CFL Week 3 News and Notes

Thursday, July 10

CALGARY (1 - 1) at MONTREAL (2 - 0) - 7/10/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-2 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 2-2 straight up against CALGARY 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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TORONTO (1 - 1) at EDMONTON (1 - 1) - 7/10/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) off a loss against a division rival since 1996.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Friday, July 11

BRITISH COLUMBIA (0 - 2) at WINNIPEG (0 - 2) - 7/11/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-1 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Saturday, July 12

SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 0) at HAMILTON (1 - 1) - 7/12/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 80-49 ATS (+26.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

Trend Sheet

Thursday, July 10

7:00 PM CALGARY vs. MONTREAL
Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games
Montreal is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Calgary
Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Calgary

10:00 PM TORONTO vs. EDMONTON
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

Friday, July 11

8:00 PM BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. WINNIPEG
British Columbia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against British Columbia

Saturday, July 12

4:00 PM SASKATCHEWAN vs. HAMILTON
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Saskatchewan is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Hamilton is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan

Week 3 CFL games
Thursday, July 10

Calgary (1-1) @ Montreal (2-0)-- New coach Trestman has Als' offense flying, scoring 71 points in two games (60-82 passing, 644 yards). Stampeders gained 850 yards in first two games, but also had 21 penalties that set them back. Home teams split eight games in season's first two weeks. Alouettes gained 971 yards already. Eskimos passed for 423 yards vs Calgary last week.

Toronto (1-1) @ Edmonton (1-1)-- Argonauts gave up unheard- of 311 rushing yards at home to Hamilton last week, regroup vs Edmonton passing offense that averaged 12.6 yds/completion in their first two games (53-82/670). Eskimos allowed 65 points in first two games. Argos had 24 penalties for 160 yards in forst two games; they got outgained by 131 yards in their win, using a +3 turnover margin to pull minor upset in Winnipeg.

CFL Week 3 Previews
phoenixsports.com

The CFL Week 3 previews are dedicated to a man who gave CFL fans a great ride for 40 years with all his dedication and passion for the game of football. Bob Ackles will be sorely missed by his family, friends and peers. Bob Ackles was the President and CEO of the BC Lions and the author of the book “The Waterboy”. Bob Ackles past away this past weekend at the age of 69 years old and is one of the most respected builders of the CFL game.

Now, speaking of the BC Lions, Wally Buono and the Lions are off to a rough 0-2 start, losing both games by 10 points and they are facing another desperate 0-2 team in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. However, if you recalled in my CFL Football previews, I wrote how the Lions like to start late out of the gate, as they are 23-26 SU in Week 1 to 4 since 1996.

History tells us it’s not going to get any easier for the Lions this week, as they are 0-3 ATS and SU when they face an opponent who started a season at 0-2 SU and the OVER is 3-0-0.

Calgary (51) vs. Montreal (-3)

* Stampeders at Alouettes History: Calgary is 5-7-0 (ATS), 4-8 (SU) and the OVER is 10-2-0 since 1996 when they travel to Montréal

The Montreal Alouettes bolted to an early lead last week vs. Winnipeg, as they were up 31-7 at halftime and looked like they had this game in cruise control. However, a different Winnipeg Blue Bombers team showed up in the second half, as they were able to cut into the lead and before you can say “bob’s your uncle”, it was 31-24! Then the turning point of the game took place late in the fourth quarter, Anthony Calvillo scampered for 16 yards on a second and 15 and drove the team for a score which put the nail in the coffin for the Bombers on that night. Calgary on the other hand, fell to their provincial rivals, they lost 34-31 in an exciting 4th Quarter, as the Stamps trailed most of the game and just when you thought they protected the lead, Ricky Ray hit Jason Tucker on a 36-yards pass in the dying minutes to secure the win. Calgary is not a good betting position this Thursday night at Molson Percival Stadium, they are 5-10-1 ATS as a Road Underdog in July. Meanwhile, the Alouettes are 7-3-0 ATS as a favorite in July since ‘96, but get this; they are only 5-5 SU! Also, from a betting perspective, the Montreal Alouettes are 17-3 SU at home after playing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Plus, this is a great QB matchup for Week 3; Henry Burris vs. Anthony Calvillo and keep in mind, Dave Dickenson is the back up in Calgary, while Montreal counters with Banks and McPherson.

ATSDatabase.com Stat of the Game: When MONTREAL team played as Home team as a Favorite -Vs Non Division Opponent - Coming off a game scored 38 points or more; The OVER is 9-2-1 for the Montreal Alouettes in this role since ’96.

Toronto (45) vs. Edmonton (-2.5)

* Argonauts at Eskimos History: Toronto is 9-3-0 (ATS & SU), while the O/U is 4-8-0 since ’97 for the Argos in games played in Edmonton since ’96

Well, it didn’t take long for the media to crash Argos Head Coach Rich Stubler’s honeymoon, as it seems there’s already a QB controversy in Argo land! Toronto suffered one of its worst home defeats in recent memory, as they lost to the Hamilton Tiger Cats 32-13 as a -10.5 point home favorite. In fact, prior to the Tiger Cats game, the Argos were 20-0 SU as a -10.0 or more home favorite since 1996. The last time they lost in this fashion was in Week 7 of the 2006 season vs. the BC Lions, the Lions tamed the Argos 28-8, but they were a +2.5 home underdog in that case. Nevertheless, last week’s beating was enough for one of the owners (David Cynamon) of the Argos to sound off, he blasted the team in the media and went on “Off the Record” with Michael Landsberg and took no prisoners in his criticism. Plus, the Argonauts bench boss is pushing the panic button a bit prematurely this week vs. the Eskimos, he revoked the play calling duties from the offensive coordinator Steve Buratto and gave Kerry Joseph the keys to the offense, as he will be calling his own plays vs. Edmonton this week. The Argos are in a bad betting situation this Thursday, because when they are a Road team as an Underdog, during Week 1 to 4 of a season and they are coming off a game that went over the total, they are 0-5 SU in this role since ’96. Edmonton on the other hand, seemed to have found the offensive playbook last week; Ricky Ray looked like the old gunslinger from pass season and finished the night hitting 65.9% of his passes for 448 yards.

ATSDatabase.com Stat of the Game: When ANY CFL Team played as a Road team -With 6 day off -Vs Non Conference Opponent - Allowed score 31 points or more against - Coming off a Loss over Hamilton opponent; The UNDER is 10-2-0 for the Road Team in this role since ’96.

BC Lions (48.5) vs. Winnipeg (-2.5)

* Lions at Blue Bombers History: BC is 8-6-1 (ATS), 8-7 (SU) and the UNDER is 11-3-1 for the Lions when they travel to Winnipeg to face the Blue Bombers.

The Battle of the 0-2 teams face off on TSN’s Wendy’s Friday Night football in Week 3! The bookmakers have opened with the Blue Bombers as a -2.5 point home favorite and they are 15-3 ATS and SU as a -3.0 point or less home favorite since 1996. While the Lions are 9-14-0 ATS, 7-15-1 SU as a +3.0 point or less road underdog and the UNDER is 13-8-1 for them in this spot. Furthermore, the Lions seem to struggle on defense via the ground, they are ranked 7th vs. the run, but rank 1st vs. the pass. Winnipeg will no doubt want to get Charles Roberts involved this weekend, as the Bombers offense seems to get rolling when he’s more involved. In fact, Doug Berry might want to consider running the ball a bit more, the Bombers are ranked last in yards rushing with 104 yards on the ground this season. However, it’s pretty tough to run the ball when you’re playing catch up like they were last weekend vs. Montreal and the Argos defense held the fort in Week 1. Expect much of the same type of game Toronto and Winnipeg played in Week 1 at Canad Inn Stadium and look for the Bombers to give the lions a heavy dose of Charles Roberts.

ATSDatabase.com Stat of the Game: When WINNIPEG team played as Home team as a Favorite - Coming off a 1 game over; The Blue Bombers are 17-1 SU in this role since ’96.

Saskatchewan (46) vs. Hamilton (-2)

* Roughriders at Tiger Cats History: Saskatchewan is 8-4-0 ATS, 5-7 SU and the UNDER is 8-3-1 at Ivor Wynne Stadium since ’96.

The line opened up as a Pick’em on Monday, but once the 2-0 Roughriders announced former North Carolina Tar Heels QB Darian Durant was going to get the nod in place of injured starter Marcus Crandell, the public has bet this line up to -2.0 in the Ticats favor. Not a good spot for the Ticats, as they are 6-9-0 ATS as a -3.0 point or less home favorite and 7-8 SU. Plus, the Tiger Cats are coming off a huge win over the Toronto Argonauts last weekend as a +10.5 point road underdog and you’re always concern about a let down spot here for the Tabbies. Saskatchewan is riding the hot hand, they spanked Edmonton 34-13 at home in Week 1, went into the Lions den and beat up Wally’s boys by 10 points and now face one of the top one-two combos in Casey Printers and Jesse Lumsden on Saturday night. In fact, history tells us this is not a good spot for the Green Riders in Steel Town this Saturday afternoon (4pm start); the Roughriders are 0-6 SU when they are labeled a road underdog vs. Hamilton since 1996! The line makers seem to have the total a bit low in my opinion for this showdown, as I would have made the total around 48.5 to 49.0, but keep in mind the UNDER is 8-3-1 for the Roughriders when they play in Hamilton. To be honest, this game might be decided by the kickers, both Luca Congi and Nick Setta are two of the top kickers in the game today in the CFL.

ATSDatabase.com Stat of the Game: When ANY CFL Team played as a Home team -After a division game - Before a non conference game - Coming off a game scored 31 points or more - Coming off a Road win as a Underdog; The UNDER is 9-3-0 for the Home Team (Tiger cats) in this role since ’96.

CFL Week 3 preview and predictions
By CHARLES-ANDRÉ MARCHAND

Calgary Stampeders (1-1) at Montreal Alouettes (2-0) (Montreal -4)

The Stampeders are coming to Montreal after losing a dramatic game to their archrivals Edmonton Eskimos. Henry Burris threw three touchdown passes with 23 completions out of 35 attempts for 330 yards in the loss.

So far this season, Calgary has been rather efficient against the run but their pass defence has struggled. This should be a worry against the ingenious pass schemes shown so far by the Alouettes under new coach Marc Trestman. The Stampeders also will be without defensive end Julian Jenkins (out for the season with a leg injury), defensive linemen Funtaine Hunter and Juwan Simpson and linebacker Saleem Rasheed.

On the Alouettes side, linebacker Diamond Ferri practiced this week after leaving last Friday’s game with a leg injury and should be available although he is listed as questionable.

These teams met twice last season, each winning on the opponent’s field. Calgary’s defensive coordinator Chris Jones was part of the coaching team in Montreal last year and is therefore knowledgeable of the Alouettes’ strengths and weaknesses. But he will be facing a brand new type of offensive playbook where his typical rush the quarterback defensive schemes may open up the field for Anthony Calvillo who completed 34 of 44 pass attempts for 372 yards against the Blue Bombers in a 38-24 win in week 2.

Montreal should prevail but it will be a nail biter and could be decided on a field goal.

Pick: Stampeders +4

Toronto Argonauts (1-1) at Edmonton Eskimos (1-1) (Edmonton -2 1/2)

The quarterback controversy in Toronto, where last year’s MVP Kerry Joseph must share duties with incumbent starter Michael Bishop, seems to be hurting the Argos morale. So far, they have played below expectations for a team many experts thought could win it all this season in the East.

Kerry Joseph is expected to be the starting QB in Edmonton but Michael Bishop will see some action as head coach Rich Stubler decided to go on splitting duties at quarterback.

In Week 2, Toronto was upset 32-13 by the Tiger-Cats, who are still far from becoming a serious contender. Edmonton’s Ricky Ray completed 27 of 41 pass attempts for 448 yards with three touchdowns against Calgary in a dramatic 34-31 win.

The Argos will be playing without running back Tyler Ebell (out for the season), wide receivers David Boston and Bethel Johnson. The Eskimos will show up without defensive back Dan Comiskey and wide receiver Dante Luciani, both out indefinitely.

Overall, the Argonauts won four straight and seven of their last 10 games against Edmonton.

Pick: Argonauts +2 1/2

B.C. Lions (0-2) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-2) (Winnipeg -2 1/2)

Many picked B.C. and Winnipeg to be next November’s Grey Cup opponents. That makes it quite surprising to see both these teams squaring it off with winless records after the first two weeks of the season.

The Blue Bombers have many injured players and they particularly miss Dominic Picard at the center position. Obby Khan, another player who can play center is also injured. On the brighter side for Winnipeg, wide receiver Milt Stegall, who nurses a knee injury, should be available although listed as questionable.

Former Notre Dame QB Jarius Jackson has been a disappointment so far and was limited last week to 16 completed passes out of 30 attempts and 164 yards. Joe Smith provided two touchdowns in the 23-16 loss to Saskatchewan in Week 2.

In Montreal, the Blue Bombers were stunned early in the game and never recovered, losing 38-24 to the Als. But Kevin Glenn had a strong second half, finishing the game with 26 of 40 passing for 313 yards and a touchdown.

History says that the Lions have prevailed eight times out of the last 10 games against Winnipeg but this time, the Blue Bombers seem to be the better team and, in front of their fans, should get their first win of the 2008 season.

Pick: Blue Bombers -2 1/2

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) at Hamilton Tiger Cats (1-1) (Hamilton -2)

Although the Saskatchewan Roughriders have traded star QB Kerry Joseph after winning the Grey Cup, this team still has some weapons offensively and a stout defence that can stop the run and the pass.

Luca Congi managed four field goals last week in a come-from-behind win of 23-16 against the Lions. The Tiger-Cats are stronger at quarterback with Casey Printers while the Roughriders will have to give the ball to third stringer Darian Durant who will get his first CFL start.

Durant replaces starter Marcus Crandell who suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s win over B.C. He is out indefinitely. Coach Ken Miller was more impressed by Durant than backup Steven Jyles who both saw action against the Lions.

The Roughriders will also have to find a way to stop running back Jesse Lumsden who rushed for 189 yards off 20 carries with two touchdowns to lead Hamilton to a 32-13 upset win against Toronto in Week 2.

The Tiger-Cats will need more strong performances from Printers and Lumsden but they still have too many weaknesses to be taken seriously. Although they will give the Riders a better opposition that we would have expected a few weeks ago, Saskatchewan will still prevail here.

Pick: Roughriders +2

CFL

Friday, July 11

British Columbia at Winnipeg

British Columbia was believed to be the odds on favorite to return to Grey Cup championship game, yet has had uncharacteristically poor start at 0-2. "We can't play any worse than we've played the last two weeks, we're not making plays. We expect so much out of each other. We're not playing the way we're supposed to be playing and we've got to get it fixed." said WR Paris Jackson. Signal caller Jarious Jackson was a mere 16 of 30 passing for 164 yards. The Lions were sloppy in committing four turnovers in home loss to Saskatchewan 26-16. Thou B.C. is 16-5 ATS in road games off an upset loss as a favorite, they will be playing with heavy hearts, as club president Bob Ackles died of a heart attack this past Sunday at age 69. Few in life loved what they did more than Ackles, having been involved with football since starting as a waterboy for British Columbia.

Winnipegs defense was picked apart by Montreal in 38-24 loss. They allowed over 500 yards and will have to shore this side of the ball quickly or another loss will follow. The Blue Bombers defensive intensity usually picks up after weak effort with 11-2 ATS record after being out-rushed by 125 or more yards last game.

Sportsbook.com has Winnipeg as 2.5-point favorites, with total at 48 points. It?s almost inconceivable the Lions could start 0-3, yet an outstanding system suggests this could happen. PLAY ON home teams where the line is +3 to -3, off a division game against opponent off in two straight division games. This CFL system is 28-8, 77.8 percent.

Saturday, July 12

Saskatchewan at Hamilton

The Saskatchewan Rough Riders might be 2-0; however they could be in for a rough ride, due to injuries. Receiver D.J. Flick and cornerback Leron Mitchell broke ankle and leg respectively and quarterback Marcus Crandell is out with hamstring injury. Forced to use this many backups, Saskatchewan may be hard-pressed to improve upon 9-2 ATS road record.

Hamilton probably isnt as bad as they looked in opener against Montreal, nor as dominant as they played at home in tumbling Toronto 32-13. QB Casey Printers effectiveness goes way up when tailback Jesse Lumsden has running lanes. The Ticats are 2.5-point favorites and don?t look for them to have much sympathy, since they have lost eight in a row (1-7 ATS) to the Rough Riders, with the last five being beaten by 27.4 points a game.