CFL Betting Recap - Week 7
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com
League Betting Notes
Favorites went 4-0 straight up in Week 7
Favorites went 4-0 ATS in Week 7
Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 7
Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 7
The 'over' went 3-1 in Week 7
Team Betting Notes
For the second consecutive week, the 'over' went 3-1 in CFL play. That's 6-2 over the past two weeks, and the 'under' was 15-5 in Weeks 1 through 5.
For the first time all season Edmonton (5-1) saw the 'over' cash in its game on the road against lowly Montreal (1-5). The Eskimos have now covered three of the past four.
The Alouettes are in a world of hurt. While they're just one game out of first place in the awful East Division, they have failed to cover four in a row, and five of six overall this season.
After stumbling last week at home, Calgary (5-1) took out its frustrations on expansion Ottawa (1-5). The Stamps have alternated covers in each of the past five, and they're 4-2 ATS overall this season. The 'over' also hit for the second game in a row after the 'under' was 4-0 in the first four weeks for Calgary.
After a 1-2 SU/ATS start, the defending Grey Cup champions from Saskatchewan (4-2) have rattled off three consecutive wins and covers. Next up is a home game against the Alouettes, so things are looking up in Regina.
Winnipeg (5-2) occupied first place for a week, but they slipped up against the Roughriders, 23-17. The 'under' has now hit in three of the past four for the Blue Bombers after the 'over' was 3-0 in their first three.
Looking ahead to Week 8, Toronto (2-4) returns from a bye to face Winnipeg in rare Tuesday action. The Blue Bombers pasted the Argos 45-21 back on June 26 at home, but this one will be at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
WINNIPEG (5 - 2) at TORONTO (2 - 4) - 8/12/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-2 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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EDMONTON (5 - 1) at OTTAWA (1 - 5) - 8/15/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 69-96 ATS (-36.6 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
EDMONTON is 47-69 ATS (-28.9 Units) when playing on a Friday since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 1-0 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 1-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CALGARY (5 - 1) at HAMILTON (1 - 5) - 8/16/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-2 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MONTREAL (1 - 5) at SASKATCHEWAN (4 - 2) - 8/16/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) off a win over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 4-0 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 3-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BRITISH COLUMBIA (4 - 3) at TORONTO (2 - 4) - 8/17/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
AUGUST 12, 7:30 PM
WINNIPEG vs. TORONTO
Winnipeg is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Toronto is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
AUGUST 15, 7:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. OTTAWA
Edmonton is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Edmonton's last 11 games on the road
Ottawa is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Edmonton
Ottawa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
AUGUST 16, 3:00 PM
CALGARY vs. HAMILTON
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hamilton
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Hamilton
Hamilton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Hamilton's last 15 games
AUGUST 16, 7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. SASKATCHEWAN
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Montreal is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saskatchewan's last 5 games when playing Montreal
AUGUST 17, 7:30 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. TORONTO
British Columbia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of British Columbia's last 22 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing at home against British Columbia
CFL Week 8 Betting Preview and Trends
By Mike Pickett on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 05:00
Oddsshark.com
The CFL's Western teams are a combined 22-9 SU and 20-11 ATS heading into Week 8 of the season, while the Eastern teams are a combined 5-18 SU and 7-16 ATS. West meets East in five matchups on the CFL odds slate as the league offers up its Week 8 schedule.
Find all of this week's CFL betting lines plus updated Grey Cup futures at Bovada.
Tue Aug 12 - Winnipeg at Toronto
Last 10 Meetings: Toronto 7-3 SU, 5-4-1 ATS | OU 7-3
The OVER has paid out seven times in the last 10 games between the Blue Bombers and the Argonauts as those teams meet in a rare Tuesday contest in Week 8. Totals bettors also saw the OVER pay out in the first meeting of the season between Toronto and Winnipeg, with the Blue Bombers cruising to a 45-21 home win as a 7-point underdog in that June 26 contest. Winnipeg was 0-3 against Toronto last year.
Fri Aug 15 - Edmonton at Ottawa
Last 10 Meetings: Ottawa 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS | OU 0-1
The Eskimos won both SU and ATS against the RedBlacks in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on July 11, claiming a 27-11 home victory as a 5-point favorite on the CFL odds in that UNDER result. Edmonton heads into the week with as many SU victories (five) as all four teams combined in the East Division of the CFL; Ottawa has just a single SU victory over its first five outings.
Sat Aug 16 - Calgary at Hamilton
Last 10 Meetings: Hamilton 1-9 SU, 5-5 ATS | OU 4-6
The Tiger-Cats lost their fifth straight game SU against the Stampeders in their first meeting of the season on July 18, falling 10-7 but covering the spread on the CFL betting lines as a 9.5-point road underdog. Hamilton has just one SU victory in its last 10 games against Calgary, but they've managed to cover the posted spread at the sportsbooks in four of their last six matchups.
Sat Aug 16 - Montreal at Saskatchewan
Last 10 Meetings: Saskatchewan 3-7 SU, 5-5 ATS | OU 3-7
The Roughriders have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against the Alouettes as those two teams meet for the first time this season on Saturday night. Saskatchewan, however, is 4-2 both SU and ATS so far on the season, while Montreal has stumbled to records of 1-5 both SU and ATS heading into Week 8 of the campaign. The UNDER has paid out in four of their last five meetings.
Sun Aug 17 - B.C. at Toronto
Last 10 Meetings: Toronto 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS | OU 4-6
The Argonauts will play their second game of the week on Sunday night as they get a visit from the Lions, who they will battle for the first time this season. The Argos and Lions split their two games last year both SU and ATS, but that made Toronto just 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS in the last seven games between the two teams. The UNDER has paid out on the CFL odds for totals bettors in four of their last six meetings.
Game of the Day: Blue Bombers at Argonauts
By Covers.com
Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Toronto Argonauts (Pick, 50)
The Toronto Argonauts could not have imagined they would still hold sole possession of the top spot in the CFL's East Division after enjoying a much-needed bye week. But that's exactly where they sit - despite struggling to a 2-4 start - as they prepare to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a rare Tuesday night affair at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Bombers come in looking for answers after dropping a 23-17 home decision to Saskatchewan on Thursday.
The Argonauts have been the best of a remarkably bad bunch so far, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Renegades and Montreal Alouettes all losing their Week 7 games to remain in a three-way tie for second at 1-5. The Blue Bombers, meanwhile, share the top spot in the West with Calgary and Edmonton but will look to break the deadlock while hoping to improve to 4-0 on the road. Winnipeg opened the season with a 45-21 home victory over Toronto.
LINE HISTORY: Bet365 opened this game as a Pick with a total of 50.
INJURY REPORT: Blue Bombers - SB Nick Moore (Questionable, foot), Argonauts - SB Andre Durie (Indefinitely, collarbone), SB Jason Barnes (Indefinitely, knee), SB Chad Owens (Indefinitely, foot).
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "I noted the Bombers were in a tough spot at home last week against Saskatchewan and they ultimately fell by a 23-17 score. Things won't get any easier this week as they head to Toronto to face an Argos squad that has renewed confidence off a blowout win - not to mention a bye week. The West has dominated the East thus far, but we may see roles reverse for one night." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (5-2): Winnipeg's impressive showing masks a significant concern centered around the team's non-existent run game. Nic Grigsby finished with seven yards on 10 carries in the loss to the Roughriders, the latest in a string of unimpressive performances that has first-year coach Mike O'Shea concerned. "It's never one thing," he told the Winnipeg Sun. "That's the issue, is generally a few mistakes on the same play that cost us, that allow us to get caught in the backfield."
ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (2-4): The Toronto passing game has struggled mightily in 2014, but the blame can hardly be placed on the shoulders of quarterback Ricky Ray. The Argonauts have just two players ranked in the top 20 in receiving yardage through the first seven weeks - and both players are out of the lineup due to injury. Star wideout Chad Owens is still recovering from a mid-foot injury and isn't expected back until early September, while running back Anthony Coombs is out indefinitely with a shoulder ailment that may require surgery.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Argonauts are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Argonauts last seven games in Week 8.
* Blue Bombers are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 meetings in Toronto.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 51.52 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the visiting Blue Bombers.
Week 8 CFL
Winnipeg (5-2) @ Toronto (2-4) -- Bizarre CFL scheduling here. Argos haven't played in 11 days; Bombers lost 23-17 at home to Saskatchewan five nights ago- they haven't had their bye yet. Toronto has home game with Lions this Sunday night. Winnipeg (+7) opened season with 45-21 home win over Argos, averaging 11.3 yards per pass attempt in just their second win in last nine games vs Toronto, with four of last five going over total. First Argo home game since July 12; their wins are by 33-26 points. last four Toronto games stayed under, as did three of last four Bomber games. Winnipeg is 4-1 vs spread as an underdog, Toronto 0-2 as favorite.
Armadillosports.com
CFL Betting Notes - Week 8
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
The disparity between the East and the West in the CFL regular season standings continued to widen after Week 7’s results. Saskatchewan’s game against Winnipeg last Thursday night was the only divisional matchup on the slate and the Roughriders came away with a 23-17 victory as three-point road favorites. The total stayed UNDER the 54½-point closing line.
Friday’s action started off with Edmonton beating Montreal 33-23 as a 4½-point favorite on the road and the total went OVER the 46½-point line. Later that day, Hamilton fell to British Columbia 36-29 as a 6½-point road underdog. That total went way OVER the 49-point closing line. Week 7 closed things out on Saturday with a 38-17 romp of Calgary over Ottawa as a heavy 14-point favorite at home. The total went OVER the closing line of 49 points.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Winnipeg (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS) at Toronto (2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS)
Point-spread: PICK
Total: 49½
Game Overview
The Blue Bombers will look to quickly bounce-back from Thursday’s loss on a short week. Both losses this season have come at home so they will put a three-game road winning streak on the line both straight-up and against the spread. Winnipeg remains the second-highest scoring team in the CFL with an average 26.4 points per game.
It will be double duty for Toronto in Week 8 following last week’s bye which could spell trouble for a team that has been decimated by injuries. Three slotbacks including Chad Owens are out indefinitely. The Argonauts still have four defensive players listed on the Six-Game IR list.
Betting Trends
These two first met in Week 1 with Winnipeg rolling to a 45-21 victory as a seven-point home underdog. The road team had won five of the last seven meetings SU with a 5-1-1 record ATS. The total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings.
Friday, Aug. 15
Edmonton (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS) at Ottawa (1-5 SU, 1-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -6
Total: 52½
Game Overview
Edmonton remains in the thick of the West Division title race after finishing last in 2013. The Eskimos are the highest scoring team in the league this season with 27.2 PPG and their defense is ranked second in points allowed (17.8).
The RedBlacks have looked like an expansion team the past two weeks by getting outscored 76-31 by the other two powers in the West (Saskatchewan and Calgary). Quarterback Henry Burris completed almost 70 percent of his 29 throws this past Saturday, but he got doubled-up 2-1 in interceptions verse touchdowns in the lopsided loss.
Betting Trends
The Eskimos beat Ottawa 27-11 in Week 3 as five-point home favorites. The total stayed UNDER the 53-point closing line. Edmonton is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games and the total has stayed UNDER in five of its first six games this season.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Calgary (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS) at Hamilton (1-5 SU, 3-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -4
Total: 52
Game Overview
Calgary continues to establish itself as the team to beat in the CFL this season with an offense that is scoring an average of 26.1 PPG complimenting the stingiest defense in the league. This unit has only allowed 23 points or more once this season.
The Tiger-Cats have done a complete reversal from last year’s run to the Grey Cup title game with a 1-5 SU start, but they remain just on game off the pace in the watered-down East. They have to be encouraged with the 29 points they tallied against BC last week after scoring an average of 20 points in their first five games.
Betting Trends
The Stampeders grinded-out a 10-7 victory over Hamilton as 9 ½-point home favorites in the first meeting this season. The total for that game closed at 50½ points. This followed a two-game SU sweep in 2013 with the total staying UNDER in both games.
Montreal (1-5 SU, 1-5 ATS) at Saskatchewan (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -13½
Total: 47½
Game Overview
Montreal quarterback Troy Smith showed some signs of life in last week’s loss to Edmonton with 231 yards passing and one touchdown throw, but he still only completed 44.4 percent of his 45 attempts. The Alouettes got a decent effort from running back Brandon Whitaker with 79 yards rushing on 15 attempts.
The Roughriders are starting to find their form as defending CFL champs with a three-game SU winning streak after a 1-2 SU start. Running back Jerome Messam rushed for 126 of the 186 yards Saskatchewan gained on the ground against Winnipeg last Thursday.
Betting Trends
This will be the first meeting this season after splitting last year’s series 1-1 SU with the home team winning both times. Montreal did cover ATS in both games and the total stayed UNDER each time. It is 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Saskatchewan.
Sunday, Aug. 17
British Columbia (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS) at Toronto (2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS)
Point-spread: TBD
Total: TBD
Game Overview
The Lions will get the advantage of both an extra few days rest as well as facing a team that played just five days earlier. BC’s passing game is starting to become a force with three different players ranked in the top five of the CFL in total receiving yards. Quarterback Kevin Glenn made a strong play to keep his starting role with 407 yards passing against Hamilton even though Travis Lulay has been cleared to play.
Toronto’s main goal will be to stay healthy during this brutal two-game stretch. They will also need a big effort from quarterback Ricky Ray to try and pull-off the Week 8 sweep. His numbers have been impressive so far with 1,687 yards passing and eight touchdown throws while completing 68.1 percent of his passes, but his team’s overall record both SU and ATS has not.
Betting Trends
Looking back at last season’s series, the Lions beat Toronto once at home both SU and ATS and they lost both ways on the road. The total was split 1-1 but it did go OVER in the Argonauts’ 38-12 victory in Week 5 at home on a closing line of 49. BC has covered ATS in five of the last seven meetings overall.
Game of the Day: Eskimos at Redblacks
By Covers.com
Edmonton Eskimos at Ottawa Redblacks (+7, 50.5)
The Edmonton Eskimos brief East Division road trip concludes with a visit to the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday. The Redblacks are on a three-game losing streak and their defense is the only one in the league averaging more than 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards allowed. Edmonton is 3-0 on the road and 3-0 against East Division foes after toppling the Montreal Alouettes in Week 7.
Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris enters the contest with a completion rate of 58.1 percent and five interceptions, which does not bode well against an Eskimos' defense that leads the league in interceptions with 10 and is second in sacks with 23. Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly is tied for the league lead with 11 touchdown passes in what has been a balanced Eskimos' offense. In order to have a chance at winning, Ottawa will need to hold Edmonton to fewer than 30 points - something the team has not done since Week 4.
LINE HISTORY: The LV Superbook opened the Eskies as 6.5-point road faves, but that has moved to -7. The total opened 51.5 and has moved to 50.5.
INJURY REPORT: Eskimos - RB John White (Questionable, hand)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It's by no means desperation time for the Redblacks, even after a 1-5 start to the season. After all, most believe the CFL season doesn't really get going until Labour Day. With that being said, Ottawa could certainly use a lift right now, and perhaps a revenge match (the Eskimos took the first meeting 27-11) with Edmonton will offer a spark. The Eskimos are on the road for the second straight week, and down a few key cogs with Fred Stamps, J.C. Sherritt, and possibly John White (who is enjoying a breakout year in the backfield). We'll see where the line settles, but may find some value with the Redblacks at home in this spot." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (5-1): Adarius Bowman leads the league with 440 receiving yards and is one touchdown catch away from tying his career-high of six. Defensive linemen Almondo Sewell (six sacks) and Odell Willis (five sacks) will lead the charge against Burris and the Redblacks. Edmonton lost running back John White to a hand injury last week and linebacker Eric Samuels is questionable with a neck injury.
ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (1-5): Former Eskimos slotback Marcus Henry leads Ottawa with 349 receiving yards and is on pace for a career season in his first year away from Edmonton. Running back Chevon Walker has been the Redblacks’ most consistent performer on offense and signed a two-year contract extension with the team last week. Linebacker Jasper Simmons leads the team in tackles (28) and interceptions (two).
TRENDS:
* Eskimos are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* RedBlacks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Eskimos last four games in August.
* Eskimos are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS win.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 60 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the visiting Eskimos.
Week 8 CFL
Edmonton (5-1) @ Ottawa (1-5) -- Expansion RedBlacks played six straight weeks, lost three in row by 10-24-21 points; they were outscored 60-14 in first half of last two games. Ottawa (+5) lost 27-11 in Edmonton in Week 2, after leading 7-2 at halftime; they were outgained 403-276; it is only game they haven't had takeaway this year. Eskimos are 3-0 on foreign soil. winning by 7-23-10 points; they're 2-1 vs spread when favored. Five of six Edmonton games stayed under total; last three Ottawa games went over. Edmonton had 13 takeaways in first four games (+8), have only one in last two games (-4).
Armadillosports.com
Game of the Day: CFL Doubleheader
By Covers.com
Calgary Stampeders at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+3, 51.5)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats play their final home game at Ron Joyce Stadium when they host the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Hamilton has been playing at the McMaster University field while construction is completed on Tim Hortons Field, which the Tiger-Cats are scheduled to open by hosting the Toronto Argonauts on Labour Day. The Stampeders are on a brief East Division road trip looking to build on a 2-0 away record.
Calgary’s defense allows a league-low 76.3 rushing yards per contest, which could pose big problems for Hamilton quarterback Dan LeFevour, who has more touchdowns rushing (four) than passing (two). Bo Levi Mitchell has been a model of consistency under centre for the Stampeders and he could be in for a big game against a Tiger-Cats' defense that averages 278.8 passing yards allowed. Calgary manhandled the Ottawa Redblacks last week to improve to 4-0 against East Division foes, while Hamilton is 0-5 against the West.
LINE HISTORY: The Stampeders opened as 4-point home faves and now sit at -3.0 The total currently sits at 51.5.
INJURY REPORT: Calgary: OL Brander Craighead - questionable Saturday (ankle), RB Matt Walter - doubtful Saturday (concussion), RB Jon Cornish - Six-Game IR (concussion). Hamilton: OL Joel Reinders -questionable Saturday (undisclosed), DE Brandon Thurmond - questionable Saturday (undisclosed), DL Sam Scott - questionable Saturday (undisclosed), DL Terrance Moore - questionable Saturday (undisclosed).
ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (5-1, 4-2 ATS): Running back Matt Walter was back at practice after clearing concussion protocols but his status for Saturday remains uncertain. The status of kick returner Jock Sanders is also uncertain. Defensive lineman Charleston Hughes added his team-leading sixth sack in Week 7.
ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (1-5, 3-3 ATS): Linebackers Marc Beswick and Simoni Lawrence were fined by the league for making comments critical of officials after Week 7. Kick returner Brandon Banks was named special teams player of the week after returning a punt 97 yards for a touchdown. Hamilton’s defense is last in the league with 10 sacks.
TRENDS:
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Stampeders are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Hamilton.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Hamilton.
* Stampeders are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
COVERS CONSENSUS: Almost 59 percent of the bets are on the Stampeders -3.
Montreal Alouettes at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-13.5, 48.5)
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are riding a three-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday. Montreal is heading in the opposite direction with four consecutive losses and no answers for its sputtering offense, which has produced a league-low 98 points. The Roughriders have 98 points in their last three contests and are looking a lot more like the team that won the Grey Cup in 2013.
Saskatchewan’s offense leads the league in average rushing yards with 135.7 despite using a series of different running backs, allowing quarterback Darian Durant to have a quiet start to the season with just six touchdown passes to five interceptions. Montreal allows an East Division worst 115.8 rushing yards per contest and the Alouettes’ offense will have a difficult time keeping pace if the Roughriders establish their running game. Montreal will reportedly start Alex Brink at quarterback, relegating Troy Smith to backup duty.
LINE HISTORY: The Roughriders opened as a whole two touchdown favorite in this game and now sit at -13.5. The total opened at 47.5 and is up to 48.5.
INJURY REPORT: Saskatchewan: DB Marshay Green - questionable Saturday (undisclosed), WR Dan DePalama - questionable Saturday (undisclosed).
ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-5, 1-5 ATS): Brink’s last start was in Week 19 of 2012 and he is 9-for-23 for 60 yards this season. Montreal added former CFL star Jeff Garcia to its coaching staff in an effort to solve its quarterback search. Running back Brandon Whitaker has provided a measure of stability on offense with 378 rushing yards.
ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (4-2, 4-2 ATS): Defensive end John Chick was named defensive player of the week after recording a career-high three sacks in Week 7. Running back Jerome Messam earned Canadian player of the week honours after rushing for 126 yards. Defensive back Mark LeGree leads the league with three interceptions in his first CFL season.
TRENDS:
* Alouettes are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Saskatchewan.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Alouettes are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Saskatchewan.
COVERS CONSENSUS: Almost 55 percent of wagers are on the Roughriders -13.5.
Game of the Day: Lions at Argonauts
By Covers.com
B.C. Lions at Toronto Argonauts (+3, 51)
The Toronto Argonauts bookend a long Week 8 by hosting the BC Lions on Sunday. Toronto is the only East Division team with multiple victories over West Division foes, while the Lions are rounding into form with a two-game winning streak as they prepare to play two of their next three games on the road. Toronto started the week with a convincing home win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Tuesday and can take a commanding lead in the East with another victory.
Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray is 16 yards shy of reaching 2,000 passing yards - something he has done in each of his previous 11 CFL seasons. Ray faces a stingy Lions' defence, though, that averages 206.7 passing yards allowed, but has a West Division-worst 14 sacks. BC quarterback Kevin Glenn threw for more than 400 yards in Week 7, but still has eight touchdown passes to 11 interceptions and could see his time under centre come to an end with the impending return of Travis Lulay.
LINE HISTORY: The LV Superbook opened the Lions as 1-point road faves, but that currently sits Lions -3. The total has held at 51.
INJURY REPORT: Lions - DB Josh Johnson (Questionable, knee), WR Ernest Jackson (Questionable, ankle), QB Kevin Glenn (Questionable, quad). Argonauts - SB Jason Barnes (Questionable, knee), RB Chad Owens (Indefinitely, foot), RB Andre Durie (Indefinitely, foot).
ABOUT THE LIONS (4-3): Lulay could make his season debut as soon as Sunday, but Glenn was named offensive player of the week after his 407-yard performance and the veteran does not appear to be going quietly. Linebacker Solomon Elimimian continues to terrorize opposing offences with a league-leading 54 tackles. Rookie defensive tackle Alex Bazzie has six of the team’s 14 sacks.
ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (3-4): Ray is making the most of his injury-depleted offence, passing to 10 different players and hitting four of them for touchdowns in Week 7. Chad Owens, Andre Durie, Jason Barnes and John Chiles all remain out with injuries, but running back Curtis Steele is taking some of the pressure off Ray after a 92 rushing yard performance last week. Defensive lineman Tristan Okpalaugo leads the team with five sacks.
TRENDS:
* Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Toronto.
* Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Argonauts are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Lions last four games in August.
COVERS CONSENSUS: 53 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are behind the Lions.
Week 8 CFL
BC Lions (4-3) @ Toronto (3-4) -- Lions won four of last five games after 0-2 start; underdogs covered all three of their road games. BC is 2-1 on road, scoring 20 ppg (they average 25.8 ppg at home). Toronto won last two games after 1-4 start; they're 2-1 at home, with all three games decided by 17+ points. Western teams are 18-4 SU vs eastern teams this year; BC is 16-2 in its last 18 games with Toronto, splitting last four visits here- they lost 38-12 (-6.5) in LY's visit. Eight of BC's last ten games here stayed under total, as have five of seven Lionn games and four of last five Toronto games. Argos just played five days ago, beating Winnipeg 38-21.
Armadillosports.com
StatFox Super Situations
BRITISH COLUMBIA at TORONTO
Play Against - Road teams where the line is +3 to -3 (BRITISH COLUMBIA) after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread, with a winning record on the season 49-17 since 1997. ( 74.2% | 30.3 units ) 0-1 this year. ( 0.0% | -1.1 units )
BRITISH COLUMBIA at TORONTO
Play Against - Road teams vs. the money line (BRITISH COLUMBIA) after gaining 450 or more total yards in their previous game against opponent after outgaining opp by 70 or more total yards in their previous game 51-15 since 1997. ( 77.3% | 0.0 units )
BRITISH COLUMBIA at TORONTO
Play On - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (TORONTO) off 1 or more straight overs, in a game involving two average teams (+/- 3 PPG differential.) 36-12 since 1997. ( 75.0% | 22.8 units )