CFL Betting Notes – Week 2

Betting Recap - Week 1

The CFL returned to action this past weekend and the favorites went 3-1 straight-up with an even 2-2 record ATS. Hamilton got things started on Thursday night with a 23-17 victory against Saskatchewan to cover as a 4 ½-point home favorite. On Friday night, Edmonton got past Montreal 32-25, but the Eskimos could not cover as eight-point favorites at home.

Saturday’s doubleheader of betting action started off with Ottawa stunning Calgary 32-28 as an 8 ½-point road underdog in a rematch of last season’s Grey Cup title game. Winnipeg scored another victory for the road teams with a 33-23 victory against British Columbia as a slight one-point favorite.

Thursday, June 20

Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) at Ottawa RedBlacks (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -5 ½
Total: 48 ½

Game Overview

The Roughriders were hoping to make a run to the top of the West this season with a healthy Zach Collaros at quarterback, but an injury on his opening drive in Thursday’s loss brought an early end to his night.

Both Cody Fajardo and Isaac Harker saw playing time in his place and combined for 194 yards passing and zero touchdown throws against a pair of interceptions. One bright spot of the night was William Powell’s 104 yards rushing and one touchdown on 20 carries.

Ottawa got off to a solid start in defense of last season’s East Division title. Dominique Davis is the RedBlacks’ new starting quarterback and he did more damage with his legs than his throwing arm in Saturday’s big win in Calgary.

He ended that game with 276 yards passing, but he was picked off four times without finding the end zone through the air. He did run the ball five times for 10 yards with three of those rushing attempts going for scores. Mossis Madu ran the ball 24 times for 112 yards to highlight the running game.

Betting Trends

-- Ottawa has a 4-1 edge ATS in its last five games against Saskatchewan. The total has gone OVER in six of the last eight meetings in this inter-division tilt. The Roughriders have won four of their last six road games against Ottawa SU.

Friday, June 21

British Columbia Lions (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) at Edmonton Eskimos (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4 ½
Total: 55 ½

Game Overview

The much anticipated debut of Mike Reilly as BC’s new quarterback did not disappoint other than the final score of Saturday’s loss. He put the ball up 39 times and completed 22 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown throw. He was also picked off twice.

He completed passes to six different players including five throws to Bryan Burnham for 153 yards. The Lions’ ground game was non-existent with John White running the ball four times for four yards.

The Eskimos turned to Trevor Harris as their replacement for Reilly at quarterback. He made an even bigger splash with his new team by throwing for 447 yards and three scores with no interceptions. He put the ball up 41 times and completed 32 passes to seven different players.

Ricky Collins was the leading receiver with nine catches for 175 yards. Edmonton also got a strong effort from CJ Gable running the ball. He gained 154 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Betting Trends

-- Edmonton as a SU 7-3 edge against BC over the past 10 meetings, including a perfect 5-0 run at home. The Eskimos have covered in four of their last six home games against BC with the total going OVER in four of the last six meetings in Edmonton.

Saturday, June 22

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) at Toronto Argonauts (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -2 ½
Total: 52

Game Overview

Expectations for the Tiger-Cats were running high heading in to Week 1 as favorites to win the East this season. Jeremiah Masoli threw for the second-most yards last year in the CFL and he started this season with 169 yards passing and one score while completing 17 of his 28 attempts in Thursday’s win.

Brandon Banks had a big game catching the ball with six receptions for 77 yards and a score. Hamilton gained just 63 yards on the ground while allowing 172 rushing yards on defense.

Saturday will be Corey Chamblin’s debut as Toronto’s new head coach. He was the defensive coordinator for the Argonauts in their run to the 2017 Grey Cup title. Following the team’s fall from grace to just four victories last season, there is definitely some work to be done to get back on track.

James Franklin will get the start at quarterback, but he could be on a short leash if things get out of hand early. One of his top targets should be wide receiver Derel Walker, who came to Toronto from Edmonton this past offseason.

Betting Trends

-- The Tiger-Cats have covered ATS in eight of their last 10 road games against the Argonauts and the total has gone OVER in five of the last six meetings in Toronto. Hamilton also has a 4-1 edge both SU and ATS in the last five meetings overall.