions of more than 30 yards this season in addition to all of their other vulnerabilities cited in Reilly's entry, Williams is poised for a bounceback performance in Week 9.
Jalen Saunders, HAM at WPG ($9,200): Naturally, Saunders' teammate Brandon Banks ($9,600) and the Eskimos' Derel Walker ($9,300) are also both excellent options if you're spending up a bit, but Saunders seemingly brings as much upside as either at a slight discount. The speedster has been one of the primary beneficiaries of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli's MVP-caliber performance thus far this season, and he has now eclipsed the century mark in receiving yards in two straight games. Saunders is averaging a whopping 152.0 receiving yards per contest during that modest stretch, while also logging his first two scores of the season. He put together a solid seven-catch, 97-yard effort against this same Blue Bombers defense back in Week 3, and given his recent improvement, he could be poised for an even more impressive tally in Week 9.
Diontae Spencer, OTT vs. MTL ($8,600): Spencer's teammate Brad Sinopoli ($9,100) is also an option if you have the few extra hundred to spare, but Spencer could ultimately provide better value. The 26-year-old speedster exploded for a season-high 42.7 fantasy points versus the Argonauts in Week 8, a figure comprised of eight catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, along with another 104 yards and a score on returns. The fact he has his hand in multiple phases of the game certainly props up Spencer's fantasy upside each week, and a matchup against an Alouettes squad that has allowed an 8:2 TD:INT on pass attempts of over 20 yards, the most passing touchdowns (18), most passing first downs (98), most passing yards per game (306.6), most completions of more than 30 yards (15) and second highest completion percentage (68.8) sets him up for a potentially explosive encore. Montreal also shapes up as enticing opponent on special teams, considering they're yielding both the second highest punt return average (12.3) and kickoff return average (23.7).
Shaq Johnson, BC vs. EDM ($5,000): The Alouettes' Eugene Lewis ($5,700) is also an option if you've got the extra cash, although Montreal's quarterback situation gives him at least an element of risk. Meanwhile, Johnson is listed as a starter on the depth chart after a one-week absence, and at his price, he makes for a highly viable value play. Johnson had a pair of double-digit fantasy-point tallies in the four games he's played this season, and he should reap the benefits of what could turn out to be a back-and-forth battle between Travis Lulay and Mike Reilly. The Eskimos' previously cited vulnerability to the big play also works in Johnson's favor, considering he's averaging 16.2 yards per catch in his two home tilts this season.
Team Defense
Ottawa Redblacks vs. Montreal Alouettes ($5,200): With only a three-game slate this week, it's one of those cases where the most obvious (and expensive) defensive option is the clear-cut choice. The Alouettes set new standards for offensive ineptitude in Week 8 when it didn't seem possible, as Johnny Manziel was victimized for four interceptions. While the former NFL first-round pick is bound to be at least slightly better in Week 9 – he can't really sink much further, can he? – this is still a game that Ottawa's defense should take control of at some point, especially at home. The Redblacks have forced the third most turnovers (15) and third most two-and-outs (42) while also checking in with the third most sacks (13). Meanwhile, Montreal has allowed the most quarterback takedowns (25), most two-and-outs (46) and have committed the second most turnovers (18). It's also worth noting that Ottawa's defense has boosted its fantasy-point totals over those of the prior contest in each of the last two games, even compiling 15.0 fantasy points against the Argonauts in Week 8 despite blowing a big second-half lead.
