Week 4 of the CFL season provided both highs and lows in terms of my CFL DFS article. On one hand, I highlighted the best QB of the week and he was a true difference-maker in lineups. However, I also featured a couple of running backs who failed to live up to expectations. Back to work here in Week 5, as I present my best player values on the DraftKings main slate.
Labor Day weekend is always a big event in the CFL. Normally it is the halfway point of the season, but here in 2021, Labor Day will be during week 5. The schedule is a little different with one game Friday night, one on Sunday, and two games on Labor Day Monday.
Quarterback
Cody Fajardo (SSK) $10,400 vs WPG
Vernon Adams (MTL) $10,200 @ OTT
My strategy this week is simple. Pay up at QB. That is because the other options are quite close in cost to the top-tier guys. Both Cody Fajardo and Vernon Adams provide production by passing or running the football. They make safe options for 50/50 or cash games, but also enough upside to make them possible plays in GPP tournaments. There are also several solid stacking options to go along with bother quarterbacks. With only $200 in difference between Fajardo and Adams, I will have a healthy mix of both.
For anyone looking for a cheap QB, I would target the Toronto-Hamilton game. Dane Evans (HAM) and Nick Arbuckle (TOR) are both in the $8K range and provide enough savings off of the top-tier options to make a difference.
Running Back
Andrew Harris (WPG) $8,800 @ SSK
The Canadian running back is back! After missing the first three games of the CFL season, Andrew Harris returned to the field in week 4. He also resumed his heavy workload with 17 rushing attempts in Winnipeg’s win. While he only caught 2 passes it was also a match where the pace of play and scoring were a little slower. In week 5, some are expecting a shootout between the Blue Bombers and their Labor Day rival Roughriders. If that is the case, look for Harris to be heavily involved in the passing game. Even with the talented receivers on the roster, Harris can easily lead Winnipeg in targets on any given week.
Ka’Deem Carey (CGY) $7,600 vs EDM
Among the eight starting running backs this week, Ka’Deem Cary is the seventh most expensive. He is actually $1,600 cheaper than the most expensive RB this week. Yet, if you take the context of this week’s matchup, Cary has just as much upside as anybody. Calgary will be playing against an Edmonton team coming off an extended break due to a Covid outbreak. The Elks actually had their game postponed last week. Who knows if the team will be out of rhythm. If Calgary can get an early lead, look for Carey’s usage to go way up.
Wide Receiver
Kyran Moore (SSK) $7,000 vs WPG
This may be my favorite WR value so far this season. The Roughriders receiving corps has dealt with several injuries. As one of the few healthy options, Kyran Moore has become the alpha in the Saskatchewan passing plan. While that does mean extra attention from opposing defenses, it also means Moore should see plenty of targets. He is a great stack option with Cody Fajardo. But Moore also has enough value on his own to be in a lineup without his QB. While there are a pair of Roughriders receivers in the $4K range, Moore is still the Saskatchewan stack I want the most with the QB.
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Jake Wieneke (MTL) $6,200 @ OTT
Speaking of stacking, Montreal provides several great options to pair with Vernon Adams. Like last week, the $6K price range at WR is where I want to spend a lot of my money. And like last week, I am putting Jake Wieneke in this section. Of the four main Montreal wide receivers, he is the least expensive, yet is capable of performing alongside his teammates. Wieneke was actually second on the team in targets last week after leading the team in week 3.
Markeith Ambles (CGY) $6,000 vs EDM
I am putting Markeith Ambles as the featured receiver, but really this section could be titled Calgary WR. The Stampeders actually have five wide receivers between $5,500 and $6,000. You really can pick whatever type of player you are interested in. Alongside Ambles there are two other options that I think possess great value. Ambles can stretch the field with his deep routes, while Kamar Jorden is an excellent red-zone weapon, and Josh Huff piles up the receptions.
Deep Dive
Ryan Davis (OTT) $3,100 vs MTL
This week we going way down in cost. Ottawa WR Ryan Davis is only $3,100. So far this season, he has at least 4 receptions in every game. If Davis can maintain that volume, he should be in line to outproduce his price. The only knock agaisnt him is his efficiency is rather low. Davis only has 6.9 yards per reception, not so nice a number. But again, at only $3,100 all he needs is another 8 catch performance to be worth it.
Defense
Montreal Alouettes $4,800 @ OTT
When it comes to fantasy defenses, it’s all about the matchup. For CFL DFS in 2021, I have found the opposing offense I want to target. Ottawa is scoring only 12.67 points per game so far this season which ranks 9th out of 9 teams. The RedBlacks are actually last in the league in most major offensive categories including first downs per game, rushing yards, passing yards, and yards per play. Their QB has not yet thrown a TD pass this season and their top weapon is dealing with an injury. In week 5, Montreal is not the most expensive defense in spite of having arguably the best matchup. That’s value in my eyes.
Toronto Argonauts $4,000 @ HAM
I am not crazy about paying down at defense this week. The four highest-priced options are what I view as the four most likely options to be the highest-scoring defense in week 5. However, for those looking for a cheaper defense, I recommend the Toronto Argonauts. Again, it’s all about matchups. Among the lower-priced options, Toronto appears to be playing the QB most likely to turn the ball over. While Dane Evans did score 2 touchdowns last week, he also has a history with turnovers. In 13 starts last season (including the playoffs) Evans threw 15 interceptions.
Thank you for reading DFS CFL Best Draft Kings Values Week 5. Be sure to check out all of the great DFS content available at Going for 2.
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