PLAY WELL.

OUT EACH YEAR AND DOING YOUR BEST TO MAKE YOUR TEAM BETTER AND LOOKING TO REBOUND FROM A POOR 2017 CAMPAIGN

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 The number of new footballs Wilson Sporting Goods will ship to the CFL. Each team gets 200, 100 for playoffs and 48 for the Grey Cup. Bo Levi Mitchell’s winning percentage as a starter. The Calgary QB has a record of 56-10-2. The next best mark is Doug Flutie’s .746.