PICKS
THURSDAY, 8:30 P.M. ET
Eskimos (+6) at Bombers With oft-injured QB Matt Nichols on the sidelines, the Bombers will likely give RB Andrew Harris all kinds of touches and hope a formidable defence bolstered by the late addition of middle linebacker Adam Bighill will keep them in the season opener, no matter what happens to raw rookie pivot Chris Streveler. The Eskimos will counter with likely MOP candidate Mike Reilly under centre, receiver Derel Walker, running back C.J. Gable and a slightly retooled offensive line, as well as a defence that got better with the return of J.C. Sherritt.
Edmonton by seven
FRIDAY, 9 P.M. ET
Argonauts (even) at Roughriders
The Riders did not impress in the pre-season, particularly at quarterback. Zach Collaros and Brandon Bridge both struggled to complete passes and head coach/GM Chris Jones put off publicly naming his Game 1 starter after the second pre-season loss, but it should be Collaros. Toronto’s Ricky Ray, meanwhile, didn’t throw a pass in pre-season, but we all know what to expect from the surefire hall of famer. The battle of run games should be fun to watch with Argo James Wilder Jr. ready to bust one at any time and Rider Jerome Messam subbing in for the suspended Marcus Thigpen.
Toronto by three
SATURDAY, 7 P.M. ET
Tiger-Cats (-9) at Stampeders
The Stamps will field a potent air attack, directed by the winningest active starting QB in the CFL, Bo Levi Mitchell, who is 56-10-2 when they give him the ball. Their kicking and punting game, with Rene Paredes and Rob Maver, is among the best in the CFL. They rarely lose at home and their all-time record against Hamilton is 63-30. The Ticats are a solid bet to improve on last year’s dismal 6-12 record, but are over-matched here. Calgary by 10
SATURDAY, 10 P.M. ET
Alouettes (-6.5) at Lions The Als, who did not win a road game last season, start with the Lions, who were a lousy 3-6 at home in 2017. Toss-up? Not necessarily. Under new head coach Mike Sherman, Montreal is desperately seeking leadership, and offensive mileage, from QB Drew Willy, but early returns weren’t promising. The Als scored one measly TD in two losses. The Leos, meanwhile, won a game in Calgary, and beat Winnipeg at home. Starting QB Jonathon Jennings appears ready to bounce back from his inconsistent 2017 season, clicking with receivers Bryan Burnham and Manny Arceneaux.
B.C. by seven