CFL Betting Recap - Week 8
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
League Betting Notes
Favorites went 5-0 straight up in Week 8
Favorites went 3-2 ATS in Week 8
Road teams posted a 3-2 SU record in Week 8
Road teams posted a 3-2 ATS record in Week 8
The 'under' went 3-2 in Week 8
Team Betting Notes
Toronto (3-5) has won two of the past three games, and they're also 2-1 ATS over the span. The Argonauts have opened up a solid game-and-a-half lead in the East Division. The Argos had a rare two-game week, losing to the BC Lions (5-3) in the second game Sunday, 33-17.
The Lions have won three straight games for the first time this season, and they have gone 3-0 ATS during the impressive span. The game went 'under' snapping a two-game 'over' streak. The under is now 6-2 for the Lions this season.
Montreal (1-6) slipped up for the fifth consecutive game Saturday againts Saskatchewan (5-2), but they covered the nearly two-touchdown spread in the 16-11 loss against the defending champs.
The win for the Roughriders was their fourth straight, but they failed to cover for the first time since July 12. The 'under' has also cashed in four of their past five outings.
Calgary (6-1) covered on the road at Hamilton (1-6), maintaining a tie for first place with Edmonton (6-1). The Stamps have covered three of the past four, and seven of their seven this season. The 'under' is also 5-2 for Calgary, as the under hit against the TiCats after two straight overs.
The Esks struggled against expansion Ottawa (1-6), winning just 10-8. Edmonton has alternated covers and non-covers in each of the past four games. The constant with the Esks is the 'under' cashing in six of their seven outings.
After being in first place two weeks ago, Winnipeg (5-3) has fallen on hard time and dropped back-to-back games. After starting out 3-0 ATS, the Blue Bombers are 2-3 ATS over the past five.
CFL Betting News and Notes Week 8
By Ian Cameron
Sportsmemo.com
Here are my CFL Week 8 News & Notes as I take a look at each team from a betting perspective.
Toronto Argonauts (3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS)
Toronto had a busy Week 8 by playing two games in the span five days. They took advantage of their bye week by trouncing Winnipeg, 38-21, but the tables turned when BC took advantage of eight days off and really wore down the Argos late en route to a 33-17 win. Quarterback Ricky Ray and his new look receiving corps -- due to multiple injuries -- fired on all cylinders against Winnipeg as Ray tossed four touchdowns. But it was a different story against BC’s stout defense with the Argos scoring just a lone touchdown while also coughing up a few turnovers. Toronto can’t be held to too much blame for the BC loss as the schedule really conspired against them but it doesn’t get easier with a daunting road trip to Edmonton (6-1) on deck.
Montreal Alouettes (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS)
The change to quarterback Alex Brink didn’t result in a win as the Alouettes notched only 11 points in the loss to Saskatchewan but I did spot some positives with Brink under center. He managed to run out of the pocket for a few first downs and was able to move the football effectively between the 20’s. Unfortunately the red zone acted as a mouse trap for the Alouettes throughout the game where drives stalled and/or they turned the football over. A Brandon Whitaker fumble inside the 10-yard line set the tone early and they never recovered. The defense bounced back with their best performance in weeks but it was still not quite good enough. Montreal will be on the road for a second straight week against a rested Winnipeg team that has been off since last Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if an extra week of work can put Brink in a better position to succeed. Note that Winnipeg’s defense gave up an uncharacteristically high 38 points against Toronto last time out.
Ottawa RedBlacks (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS)
I give Ottawa credit as they competed toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best teams but ultimately couldn’t come up with its second win of the season. Edmonton prevailed 10-8 in a game dominated by defense and missed opportunities on offense. The box score will show that Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris didn’t have a good game with only 18 completions and 8 points but the number of dropped passes by Ottawa’s receivers was staggering. The defense had one of its best games of the season albeit against an Edmonton team that had some key injuries on offense. Ottawa earned a wire-to-wire pointspread cover as touchdowns underdogs at home despite the 10-8 loss. They’re catching +9 this week vs. the 6-1 Calgary Stampeders. The spot is certainly in Ottawa’s favor with a second straight home tilt while Calgary plays its second of back-to-back road games in the Eastern Time Zone. But there is a massive talent gap between the two teams as evidenced when Calgary demolished Ottawa 38-17 at McMahon Stadium two weeks ago.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-6 SU, 1-5-1 ATS)
Hamilton had yet another chance to win a close game at home against Calgary but a devastating fourth quarter injury to quarterback Dan LeFevour completely changed the complexion of the game. He left and didn’t return and now there is speculation his season may be done with a suspected torn ACL. With Hamilton trailing 23-20 with three minutes left, backup Jeremiah Masoli threw a horrific INT and Calgary later punched in a game clinching touchdown with mere seconds left. That crushed Hamilton bettors (including myself) holding +3, +3.5 or +4 as Calgary went on time win, 30-20. I’m not convinced Masoli is the answer which is a concern moving forward. Hamilton is now 1-6 despite a handful of tough losses by a touchdown or less and enter their bye week needing an answer under center. Zach Collaros is still an unknown as to when he will return and with LeFevour’s season possibly being done it’s either Masoli or their pair of practice roster quarterbacks, Stephen McGee or Jacory Harris. Hamilton’s is likely looking at the trade market with quality and experienced backups like Drew Tate (Calgary) and Kevin Glenn (BC) as potential candidates.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS)
In my mind there was no doubt Winnipeg was due for regression following a 5-1 start. They have since lost back-to-back games against Saskatchewan and Toronto but certainly have a favorable chance to get back in the winning column against the reeling Montreal Alouettes on Friday. The Blue Bombers defense had its worst game of the season last week allowing 38 points and four touchdown passes to Ricky Ray and the Argos. Winnipeg has a couple of key defensive injuries to contend with but get a much needed boost offensively with the expected return of receiver Nick Moore. Montreal was competitive last week despite the 16-11 loss in Saskatchewan covering the number as double digit road dogs.
Edmonton Eskimos (6-1 SU, 6-1 ATS)
Edmonton was far from sharp in its ugly win over Ottawa but a win is a win and good teams typically find ways to when their A-game isn’t present. The offense was bogged down as quarterback Mike Reilly had by far his worst game of the season and the absences of running back John White and wideout Fred Stamps certainly hindered a lot of their explosiveness. However, the contestant with his team has been their dominating defense which held true to form again as they smothered Ottawa’s offense for the entire 60 minutes. It’s becoming quite clear that if you have a mediocre offense, you are going to have a difficult time scoring in bunches against Edmonton. Edmonton returns home to face the best of the bad lot East Division when they take on Toronto.
Calgary Stampeders (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS)
The difference between the Stampeders now compared to earlier in the season is the improvement of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. Earlier this season, they were winning games in spite of Mitchell but now he is making an impact. His poise in the pocket continues to improve and he has done a very good job keeping Calgary’s offense productive despite cluster injuries at the skill positions. The defense remains strong allowing less than 20 points per game so to see the offense play at a higher level makes this team a very tough one to beat right now. Calgary might finally welcome back running back Jon Cornish this week vs. Ottawa.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS)
The Saskatchewan Roughriders were lethargic for the majority of their lackluster 16-11 win vs. Montreal after big wins over Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg. It was a classic letdown as they didn’t sniff a pointspread cover as nearly two touchdown favorites. The defense was solid but the offense never got in any sort of rhythm. Quarterback Darian Durant relies on a solid ground game to help complement the passing attack but the Riders’ top two receivers, Chris Getzlaf and Taj Smith, were blanketed for much of the game. The fact that the Roughriders still won shows how superior the West remains over the East. Saskatchewan will clash with BC (5-3) in a pivotal game within the ultra-competitive West Division.
BC Lions (5-3 SU, 4-3-1 ATS)
One of the favorites to win the Grey Cup before the season started is finally getting their act together. BC notched a third straight win against Toronto on Sunday, 33-17. The Lions defense was tremendous but the offense was mediocre partially because of an odd decision by head coach Mike Benevides to pull Kevin Glenn for two offensive possessions in the second quarter. Travis Lulay, who stepped in for Glenn, was expected to be the starter prior to the season but needed more time to recover from offseason surgery. Now that he is healthy, he has already been given snaps in an actual game. Glenn came back in the game in the third quarter but was never the same and most of BC’s points came via defense and special teams. I would be surprised if Glenn doesn’t start this week but I wonder if the “musical chairs” will hurt the team’s chemistry and rhythm moving forward.
CFL Betting Notes - Week 9
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
The West Division continued its dominance over the East this past week in the CFL with a 4-1 straight-up record in a rare five-game inter-division schedule. Toronto had to pull double duty coming off a Week 7 bye starting with last Tuesday’s 38-21 rout of Winnipeg as a three-point home favorite. The total in that game went OVER the 51-point closing line.
Last Friday’s lone game saw Edmonton claw its way to a 10-8 victory over Ottawa as a six-point road favorite. The total came nowhere close to the 49-point line. This past Saturday, Calgary continued to impress with a 30-20 win against Hamilton as a 2½-point road favorite with the total staying UNDER the 53-point closing line. Later in the day, Saskatchewan ran its SU winning streak to four games with a 16-11 victory over Montreal as a hefty 13-point home favorite. That total stayed UNDER as well against a closing betting line of 49½ points.
Toronto was back at it on Sunday as a three-point home underdog and it came up well short against British Columbia in a 33-17 loss that stayed UNDER the 53-point closing line.
Friday, Aug. 22
Montreal (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS) at Winnipeg (5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Winnipeg -6½
Total: 50
Game Overview
It has been a dismal start to what appears to be a dismal season for the once proud Alouettes, who were the class of the CFL just a few years back. They are the lowest scoring team in the league with an average of just 15.6 points a game and their defense has allowed 30 or more points in four of their last five games.
Winnipeg posted a fast start out of the gate, but that pace has slowed quite a bit with back-to-back losses to Saskatchewan and Toronto the last two weeks. Drew Willy continues to light it up at quarterback with a CFL-high 2,158 passing yards wrapped around a solid completion rate of 65.5 percent.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers won the first meeting this season 34-33 in early July as three-point road underdogs with the total going OVER the 48 ½-point closing line. They are now 5-1 both SU and against the spread against their former East Division rivals in the last six meetings and the total has gone OVER in three of the last four games in this series.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Toronto (3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS) at Edmonton (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -7.5
Total: 48
Game Overview
Despite just three SU wins in its first eight games, Toronto is the toast of the East Division with a two-game lead over the other three teams. Ricky Ray continues to play at a high level with 1,984 passing yards and a league-high 12 touchdown throws, but the Argonauts’ defense has not held up its end of the bargain by allowing an average of 26 points a game.
Edmonton has kept pace with Calgary in the West title race behind an offense that has the top receiver in the CFL in slotback Adarius Bowman and the highest scoring kicker in Grant Shaw. Bowman has 532 yards in catches and Shaw has accounted for 76 points with his leg so far. The Eskimos do have some depth concerns up front with offensive linemen Selvish Capers and Justin Sorensen both listed as questionable for this game.
Betting Trends
The will be the first meeting between these two this season, but Toronto brings a SU three-game (2-1 ATS) winning streak against Edmonton into Saturday’s matchup. The total went OVER in all three contests. The total has actually gone OVER in five of the last seven meetings in this series.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Calgary (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS) at Ottawa (1-6 SU, 2-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -8
Total: 49
Game Overview
The Stampeders have been stomping their way through the league by outscoring their opponents by a combined 77 points in their first seven games. They are averaging 27.3 PPG behind a bruising running game and their defense has been the stingiest in the league by allowing just 16.3 PPG. Jock Sanders has been a force on special teams with 617 return yards on the year.
Things have gone pretty much as expected for the expansion RedBlacks with a 1-6 SU start, but they have looked especially bad against the teams from the West. Just two weeks ago they were more than doubled-up in a 38-17 loss to Calgary after getting torched by Stamps’ quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell for 289 passing yards and three scoring strikes.
Betting Trends
Calgary easily covered the 14-point spread at home in that first meeting and the total went OVER the 49-point number. The total has stayed UNDER in five of the Stampeders first seven games this season and it has gone OVER in three of Ottawa’s last four games.
Saskatchewan (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS) at British Columbia (5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -3½
Total: 52
Game Overview
Do not look now, but the defending Grey Cup Champs are building-up a head of steam heading into this critical matchup in the West Division title race. The Roughriders have won their last four games by a combined score of 114-51 and they have not allowed more than 17 points in any of the four contests.
BC has won its last three games including an impressive 25-24 victory over Calgary as a four-point underdog on the road to start this run. Quarterback Travis Lulay is close to 100 percent after missing the first six games with a shoulder injury, but so far Kevin Glenn has been able to hold onto the starting job. He teamed up with Emmanuel Arceneaux for a 53-yard scoring strike this past Sunday to seal the win over Toronto.
Betting Trends
The Lions beat Saskatchewan 26-13 on the road in mid-July as five-point underdogs to improve to 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings. The total has stayed UNDER in the last five meetings in BC and overall it has stayed UNDER in 11 of the last 12 games between the two division rivals.
CFL Week 9 Betting Preview and Trends
By Mike Pickett
Oddsshark.com
The Calgary Stampeders lead the CFL betting ranks at 5-2 ATS through the first eight weeks of the season as they head into a game against the Ottawa RedBlacks - who have just two ATS victories in seven games so far in their expansion campaign.
Find all of this week's CFL betting lines plus updated Grey Cup futures at Bovada.
Fri Aug 22 - Montreal at Winnipeg
Last 10 Meetings: Winnipeg 6-4 SU, 7-3 ATS | OU 6-4
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have gone 3-0 both SU and ATS in their last three games against the Montreal Alouettes as those teams meet for the second time this season on Friday night. Winnipeg edged Montreal 34-33 as a 3-point road underdog on the CFL odds at the sportsbooks in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on July 11. That was the third OVER result in their last four matchups.
Sat Aug 23 - Toronto at Edmonton
Last 10 Meetings: Edmonton 6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS | OU 6-4
The OVER has paid out for totals bettors in each of the last three games between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Eskimos as those hit the gridiron together for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon. The Argonauts went 2-0 SU in their two games against the Eskimos last season, with each team picking up at ATS victory for their supporters on the CFL betting lines at the online sportsbooks.
Sun Aug 24 - Calgary at Ottawa
Last 10 Meetings: Ottawa 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS | OU 1-0
The Calgary Stampeders already have one SU and ATS victory against the Ottawa RedBlacks this season as those teams battle in Week 9 CFL betting action on Sunday afternoon. The Stampeders won and covered a big spread in their first meeting of the season against the RedBlacks back on August 9, with Calgary grabbing a 38-17 victory and covering the big 14-point spread at home. That game was an OVER play for totals bettors.
Sun Aug 24 - Saskatchewan at B.C
Last 10 Meetings: B.C. 5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS | OU 1-9
The UNDER continues to be the play for totals bettors in games between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the B.C. Lions as those teams close out the CFL Week 9 betting slate on Sunday night. The Lions topped the Roughriders 26-13 as a 5-point road underdog on the CFL odds in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on July 12. That was the ninth UNDER result in the past 10 games between the teams.
MONTREAL (1 - 6) at WINNIPEG (5 - 3) - 8/22/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-3 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TORONTO (3 - 5) at EDMONTON (6 - 1) - 8/23/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 69-97 ATS (-37.7 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
EDMONTON is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 3-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CALGARY (6 - 1) at OTTAWA (1 - 6) - 8/24/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 since 1996.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-0 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SASKATCHEWAN (5 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 3) - 8/24/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 114-74 ATS (+32.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 103-68 ATS (+28.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-4 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-4 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
AUGUST 22, 8:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. WINNIPEG
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Winnipeg is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
AUGUST 23, 4:00 PM
TORONTO vs. EDMONTON
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home
AUGUST 24, 3:00 PM
CALGARY vs. OTTAWA
Calgary is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games
Ottawa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
AUGUST 24, 7:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of British Columbia's last 12 games when playing Saskatchewan
Game of the Day: Alouettes at Blue Bombers
By Covers.com
Montreal Alouettes at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-7, 49.5)
The Montreal Alouettes have a chance to halt their five-game losing streak when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday. Winnipeg looks vulnerable after losing its last two games, while Montreal desperately needs a victory to turn around its floundering season. West Division teams are 20-3 against the East in 2014, but the Blue Bombers allowed 38 points in a loss to the Toronto Argonauts in Week 8.
Winnipeg’s defense allowed 360 rushing yards over its last two contests, which bodes well for an Alouettes' offense without a reliable option at quarterback. Alex Brink is expected to get the start for Montreal, which will likely lean heavily on running backs Brandon Whitaker and Tyrell Sutton. Drew Willy will be under center for the Blue Bombers, who need to avoid adding to their league-worst turnover ratio and force the Alouettes to score touchdowns on offense.
LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Bombers as 7-point home faves for the matchup. The total opened at 50.5.
INJURY REPORT: Alouettes - QB Troy Smith (Six-game IR, undisclosed).
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Bombers have certainly regressed since their hot start to the season but I'm not sure the betting marketplace has made the necessary adjustment. Montreal has played better in consecutive weeks, against two of the league's best teams in the Eskimos and Riders. Not a bad spot for the Als here if their offense can finally show up." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-6): Brink has not thrown a touchdown pass since 2012, but Troy Smith is on the six-game injured list and Tanner Marsh has thrown for 17 yards in 2014. Wide receiver Duron Carter returned a missed field goal for a touchdown in a rare kick-returning appearance last week, but starting kick returner Larry Taylor could be available to return from a knee injury. Defensive end John Bowman is setting the pace on defense with a team-leading seven sacks.
ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (5-3): Willy is second in the league with 2,158 passing yards, while slotback Clarence Denmark is one of only two players in the league with more than 500 receiving yards. Slotback Nick Moore has been practicing with the team and is expected to return to the lineup on Friday after missing time with a foot injury. Defensive end Greg Peach is two sacks shy of tying his career-high of six, set in 2009 and matched in 2012.
TRENDS:
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Winnipeg.
* Alouettes are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Blue Bombers are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in August.
* Under is 6-0 in Alouettes last six road games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: Sixty percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the Blue Bombers.
Week 9 CFL
Montreal (1-6) @ Winnipeg (5-3) -- Bombers (+3) won 34-33 at Montreal in Week 3, even though they were outgained by 105 yards- that game started Als on 5-game losing streak. Winnipeg won three in row, five of last six series games with visitor winning five of last six meetings. Alouettes scored total of 24 points in losing all three road games, by 21-36-5 points (1-2 as road underdog); five of their last seven visits here went over total. Montreal was outscored 64-20 in first half of their last four games. Bombers lost last two games after 5-1 start; they're 1-1 as home favorites, winning first two home games by 24-8 points, losing last two at home.
Toronto (3-5) @ Edmonton (6-1) -- Argonauts won last three series games by 16-3-12 points;, as underdogs covered five of last seven in series. Toronto scored 42-36-34 points in last three series tilts. Argos lost three of four road games, losing by 24-1-28 points; they're 2-3 as underdogs, 1-1 on road. Edmonton turned ball eight times (-6) in last three games but is still 6-1, 2-1 at home, 1-1 as home favorites, winning by 4-16, losing to Calgary. In two wins since their bye, Eskimos ran ball for 197-181 yards; Argos gave up 167 in their loss to BC last week. Six of seven Eskimo games, five of last six Toronto games stayed under total.
Calgary (6-1) @ Ottawa (1-6) -- Stampeders (-13) led 28-7 at half two weeks ago in a 38-17 home win over Ottawa; Stamps held RedBlacks to 39 rushing yards- they're 3-0 as road favorites, with wins on foreign soil by 19-4-10 points (+5 turnover ratio on road). Ottawa lost its last four games but covered two of three as home underdog, upsetting Toronto, losing by 24-2 points- they lost to Eskimos 10-8 last week, after leading at half for 4th time in seven games- they've averaged 13 ppg in last thee games, after averaging 19.8 ppg in first four. Three of last four games for both sides went over total.
Saskatchewan (5-2) @ BCLions (5-3) -- Lions (+5) upset defending champs 26-13 in Regina back in Week 3, avenging loss from LY's playoffs. Riders' 31-17 (+3) win here LY snapped four-game skid in this building. BC had 186 rushing yards first meeting; Saskatchewan hasn't allowed 100+ on ground since- they're 4-0 since that loss, wnning last two weeks by 6-5 points. Lions won last three games, five of six since 0-2 start; they're 2-2 SU at home, but covered three of last four when favoried. 19 of last 24 series games stayed under total, as have six of eight Lion games, four of last five Roughrider games.
Armadillosports.com
Game of the Day: Argonauts at Eskimos
By Covers.com
Toronto Argonauts at Edmonton Eskimos (-8, 49.5)
The Edmonton Eskimos return home for the first time since Week 5 to host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. Edmonton won both its road games to keep pace at the top of the West Division, while Toronto sits atop the East despite its 3-5 record. The Argonauts split their two Week 8 contests and Saturday’s game will be their third in 12 days, so fatigue could become a factor for the injury-depleted roster.
The Eskimos will be looking to shut down Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray by doing something similar to the BC Lions. Ray was held to less than 200 passing yards against the Lions after throwing for 297 on the previous Tuesday and Edmonton is likely to give him more headaches with 24 sacks and a league-leading 10 interceptions. Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly will be facing the best pass defense in the East as the Argonauts average 227.5 passing yards allowed.
LINE HISTORY: The majority of books opened the Eskimos as 7.5-point home faves, but that has moved to -8. The total opened 48.5 but is up to 49.
INJURY REPORT: Argonauts - SB Chad Owens (Questionable, foot), WR Jarred Fayson (Questionable, undisclosed). Eskimos - SB Fred Stamps (Questionable, lower body).
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Argos may be coming off a blowout loss at home, but that was their second game in five days. They're in a far more favorable spot here, even as they hit the road to face a quality Eskimos squad. While I have plenty of respect for Edmonton, I'm not sure they warrant such a steep price in this spot. The West has owned the East so far this season, but I expect Toronto to hang tough here." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (3-5): Slotback Jason Barnes returned to the lineup Sunday but fellow receivers Chad Owens, Andre Durie, Maurice Mann and John Chiles all remained out. Linebacker Antwaun Molden returned to the lineup and led the defense with nine tackles against the Lions. Molden, who also has two interceptions in 2014, and Tristan Okpalaugo are key parts of a defense that has 23 sacks and is growing stronger as the season progresses.
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (6-1): Slotback Adarius Bowman leads the league with 532 receiving yards. Edmonton has been very good at generating turnovers by the opposition, but committed three turnovers of its own in Week 8’s 10-8 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks, severely limiting the Eskimos’ effectiveness on offense. Reilly is second on the team in rushing with 320 yards - 14 behind John White - but Edmonton has only recorded two rushing touchdowns.
TRENDS:
* Argonauts are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 meetings in Edmonton.
* Under is 4-0 in Eskimos last four home games.
* Argonauts are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Eskimos are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 54 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the visiting Argonauts.
Game of the Day: CFL Doubleheader
Covers.com
Calgary Stampeders at Ottawa Redblacks (+9, 48)
The Ottawa Redblacks aim to halt their four-game losing skid when they host the Calgary Stampeders on Sunday. The Stampeders boast arguably the best defense in the league, surrendering fewer than 17 points per contest, which is concerning for a Redblacks' offense that has not scored more than 17 points since Week 5. Calgary is 3-0 on the road and 5-0 against East Division opponents.
The Stampeders defeated Ottawa 38-17 in Calgary in Week 7, when Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns. The Redblacks surrender a league-worst average of 300 passing yards, so Mitchell could be in for another strong game. Ottawa was limited to 38 rushing yards against Calgary’s defense, which averages a league-low 81.1 rushing yards allowed.
LINE HISTORY: The majority of books opened the Redblacks as 9-point home dogs, which is where they currently remain. The total opened and presently sits at 48.
INJURY REPORT: Stampeders - OL Brander Craighead (Questionable, ankle), RB Matt Walter (Questionable, concussion), LS Randy Chevrier (Questionable, undisclosed), RB Jon Cornish (Probable, concussion). Redblacks - DL Chris McCoy (Questionable, wrist), DB Jovon Johnson (Probable, bicep).
ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (6-1): Star running back Jon Cornish could return to the lineup Sunday for his first action since suffering a concussion in Week 1. Calgary has fared well in the running game without Cornish, averaging 115.1 rushing yards. The Stampeders will likely be without receiver Jeff Fuller, who dislocated his shoulder, and defensive lineman Micah Johnson, who suffered a knee injury, for the foreseeable future.
ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (1-6): Jovon Johnson returned to practice this week and could rejoin Ottawa’s defense sooner than expected after being placed on the six-game injured list. Quarterback Henry Burris is struggling with his lowest completion percentage (58.9) since 2006, when he was a member of the Stampeders. Defensive back Antoine Pruneau has recorded 18 of his 21 tackles in the last two games.
TRENDS:
* Stampeders are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Redblacks are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 10-1 in Calgary's last 11 road games.
* Under is 9-2 in Calgary's last 11 games overall.
CONSENSUS: 56 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the visiting Stampeders.
Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Lions (-3, 50.5)
Two of the hottest teams in the CFL meet Sunday when the BC Lions host the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Saskatchewan is riding a four-game winning streak, while BC has won its last three. The Lions defeated the host Roughriders in Week 3 and Saskatchewan looks to return the favour as the Lions enter their bye week.
Kevin Glenn has BC’s offense humming with 94 points in three games, but will be in tough against a Roughriders' defense that has not allowed more than 17 points in a contest since a Week 4 bye. Saskatchewan leads the league in sacks with 29 thanks to 12 from John Chick, and the quarterback pressure has led to nine interceptions for the Roughriders - bad news for Glenn, who has already tossed 11. Saskatchewan’s offense has been most effective on the ground, averaging 131.9 rushing yards.
LINE HISTORY: The majority of books opened the Lions as 3-point home faves, and after slight movement in both directions the line is presently back where it opened. The total opened 51 but has slightly gone down to 50.5.
INJURY REPORT: Roughriders - DB Marshay Green (Questionable, undisclosed), Dan DePalma (Questionable, undisclosed). Lions - LB Alex Hoffman-Ellis (Questionable, undisclosed), T Andre Ramsey (Questionable, ankle), RB Andrew Harris (Questionable, ankle), T Jermarcus Hardrick (Questionable, knee), DB Josh Johnson (Questionable, knee), CB Dante Marsh (Questionable, hamstring).
ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (3-5): Chick was named defensive player of the week after recording three sacks in a win over the Montreal Alouettes, while receiver Rob Bagg was named Canadian player of the week. Jerome Messam is the latest running back to take the lead for Saskatchewan, rushing for 180 yards over the last two games. The Roughriders signed kicker Justin Palardy, putting pressure on Chris Milo, who is 15-for-21 on field goal attempts.
ABOUT THE LIONS (6-1): Stefan Logan earned offensive player of the week honours after recording a career-high 145 rushing yards in a road victory against the Toronto Argonauts, while Tim Brown earned special teams player of the week with 249 combined return yards. Andrew Harris is expected to return to the lineup Sunday, bumping Logan back to backup and kick-return duties with Brown. Travis Lulay took a few snaps against Toronto as he is eased back into action following shoulder surgery.
TRENDS:
* Under is 8-2 in Roughriders last 10 games versus the West.
* Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Under is 6-2 in Lions last eight games overall.
* Roughriders are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings in BC.
CONSENSUS: 55 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the Lions.