Third meeting. First two O/U lines were 43.5 and 45.5. Now we've got a much higher line. An extra handful of points makes a big difference! The play is about more than line value. Calgary just isn't scoring right now. The Stampeders scored 15 in their last game, at Hamilton. The previous game, a home date with Montreal, was even worse. Calgary managed only 11 points. Both games finished with 40 or less. The score from this season's earlier game here was a little misleading due to Overtime. They had 46 points in regulation. Saskatchewan's previous three visits here had final scores of 40, 37 and 46. This one stays Under. *CFL TOM

It has finally started to happen.  The CFL’s offences are catching up to the defences.  In week 10 the games averaged 60 points/game (second highest average total of the season).  Passing led to 17 TDs with only 7 INTs.  Both of these teams have new OCs with lots of experience sorting out CFL offensive opportunities and limitations.  The Elks and their new starting QB Ford threw a real scare into the Bombers last week, jumping out to a 22-0 lead early.  And this week WR Lewis, last year’s outstanding player in the East, will return to add another threat to the Elks’ passing game. 

The Ti-Cats hired Grey Cup winning coach Milanovich as their OC and he has had two weeks (coming off a bye) to prepare his new team.  He was a QB coach for the NFL Colts so he should help QB Powell improve his production.

Between two rejuvenated offences and two low rated defences this should be a high scoring affair.  Take the over and enjoy the fireworks. 

Two Western Conference titans will go head-to-head with the top defence in the league and the most experienced defence in the league.  The Lions are 1st or 2nd in 13 team defense categories while the Bombers are 1st or 2nd in 7 team defense categories.  The key category for both is points against where the Lions are 1st and the Bombers are 2nd.  The Lions “D” has “pitched” two shutouts this year and only allowed the Bombers 6 points in their first game in Winnipeg this season.  The Bombers are coming off a bye so they should do a bit better but not enough to get to a high score. 

The Lions will start their 2nd string QB Evans again this week and he hasn’t had great success against defensive coordinator Hall’s Bombers in the past.  So, in spite of these offenses being highly ranked, they will be in tough for this game.

The Lions are 7-1 in their last 8 for unders on the road, and 10-1 for unders in their last 11 vs. the West.  The Bombers are 5-1 in their last 6 for unders vs. teams with a winning record, 5-1 in their last 6 vs. the West, and 4-0 for unders after an ATS loss.  There are many more ways these teams favor unders so it’s safe to say playing the under for this game is a good thing.

Both these teams had confidence boosting wins last week.  This week each will face a defence in the top half of the league and both offences continue to languish in the bottom quarter of the league. 

Calgary will have put together a package to deal with Ottawa’s QB Crumb who surprised everyone in the second half of week 6’s come from behind win over an aging Bombers’ defence with his mobility and ability to find receivers.  The Stamps will not be surprised and will disguise the pass rush and run defence that should be problematic for the QB making his second career start. 

Calgary’s Maier has had problems when he is hurried.  Ottawa is second in the league in sacks.  With Mills and the Calgary run game struggling last week against the Riders, they will not have an easier time this week against the  2nd best run defence in the league.  The Red Blacks have the 3rd highest number of sacks as well so with troubles running the football Maier, will be in some difficulty trying to pass effectively. 

Ottawa and Calgary already have the worst and 3rd worst passing yards/game numbers so put this all together and we have another early season defensive battle on our hands.  Take the under and enjoy the domination of the defences.

For Ottawa there is good news and bad news and then some sort of good news.  Ottawa got their first win in week 4 and then their winning QB turned out to have a torn ACL and is now out for the season.  The sort of good news is that star QB Masoli is back after a year off from a broken leg.  Great to have him back, but welcome to the 2nd lowest scoring offense in the CFL.  As the rest of the league is beginning to get enough reps on offence to shake off the rust and begin to string some plays into drives and hopefully into points, Masoli will be starting at square one.  It won’t be pretty.  His star favorite receiver from last year, Ellingsen, is still out and this year’s top recruit Evans is still out too.

Luckily for him his “D” has been solid this year with the third best results in the league for yards allowed and points allowed by their opponent’s offence.  They should be able to contain Hamilton’s offence, what with two starters on the O-line (including the off-season’s biggest signing LT Figueroa)

Hamilton has their own problems with top signing QB, Levi-Mitchell, on the shelf.  Backup Shiltz has slowly improved, with his best outing in week 4, but although they lead the league in red zone trips they have the third worst points for number in the league.

What we have here is a perfect storm for a low total.  They are the 2nd and 3rd worst teams in offense yards/game, last and 2nd to last big plays (20+ yds rush play; 30+ yds pass play) and major questions with unproven receivers on both sides. 

Put that together with under being 5-2 in both their last 7 in Hamilton and against each other and you have a pretty strong case.

Another interesting stat is that by the end of week 4, 66% of games have been under and to start week 5 both games have been under.  Going for the under with these two sputtering teams is a good call for this one.

This is the turtle derby with the two winless wonders, the Elks and the RedBlacks, doing battle.  Both teams have struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball.  So much so that they will both start new QBs this week.  Doege had some good results in relief of Cornelius albeit in garbage time against the Argos last week while Adams did just OK in relief of the hapless Arbuckle.  The QBs aren’t the problem as both teams have chaos causing O-lines that can’t control the line of scrimmage enough for their skill players to produce.  And the Elks will be without starting LT Garnett this week.  On top of that the little passing production the Elks had against the Argos will be reduced without star receiver Lewis and wily vet Arcenaux. 

The Elks defence hung in there for the first half against the Argos but just ran out of gas because their offence just couldn’t stay on the field long enough for them to catch their breath.  Given that the RedBlacks seem to have mastered the 2 and out so far this year the Elks “D” should perform better.  The Redblacks D-line should continue their successful ways against this woeful Elks O-line and its resultant weak rushing attack.

These two teams’ offences are 8th and 9th in the league in total yards, passing yards and points scored.  The Elks have averaged 14.7 points/game while the RedBlacks are even worse with a 13.5 points/ game avg.

You can see where I’m headed here.  In their last 9 head to head the under is 9-1 between these two teams.  The Redblacks have had an under total for all 3 games this season, are 7-1 for the under in their last 8 week 4 games and 4-1 in their last 5 games in June.  The Elks unders are 2-1 this season.  Although the field is dry and artificial turf these two offences will mud wrestle their way to an under total on Friday night.

Montreal has only played one game.  They are barely out of pre-season and that means a disjointed offence in the CFL in June.  Hamilton’s starting QB is a game time decision that seems to be leaning towards not playing.  Hamilton’s O-line is banged up and dysfunctional.  Starting LT (Figureroa) and RT(Riley) are both out and 5 other O-linemen are on IR.  Top receiver Bayless is also out.  Not a recipe for a successful offence.

Both teams were already looking like they were going to depend on their defences this season. 

The under is 4-0 for the last 4 between these two teams in Hamilton.  Under is 6-1 for the last 7 between these two teams.  For Montreal unders are 6-1 in their last 7 following a win.   Clearly with past records and underperforming offences in June you should take the under for this game.

The big dogs are playing a game already.  The undefeated Bombers and Lions with their dominant defences will punish their respective offences in a classic early season battle.  For the Lions two of their top receivers are out (Rhymes and Hatcher) and their third top receiver (Whitehead) is back and could be fragile.  For the Bombers their star RB (Oliveira) is questionable which could be a setback for their league leading rush game. 

This game pits the #1 pass offence (Bombers) against the #1 pass defence (Lions).  June in the CFL always gives the edge to the defence.  The Lions’ defence is also #1 in points allowed with a miniscule 7.5 points against/game so far.  Combine that with the Bombers only allowing 29 points against/game and you have a total of only 36.5 allowed/game by these two defences.

In their last 6 games under is 6-0 for BC and their last 5 road games under is 5-0 (that includes two games in Winnipeg).  An interesting stat is that the Bombers in their last 7 week 3 games have unders dominating 6-1.  Go with the under and enjoy a smash mouth defensive battle.

Week 1 went well with a 3-0 record.  I am ready and willing to play for Week 2.  Here is a great play for you.        

Analysis    Calgary and Ottawa both lost in Week 1 and both are loathe to start the season 0-2.  Both teams opened with low scoring results for their offence.  15 for Calgary and 12 for Ottawa.  Typical June results in the CFL for offences that played their QBs for limited minutes in the pre-season and just don’t have the reps to be productive.

Under is 5-1 for the Stamps after a loss in their last 6.  The RedBlacks under is 14-6 after a loss.  So clearly both teams stress defence in the week of prep after a loss.  In their last 7 meetings under is 6-1.

Ottawa still must start number 2 QB Arbuckle as Masoli still isn’t ready.  Arbuckle threw 3 picks against a revamped Alouettes secondary.  Ottawa will be missing starting RB Williams and WR Demon is nicked up but should play.  It will be another long night for the RedBlacks offence.

Calgary QB Maier struggled again against the Lions and will be missing a second O-line starter as Thornton is joining starting LT Coker on IR.  Ottawa got 6 sacks against the Alouettes and harassed Fajardo all game.  Calgary will also be missing last year’s leading rusher Carey and top receiver Henry is questionable.  WR Philpot is still out.  It won’t be a fun night for Maier.

This will be a typical June CFL matchup with defences dominating  and offences suffering from a lack of reps.  Take the under for the total.

Winnipeg vs. Saskatchewan

Labor Day weekend is a big deal in the Canadian Football League. As far as Saskatchewan fans are concerned, this is one of the biggest games of the season. Both teams are playing good football. The Green Riders are 3-0. The defending champions are 3-1.

Both teams have shown an early tendency to the under. That has created a low total. Too low for a CFL game featuring the top rated offense, in terms of points scored per game, in the league. The Riders average 28.7 points per game. Last 10 meetings saw total lines ranging between 45.5 and 60.

Saskatchewan has gone 6-1 to the Over when off a bye. Take the Over

The set-up: Winnipeg was 7-2 when QB Matt Nichols went down with injury this season. Zach Collaros has filled in admirably since then though and I think the QB will be pivotal in helping push this total over the number. Collaros has won all three starts with his new team (averaging 9.2 yards per attempt) while compiling a quarterback rating of 109. But the Bombers are equally adept with running the ball, averaging a league-high 148 rushing yards per game. 

The pick: The Ti-Cats return to the big game for the first time since 2014. Several of those players on that team that lost to the Stamps are suiting up today as well. Hamilton won a franchise record 15 games this year thanks in large part to QB Dane Evans, who has 17 TD's and eight INT's over his last eight games (last week Evans had 386 yards passing in his teams 36-16 win over Edmonton.) I believe these two competent QB's become the main story lines in tomorrow's summaries. Look for this total to fly over sooner, rather than later.

10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH on the OVER in the Grey Cup.

The set-up: This is the opener of a two game series between the teams, with the second one heading back East next weekend. Because of that, I believe each opens up the playbook on the West Coast and I look for this total to fly over sooner, rather than later. Ottawa won’t be lacking for motivation that’s for sure after falling 46-17 to last place Toronto. Ottawa is just 3-8 overall and over its last three games it’s been outscored 107-42. One bright spot last week for the Redblacks was the play of QB Jon Jennings, who had 327 yards vs. the Argos. BC is just 1-10 and on a current seven-game losing streak. There’s no bigger disappointment in the entire league than these two teams.

The pick: Over the last three years, the over is 3-1-1 between the clubs. The players on both sides are now playing for a job for next season and because of that, I look for this total to fly over the posted number. 

10* CFL TOTAL OF MONTH on over Ottawa/BC.

The set-up: Hamilton has opened the season 5-1, but a devastating injury to QB Jeremiah Masoli has seen their Grey Cup odds drop from +225 to +550 because of it. The Ti-Cats now have to make adjustments on the fly in hostile territory vs. a Riders team which has won two straight. This is a great situational play, as I expect Hamilton to have difficulties on the offensive side of things today as the unit looks to adjust after the Masoli injury. The Riders have looked better of late, but with Zach Collaros eligible to return, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to QB Cody Fajardo.

The pick: Note that three out of these teams last four in the series have fallen under the posted number. With Dane Evans now running the show for Hamilton, expect a much more conservative game-plan from the visitors. I believe when you look at the entire situation that each team finds itself in, that this contest does indeed set up as more of a lower-scoring “chess match” on Thursday night.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Saskatchewan Roughriders UNDER

10* play

The set-up: Winnipeg is rolling at 5-0 and I think the Blue and Gold will keep the foot on the gas in Hamilton this weekend. In fact, many CFL experts are predicting that this will in fact be this year’s Grey Cup matchup, as Hamilton comes in at 4-1. Note that they’ve split their last four games, each winning at home and also winning on the road. It’s true that the last seven games played between these teams have all gone “under” the number, but note that the average total has bee 55.1. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Winnipeg has seen the total go over the number in five of its last six as a road favorite, while Hamilton has seen the total sail over the posted number in all three of its home games thus far. The best in the West vs. the beast in the East. Look for these two teams to open up the playbook and expect this total to sail over sooner, rather than later.

10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the over Bombers/Cats.

The set-up: Whoever gets the start for the injured Bo Levi Mitchell, I expect the Stampeders to come out fired up as they look to fill the void of their offensive leader. It’s “next man up” in Calgary this weekend, as it likely turns to Nick Arbuckle to guide the show. Arbuckle helped lead the come-from-behind win over the Lions last weekend, connecting on all nine passes he threw for 93 yards and a TD. But Saskatchewan will be a tough out, as note that the Riders are riding the hot play of QB Cody Fajardo, who had a career-high 430 yards last week vs. Toronto.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Calgary has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 12 vs. clubs with losing records, while Saskatchewan has seen the total soar over in six of its last eight as a home favorite of seven points or less. This number is a little low.

Calgary Stampeders/Saskatchewan Roughriders OVER

10* play

The set-up: Hamllton broke out for a 50 point win over the hapless Argos last week, but I think it has a bit of a letdown in Week 3. In all the Ti-Cats wracked up 604 total yards of offense, including three TD’s from Bralon Addison. Note that this is the first game of a back-to-back home and home series between the clubs, and as such, I’m expecting much more of a defensive affair on Friday night. It’s interesting to note that Hamilton has won four of the last five in this series and in those four victories, they’ve allowed an average of 10.5 points per game (42 in total.) Montreal won’t be rolling over either, as it comes out of its bye week after a Week 1 loss to the Eskimos. Of concern for Montreal fans is that starting QB Antonio Pipkin suffered a knee injury in the loss and he’s expect to miss 4 to 6 weeks. That means that Vernon Adams Jr. is now thrust into the spotlight for the Als. 

The pick: The pressure is on Montreal to step up defensively with its No. 1 QB sidelined with injury. There’s no way the visitors can turn this into a “track meet” and expect to hang with the high-flying home side. So with Montreal trying to control the pace of this one from the outset, I do indeed expect this total to sneak below this sky-high number once it’s all said and done.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Montreal Allouetes UNDER

10* play

The set-up: Both team’s are 2-2 to open the season. While the “under” may be 3-0-1 in the last four in this series, I’m predicting that these two hungry sides open up the playbook and push the pace from start to finish, ultimately pushing this one “over” once it’s all said and done.

The teams: This is the first meeting between the clubs this year, but last season the Redblacks won both match ups.

BC will be out for revenge, but it’ll also be looking to build off its come from behind 20-17 victory over Winnipeg last weekend. The Lions are still desperate for a breakout offensive performance, having not scored more than 22 points in a game this year. Travis Lulay returned from injury and he looked good for BC, going 28 of 41 for 326 yards and a TD. The Lions have struggled with consistency on the road, so they clearly won’t be taking anything for granted here.

Ottawa will be eager to take out its frustrations after a dismal 27-3 loss to Calgary last week at home. The Redblacks managed just 169 total yards of offense. QB Trevor Harris passed for only 93 yards and was picked twice.

The pick: While each team struggled offensively last week, I believe the conditions are right for a more wide open affair between these two non-conference opponents. Take it for what you will as well, but BC has seen the total go “over” the number in four of its last six as a road dog in the 3.5 to 7 points range, while Ottawa has seen the total go “over” in four of its last six as a home fav in the same points range. Play the “over.”

The set-up: Note that this is the opener of a home and home set between these teams and it marks the only time that they’ll face each other in the regular season for the remainder. Over the last three years they’ve met eight times (including playoffs) and the Bombers are 5-3 in those games, including 3-1 on home field. To break this string, the Lions are going to have open things up and look to catch the home side off guard.

The teams: BC looks to reverse its fortunes after its humbling 41-22 beatdown loss in Edmonton last week: “This is our first taste of adversity,” said Lions Head Coach Wally Bruno after. Keep your eyes on WR Emmanuel Arceneaux, who has 106 yards on the season, but who is still looking for his first TD.

Winnipeg can’t take anything for granted here obviously as it tries to find its identity without star QB Matt Nichols directing the show, as he’s still three weeks away from returning from injury. Backup Chris Streveler has his team at 1-2 on the year. The Bombers have struggled defensively though at times this season, in the two losses the unit has allowed 777 yards combined through the air.

The pick: So can BC’s Jon Jennings, who hasn’t thrown for over 200 yards in two games this year, step up and take advantage? He’s going to be given the green light in this one as BC is desperate to get back into the winners circle. Winnipeg will also be looking to “air it out.” This number is just a little low, play the “over.”

The set-up: Ottawa comes in off a satisfying 40-17 upset win over Saskatchewan in its season opener, while Calgary is so far 2-0. East meets West in the Week 2 Opener and I’m expecting more of a defensive battle in this one.

The teams: Trevor Harris had 345 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his season opener for the Redblacks. Greg Ellingson was his favorite target with eight catches for 104 yards. William Powell had 94 yards on 18 carries with one major score.

The Stamps have been upset in the Grey Cup in each of the last two years and anything less but a trip to the big thing would be viewed as a major disappointment this year. So far QB Bo Levi Mitchell has been solid with 621 yards passing, four TD’s and one INT. Receiver Eric Rogers has six catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

The pick: Note as well that Ottawa has seen the total go “under” the number in six of its last eight on the road. These defenses are both underrated though in my opinion and I think the stage is set for those units to step up here on the short week and become the main storyline in tomorrow’s summaries. Play the “under.”

The set-up: Note that this is the second highest total on the board in Week 2. In the 2017 Grey Cup, Calgary was a seven-point favorite, but it would get upset for a second straight year in the “big game” 27-24. A Matt Black interception of Bo Levi Mitchell in the end zone with eight seconds remaining was a dramatic finish to a great upset.

The teams: Calgary looked sharp on both ends of the field in its 28-14 win over visiting Hamilton in Week 1. The Stamps though would only pull away in the fourth quarter with a 19-3 run. Mitchell struggled, going just 17 of 36 for 297 yards, a touchdown and an interception. RB Don Jackson was a bright spot with 87 yards on 12 carries. 

Toronto was a three-point fav in Saskatchewan in Week 1, but the defending champs fell flat in the 27-19 setback. The Argos looked bad offensively, posting just five points through the first three quarters. QB Ricky Ray had just 233 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. RB James Wilder Jr. was also a major disappointment with 17 total rushing yards. The Argos’ bright spot was their play on the defensive side in the Week 1 loss.

The pick: These teams have a long history of playing to lower-scoring defensive battles as well, as five of their last six in the series have gone “under” the posted number. Everything points to another tight/lower-scoring war in this one as well. Play the “under.”

The set-up: The Roughriders will hope to open the season with a 2-0 record after beating the Toronto Argonauts handily in Week 1. Ottawa will have different plans obviously as it kicks off its 2018 campaign

The teams: Saskatchewan has won four straight on the road dating to last year. QB Zach Collaros had 203 yards and a TD last week, to go along with zero INT’s. Duron Carter and Caleb Holley combined for 83 receiving yards. Jerome Messam though leads a strong running attack which posted 111 yards last week.

The Redblacks were 8-9-1 last year, but they’ll be looking to improve those numbers with QB Trevor Harris, who helped his team finish third in the league in total points scored last season.

The pick: It’s a quick turnaround for the Roughriders, who have to travel across the country for this one. Take it for what you will, but Saskatchewan has seen the total go “over” the number in 12 of its last 19 non-conference games. This one has the feel of a wide open “shootout,” rather than a “chess match.” Play the “over.”

The set-up: Two teams with big expectations for the 2018 season collide on Friday night and in my opinion, this one has “shootout” written all over it.

The teams: Toronto won the 105th Grey Cup in 2017, its third championship since 2004. Ricky Ray returns as QB, along with playmaking WR’s SJ Green and Armanti Edwards. The Argos also feature a dynamic RB in James Wilder Jr. Overall Toronto would finish with 5,777 passing yards and it was considered one of the best “quick strike offenses” in the league. Defensively the Argos were also pretty good, a unit led by Bear Woods and Marcus Ball which would go on to produce 14 sacks.

The Roughriders finished 10-8 last season. Big things are expected from QB Brandon Bridge, who has the keys to the offense now that veteran Kevin Glenn is gone. Bridge will be looking to get Duron Carter and Naaman Roosevelt involved early and often, a duo which combined for 2,000 yards and 16 TD’s last season. The offense also looks strong with RB Tre Mason, an Auburn standout. The defense was a strength as well, as it would allow a second best 430 points overall last season.

The pick: But the Roughriders will be looking to push the pace here, as they’ve had recent success against the Argos, having taken three of the last four in the series. Clearly the defending champs won’t be rolling over though, as they’ll be looking to put on a show for the home town crowd, while also sending a message to the rest of the league. This one has the feel of a “track meet,” rather than a “chess match.” Play the “over.”

The set-up: The 13-4-1 Calgary Stampeders ended the regular season on a three-game losing streak but their 28-25 home win on Nov. 19 over Edmonton has the Stampeders on track for their eighth Grey Cup in franchise history and fourth since the 2001 season when they visit the Toronto Argonauts at TD Place Stadium on Sunday in the CFL's 105th Grey Cup Final. Toronto was just 9-9 in the regular season but its 25-21 home win (also on Nov. 19) was enough to lift them into this game, giving the Argonauts a chance at their 17th Grey Cup in franchise history and third since the 2004 season.

Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell is completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 4,700 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but it's Calgary's top-ranked defense which has gotten them this far. The Stampeders ranks first in the CFL in points allowed (19.4) and yards allowed (339.8).did not cover. Meanwhile,

Toronto: QB Ricky Ray is completing 71.0 percent of his passes for 5,546 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Toronto is averaging 411.1 YPG (2nd) but has underachieved somewhat, as it's scoring 26.8 PPG, which ranks 6th. Defensively, Toronto allows 350.7 YPG (2nd-best next to Calgary) but the Argonauts are allowing 25.3 PPG (4th), about a TD higher than Calgary.

The pick: Calgary has won the last eight meetings against Toronto with its last loss coming in September of 2013. The Stampeders outscored the Argonauts 64-31 in two wins this year but the Stampeders aren't the same team,as the team seemed to "stop playing" in November. Calgary did edge Edmonton to reach this game but it marked the fifth straight game in which the team did not cover. Meanwhile, the Argonauts have covered six of their last eight games. The over is 6-2 in Argonauts' last eight games and the over is 4-0 in the Stampeders last four playoff games. Two good defensive teams (but with two excellent QBs, as well) are going to play an OVER in this one. Make it a 10*.

The 5-1-1 Calgary Stampeders travel Friday night to take on the 5-3 BC Lions at BC Place. Calgary opened the season with a 31-31 tie at Ottawa but then beat the RedBlacks the next week 43-39 at home. That win in Week 2 began a 5-1 stretch for the Stampeders with the team's lone loss coming 30-23 at Montreal. QB Bo Levi Mitchell is completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 2,081 yards with 13 TD passes and only three interceptions in 232 attempts. He leads the CFL's highest scoring offense, which averages 36.3 PPG. Calgary also allows just 20.7 PPG defensively, which also ranks first among all CFL teams (pretty sweet 'daily double!'). The BC Lions entered last week's game at Saskatchewan 5-2, having lost both games against Edmonton (7-0 pending Thursday's game), but were routed 41-8 by the Roughriders. Starting QB Jonathon Jennings replaced backup Travis Lulay but would throw four INTs. Lulay had replaced an injured Jennings (shoulder) back in Week 4 and promptly threw for 436 yards and 404 yards in back-to-back wins. However, Lulay's level of play has fallen off as of late and we can expect Jennings to get the start here, after throwing for 5,226 yards with 27 TDs (15 INTs) last season. BC averages 28.5 PPG and allows 27.8 PPG (5th) to rank fourth and fifth, respectively in this nine-team league

The pick: Bo Kevi Mitchell led Calgray to the Grey Cup Final last season (lost 39-33 in OT to Ottawa), when he threw for 5,392 yards with 32 TDs and just eight INTs. He and his team is starting resemble last year's club (we'll know more when the Stampeders finally face off against the Eskimos) but at the moment, I won't buck Calgary. The Stampeders have won eight of their last nine meetings against the Lions and may make it nine of 10 but I see both offenses having HUGE games and prefer the Over. Make it

The set-up: The 0-5 Hamilton Tiger-Cats will look for their first win of 2017 Friday night when they travel to Commonwealth Stadium to meet the Edmonton Eskimos, who are the CFL's lone unbeaten team at 5-0. Hamilton QB Zach Collaros leads the CFL's weakest offense, completing 62.4 percent for a modest 1,143 yards with only three TDs and five interceptions. Hamilton averages 18.0 PPG on 307.2 YPG with both figures ranking dead-last among the CFL's nine teams. On the other side of the ball, the Tiger-Cats allow 40.2 PPG and 489.8 YPG, with both of those numbers ranking ninth of nine teams. Talk about an unwanted 'daily-double!' Edmonton is led by QB Mike Reilly, who is completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 1,628 yards, with nine TDs and just two interceptions. The Eskimos are scoring 28.4 PPG on 469.2 YPG with both figures ranking fourth in the CFL. Defense has paved the way to Edmonton's 5-0 start, as the Eskimos allow 24.2 PPG (2nd-best) on a league-low 337.4 YPG.

The pick: Surely, Hamilton has nowhere to go but up off the team's humiliating 60-1 loss last week at Calgary and no team is ever as bad as it looks in its worst game. Yes, Edmonton is a perfect 5-0 but the team's largest margin of victory has come by 11 points with the team's other four wins coming by a combined 12 points. That includes a 31-28 July 20 victory in Hamilton over the Tiger-Cats. That 28-point effort represents Hamilton's highest scoring game of the 2017 season. Hamilton can't stop anyone, so if it plans on being competitive at all, the team will need to score. The Tiger-Cats are an impressive 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Edmonton and four of the last five meetings between the Tiger-Cats and Eskimos in Edmonton have gone over. Make the Over a 10* play.

The 4-1 BC Lions and 4-0 Edmonton Eskimos meet Friday at Commonwealth Stadium lin Edmonton. The Lions opened with a 31-27 home loss to Edmonton in Week 1, then won three straight on the road, before returning home and escaping 45-42 over Winnipeg in a non-cover. BC's QB Jonathon Jennings has completed 67 percent of his passes for 853 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions but was hurt on the Lion’s first offensive series in Week 4. He was replaced by veteran backup Travis Lulay, who threw for 436 yards and three TDs in a 41-26 road win. Lulay then threw for 404 yards (2 TDs / 2 INTs) in last week's win over the Blue Bombers. BC now leads the CFL in YPG (427.2) and is second in scoring at 32.8 PPG. Defensively, BC is allowing 25.8 points and 383.8 yards per game. The Edmonton Eskimos look to stay unbeaten and best BC for the second time this season (remember that Week 1 win at BC). QB Mike Reilly is completing 72.1 percent of his passes for 1,216 yards with seven TDs and zero INTs (over 140 pass attempts!). However, the real key to Edmonton's success so far is a defense allowing league-bests in both PPG (23.8) and YPG (333.5).

The pick: As already noted, Edmonton has already beaten BC on the road this season despite being 4.5-point underdogs. The Eskimos have also won six of their last eight meetings against the Lions, overall. BC backup QB Lulay has completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 840 yards the last two weeks but here faces the CFL's No. 1 pass defense, as Edmonton allows a modest 240.8 YPG through the air. Edmonton just continues to win but also play nip-and-tuck games, with the team's wins coming by three, four, two and three points. Another close one here and a lower scoring one than the over/under number indicates. Make the Under an 8* play.

The set-up: The 2-3 Montreal Alouettes and 2-2 Winnipeg Blue Bombers meet Thursday at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg. QB Darian Durant is completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,392 yards with six TD passes and also six INTs. He's been a disappointment so far in 2017, as the Alouettes' 20.2 PPG average is the worst on any of the CFL's nine teams. However, Montreal's defense, which allows a modest 21.8 PPG (ranked 1st), has kept the team competitive in the early going. QB Matt Nichols leads a Winnipeg offense averaging 32.0 PPG, third-best in the league. Nichols is completing 66.2 percent of his passes for 1,080 yards with eight TDs and four interceptions. The Blue Bombers will need to score, as their defense is allowing 34.8 PPG (last) on 411 YPG.

The pick: Montreal has been held to 19 or less points in four of its first five games but Durant and Co. should break out here vs. a vulnerable Winnipeg defense (see above). Meanwhile, Winnipeg's Nichols is playing some of his best ball of the young season and the Blue Bombers are an accomplished home team. Winnipeg has won seven of the last 10 meetings against Montreal but the better play is the Over. Make it a 10*.

The set-up: The 2-1 Winnipeg Blue Bombers will meet the 3-1 BC Lions Friday at the BC Place. The Blue Bombers have two excellent offensive efforts (a 43-point effort in a win at Saskatchewan plus a 33-point effort in a win at home over Toronto), sandwiched around a 29-10 home loss to Calgary. QB Matt Nichols is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 826 yards with five TD passes and three interceptions (fairly modest numbers). Winnipeg is allowing 31.3 PPG, ranking eighth of nine teams. Speaking of modest numbers, BC's QB Jonathon Jennings has completed 67 percent of his passes for 853 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jennings was hurt on the Lion’s first offensive series last week, when he was driven into the turf by a Hamilton DL. He was replaced by veteran backup Travis Lulay, who threw for 436 yards and three TDs in a 41-26 road win. BC is 3-1 to start the 2017, losing only 31-27 against Edmonton, which is now 4-0 after last night's win.

The pick: BC has been the better team so far in 2017 but Winnipeg has won four of the last five meetings between the two teams. The QB situation at BC is muddled plus Winnipeg's Nichols has not played well, either. The BC defense allows 21.8 PPG, best in the CFL and I say the Under is a 10* play.

The set-up: The 3-0 Edmonton Eskimos visit the 0-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday at Tim Hortons Field. The Edmonton Eskimos look for their second road victory to build on their quick 3-0 start to the season. QB Mike Reilly is completing 71.8 percent of his passes for 866 yards with four TD passes without an interception in 103 pass attempts. However, it's the Edmonton defense which is the main reason the Eskimos are unbeaten, ranking first in points allowed (22.3 PPG) and second in total yards allowed (336.3 YPG). Checking the stats, it's not hard to see why the Tiger-Cats are still searching for their first victory of the year. Hamilton ranks 9th (of nine teams) in scoring (20.3 PPG) and in total yards (305.3 YPG). Defensively, Hamilton also ranks last in the CFL in both points allowed (36.7 PPG) and total yards (512.0 YPG).

The pick: Hamilton hasn’t won a home game since September 16, entering this contest on a six-game home losing streak (including the postseason). The Tiger-Cats have shown little progress this season from game to game, as the offense has a hard time moving the ball with any consistency and the defense can't seem get off the field. How about that for a daily double? Yes, Edmonton is 3-0 but the Eskimos have come to expect close games (wins have been by three, four and two points). Edmonton's excellent defense is the reason all three of the Eskimos' games have gone under in 2017 and that's the play again, here. Make the Under a 10* play.

The set-up: The 2-1 BC Lions will play at the 0-2 Hamilton Tiger-Cats Saturday at Tim Hortons Field. The Lions opened the season with a 30-27 home loss to Edmonton but comes into this game playing a third in a row on the road, after winning 28-15 at Toronto and 23-16 at Montreal.he Lions opened the season with a 30-27 home loss to Edmonton. QB Jonathon Jennings is completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 853 yards but has just two TD passes (also has thrown just one INT). BC's defense allowed 30 points in the team's season opener but has since allowed just 15 and 16 points in back-to-back road wins. BC was 12-6 last year and was one of the CFL's better defensive teams (allowed 25.2 PPG) but after three games in 2017, BC is allowing just 20.3 points to rank first among all teams. The Tiger-Cats could use a victory after opening with road losses at Toronto and Saskatchewant. Hamilton is allowing 34.5 points and 509.5 yards per game after two contests and is hoping a return home (first home contest of 2017) will help. Zach Collaros won the starting QB job but he's completing 61.6 percent for a modest 431 yards with one TD and one INT.

The pick: A check of the record book reveals that a return home may not be a formula for success regarding the Tiger-Cats. Hamilton hasn’t won a home game since September 16 of last season, which is a stretch of five games, including a home playoff loss. As for BC, the Lions are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games, including 2-0 SU & ATS to open the 2017 season on the road. That BC defense has been impressive and Hamilton's offense leaves much to be desired, averaging a CFL-low 18.5 PPG. The Lions will be on the road for a third straight game, so I see a much safer play being on the total. Make the Under a 10*.

The set-up: The BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes meet Thursday in CFL action at Molson Stadium in Montreal. Both teams have opened the 2017 season 1-1. The Lions opened with a 30-27 home loss to Edmonton but then rebounded with an impressive 28-15 road win at Toronto over the Argonauts. BC has scored 27 and 28 points in the season's first two games but QB Jonathon Jennings has just one TD pass (also just one INT), after throwing for 27 last season, against a modest 15 INTs. The BC defense is coming off an excellent effort, allowing just 15 points at Toronto on yards 349 yards. The Lions allowed 25.2 PPG in 2016 while going 12-6 and after two contests, have allowed just 22.5 PPG . The Alouettes edged Saskatchewan 17-16 at home to open the season but then lost 23-19 last week at Edmonton. QB Darian Durant is completing 61.8 percent of his passes for a modest 399 yards with three TDs and one INT, as Montreal's offense is averaging a league-low 18.0 PPG among teams to have played each of the first two weeks. Defensively, Montreal is allowing 19.5 points and 383.5 YPG.

The pick: Montreal was no match for BC in 2016, as the Lions scored 38 points in both meetings, winning by 11 points in BC and 20 points in Montreal. The Lions are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games, while the Alouettes are only 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games. I expect BC to have little trouble scoring again in this one. As for Montreal, the Alouettes traded for Duarnt prior to the 2017 season, getting him from Saskatchewan where he had been a fixture. He was expected to give Montreal's offense a significant boost but that has yet to be the case. How about a break out game here? History tells us seven of the last nine meetings between these two teams in Montreal have gone over, so why not? Make the Over a 10* play.

The set-up: Ottawa upset Calgary in last year's Grey Cup final, 39-33 in OT, as nine-point underdogs. The two teams met last Friday in Ottawa and the game ended in a 31-31 tie. I guess that's not too surprising as the teams also tied in one of their two regular season meetings last year as well, 256-26 in Week 3. They trre back at each other again tonight, this time in Calgary. Both QBs threw for 300 yards last Friday, as Ottawa's Harris threw for exactly 300 yards  (3 TDs and 1 INT) and Calgary's Mitchell passed for 376 yards (2 TDs & 0 INTs). Bo Levi Mitchell is the more dangerous QB, as he now has 34 TD passes in his last 18 games. Obviously, both teams allowed 31 points last week, with Calgary allowing 416 yards and Ottawa 441.

The pick: This is a quick "re-hook" and it's hard to ignore the fact that the Stampeders went 9-0 at home in 2016 and haven’t lost a home game since October of 2015. In fact, these last five seasons, Calgary is a dominating 39-6 SU on its home field. However, let's not ignore that the RedBlacks are an impressive 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games. Past matchups would favor a high-scoring contest but I believe the respective defenses will be a little bit more settled after a game under their belts and will make the Under an 8* play.

The set-up: The Edmonton Eskimos and BC Lions meet Saturday in CFL action at the BC Place. The Eskimos went 10-8 last season and the Lions, 12-6. Both teams won their first playoff game but then fell in their second try, Edmonton lost 35-23 at Ottawa in the East Final and BC lost 42-15 at Calgary in the West Final. The teams split two regular season games last year, with each winning at home (Edmonton 27-23 and then BC, 32-25). Mike Reilly returns at QB for the Eskimos, after throwing for 5,554 yards and 28 TDs (completed 70.3 %), easily his best season of his CFL career. The Lions also return their starting QB in Jonathon Jennings, who is is back after throwing for more than 5,200 yards and 27 TDs while completing 67 percent of his passes in his first real season as a starter. Of the two teams, Edmonton returns enough talent to be considered a serious Grey Cup title contender.

The pick: As noted, the home team won both meetings last season and in fact, the home team has won the last six meetings between Edmonton and BC (the road team hasn't won a game since June of 2014 in this series). Edmonton finished last season as the CFL's second-highest scoring team (30.5 PPG) and BC as its third-highest scoring one (30.3). However, it took BC a few games to find its way, as after three 2016 contests, BC final scores had averaged only 36.0 PPG last season. Also note that in Edmonton's first two road games of 2016, those contests averaged a modest 39.5 PPG. By year's end, these should again be high-scoring teams. However, here in Week 1, when these teams have seen their last five meetings decided by seven points or less, the Under is a 10* play.

The set-up: The 2-3 Edmonton Eskimos sit fourth of five teams in the West as they get set to visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday (Ottawa is 3-2-1, just behind 4-2 Toronto in the four-team East).  It’s the second meeting of the season between the two Grey Cup finalists from 2015. Ottawa opened the 2016 season with a 45-37 OT win at Commonwealth Stadium, running up 590 yards of net offense in the process. However, let’s not ignore the fact that the Eskimos have won the four previous regular-season meetings between the two clubs since the Redblacks came into being back in 2014, plus won last November’s Grey Cup. A closer look at Ottawa’s record reveals a 3-0-1 start in 2016 but the team enters this contest off back-to-back losses, falling in close ones 30-29 and 23-20. The pick: Like the first meeting, expect a high scoring game. Edmonton QB Mike Reilly is looking for his ninth consecutive game with 300 passing yards. He’s averaged 368 yards and thrown for 18 TDs in a stretch that’s reached back to October of 2015 (note: he’s thrown at least one TDP in his last 11 games!). The problem for Edmonton is that its defense has allowed 61 points over the last six quarters, in dropping consecutive games to teams playing with backup QBs. Those backups combined for 695 yards, four TDs and zero INTs, while completing 80.3 percent. Ottawa QBs Burris and Harris combined to complete 40 of 50 passes in the first meeting with Edmonton, passing for 543 yards and four TDs. Again, expect another high scoring game. 10* play on the over.

The Edmonton Eskimos haven't looked much like defending Grey Cup champions. Last week they led Hamilton by 18 points at home, but the Ticats scored 31 points in the second half to come from behind and win 37-31. Edmonton will host Winnipeg this Thursday, and I expect to see another high scoring affair.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Eskies have gone over the total in seven of their last eight at home, and the over is 7-2 in their last nine overall. They are averaging a CFL best 32 points per game, but have allowed 33.5 points per game. Only the Roughriders have allowed more points so far.

2. Mike Reilly - Edmonton's quarterback leads the CFL in passing yards with 1,580, and touchdowns with 10. This is even more impressive considering that half of the teams in the league have played one more game than the Eskimos.

3. X-Factor - The Bombers have failed to cover in five straight at Edmonton, and I don't like their chances of slowing down this high octane Eskies offense.

Selection: This is a play on the Bombers@Eskies to go OVER the total (8*)

The Ottawa Red Blacks went all the way to the Grey Cup last season, and they have a chance to start this season 3-0 if they can get past Calgary in their home opener tonight. Ottawa has the league's highest scoring offense, but I still think tonight's total is a little inflated given that these two teams are both fantastic defensively.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - These teams went over in three of the four games they played in last season's series, but the total for tonight's game is higher than it was in any of those games. The Stampeders have a history of playing low scoring games, with six of their last eight games in the month of July going under, and they've gone under at a rate of 18-7-1 in their last 26 road games.
2. Injuries - The Redblacks have had plenty of success in the passing game, but a host of injuries in the backfield leaves them a little one dimensional. They will miss William Powell who is out of the season with an Achilles injury.

3. X-Factor - Calgary's game plan will likely be to control possession, with plenty of long drives, running the ball. They will want to keep the ball out of the hands of the CFL's leading passer.

Selection: This is a play on OTT@CAL to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Montreal Alouettes will host Ottawa in CFL action on Thursday night, and this game will feature Montreal's new and improved defense, that allowed the fewest yards of any team in Week 1. I expect another low scoring game in Montreal tonight, and the total looks a little inflated.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Montreal's Offense - With former quarterback Anthony Calvillo at the helm, the Als look a lot like they did a few years ago. The focus is on the running game, and quick short passes that allow them to dominate time of possession. Veteran quarterback Kevin Glen completed 30-of-42 passes for 332 yards and just one TD in Week 1.

2. Previous History - The Als have failed to reach the total in seven of their last nine home games, and they've gone under in 19 of their last 22 games in the month of June. They lost all three meetings versus the Redblacks last year, and two of the three games saw fewer than 50 points scored.

3. X-Factor - Defensive end John Bowman had seven tackles and a pair of sacks for Montreal in Week 1.

Selection: This is a play on OTT@MTL to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will host the Montreal Alouettes in a Week 1 match-up between two teams that really struggled last year. Montreal finished last in the East, while the Bombers were just 5-13 in the West. Neither team has a lot of offensive fire power, and I think we could see a low scoring affair.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Quarterbacks - Drew Willy will be back under center for the Bombers, but he is coming off a couple of tough years. In 2014 he threw 16 interceptions, two more than his total of 14 TDs. Last year he started only eight games, throwing for 1434 yards with eight TDs and three INTs.

2. Trends - History tells us that these teams have trouble scoring, as Winnipeg has trended under at a rate of 8-1-1 in it's last 10 home games, while the Als have failed to reach the total in 16 of their last 22 on the road. 3. X-Factor - These teams have scored fewer than 50 points combined in each of the last three head to head meetings.

Selection: This is a play on MTL@WPG to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Montreal Alouettes will be in Canada's Capital on Friday, looking to avenge a home loss to the Redblacks earlier this season. The Als lost both their starting quarterback as well as their backup in that 20-16 week 1 loss. I wouldn't be surprised to see another low scoring game between these two teams. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Previous History - These teams played three times in 2014, and all three of those games failed to reach the total. The Redblacks have seen the total go under in seven of their last 10 home games, while Montreal has trended under at a rate of 16-5 in their last 21 on the road. 

2. Redblacks Defense - Ottawa ranks second in the CFL in total defense, allowing opponents to average just 325 yards per game. They limited the Als to just 113 yards passing with one TD and two INTs in the last meeting. 

3. X-Factor - Henry Burris threw three INTs against the Alouettes in Week 1. 

Selection: This is a play on MTL@OTT to go UNDER the total (8*)

The Calgary Stampeders host the Montreal Alouettes north of the border. The Als shocked the Stampeders in Week 2, winning by a score of 29-11 in Quebec. It was the CFL debut for rookie QB Rakeem Cato, and he threw for 241 yards and three TDs in that game. This "revenge game" should prove to be a thriller, and I expect the defenses to dominate. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Calgary Offensive Line - Jon Cornish led the league in rushing last year, running for over 1000 yards despite only playing half the season. He hasn't had nearly as much success this year, and you can blame a lot of that on the offensive line. They lost a coupe of veteran O-linemen in the off-season, and have since been hit with injuries to Edwin Harrison and Dan Federkeil. With several new faces this week, it's likely asking to much to expect this offense to run smoothly.

2. Rakeem Cato - After completing 80% of his passes in his first game, he's thrown two INTs and just one TD pass since. He threw for 317 yards with no TDs and two picks in a loss to Winnipeg two weeks ago, and it doesn't get much more difficult than playing on the road in Calgary. 

3. X-Factor - The Als have seen the total fall short of the number in 12 of their last 14 road games, while the Stamps have seen four of their five games go under. 

Selection: This is a play on MON@CAL to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Calgary Stampeders will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium on Saturday, and both teams are off to a 2-1 start to the season. The defending champs are a heavy favorite, asked to win by more than a TD. I've got my eyes on the total here, as I am expecting a close low scoring battle. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Calgary Offensive Line - Jon Cornish led the league in rushing last year, running for over 1000 yards despite only playing half the season. He hasn't had nearly as much success this year, and you can blame a lot of that on the offensive line. They lost a coupe of veteran O-linemen in the off-season, and have since been hit with injuries to Edwin Harrison and Dan Federkeil. With several new faces this week, it's likely asking to much to expect this offense to run smoothly. 

2. Bombers Defense - Winnipeg doesn't have too many impressive stats on defense, but they picked off Rakeem Cato twice last week, and didn't surrender a TD pass. 

3. X-Factor - The Stamps are averaging just 20 points per game, and their two victories so far have come by a combined six point margin. 

Selection: This is a play on WPG@CAL to go UNDER the total (10*)

When the Ti-Cats take on the Stampeders in Calgary on Friday night, they will be looking to avenge a 20-16 loss in the Grey Cup last November. They will remember that they had a potential game winning touchdown called back on a 90 yard punt return from Brandon Banks with just 35 seconds left. The bookmakers are calling for a high scoring tilt at McMahon Stadium, but I think we'll see these offenses get off to a slow start. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Hamilton's D - Stampeders RB John Cornish was the CFL's leading rusher despite playing just half a season in 2014, but he'll be up against a Ticat's defense that ranked first against the run, allowing just 76.8 yards per game last season. They were also one of the best teams at rushing the quarterback, and they recorded 21 sacks in their final seven games of the regular season. 

2. Previous History - These teams have seen the total fall short of the number in each of the last five meetings, including last year's championship game. Calgary played low scoring games to start the season last year, and the Stamps have a history of playing low scoring games in the month of June (the under is 16-3 in Calgary's last 19 games in June).

3. X-Factor - Hamilton has seen the total go under in Week 1 in 12 of the last 16 seasons. 

Selection: This is a play on Hamilton@Clalgary to go UNDER the total (10*) 

The Redblacks finished dead last in scoring last season, and they had the league's worst record going 2-16. It's hard to take too many positives from their 0-2 pre-season, as they totaled just 19 points in two games. They face the Montreal Alouettes, who defeated them 26-9 in an exhibition game just two weeks ago. and these are two of the league's least talented squads. I expect to see another low scoring affair here on Opening Night. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Previous History - These two teams played three times in 2014, and the Als won all three of those games. Not only did all three games go under the total, they failed to score more than 40 points in all three contests. 

2. Quarterbacks - Henry Burris has had a solid CFL career, but at 40 years old, it's no secret that his best days are behind him. The Als have to be concerned about Jonathon Crompton, who wasn't sharp in the pre-season. GM Jim Popp isn't convinced he has what it takes to be the starting quarterback. “Crompton won the job last year. The bottom line is can we win with him?” said Popp. He completed 5-of-10 passes for 71 yards and two INTs in a loss to Toronto in his last exhibition game. 

3. X-Factor - It's not uncommon to see low scoring games in the first week of the season, and the under is 17-3 in Alouettes last 20 games in June.

Selection: This is a play on Ottawa@Montreal to go UNDER the total (10*)

The CFL's two best teams meet in Edmonton on Labor Day, and the winner will take sole possession of the top spot in the league. In a game with so much at stake, I think we are in store for a gritty defensive battle. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Defense - The Eskimos own the CFL's #1 defense, allowing opponents fewer than 300 yards per game. The Stampeders however own the league's #1 run defense. 

2. Trends - The Eskimos have seen the total go under in six of their last eight overall, while Calgary has played 16 unders in it's last 21 games overall. 

3. X-Factor - Each of the last three head to head meetings have fallen below the total, including Calgary's 26-22 victory earlier this year. 

Selection: This is a play on Calgary@Edmonton to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Argos and the Tiger Cats will play the first ever game in Hamilton's brand new Tim Horton's Stadium. The home team has plenty to be excited about as they get back their starting quarterback for this Labor Day battle with bitter rivals Toronto. We could see a shootout here in Hamilton this afternoon. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Argos Offense - Toronto leads the CFL in both passing yards and total offense. Quarterback Ricky Ray only needs 90 yards to become the league's youngest player to reach the 50,000 yard mark. 

2. Hamilton Defense - Only the Ottawa Redblacks rank worse than Hamilton defensively. They also rank 8th against the pass, which could be a trouble against the Argos air attack. 

3. X-Factor - Six of the last eight head to head meetings between these two teams have gone over the total. 

Selection: This is a play on Toronto@Hamilton to go OVER the total (10*)

The Ottawa Redblacks are in a tough spot this week, hosting the might Calgary Stampeders. The return of football to Canada's capital has not been a triumphant one, as the home team has been awful, losing six of their seven games so far. After scoring just eight points at home last week, points will likely be hard to come by again today. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1: Calgary Defense - The Stamps are the top defense in the CFL against the run, allowing opponents to rush for just 81 yards per game. 

2: Ottawa Offense - Only the Montreal Alouettes rank worse than Ottawa in total offense. They have scored an average of 13 points over their last three games. 

3: X-Factor - Calgary has seen 10 of it's last 11 road games go under the total. 

Selection: This is a play on the Stampeders@Redblacks to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Edmonton Eskimos will host the Argos on Saturday afternoon, and the Eskies are locked in a three way tie for top spot in the West. Edmonton is level on points with Calgary and Winnipeg, but the Bombers have played two more games than the two teams from Alberta. We should see another strong defensive effort from the home team here, and I like the under. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Edmonton Defense - The Eskimos lead the CFL in total defense, allowing opponents an average of just 288 yards per game. They held the Redblacks to just eight points in Ottawa last week. 

2: Toronto's Running Game - The Argos offense is better known for Ricky Ray airing it out, but in recent weeks Curtis Steele has been getting more carries. He ran for 92 yards on 10 carries in a win over Winnipeg last Tuesday. 

3. X-Factor - Fatigue could be a factor for the Argos, as they are playing their third game in 10 days. 

Selection: This is a play on the Argos@Eskimos to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Toronto Argos will host the B.C, Lions in a CFL Sunday night game that features the #1 and #2 offenses in the league. The Argos lead the East despite a losing record, while the Lions are in the West Division cellar despite winning four of their seven games so far. We should expect fireworks in Toronto tonight. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1: Argos Offense - Toronto leads the CFL in total offense, averaging over 400 yards per game. Ricky Ray threw for 297 yards and four TDs in a home win over Winnipeg on Tuesday. 

2. Home Cookin' - The Argos have won 2-of-3 at home so far, averaging over 34 points per game. 

3. X-Factor - Not Surprisingly, the Argos have trended toward high scoring games at home. They have seen the total go over in 12 of their last 17 games at Rogers Center. 

Selection: This is a play on the Lions@Argos to go OVER the total (8*)

The Montreal Alouettes will travel to Regina this weekend to face the Riders, and these are two teams trending in opposite directions. The Riders come in on a three game winning streak, while Montreal has lost four in a row. Given such a mismatch, we should see a few points scored in this one. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Montreal Defense -  The Alouettes have allowed an average of 35 points while losing each of their last four games. 

2. Riders Running Game - Saskatchewan leads the league in rushing, averaging 135 yards per game. Only Ottawa ranks worse than Montreal when it comes to stopping the run. 

3. X-Factor - Four of the last five meetings between these two teams have gone under, but the listed total in all of those games was well over 50. We have seen a different trend in Regina, as nine of the Riders last 11 home meeting with Montreal have gone over the total. 

Selection: This is a play on MTL@SASK to go OVER the total (10*)

The Hamilton Tiger Cats are one of three teams in the CFL that has just one win so far this season. They will host the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, who are tied with Edmonton at the top of the league. Both these teams are capable defensively, and I think we could see a low scoring tilt in this match. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Hamilton Offense - The Tiger Cats are really struggling to score points, in fact only Montreal ranks worse than Hamilton in total offense. Starting quarterback Zach Collaros has been sidelined by injury since Week 4, and it's unlikely he'll return this week. 

2. Calgary Defense - The Stampeders own the CFL's #1 defense against the run, allowing an average of just 76 yards rushing per game. Calgary ranks #3 overall in total defense. 

3. X-Factor - Calgary has played eight straight unders on the road, while four of the last five head to head meetings have failed to reach the total. 

Selection: This is a play on the Stampeders@Ti-Cats to go UNDER the total (10*)

With five wins and one loss, the Eskimos are tied for the best record in the CFL with rivals Calgary. They play on the road this week in Ottawa, and we should see a low scoring tilt in Canada's Capital. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Eskimos Defense - Edmonton owns the top ranked overall defense in the CFL, allowing opponents an average of just 286 yards per game. 

2. Ottawa Offense - The Redblacks don't have the CFL's worst offense, but they aren't far off. They have failed to score 20 points in four of their last five games. 

3. X-Factor - The Eskimos have seen the total go under in five of their seven games so far in 2014. 

Selection: This is a play on the Eskimos@Redblacks to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will face the Argos in Toronto on Tuesday Night, and this game will feature two of the league's top passing attacks. I expect to see both teams air it out early and often here, and we shouldn't have any trouble reaching a relatively low total. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - The Bombers Drew Willy leads the CFL in passing yards with 1965, while Ricky Ray is not far behind with 1687, having played one fewer game. The Argos lead the CFL in total offense as well as passing yards per game. 

2. Argos Defense - While Toronto held the Alouettes to just five points in Montreal in their last game, they surrendered a whopping 34 point to Calgary in their last home game. 

3. X-Factor - The Argos have seen the total go over in 11 of their last 16 home games, and four of their last five home meetings with Winnipeg. 

Selection: This is a play on the Bombers@Argos to go OVER the total (10*)

The Ottawa Redblacks were blown out at home last week, surrendering 38 points to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. They face a daunting task this week, heading into Calgary to play the Stamps, who rank second in the CFL with their potent running game. I had the over in last week's loss to the Riders, and I think this struggling Ottawa team will concede enough points to push the total over again this week. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Ottawa Run Defense - It's the worst ranked unit in the CFL, allowing an average of 114 yards per game. The Riders scored a pair of rushing TDs in last week's 38-14 thrashing in Ottawa. 

2. Henry Burris - The veteran quarterback has Ottawa ranked among the top teams in the league, averaging 248 yards per game, just behind the 3rd ranked B.C. Lions. 

3. X-Factor - The Redblacks have seen the total go over three times in five games, but the total for this contest is lower than it was in all five of those games. 

Selection: This is a play on Ottawa@Calgary to go OVER the total (10*)

The B.C. Lions are roaring after a stunning upset on the road in Calgary last week. They return to Vancouver to host the Hamilton Tiger Kittens, who are coming off a heartbreaking loss at home to the Blue Bombers. Both these teams have excelled on defense this season, and I expect to see a low scoring tilt in B.C. in this one. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Lions Defense - The Leos rank second to Edmonton in total defense, but they are #1 against the pass. 

2. Hamilton Offense - The Tiger Kittens are very poor offensively, only Montreal ranks worse in total yards. 

3. X-Factor - Zach Collaros remains sidelined by a head injury, and his replacement Dan LeFevour completed just 18-of-33 attempts for 189 yards last week. 

Selection: This is a play on [email protected]. to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Ottawa RedBlacks took advantage of a banged up Argos team in their home opener two weeks ago, but they face a tougher task at TD Place Saturday. The Riders are in town, coming off a 37-9 blowout win over those very same Argos. Saskatchewan should pile on the points against a soft Ottawa defense, but they may concede their share as well, so I'm taking the over here. 

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Redblacks' defense - They have conceded an average of 426.5 yards per game so far this season, ranking dead last in the CFL in total defense. They are particularly poor at stopping the run, but the Saskatchewan isn't much better, ranking second to last in that category. 

2. Low Number - We've seen a bit of an under trend through the first five weeks of the season, but I think we should be due for a correction. With tonight's total hovering around 50, it's not going to take much to reach the number.

3. X-factor - A sold out TD Place should be enough to inspire the Redblacks to keep this game competitive. 

Selection: This is a play on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Ottawa Redblacks to go OVER the total (10*) 

The Lions and the Stamps meet in Cow Town on Friday night, and this will be a battle of two of the CFL's heavyweights. The Lions are coming off a 41-5 thrashing of Montreal in Vancouver, while the Stamps put an end to Edmonton's unbeaten streak. The total looks a little low in this one, and I'm expecting a few points to be scored. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Neither Kevin Glenn or Bo Levi Mitchell got off to a great start this season, but both have turned up the heat in recent weeks. The two currently rank 4th and 5th respectively in total passing yards. 

2. Low Number - We've seen a bit of an under trend through the first five weeks of the season, but I think we should be due for a correction. With tonight's total well below 50, it's not going to take much to reach the number. 

3. X-Factor - These teams have seen the total go over in four of their last six meetings, and only one of those six games went under tonight's number. 

Selection: This is a play on BC@CAL to go OVER the total (10*)

The Lions limited Montreal to just five points in a win at B.C. Place last week, and they boast the CFL's #1 scoring defense. The Leos host Winnipeg on Friday, and the Bombers come limping into Vancouver off a 26-3 thrashing at home to the Eskimos. We should see another low scoring affair in B.C. tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Quarterbacks - Drew Wily did not look too impressive at home versus Edmonton last week, completing just 14-of-27 passes for 180 yards with an INT. Kevin Glenn has thrown a league high six picks in four games.

2. Winnipeg Pass Protection - The Bombers failed miserably in protecting Drew Wily last week, as the Winnipeg signal caller was sacked five times in the loss to the Eskimos.

3. X-Factor - These two teams have tended to play low scoring games, with nine of the last 10 in B.C. going under, and 14 of the last 18 overall falling below the total.

Selection: This is a play on the Bombers@Lions to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Edmonton Eskimos will put their perfect record to the test when they host rivals Calgary tonight. The Stamps are coming off a defensive battle with Hamilton, defeating the Ti-Cats 10-7 last week. These two teams own the two of the best defenses in the CFL, so we should be expecting a similar display here tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The last two meetings between these teams were each low scoring tilts, falling well below the total. The Eskies have limited opponents to an average of fewer than 300 yards per game, while Calgary is ranked right behind, allowing 304 yards of total offense per game. The Stamps have been riding a heavy under trend, failing to reach the number in nine of their last 10.

2. Quarterbacks - Bo Levi Mitchell failed to get anything going last week, completing 20-of-35 passes for just 201 yards and no touchdowns. Mike Reilly struggled as well, completing 18-of-31 passes for just 192 yards with a TD and an INT.

3. X-Factor - Calgary is still without one of it's biggest stars on offense, with RB Jon Cornish sidelined with a concussion.

Selection: This is a play on Calgary@Edmonton to go UNDER the total (10*).

The Ti-Cats will go West to play the Stamps in Calgary this week, and this fixture features two of the top defensive teams in the CFL. That doesn't necessarily mean we are going to see a close game though, as Calgary is a heavy favorite at home. As good as Hamilton has been on the defensive side of the ball, points have been hard to come by for the Ti-Cats.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Hamilton Offense - The Ti-Cats rank dead last in the CFL in total offense, and they are only averaging 200 passing yards per game.

2. Injuries - The Stamps offense could be slowed by the loss of running back John Cornish, who still hasn't recovered from a concussion suffered in the season opener.

3. X-Factor - All the recent trends seem to hint toward a low scoring tilt here, as Calgary has seen the total go under in four of it's last five home games, while the Ti-Cats have failed to reach the total in nine of their last 11 overall.

Selection: This is a play on Hamilton@Calgary to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Edmonton Eskimos came into this season with little or no expectations, but it's been a fantastic start for the team that finished with just four wins in 2013. Edmonton can equal last season's total with a win on the road in Winnipeg this week. The Eskies are 3-0, and they rank second in the league to Calgary in total points allowed (the Stamps have only played two games). The Bombers have scored their fair share of points this season, but they might find life a little more difficult against the West leading Eskimos.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Eskies Defense - Edmonton ranks second in the league in total defense allowing an average of 307 yards of total offense per game. They have been strong against the pass, allowing an average of fewer than 220 yards per game.

2. Bombers Running Game - Only the Hamilton Tiger Cats are averaging few yards on the ground than Winnipeg, and a one-dimensional offense isn't ideal against a stout Edmonton defense.

3. X-Factor - Low scoring games have been the trend in past meetings between these two teams, as the under has cashed at a rate of 7-3-1 in the last 11 head to head meetings.

Selection: This is a play on the Eskimos@Bombers to go UNDER the total (10*)