CFL betting trends, odds and predictions for Week 5 from various handicappers and websites
CFL Betting Recap - Week 4
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
League Betting Notes
Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 4
Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 ATS in Week 4
Home teams posted a 3-1 SU record in Week 4
Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 4
The 'Over' went 3-1 in Week 4
Analysis
After underdogs ended up going 8-0 ATS over the first two weekends, normalcy continued in Week 4 with 'dogs splitting 2-2 ATS in Week 4. Hamilton (0-3) didn't help out that trend, however, as they were pounded at home on Saturday night by BC Lions (3-1), not even coming close to covering a three-point number at Tim Horton's Stadium. In fact, the TiCats were the only home team failing to win outright on their home turf on the weekend.
In addition, it was a high-scoring weekend in CFL play. There were 222 points scored in Week 4, second-highest in the league this season. However, the points were more evenly distributed and the 'over' finished in the majority for the first time (3-1). In Week 1, a total of 199 points were scored (under went 3-1). In Week 2, the highest-scoring weekend of the season with 250 points, the over/under split 2-2 with the points mostly scored in two of the matchups. In Week 3, we had the lowest-scoring weekend with just 186 points (under went 3-1).
Ottawa (0-3-1) continues its downward spiral after appearing in the Grey Cup last season. That's mostly because they cannot take care of the football. The RedBlacks are averaging 2.0 turnovers per game through four weekends, highest in the CFL (tied with the Argonauts). It's not surprise they find themselves heading into Week 5 still searching for that elusive first victory.
Team Betting Notes
Next up for the RedBlacks will be a date with Montreal (2-2). The Alouettes posted a nice 30-23 win over previously unbeaten Calgary (2-1-1). It was a rare high-scoring game for the Alouettes, who entered on a 3-0 'under' run, averaging just 17.3 points per game. Their defense continues to be the story, however, allowing 23 or fewer points in each game so far, including an amazing three-week run allowing exactly 23 points.
Speaking of the Stamps, last season they were cover kings with a league-best 13-5 ATS mark in 18 regular season games. They were also 6-2-1 SU on the road and 15-2-1 SU overall, going 1-1-1 SU over the first three weekends. Might we see a similar run this season after a slow start? After Week 5, the Stamps covered seven in a row in 2016.
Edmonton (3-0) picked up a third consecutive wins to open the season, although their narrow win in Ottawa was anything but easy. The Eskimos failed to cover for a second straight weekend while the 'under' cashed for the third time in as many games. Next up for the Esks is a trip east to face winless Hamilton.
As mentioned, the TiCats have dropped three in a row to open their season, and they're 0-3 ATS to kick off the season. A lack of offense and a lack of defense is not a very good mix for success. Hamilton is averaging just 20.3 points per game while yielding 36.7 PPG. The 'over' has hit in two straight for Hamilton, as they have allowed 78 points during the span.
The Lions won and covered for the third consecutive outing. They dropped 41 points in Hamilton, their most prolific offensive performance of the season. BC wrapped up an impressive 3-0 SU/ATS East Coast swing through Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton, but there won't be much time to celebrate. They have a tough home game Friday night against Winnipeg (2-1).
The Blue Bombers travel to BC on Friday, and they're 1-0 SU/ATS on the road this season. The Bombers look for revenge after being ousted 32-31 from the postseason in BC on Nov. 13, 2016. The Bombers had success against the Lions in the 2016 regular season, however, winning and covering each meeting. In fact, Winnipeg is a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS over the past four regular season meetings with British Columbia.
Toronto (2-2) dropped a 33-25 decision in WPG, as consistency hasn't been their strong suit to date. They have alternated wins and losses through the first four weeks, doing the same against the number (2-2 ATS). The Argonauts are also tied with the RedBlacks for the most turnovers (eight) in the CFL through Week 4.
MONTREAL (2 - 2) at OTTAWA (0 - 3 - 1) - 7/19/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON (3 - 0) at HAMILTON (0 - 3) - 7/20/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 36-60 ATS (-30.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 3-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG (2 - 1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (3 - 1) - 7/21/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-0 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 4-1 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 2) at CALGARY (2 - 1 - 1) - 7/22/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 129-93 ATS (+26.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) in July games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-0 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA (1 - 3 - 1) at TORONTO (2 - 2) - 7/24/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-38 ATS (-21.8 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-3 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MONTREAL @ OTTAWA
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games at home
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
EDMONTON @ HAMILTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Edmonton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Hamilton's last 18 games at home
WINNIPEG @ BRITISH COLUMBIA
Winnipeg is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of British Columbia's last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
SASKATCHEWAN @ CALGARY
Saskatchewan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
OTTAWA @ TORONTO
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
CFL Betting Notes - Week 5
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
Last week in the CFL started on Thursday night with Winnipeg’s 33-25 victory against Toronto as a three-point home favorite. In the first of two Friday games, the home team won again with Montreal stunning Calgary 30-23 as a four-point underdog. Edmonton went on to beat Ottawa 23-21 in the nightcap, but it could not cover the three points at home.
Week 4 wrapped up on Saturday night with British Columbia breaking the streak of home team victories with a convincing 41-26 romp over Hamilton as a 3½-point road favorite.
Wednesday, July 19
Montreal Alouettes (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (0-3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -3½
Total: 50½
Game Overview
Montreal continues to be one of the top defensive teams in the CFL this season with a points-allowed average of 21.3 and the fact that it was able to score 30 points in last week’s win is a major step forward for its offense. Prior to that, this unit had failed to score more than 19 points in any of its first three contests. Darian Durant threw for 296 yards against Calgary and the ground game added 143 yards on 26 rushing attempts.
The RedBlacks continue to keep every game they play close, but it still comes down to wins and losses as far as the East Division standings. Trevor Harris deserves a good deal of the credit for keeping Ottawa competitive on offense with 1,379 passing yards and a league-high eight passing touchdowns through his first four games. Ottawa’s defense has been a whole other story with a points-allowed average of 30.8.
Betting Trends
The road team has won the last three meetings straight-up and Ottawa has a 6-1 edge against the spread in the last seven games between these two division rivals. The total has stayed UNDER in six of the last nine games.
Thursday, July 20
Edmonton Eskimos (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -3
Total: 54½
Game Overview
Edmonton has forged the early lead in the highly competitive West Division behind a balanced attack on offense and a defense that has done a fairly good job at keeping opposing teams out of the end zone. Led by quarterback Mike Reilly, the Eskimos have averaged 25.3 points per game in their undefeated start. He has completed 71.8 percent of his 103 attempts for 866 yards and four touchdown throws.
The Tiger-Cats are in danger of letting this season slip out of control behind an offense that is averaging just 20.3 PPG complementing a defense that has been burnt for 32 points or more in each of its first three losses. In last week’s double-digit loss to BC, Zach Collaros ended the game with 361 passing yards and 22 more on the ground, but it is pretty obvious that he cannot get it done on his own.
Betting Trends
Edmonton has won three of the last four meetings SU and it has gone 4-0-1 ATS in its last five road games against the Tiger-Cats. The total has stayed under in all five of those games at Hamilton.
Friday, July 21
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) vs. British Columbia Lions (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -8½
Total: 56½
Game Overview
The Blue Bombers put up 43 points in overtime in its Week 1 victory at Saskatchewan and they rolled up 33 points last week. This effort was wrapped around a 19-point loss to Calgary in which this unit produced just 10 points. Matt Nichols has done a decent job under center with 826 yards passing and five touchdown throws in three games and while Andrew Harris has racked up 170 yards on the ground, this unit still needs better consistency from week to week.
BC could be the most complete team in the CFL on both sides of the ball right now. The Lions are definitely the deepest team in talent at the quarterback position after Travis Lulay stepped in for an injured Jonathon Jennings in the first quarter of last week’s game against Hamilton to throw for 436 yards while completing 29 of his 36 attempts.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers are 5-0-1 ATS in its last six games against BC and they are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games against the Lions. The total has gone OVER in the last four meetings.
Saturday, July 22
Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (2-1-1 SU, 1-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -11½
Total: 57½
Game Overview
The Roughriders come into this game off a bye week and they have been able to cover ATS in five of their last six games played on the road. Kevin Glenn has done a solid job at quarterback with 1,055 yards passing and seven touchdown throws. He has completed 99 of his first 136 passing attempts to post the top completion percentage in the CFL (72.8 ). Saskatchewan has still had its issues with a defense that is allowing an average of 26.7 PPG.
Calgary appeared to be on track for another successful run to the top of the West Division standings before last week’s shocking upset at the hands of Montreal. The Stampeders had a slight 20-16 lead against the Alouettes heading into the final quarter, but their defense could not make the plays at the end of the game when it had to the most.
Betting Trends
Calgary is a perfect 6-0 SU in the last six meetings and it has a 4-2-1 edge ATS in its last seven home games against the Roughriders. The total stayed UNDER in both meetings last season after going OVER in the previous four games between these two West Division foes.
Monday, July 25
Ottawa RedBlacks (0-3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -1½
Total: 54
Game Overview
Ottawa has the unfortunate task of playing two games in a span of six days and fatigue on the road is bound to be a factor in this game regardless of what happens at home against Montreal on Wednesday night. The RedBlacks have been able to cover ATS in their last four road games and the total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in five of their last six games played in July.
Toronto finds itself in an excellent position to get back above .500 on the year against a division foe, but consistency has not been one of this team’s strong points this season. Ricky Ray has done his part at quarterback with a CFL-high 1,529 passing yards and his top target SJ Green also leads the league in receiving yards with 452 in his first four games.
Betting Trends
These two already met this season in Week 3 with Toronto coming away with a tight 26-25 win as a four-point road underdog. The total stayed UNDER 55 points in that game and it has now stayed UNDER in the last four meetings in this East Division tilt.
CFL Week 5
Montreal (2-2) @ Ottawa (0-3-1) — RedBlacks lost last three games, by total of 7 points; they’re winless, despite scoring 29 pts/game. Underdogs covered all four of their games. Ottawa is 5-1 in last six games vs Montreal; under is 6-3 in series games. Alouettes are 3-2 in Ottawa- visitors won four of last five series games. Montreal is 2-2 this year; all four games were decided by 7 or less points- three of them stayed under total. Ottawa is winless, but trailed only one game at the half (1-1-2).
Edmonton (3-0) @ Hamilton (0-3) — Eskimos are 3-0, with wins by 3-4-2 points; all three games stayed under, were covered by the underdog. Hamilton is 0-3, losing by 17-17-15 points; they allowed 367 pts/game, 512 yds/game. Road team won last five series games; Edmonton won its last three visits to Hamilton, winning by 7-3-3 points, last of which was a playoff game LY. Eskimos have run ball for 99.3 yds/game this year. Hamilton has allowed 441 passing yards a game this season.
Winnipeg (2-1) @ BC Lions (3-1) — Last four series games were all decided by 3 or less points, all went over the total. Blue Bombers won four of last five series games; losing side scored 31+ points in all three meetings LY. Team that was leading at halftime lost all three Winnipeg games; they won only road game so far, in OT at Regina. Lions won last three games, all on road- three of their four games stayed under total. Bombers are 3-2 in last five visits here.
Saskatchewan (1-2) @ Calgary (2-1-1) — Roughriders are off their bye week; they scored 40-37 points in last two games- their two losses are by total of 4 points. Riders lost their last six games vs Calgary, dropping last three visits here, by 13-23-20 points. Over is 8-4 in last 12 series tilts. Stampeders lost in Montreal last week; they beat Ottawa 43-39 (-7) in only home game this year. Calgary has yet to lead at halftime (0-2-2) this season; three of their four games went over total.
Favorites vs spread for season: 6-10
Over/Under: 7-9
Armadillosports.com
CFL Week 5: Montreal at Ottawa
By Allen Moody
Bangthebook.com
We enter Week 5 of the CFL season and there are single games for each of the next four days, beginning with tonight’s Montreal at Ottawa game, which will be broadcast on ESPN3. We fell to 7-4 last week.
For the season, home teams are just 5-11 against the spread and favorites are 5-11 after an 0-8 start to the year. Totals are 7-9 after three of the four games went over the total last week. That’s been a bit of how things have gone over the years in the CFL. Favorites in Weeks 1-4 are 58-105-3 and totals are 73-93. From Week 5 through the end of the year, favorites have gone 287-325-13, which is still 47%, but better than the 36% number they show in the first four weeks. Totals are 293-323-9, which is 47.6%.
Tonight’s game sees Ottawa looking for its first victory of the season, as the team sports an 0-3-1 record, while Montreal is 2-2. The REDBLACKS haven’t had any trouble putting points on the scoreboard. It’s been keeping the opposition from doing the same that has been their problem. Ottawa’s 29 points per game ranks fourth in the CFL and is just 2.5 points behind league-leading Calgary, while their defensive average of 30.7 points allowed per game is seventh in the nine-team league. Ottawa has played all four games close, with the one tie and losses by one, two and four points.
Montreal is tied with Toronto for the East lead, so a victory by Ottawa would put them right back in the chase, while a loss would drop them 2.5 games back, so this is a key game for the defending Gray Cup champions. Strangely, this is one of two games Ottawa is playing in Week 5, as their Monday game against Toronto is also considered a Week 5 game by the CFL. It is the only time this season there are five games in a week.
Montreal will be without the CFL’s leading rusher Tyrell Sutton, but does get former Auburn defensive back Jonathon Mincy back. Ottawa will be without its two leading tacklers for this one.
The biggest problem for the REDBLACKS has been turnovers, or lack of creating them, as they have just one takeaway through the first four weeks of the season and that came in their Week 1 tie.
This is a pretty tough game to call, but the line is a bit higher than it should be, as everybody knows how badly Ottawa needs a victory. Believe this one could be close, so will have to take the better defensive team as an underdog and will grab the Alouettes plus the points.
Thursday's CFL Betting Preview: Eskimos at Tiger-Cats
Covers.com
Edmonton Eskimos at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+3, 53)
The Edmonton Eskimos look to remain unbeaten when they travel east to tangle with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Thursday. The Eskimos held off the Ottawa Redblacks 23-21 in Week 4 to notch their third consecutive victory, and hope to take sole possession of first place in the West Division standings by knocking off the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton for the fourth straight time.
Edmonton has won eight consecutive games against East Division opponents, including a 24-21 victory against Hamilton in the 2016 Eastern semifinal, and searches for its first 4-0 start since 2014. The Tiger-Cats are left to pick up the pieces following a 41-26 setback to the BC Lions. Winless Hamilton has dropped nine of its last 10 games overall dating back to last season, and is desperately searching for an identity on offence as the unit sits last in points per game (20.3), passing yards (264) and passing touchdowns (two). "I told the guys it's going to get ugly around them with all the negativity and the chatter right now," Hamilton coach Kent Austin told reporters. "They need to get their rest and keep fluids in them and be ready to prepare physically to play on a short week against another physical football team."
LINE HISTORY: The Eskimos opened as three-point road favorites and that point spread has yet to move. The total hit the betting boards at 54.5 and was bet down to 53 by Wednesday evening. Check out the complete line history here.
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U): Mike Reilly threw for 265 yards and a touchdown against Ottawa to move within one TD toss of passing Matt Dunigan for fifth place on Edmonton's all-time list. The Eskimos continue to be decimated by injuries at the linebacker position as Adam Konar was helped off the field with a leg injury late in the fourth quarter against the Redblacks and joins Cory Greenwood (ACL) and J.C. Sherritt (Achilles) on the injured list. "We're going to be on our next guy up for that and we've already had two go down at that position," Edmonton coach Jason Maas told reporters. "So we'll have to address it and we'll see who wins that job this week in practice and go forward."
ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS,2-1 O/U): Zach Collaros had his best game of the season as he threw for 361 yards with a touchdown toss to Jalen Saunders, who finished with five catches for 147 yards against BC. Richard Leonard continues to be one of the lone bright spots on defence as the first-year safety recorded two interceptions and recovered a fumble against the Lions after returning a blocked kick for a touchdown in the season opener against Toronto. Sergio Castillo, a free-agent signing who won a heated kicking competition in training camp, is 5-for-5 this season after making a season-long 48-yard attempt in Week 4.
TRENDS:
* Eskimos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 5.
* Tiger-Cats are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Eskimos last 4 Thursday games.
* Under is 7-1 in Tiger-Cats last 8 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
* Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Hamilton.
CONSENSUS: The road favorite Eskimos are getting 63 percent of the action from users and the Over is picking up 52 percent of the totals wagers.
EXTRA POINTS:
* Edmonton has committed the fewest turnovers in the league (two).
* Hamilton has lost seven straight games against West Division opponents.
* The Tiger-Cats have surrendered 1,322 passing yards through their first three games.
Friday's CFL Betting Preview: Blue Bombers at Lions
Covers.com
Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Lions (-4, 56.5)
The BC Lions look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday. The Lions swept their Eastern road trip with wins over the Toronto Argonauts (28-15), Montreal Alouettes (23-16) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (41-26) to grab a share of top spot in the West Division, and hope to beat the Blue Bombers in the regular season for the first time since Oct. 25, 2014.
Travis Lulay, who set a single-game CFL record for most passing yards off the bench with 436 against the Tiger-Cats, is set to make his first start since September 2015 after Jonathon Jennings suffered a shoulder injury on the first play from scrimmage. Winnipeg bounced back from a Week 3 loss to the Calgary Stampeders with a 33-25 victory over the Argonauts. The Blue Bombers found their rhythm on offence after being held to 10 points the previous week while the defence forced three turnovers en route to their first home win of the season, and hope to stay in the congested race for the division title by avenging a 32-31 loss to BC in the Western semifinals last season. "We just feel like we're continuing to work toward being the team we know we can be and take it one week at a time," Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols told reporters. "The West is very good and we have to keep pace with these guys."
LINE HISTORY: The Lions opened as nine-point home favorites but that spread was reduced to -4 after it was announced that backup quarterback Travis Lulay would get the start in place of injured starter Jonathon Jennings. The total hit the board at 56.5 and is currently still on the opening number.
ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Andrew Harris missed practice in order to take a "rest day" after rushing for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Toronto, but is expected to play Friday. Justin Medlock made 4-of-4 field goals, including a 55-yard attempt, against the Argonauts to extend his streak to a franchise record 28 in a row, which is also a personal best. Wide receiver T.J. Thorpe took reps with the first-team offence in place of L'Damian Washington after recovering from an injury setback while Winnipeg added linebacker Nehemie Kankolongo and defensive end Shayon Green, who registered three sacks in 13 games with the Blue Bombers in 2016 before being cut in training camp, to the practice roster.
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-1 SU, 3-0 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Jennings underwent an MRI which showed that his shoulder injury is not as severe as initially feared, but will miss Friday's clash and is listed on the injury report as week-to-week. Lulay was named one of the CFL's Top Performers of the Week after completing 29-of-36 passes with touchdown tosses to Nick Moore (10 catches for 220 yards), Shaq Johnson and Bryan Burnham, while adding another score on the ground against Hamilton. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a special moment for me to be able to come off the bench and help my team win," Lulay told reporters. "It feels good to have the confidence of the guys around me."
TRENDS:
* Blue Bombers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.
* Lions are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 5.
* Over is 8-0 in Blue Bombers last 8 road games.
* Over is 5-1 in Lions last 6 games as a home favorite.
* Blue Bombers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The home favorite Lions are getting 60 percent of the action from users and the Under is picking up 54 percent of the totals wagers.
EXTRA POINTS:
* The last four meetings have been decided by a combined nine points.
* Lions RB Jeremiah Johnson has a rushing touchdown in each of his first four games in 2017.
* Winnipeg DB T.J. Heath leads the CFL with four interceptions.
Week 5 CFL Pick & Prediction: Winnipeg at British Columbia
By Allen Moody
Bangthebook.com
Fans of high-scoring football games should be in for a treat tonight, as Winnipeg visits British Columbia for a Friday night showdown in a game featuring a pair of teams who have had a tendency to play some recent shootouts.
The last three times these two have met have yielded scores of 32-31, 35-32 and 37-35 and there’s no reason to believe tonight’s game will be any different. British Columbia is favored 3.5 and the total on the game is 56.5.
Winnipeg is averaging 28.7 points and allowing 31.3. They did have a bit of a clunker against Calgary, getting beat 29-10, but have scored 43 and 33 points in its other two games. Despite that, quarterback Matt Nichols hasn’t played as well as he is capable of and the Blue Bombers have yet to score any first-quarter points. The team is missing a couple of key defensive players in Maurice Leggett and Kevin Fogg.
For British Columbia, Travis Lulay will make his first start since 2015, but showed last week he can still play, throwing for 436 yards and three touchdowns in relief of the injured Jonathon Jennings. Lulay won the league’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2011 and is just 33 years old, so it’s not as though the Lions are throwing a 40-year-old backup out there. Those 436 yards were a CFL record for a quarterback coming off the bench.
Both teams are decent against the run, which should lead to a lot of passes. While the Lions are allowing 22 points a game, two of their four games have been against Toronto and Montreal, who are two of the lower-scoring teams in the league.
This is an obvious revenge game for the Blue Bombers, who lost to the Lions in last year’s Western semifinal game, but the team is insisting that isn’t on their mind at all. Still, it’s hard to envision Winnipeg not having this game circled since the schedules were released.
The Bombers need to get the offense going early, as if they fall behind once again, the British Columbia defensive line can make things miserable for Nichols, who isn’t the most mobile quarterback around, but make the occasional play with his feet when he needs to.
My numbers have Winnipeg winning 34-31, but a little hesitant to take the Bombers due to their defensive injuries, so will go ahead and take the over 56.5 in this one, which will be broadcast on ESPN3.
Saturday's CFL Betting Preview: Roughriders at Stampeders
Covers.com
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary Stampeders (-10, 56)
The Calgary Stampeders look to bounce back from a rare regular-season loss when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday. The Stampeders dropped a 30-23 decision to the Montreal Alouettes in Week 4 - only their third defeat since the start of the 2016 season - after being outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter and hope to get back on the winning track by beating the Roughriders for the ninth consecutive time.
Calgary has won 11 straight home games, including a convincing 35-15 victory against Saskatchewan last season, and has averaged 37.6 points over its last five meetings with the Roughriders at McMahon Stadium. Saskatchewan picked up its first win of the season when it routed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 37-20 on July 8 in its last game. The Roughriders, who lead the league in time of possession (33:20), net offence (410.3) and first downs (19.7) per game, racked up 474 yards from scrimmage and hope for another offensive explosion in order to end their run of futility on the road where they have dropped 15 of their last 18 contests since the beginning of the 2015 season. Saskatchewan has been on the wrong end of a one-sided rivalry with Calgary in the last five years and looks to turn its fortunes in the series around by beating the Stampeders for the first time since a 36-21 triumph July 5, 2013.
LINE HISTORY: The Stampeders opened as 11.5-point home chalk and that line was bet down as low as 10, where it currently sits. The total hit the betting board at 57.5 and was briefly bet up to 58 before fading all the way down to 56.5.
ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Kevin Glenn had a night to remember as he threw for 380 yards and accounted for four touchdowns against Hamilton to move within 163 yards of reaching 50,000 for his career. "I've been in a lot of systems that were a great fit," Glenn told reporters. "Being in the league for so long and understanding what we're try to actually do is probably the reason I've had success." Saskatchewan added defensive back A.J. Jefferson, who had 39 tackles and three interceptions with the Toronto Argonauts in 2016, to the practice squad to add versatility to the secondary while defensive lineman Ese Mrabure was placed on the injured list after suffering a knock against the Tiger-Cats.
ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (2-1-1 SU, 1-3 ATS, 3-1 O/U): Bo Levi Mitchell completed 34-of-50 passes for 379 yards and a touchdown but had numerous drives stall in the red zone while Kamar Jorden continued his hot start to the campaign by catching nine passes for 140 yards against the Alouettes. Defensive end Charleston Hughes, who registered 16 sacks in 2016, practiced during the week and could return after missing the previous two games with a leg injury as could offensive lineman Shane Bergman, who has undergone the league's concussion protocol over the past few weeks. "It's a minor injury but something that's kept me out for a couple of weeks," Hughes told reporters. "It's a little bit different now as I feel like I'm well prepared to play."
TRENDS:
* Stampeders are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. West.
* Over is 5-1 in Roughriders last 6 games in July.
* Over is 5-1 in Stampeders last 6 games overall.
* Roughriders are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The home favorite Stampeders are getting 51 percent of the action from users and the Under is picking up 53 percent of the totals wagers. View full consensus data for this matchup here.
EXTRA POINTS:
* Calgary is 25-3 at home since the start of the 2014 season.
* Jorden leads the CFL with four touchdown catches.
* Saskatchewan WR Bakari Grant has caught a touchdown pass in each game this season.
Monday's CFL Betting Preview: Redblacks at Argonauts
Covers.com
Ottawa Redblacks at Toronto Argonauts (-3, 55)
The Toronto Argonauts can take sole possession of first place in the East Division when they host the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday. The Argonauts have had more than a week to dissect their 33-25 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and hope to make the proper adjustments to their red zone offence by beating the Redblacks for the second time in 16 days following a thrilling 26-25 victory in the nation's capital July 13.
Toronto had to settle for six field goals against the Blue Bombers and hopes that a resurgent Ricky Ray, who leads the CFL with 382 passing yards per game, can propel the Argos past Ottawa for the seventh time in the last nine meetings. Ottawa picked up its first win of the season after holding off the Montreal Alouettes 24-19 on Wednesday. The Redblacks had dropped their previous three games by a combined seven points, but the defence came up big by stuffing the Alouettes on a 3rd-and-1 on the 8-yard line with less than two minutes to play and hope to have enough energy in the tank to make the best of a scheduling quirk that will see them play their third game in 11 nights. "I was proud of our guys and the way we stepped up and made plays at the end of the game to win it," Ottawa coach Rick Campbell told reporters. "It's going to be tough to go on the road but if we can find a way to pull it off and be done with the first third of the season we could end up in first place."
LINE HISTORY: The Argos opened as one-point home favorites and by Sunday evening that number was bet up to -3. The total hit the bettings boards at 54 and was bumped slightly to 55.
ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (1-3-1 SU, 4-1 ATS, 2-3 O/U): Trevor Harris completed 29-of-41 passes for 376 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard scoring toss to Greg Ellingson, who finished with six receptions for 149 yards, to help lift Ottawa past Montreal. "The parity in this league is crazy," Harris told reporters. "We just have to make sure we're coming to play every week and as long as we do I feel this is a team that can win a lot of games." The Redblacks signed defensive back C.J. Roberts, who had 26 tackles and two interceptions in seven games with Winnipeg last season, and defensive lineman Mike Wakefield.
ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS, 1-3 O/U): Martese Jackson, who was playing in his second career CFL game, was named one of the league's Top Performers of the Week after racking up 339 return yards, including a 78-yard punt return touchdown against Winnipeg. "I just want to build off it and also change the things I did wrong," Jackson told reporters. "I think fielding kicks and judging kicks I can do that a little better." Toronto is set to honour Hall of Fame quarterback Doug Flutie, who led the Argonauts to two straight Grey Cup victories in 1996 and 1997, in a ceremony prior to Monday's game.
TRENDS:
* RedBlacks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Argonauts are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Over is 6-1 in RedBlacks last 7 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
* Under is 4-0-1 in Argonauts last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The home favorite Argonauts are getting 70 percent of the action from users and the Over is picking up 54 percent of the totals wagers.
EXTRA POINTS:
* Ray has thrown for more than 300 yards in all four games in 2017.
* Harris leads the CFL in passing yards (1,755) and touchdowns (10).
* Toronto WR S.J. Green caught 10 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown against Ottawa in the first meeting of the season.
CFL Week 5
Ottawa (1-3-1) @ Toronto (2-2) — Quick turnaround here for Ottawa squad that hung on to nip Montreal 24-19 Wednesday; they lost 26-25 at home to Argonauts two weeks ago, blowing 12-1 halftime lead. Argos are 6-3 vs Ottawa, 3-1 here- RedBlacks beat them 30-20 here LY. Last four series games stayed under total. Toronto split its four games so far; three of the four stayed under the total. Last three Ottawa games also stayed under the total.
Armadillosports.com
Week 5 CFL Pick & Prediction: Ottawa at Toronto
By Allen Moody
Bangthebook.com
A bit of a strange game in the CFL tonight, as Ottawa plays its second Week 5 game tonight, having defeated Montreal 24-19 back on Wednesday. Teams in this spot haven’t been the greatest wagers in the past, going 63-78-5 ATS, although the oddsmakers have compensated a bit, as Toronto is favored by 3.5 points and the total is 54. Toronto opened as 1.5-point favorites and the total was 54. The total climbed to 55 earlier and then dropped back down to 54.
Toronto came away with a 26-25 victory a couple of weeks ago at Ottawa in a game where Ottawa scored with three minutes remaining to make it 26-25 and then fumbled the snap on the extra-point. A last-play 59-yard field goal came up a few yards short and the Argonauts held on for the victory.
The score was 12-1 at halftime, with both kickers getting single points on missed field goals, before the offenses got rolling in the second half, and the Argonauts did more with the ball. Both teams gained roughly 400 total yards, so the final score could easily have seen a few more points scored than actually were.
The hard part with this game is trying to gauge how much the short week is going to interfere with Ottawa’s game plan. Will they keep things a bit more simple or did they manage to work in all of the different things they wanted to? Having played Toronto just a few weeks ago, they shouldn’t need too much time, since the previous game plan is probably pretty similar to what they’re going to attempt tonight.
While the REDBLACKS didn’t have their normal preparation time, the Argonauts have had extra time to get ready for this one, which is likely one of the reasons the line moved in this contest. But Toronto also has a good-sized following in the CFL, which often translates to a line being a bit higher than is justified.
Ottawa is likely the better team and can’t afford to fall farther behind Toronto than they are already, as the Argonauts are 2-2 and Ottawa is 1-3-1 right now.
My numbers made this one 31-21 in favor of Ottawa, but while the team playing with short rest haven’t done particularly well over the years, the games have had a bit of a tendency to go over the total, which is going to keep me off the under.
Have to go ahead and take Ottawa to get the cover in this one, as I simply think they’re the better team of the two and the line is a bit of reaction to the short week.