CFL Betting Recap - Week 6
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
League Betting Notes
Underdogs went 3-1 straight up in Week 6
Underdogs went 3-1 ATS in Week 6
Road teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 6
Road teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 6
The 'over' went 3-1 in Week 6
Team Betting Notes
Toronto (2-4) picked up a much-needed victory on the road at Montreal (1-4) by a 31-5 count. The 'under' has now cashed in four straight games for the Argos.
The Alouettes have been terrible this season, going 1-4 SU/ATS, and the 'under' has now cashed in four of the five games overall, too.
The BC Lions (3-3) have won three of the past four games after an 0-2 SU/ATS start, but perhaps was none bigger than its Week 6 triumph. BC stunned Calgary (4-1) 25-24 on the Stamps' home field. It was the first 'over' of the season for both BC (one over, five unders) and Calgary (one over, four unders).
Hamilton (1-4) was unable to carry over momentum from its first win in Week 5, slipping at home against Winnipeg (5-1) by a 27-26 score. It also ended a three-game cover streak for the TiCats.
Defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan (3-2) has won back-to-back games for the first time this season after throttling the expansion Ottawa (1-4) RedBlacks by a 38-15 count. More importantly, the champs have also covered back-to-back games while the 'over' cashed for the first time in three outings.
Looking ahead to Week 7, Edmonton (4-1) is back in action after a bye, traveling to last-place Montreal. The 'under' has cashed in all five games for the Esks.
SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 2) at WINNIPEG (5 - 1) - 8/7/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in August games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 114-74 ATS (+32.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 2-2 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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EDMONTON (4 - 1) at MONTREAL (1 - 4) - 8/8/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 68-96 ATS (-37.6 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
EDMONTON is 46-69 ATS (-29.9 Units) when playing on a Friday since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 3-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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HAMILTON (1 - 4) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (3 - 3) - 8/8/2014, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-1 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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OTTAWA (1 - 4) at CALGARY (4 - 1) - 8/9/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road lined games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
AUGUST 7, 8:30 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. WINNIPEG
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Winnipeg is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Saskatchewan
Winnipeg is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Saskatchewan
AUGUST 8, 7:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. MONTREAL
Edmonton is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Edmonton's last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
AUGUST 8, 10:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games when playing British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of British Columbia's last 6 games
British Columbia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Hamilton
AUGUST 9, 7:30 PM
OTTAWA vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Ottawa's last 15 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
Calgary is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
CFL Week 7 Betting Preview and Trends
By Mike Pickett
Oddsshark.com
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been the most lucrative team so far this season in the CFL at 5-1 ATS through six games, and they'll lead off the Week 7 slate on Thursday night as they play host to a Saskatchewan Roughriders team that has three ATS wins.
Saskatchewan at Winnipeg
Last 10 Meetings: Winnipeg 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS | OU 5-5
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have only picked up one SU victory in their last six games against the Saskatchewan Roughriders as those teams meet in Week 7 action on Thursday night for the first time this season. Winnipeg and Saskatchewan, however, split their two meetings last season both SU and ATS, with the OVER/UNDER going 1-1 as well. The OVER is 4-1 in the last five games between the two teams.
Edmonton at Montreal
Last 10 Meetings: Montreal 9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS | OU 6-4
The Montreal Alouettes only have one SU victory so far this season, but they're on an 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS run against the Edmonton Eskimos as those teams meet for the first time this year on Friday night. Montreal went 2-0 both SU and ATS against Edmonton in their two meetings last season, with the OVER paying out for totals bettors in each of those games. The OVER is 4-1 in their last five meetings.
Hamilton at B.C
Last 10 Meetings: B.C. 5-5 SU, 2-8 ATS | OU 6-3-1
The B.C. Lions will be home favorites on the CFL Week 7 betting lines for Friday night against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but they've only managed to pay off twice in the last 10 games between the two teams dating back to 2009. Last season B.C. went 1-1 SU but 0-2 ATS against Hamilton, with the OVER paying off for totals bettors at the sportsbooks in each of those two CFL odds matchups.
Ottawa at Calgary
Last 10 Meetings: Calgary 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS | OU 0-0
The Calgary Stampeders will be trying to pick up their fifth SU victory in six games so far this season on Saturday night as they play their first ever game against the Ottawa RedBlacks. Calgary fell to 4-1 on the season last week with a 25-24 home loss to the Lions, while the RedBlacks are coming off a 38-14 home loss to the Roughriders that dropped them to just 1-4 so far this year.
CFL Betting Notes - Week 7
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
The underdogs got the best of it both straight-up and against the spread in Week 6 of the CFL regular season with a 3-1 mark as the last team fell from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Winnipeg got things started last Thursday with a 27-26 victory on the road against Hamilton as a 4 ½-point underdog. The total went OVER the 50 ½-point closing line. Friday’s action got underway with another SU upset when Toronto stunned Montreal 31-5 as a two-point road underdog. The total in that contest stayed UNDER 50 ½ points.
British Columbia kept the upset train going with a 25-24 squeaker over previously unbeaten Calgary as a four-point road underdog. This total went OVER against a closing line of 46 ½ points. The expansion Ottawa RedBlacks ended the underdogs’ run this past Saturday in a 38-14 loss to Saskatchewan as six-point underdogs at home. The total in that contest also went OVER with the line set at 50 ½ points.
Thursday, August 7
Saskatchewan (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Winnipeg (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS)
Point-spread: PICK
Total: 53
Game Overview
Saskatchewan has overcome a slow start with back-to-back victories against Toronto and Ottawa by a combined score of 75-23, but it will have to take things up a notch this week against the league’s hottest team. The defending 2013 Grey Cup Champs got another strong effort from Darian Durant in Saturday’s win with 294 yards passing while completing 76 percent of his throws.
The Blue Bombers appear to be for real after a three-win season in 2013. They are the CFL’s leading scorer with an average of 28 points a game and Drew Willy continues to impress with 1,662 yards passing and an overall completion percentage of 65.5. Both Nick Moore and Clarence Denmark have been his primary targets with a combined 628 yards on 43 receptions.
Betting Trends
The home team is 6-2 SU in the last eight meetings with the total going OVER in five of those games. Saskatchewan is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight road games against Winnipeg and the total has stayed UNDER in six of the last eight meetings at Investors Group Field.
Friday, August 8
Edmonton (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Montreal (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4
Total: 46½
Game Overview
Edmonton has been the other big surprise this year after posting just four victories last season. Mike Reilly has led the way for the Eskimos on offense with 1,142 yards through the air and slotback Adarius Bowman leads the CFL in receiving with 359 yards. Edmonton’s defense has done its part and it is ranked second in the league in points allowed (16.8).
The rebuilding process in Montreal took a huge step backwards with last week’s loss and overall this offense has only been able to score a total of 75 total in its first five games. Troy Smith has not been the answer at quarterback and Alex Brink did not fare any better in relief against Toronto.
Betting Trends
The Alouettes have owned this series in recent years with a 9-1 SU record in the last 10 meetings and an 8-2 mark ATS. The total has gone OVER in four of the last five games. Edmonton has failed to cover in six of its last seven trips to Montreal.
Hamilton (1-4 SU, 3-2 ATS) at British Columbia (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -7
Total: 50
Game Overview
Hamilton has just one SU victory on the year, but a win against BC would put the Tiger-Cats into a tie with idle Toronto for the lead in the watered-down East Division standings. Quarterback Zach Collaros remains on the Six-Game IR list with a head injury, so the T-Cats have turned to Dan LeFevour as their starter.
The Lions are trying to get their quarterback Travis Lulay back on the field after missing the first six games with a shoulder injury. His absence has been fairly evident on an offense that has averaged just 21.2 points per game. BC has been able to hang tough behind a defense that is allowing just 19.3 PPG.
Betting Trends
This series has remained tight in the last 10 meetings with each team posting five SU wins, but Hamilton has gone a very profitable 8-2 ATS during this stretch. The total has also been a good bet by going OVER in six of the last nine meetings.
Saturday, August 9
Ottawa (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) at Calgary (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -12
Total: 45½
Game Overview
The RedBlacks have not played all that bad in their inaugural season in the CFL, but they did look like an expansion team last week against Saskatchewan. They fell behind by 24 points in the first quarter and it was pretty much over from there. While Ottawa could not climb back into that game, Thomas DeMarco did give the team a spark in relief for an ineffective Henry Burris by completing five of six passes for 84 yards and a score.
Calgary is coming off a tough loss to BC, but it remains the best balanced team in the CFL this season. The Stampeders’ offense led by quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is averaging 24.6 PPG, which are more than enough points when you have a defense that is holding teams to an average of 15.4 PPG.
Betting Trends
This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. The Stampeders are 23-11-2 ATS in their last 35 games against a team with a SU losing record and the total stayed UNDER in eight of their last nine games overall.
Week 7 CFL
Saskatchewan (3-2) @ Winnipeg (5-1) -- Roughriders won 37-9/38-14 in first two games since their bye, outscoring teams 60-13 in first half. Spunky Winnipeg already has couple of wins by one point- they haven 't had their bye yet. Riders won five of last six series games, but lost here as 9-point favorites LY; under is 9-4-1 in last 14 series games- they have ten takeaways in their three wins, one in two losses. Bombers scored 23+ points in each of its five wins, but the Roughriders allowed total of 23 points in last two games. Underdogs covered five of last seven series games, including last four played here.
Hamilton (1-4) @ BCLions (3-3) --- Last four TiCat games (1-3) were decided by four or less points; three of their four losses are by 4 or less. Lions won three of last four games after 0-2 start. Hamilton lost lost last two visits here by three points each; underdogs covered nine of last 11 series games, with Lions winning three of last four and last five here going over total. Five of six BC games stayed under total. Lions turned ball over two times (+5) in three wins, 11 times (-8) in three losses. Hamilton has only four takeaways in its last three games. TiCats were outgained 444-236 in home loss to Winnipeg last week.
Edmonton (4-1) @ Montreal (1-4) -- Alouettes won last eight series games; Edmonton lost last seven visits here (1-6 vs spread) with six losses by 10+ points. Over is 4-0-1 in last five series games. Montreal lost last two games overall by combined score of 72-10; they benched Smith last week in favor of Brink- they completed total of 14-33 passes, not good. Edmonton is off bye after loss to Calgary; they're 2-1 at home (wins by 4-16), 1-1 as home favorites. Montreal got waxed in both road games, 29-8 in Calgary, 41-5 at BC. All five Eskimo games went under total, as did four of five Alouette tilts.
Ottawa (1-4) Calgary (4-1) -- RedBlacks are 0-3 on road (0-3 as road dogs) losing away games by 8-16-11 points- their losses in games where their turnover margin was worse than +2 were by 16-11-24 points- they trailed Riders 32-7 at half last week at home. Stampeders lost 25-24 at home to BC last week after a 4-0 start; they're 1-2 as home favorites- their last three games overall were all decided by 4 or less points. Calgary turned ball over three times (-2) last week after turning it over total of twice (+5) in its four wins. This is first time Ottawa has been dog of more than seven points, as linemaker reacts to last week's blowout loss.
Armadillosports.com
StatFox Super Situations
SASKATCHEWAN at WINNIPEG
Play Against - Road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (SASKATCHEWAN) after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread, with a winning record on the season 49-16 since 1997. ( 75.4% | 31.4 units )
SASKATCHEWAN at WINNIPEG
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (SASKATCHEWAN) an average offensive team (23 to 28 PPG) against a good offensive team (28-32 PPG), after allowing 14 points or less last game 33-7 since 1997. ( 82.5% | 0.0 units ) 1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 0.0 units )
SASKATCHEWAN at WINNIPEG
Play On - Underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (WINNIPEG) in a game involving two average teams (within +/- 40 YPG of their opponents), after outgaining opp by 120 or more total yards in their previous game 25-5 since 1997. ( 83.3% | 19.5 units )
Game of the Day: Roughriders at Blue Bombers
By Covers.com
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+2.5, 54.5)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' league-best offence may meet its match Thursday night when the Saskatchewan Roughriders come to town in the opening game of Week 7 in the CFL. The West Division-leading Blue Bombers are coming off back-to-back road wins over BC and Hamilton following a one-sided loss to Edmonton in mid-July, but will need to be wary of a Roughriders team that has reeled off 75 points in consecutive wins over Toronto and Ottawa. The first meeting of the season between division rivals will pit Saskatchewan's potent running game against the Blue Bombers' stout rush defence.
The Roughriders average a league-best 125.6 rushing yards per contest, though they finished with just 88 in a 38-14 trouncing of the Redblacks in their last contest Saturday in Ottawa. Winnipeg won its second straight game - 27-26 victory over host Hamilton on July 31 - after suffering its only loss 26-3 in Edmonton on July 17. The Blue Bombers have allowed the third-fewest yards on the ground per game (94.8), but averages a league-worst 73.8.
LINE HISTORY: Books opened this as a Pick, but that has moved to Saskatchewan -2.5. The total is up to 54.5 after opening at 53.5.
INJURY REPORT: Roughriders - WR Taj Smith (Out, legal issues). Blue Bombers - SB Cory Watson (Questionable, hamstring)
WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Riders appear to be in a favorable spot here as they try to close the gap on the Bombers in the West Division, but I'm not sure how they'll respond to the Taj Smith distraction. He's a key offensive cog and will undoubtedly be missed here. The Bombers are pretty lucky to have only one loss to this point with a couple of last second wins to their credit. Hard to say how long that luck will last. This is the start of a tough stretch that will see them face the Riders and Stamps exclusively in a four-game span." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The West division leader 5-1 Blue Bombers play host the 3-2 Roughriders. The Bombers are the top offensive team in the league averaging 28 points per game, while giving up 23.3 points per game. The Roughriders are 0-1 in division play so far this season, but are getting 90 percent of the action as a 3.5-point road favorite while the 54.5 total is seeing 73 percent of the action come in on the over." - Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag.
ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (3-2, 3-2 ATS): Saskatchewan will be relying on a not-so-secret weapon in what is a pivotal early-season showdown with the division leaders. Running back Will Ford has been sensational for the Roughriders, scoring five touchdowns in two games since joining the club after spending the previous two seasons with the Blue Bombers. Ford, who was an East Division all-star last season but was cut earlier this year without appearing in a game, had a pair of one-yard TD runs to lead last week's rout of Ottawa.
ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (5-1, 5-1 ATS): Winnipeg has been the surprise of the CFL season, already surpassing its win total from a season ago and coming into Thursday's game on a high following last week's thrilling last-second win over the Tiger-Cats. But first-year coach Mike O'Shea isn't ready to plan any parades. "We still have a lot of room for growth," O'Shea told the Winnipeg Sun over the weekend. "To be where we're at right now, it's good so far. But there's still a lot of room to grow."
TRENDS:
* Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.
* Roughriders are 2-6 ATS in their last eight meetings in Winnipeg.
* Roughriders are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games in August.
* Over is 4-1 in Blue Bombers last five Thursday games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 52.97 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the Rough Riders.
Game of the Day: CFL doubleheader
By Covers.com
Edmonton Eskimos at Montreal Alouettes (+5.5, 46)
Life in the post-Anthony Calvillo era has been miserable for the Montreal Alouettes as they prepare to face the visiting Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The Alouettes have scored a league-low 75 points through their first five games, and have turned to a former CFL star in hopes of reversing its fortunes. Montreal added Jeff Garcia earlier this week in a yet-to-be-determined role - but his best course of action may be to take the field himself.
Quarterback issues have plagued the Alouettes, and were on full display last week in a 31-5 trouncing at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts. Troy Smith and Alex Brink combined to complete 14-of-33 passes for 123 yards and an interception, and things may not get any better Friday. The Eskimos own one of the league's stingiest pass defenses, having racked up 19 quarterback sacks through their first five games while allowing just four TD passes.
LINE HISTORY: The Alouettes opened as +4.5 before quickly moving to +5. The total jumped to +6 for a brief time Thursday before settling at +5.5. The total opened at 46 and has remained steady since.
INJURY REPORT: Eskimos - OL Justin Sorensen (Questionable, Knee), LB JC Sherritt (Questionable, Lower body) Alouettes: N/A
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Montreal will be in tough once again after getting blasted by the Argos last week. Coming off it's bye week Edmonton should be rested and ready. Despite the loss to Calgary two weeks ago, the Eskimos still have a lot going for them on both sides of the football. The fairly steep line is warranted in this situation. Value with Edmonton up to a touchdown favorite." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (4-1): Friday's showdown looks like a mismatch, but Edmonton has no plans to take it easy against a struggling Montreal team. "If you give an offence like that confidence, let them get a couple of plays in, it can make for a long day," middle linebacker Rennie Curran told the Edmonton Journal. "We really have to go in there and shut them down from the get-go and not let them have any hope or give them any confidence." The Eskimos are well-rested, having not played since dropping a 26-22 decision to rival Calgary on July 24.
ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-4): Adding a four-time CFL All-Star in Garcia may muddy an already murky coaching situation, but Smith doesn't see it that way at all. "For the starter and the guys who can be hands-on with these people, be blessed and humble that you have this many people wanting to help you out," Smith told the Montreal Gazette. "We have a plethora of people that are helping us." Smith will remain the starter despite sputtering all season for a team that has managed just five offensive touchdowns - and none in the past two games.
TRENDS:
*Eskimos are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games
*Under is 8-1 in Alouettes last 9 games overall
*Eskimos are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 57 percent of Covers backers are taking the Eskimos -6 with the total leaning slight toward the Over with 51 percent support.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Lions (-6.5, 49.5)
Kevin Glenn may be down to his last crack as a starting quarterback Friday night as he guides the BC Lions against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Glenn has started the first six games in place of Travis Lulay, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery but participated in some first-team reps earlier this week. Glenn will need to be on point Friday as he takes on a Tiger-Cats team that has performed better than its record may indicate.
The Tiger-Cats are coming off a split of their two-game homestand, earning an impressive victory over the Ottawa Redblacks before dropping a 27-26 decision to Winnipeg on a game-winning TD pass as time expired. That has been a bit of a theme of late for Hamilton, whose last three defeats have come by a combined eight points. But relief may be on the way for the Tiger-Cats, who will play four of their next five games at home after leaving Vancouver.
LINE HISTORY: The Lions opened at -7.5 home-faves, but have been bet down to -7 and eventually -6.5. The total opened at 49.5 and has remained steady.
INJURY REPORT: Ti-Cats - LB Craig Butler (Questionable, Foot) Lions - N/A
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It will be interesting to see how Hamilton responds following that deflating last second loss against Winnipeg last week. The Ti-Cats are still working through some issues but so are the Lions, who have been wildly inconsistent thus far. We might see some additional value with the underdog Ti-Cats leading up to kickoff. B.C. hasn't done anything to prove it is an elite team to this point." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy
ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (1-4): The nature of Hamilton's recent losses, coupled with the fact that not even a 1-4 team is out of contention for the East Division lead, has the Tiger-Cats somewhat upbeat. "We've been in three out of our four losses and literally, without exaggeration, it would've only taken one play in each of those games to win the game," coach Kent Austin told the Hamilton Spectator following Monday's practice. The Tiger-Cats will also look to be a more disciplined team against BC, coming into the week tied for the CFL lead with 74 penalties.
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-3): The week didn't start out so well for BC, which lost cornerback Dante Marsh early in Monday's practice. Marsh, who suffered an apparent hamstring pull, appears questionable at best to take the field against the Tiger-Cats - a surprising development for a player who has missed just two games in the past six years. "Dante doesn't do veteran days," coach Mike Benevides told reporters of Marsh, who was seen wearing an ice bag taped to his right leg after leaving the field Monday. "It does concern me a little bit."
TRENDS:
*Tiger-Cats are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Friday games
*Under is 4-0 in Lions last 4 home games
*Tiger-Cats are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings
COVERS CONSENSUS: 58 percent of Covers users are backing the Lions -7 with the total bets split virtually 50/50.
StatFox Super Situations
EDMONTON at MONTREAL
Play On - Underdogs or pick (MONTREAL) after a loss by 20 or more points 37-10 over the last 5 seasons. ( 78.7% | 26.0 units ) 5-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 5.0 units )
HAMILTON at BRITISH COLUMBIA
Play On - Any team vs the money line (HAMILTON) off an upset loss as a home favorite, with a losing record 57-41 since 1997. ( 58.2% | 0.0 units ) 2-1 this year. ( 66.7% | 0.0 units )
EDMONTON at MONTREAL
Play On - Underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (MONTREAL) pathetic team - outgained by their opponents by 80 or more yards/game, after gaining 4.5 or less yards/play in their previous game 23-4 since 1997. ( 85.2% | 18.6 units )
Game of the Day: Redblacks at Stampeders
By Covers.com
Ottawa Redblacks at Calgary Stampeders (-13.5, 48)
The Ottawa Redblacks and Calgary Stampeders may be off to different starts to their respective CFL seasons, but they're both within reach of the division lead. The Redblacks look to halt a two-game losing skid Saturday as they head to Calgary for a date with the formidable Stampeders. Ottawa has dropped all three of its road games during its inaugural season, and will be in tough against a Stampeders team that has allowed a league-low 77 points.
The margin for error in the West Division is paper-thin - and the Stampeders found out the hard way last week, dropping a 25-24 decision to the BC Lions and subsequently dropping out of top spot in the division. Bo Levi Mitchell was denied in his quest to become the first quarterback in league history to win his first eight starts, but is primed for a bounce-back against a Redblacks defensive unit that is surrendering an average of 30 points per contest.
LINE HISTORY: The opening line favored the Stampeders by 13, but has since shifted to -13.5.The total opened at a relatively low 46 with bettors quickly betting it all the way up to 48.
INJURY REPORT: Redblacks - N/A Stampeders - RB Matt Walter (Questionable, Concussion), DB Buddy Jackson (Questionable, Undisclosed)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Redblacks enter the game last in total defense and last in points defense. They also enter their match against Calgary 0-3 against the spread on the road." - Covers Experts Nick Parsons
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Despite being a huge -13.5 point favorite, Calgary will likely be a very popular play. They are only a 1 point loss away from still being undefeated. Plus, Ottawa is just 1-4 against the spread." - Mike Perry of Sportsbook.ag
ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (1-4): Quarterback Henry Burris is no stranger to slow starts - he was part of the 2013 Hamilton Tiger-Cats roster that stumbled to a 1-4 start before rebounding to represent the East in the Grey Cup. He believes the Redblacks can rebound from last week's 38-14 thumping at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. "I'm very confident that we're going to bounce back and do some much better things," he told reporters. "Right now we have the players that can make the plays ... we just have to make those things happen."
ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (4-1): Mitchell looked strangely ordinary in the narrow loss to the Lions, completing 21-of-31 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown and an interception as Calgary fell short of its first 5-0 start since 1995. But Mitchell didn't get much help in the second half as the Stampeders managed just a Rene Paredes field goal after cruising to a 21-10 advantage through 30 minutes. Close contests have been the norm for Calgary of late, with each of its previous three games decided by four or fewer points.
TRENDS:
*RedBlacks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
*Stampeders are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 games following a ATS loss.
*Under is 8-1 in Stampeders last 9 games overall.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 57 percent of Covers users are taking the Stampeders -13.5 with totals bettors 57 percent in favor of the over.
StatFox Super Situations
OTTAWA at CALGARY
Play On - Underdogs or pick (OTTAWA) after a loss by 20 or more points 37-11 over the last 5 seasons. ( 77.1% | 24.9 units ) 5-1 this year. ( 83.3% | 3.9 units )
OTTAWA at CALGARY
Play On - Any team vs the money line (CALGARY) off an upset loss to a division rival as a favorite, in weeks 5 through 9 37-21 since 1997. ( 63.8% | 0.0 units ) 3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 0.0 units )
OTTAWA at CALGARY
Play Against - Underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (OTTAWA) terrible passing team - averaging 6.9 or less passing yards/attempt, after allowing 9 or more passing yards/attempt in 2 straight games 27-7 since 1997. ( 79.4% | 19.3 units )