Canadian bacon: This weekend's best CFL bets
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Friday, July 16
Hamilton Tiger Cats at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-3.5, 54.5)
This is a rematch from Week 1, when the Bombers, led by their new quarterback Buck Pierce, rolled over the Tiger Cats in Hamilton.
They had seven sacks on Kevin Glenn in that game. In order to remove pressure from Glenn Friday, running back DeAndra Cobb must get the ball more often and make the most of it. After two games he only has 20 carries and 59 yards rushing.
The Tiger Cats did give a scare to the Calgary Stampeders last week in a game that coach Marcel Bellefeuille called the worst loss he endured since he took the helm of the Tiger Cats in 2008.
This week, Winnipeg must keep a close eye on Marcus Thigpen who, two games in his CFL career, has already scored touchdowns in four different ways: kick return, punt return, missed field goal and pass reception. He now needs to score on a rushing play to become the first one in the history of this league to find the endzone in five different ways in a single season.
Winnipeg will play this one without safety Ian Logan, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Brady Browne, a former player of the University of Manitoba Bison will get his first career start in front of family and friends. Defensive tackle Dorian Smith will also be out with a knee injury.
The Bombers should win but don’t expect the Tiger Cats to make it as easy on them as in Week 1.
Pick: Winnipeg
Montreal Alouettes at B.C. Lions (+5.5, 54)
Thanks to the magic of Anthony Calvillo and the offensive genius of coach Marc Trestman, the Alouettes managed to avoid a second loss in a row last week in Edmonton with a spectacular comeback victory over the Eskimos. That win was good for confidence according to some players.
Playing in Vancouver is never easy for the Alouettes, especially not after a short week. Montreal hasn’t won in B.C. since 2000. But this game won’t be played in the cavernous B.C. Place but outdoors at Empire Field.
The Alouettes have other reasons to worry in Week 3. Montreal’s defense continued to show weaknesses that must be a serious concern for an organization that believes it can repeat as Grey Cup champions. They just can’t seem to stop the long ball, with the secondary having surrendered 821 passing yards in two games.
With the Lions QB Casey Printers back from the quad injury that prevented him from playing in the second half of last week’s loss in Regina, the secondary of the Alouettes could be shredded once more.
Pick: B.C.