CFL THIS WEEK
THURSDAY – 9 P.M.
Hamilton (2-1) at Saskatchewan (1-2)
The Tabbies are a legit contender, the Riders are in troubling disarray on offence. That smells like another road win for a team boasting the CFL’s leading passer, Jeremiah Masoli, the deepest corps of receivers and a strong Canadian running attack. The Ticats lead the league in passing yards, completions, percentage and average gain per pass. The Rider defence is only so-so against the pass, some of that having to do with erstwhile cornerback Duron Carter. Hamilton’s chances of success will go up if Riders head coach Chris Jones doesn’t move Carter back on offence full-time.
Hamilton by seven
FRIDAY – 7:30 P.M.
Ottawa (1-1) at Montreal (1-2)
The Redblacks stumbled mightily in Calgary by repeatedly giving the ball away to a team that capitalizes more than any other on turnovers. The Alouettes offence won’t be nearly that dangerous or opportunistic, particularly if QB Drew Willy doesn’t come back from a helmet-to-helmet hit. Jeff Mathews cleaned up in the win over the Riders, but didn’t look efficient. Ottawa’s stout defence, which has given up an average of 348 yards per game, will present a serious challenge to whomever gets the ball. The Als probably won’t have to wait another 323 days for a win, but they’ll likely have to wait at least another two weeks, as they have the bye next week.
Ottawa by 10
SATURDAY – 5:30 P.M.
Edmonton (2-1) at Toronto (0-2)
Coming off the bye, the Argos are rested, but their new starting quarterback is largely untested. James Franklin goes head to head with his old teammates, including QB Mike Reilly, and the experience deficit might be a costly one. Even in the hands of now-injured Ricky Ray, the Argos were producing a measly 13 points per game, worst in the CFL. While the Esks’ rebuilt defence is a work in progress, in the hands of Reilly the offence is always dangerous and should be the difference.
Edmonton by 10
SATURDAY – 8:30 P.M.
B.C. (1-1) at Winnipeg (1-2)
A battle of one-win teams shapes up as a narrow victory for the home squad, but only if the Bombers’ defence tightens up, particularly in the secondary. Winnipeg’s tendency toward zone defence has yielded 302 passing yards per game, better only than the Lions, who give up 303.5 per game. Winnipeg rookie QB Chris Streveler likes to run and throw, and he also hands the ball off more than any other pivot. The Lions aren’t good against the run.
Winnipeg by three