Gary’s CFL Fantasy Picks 2009

Gary’s CFL Fantasy Picks 2009

Although the CFL is not known for its Fantasy Drafts like the NFL, it is becoming much more popular in recent years.  Through tracking of stats and my own gut feeling, I have composed a list of picks from the east and west divisions.

Quarterbacks
West Division – Ricky Ray
Passing for over 5600 yards last year, Ricky Ray is a consistent player who is a sure bet to finish in the top three for passing yards.  With the addition of Jesse Lumsden in the backfield, the Eskimos will have a good pass blocker and an legitimate run threat for defences to watch.  This should free up Ray to have huge numbers.
East Division – Anthony Calvillo
Also passing for over 5600 yards last year, Anthony Calvillo is coming off of a career season.  Passing to receivers like Ben Cahoon and Jamal Richardson, the ageless Calvillo is all but guaranteed to have a great season.

Running Backs
West Division – Jesse Lumsden
This choice is a huge long-shot.  Jesse Lumsden averages less than ten games a season over his career.  Having said that, Lumsden has averaged over seven yards a carry during the last two seasons.  If he stays healthy, Lumsden could easily lead the league in rushing.
East Division – Avon Cobourne
Avon Cobourne showed last year that he was not the only A.C. in Montreal.  Playing on a veteran team, Cobourne will likely put up great numbers once again.

Receivers
West Division – Geroy Simon
Geroy Simon has been a big play receiver his entire career with over 11,000 yards.  This future ‘Hall of Famer’ is assured to have over a thousand yards receiving regardless of who is throwing him the ball.
East Division – Jamal Richardson
After a breakout season in 2008, Jamal Richardson is bound to have another great season in 2009.  Richardson’s size and speed allows him to be the best deep ball receiver in the East Division.

Kickers
West Division – Sandro DeAngelis
The Calgary Stampeders score a lot of points and Sandro DeAngelis will be a part of most of them.  He is an accurate kicker with a strong leg.  There is a good chance he will lead all kickers in scoring in 2009 just as he did last year.
East Division – Damon Duval
Don’t even consider another kicker east of Saskatchewan. Without a doubt in my mind, Duval will be the best kicker from the East Division.

Team Defence
West Division – Saskatchewan
Yes.  I said Saskatchewan.  Although Edmonton has made a lot of moves to bolster their defence this year, they are a new unit and will take some time to develop team chemistry.  The Riders may have a shaky secondary but proved last year during injury problems that depth is their strength.  Look to see some newcomers pick up a lot of sacks.
East Division – Montreal
What a surprise?  Montreal has swept the East Division choices.  With new coaches and inconsistent play over the last few years, the other three team in the east will likely struggle over an eighteen game season.

These are my picks for the 2009 CFL season.  Only time will tell the accuracy of my choices.  Good luck to anyone participating in a fantasy draft.

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