RECAP
DURANT RUNS, RALLIES RIDERS TO OVERTIME WIN OVER ESKIMOS
REGINA — Darian Durant set up a game-tying touchdown with two minutes left, then did the rest himself, scoring the winning touchdown in overtime to lift the Riders to a 26-23 win over the Edmonton Eskimos on Sunday afternoon in Regina.
The Riders trailed throughout most of the second half but tied the game late on Armanti Edwards’ rushing touchdown. Then, after holding the Esks to a Sean Whyte field goal in overtime, Durant and the offence took care of the rest, setting up a six-yard rushing touchdown by the veteran quarterback to win the game.
The win marks the second of the season for the rebuilding Riders and the first for Durant in two years — a much-needed result for a Rider team balancing on the edge of playoff contention, particularly after losing three straight games by a single possession.
This time, two key defensive plays and some timely scoring helped the Riders finish on the right end of a late-game decision, keeping Saskatchewan three games back of the fourth-place Eskimos and four games out of a playoff spot.
Mike Reilly threw for a game-high 306 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-36 passing for the Eskimos but threw a costly fourth-quarter interception that helped the Riders get to overtime. Adarius Bowman also had a strong game for the Eskimos with nine catches for 152 yards, but was stripped by Ed Gainey on a second-quarter defensive touchdown.
Nate Coehoorn scored on a 72-yard touchdown for the Eskimos while the Riders, without top receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Ricky Collins, were led by contributions from Edwards (six catches, 60 yards and a rushing touchdown) and Caleb Holley (four catches, 60 yards).
Durant finished his day with 174 passing yards and an interception on 20-of-29 passing and, most importantly for the Riders, a win.
While the Riders’ victory keeps their season hanging by a thread, it comes at a major cost for the Edmonton Eskimos. The Esks dropped their third straight outcome and remain on the outside looking in at a playoff spot, whether via the crossover or the third-place Bombers who were victorious on Saturday afternoon.
Pinned deep in their own end for their first possession of the game, the Eskimos quickly quieted the Riders’ faithful when Reilly found Bowman in single coverage, who out-muscled Justin Cox for the football and sprinted for a 63-yard gain.
An ensuing drop by Bowman ended the drive quickly, but a 34-yard field goal by Whyte helped Edmonton get on the board first and also flip field position in their favour.
The Rider offence struggled to get in sync and was forced to punt on each of its opening two drives. Josh Bartel’s second punt of the game, a wind-aided 85-yard boot that got over the head of the Esks return man, found the end zone and got the Green and White on the board with a single point.
With Cox left on an island against Bowman, the league’s leading receiver continued to get the best of the rookie 23-year-old defensive back but the Rider defence held strong, forcing the Eskimos to punt for the first time in the game.
The field position game truly defined the first 15 minutes of the contest with howling wind at the Riders’ back putting the Eskimos in poor starting field position more often than not. By the end of the first quarter the Riders finally capitalized, pinning Edmonton back at the one and forcing a quick two and out along with a safety.
While it looked like the Eskimos had the edge after escaping the first quarter in a 3-3 draw and going with the wind in the second, it wasn’t until late in the frame that the visitors seized momentum.
It was Shakir Bell who got the Eskimos’ offence moving, bouncing one long-gainer outside and setting up a chip shot field goal from Whyte, the veteran kicker’s second of the game.
On the Riders’ next play from scrimmage, Durant’s pass into the wind hit a wall and fell into the hands of Eskimos linebacker Kenny Ladler.
The Riders flipped the script very suddenly after that. With Edmonton having all the momentum, what looked like a completion to Bowman was ripped from the receiver’s grasp by Gainey and returned all the way for a 50-yard go-ahead touchdown, giving Saskatchewan a sudden 9-6 lead much to the delight of the Riders’ faithful.
With what went down in the books as a fumble return touchdown, the Riders’ brief lead was erased by a tying Whyte field goal heading into the half.
A defensive duel in the first half, Sunday’s matinee changed course almost immediately in the third quarter. With the Esks’ offence in motion and the wind at its back, Coehoorn got to the second level of the defence and turned on the after-burners, running 72 yards untouched to put the Eskimos ahead 16-9.
The Eskimos added a single point to extend their lead to 17-9, but the eight-point third quarter was all they could muster before it was the Riders’ turn to move with the wind.
A late third quarter drive for the Riders led to a three-pointer on the first play of the fourth quarter, cutting Saskatchewan’s deficit to 17-12 on Crapigna’s first field goal of the game, a 48-yarder.
Just as the Rider crowd turned up the volume, however, the Eskimos promptly extinguished the momentum with a pair of first down runs by Reilly and a 37-yard field goal by Whyte to once again make it an eight-point edge.
The Riders added a punt single, then stopped Reilly and the Esks in their tracks when former Eskimos Otha Foster met Reilly in the backfield for Saskatchewan’s third sack of the afternoon.
As seconds ticked off the clock past the 6:00 mark, the Riders needed to make their move soon if they were going to avoid their 11th loss of the season.
Edwards got the wheels in motion, finding open field on a swing pass and moving the Riders into scoring range. After converting on third and short, Caleb Holley kept the drive moving in the right direction, converting once again and picking up some yards after the catch on a hard-thrown ball by Durant over the middle.
It wasn’t long later that Edwards was reaching his outstretched arms and the football over the goal line, scoring on an end-around with 2:05 remaining for the Riders’ first offensive major of the game. The eight-play, 65-yard drive was capped off by Crapigna’s extra point, knotting the score for the third time in the game, this time at 20 apiece.
Facing heavy winds and a raucous Regina crowd, the Eskimos were pinned back at their own 10 and needed to respond or face a continuing Rider rally. And while Reilly’s completion to Bowman provided some much-needed breathing room, on the very next play his long pass for Bowman — in one-on-one coverage against Cox — hung up in the air and was undercut and intercepted by the first-year defender.
After the play was challenged by Jason Maas but upheld, a holding penalty quickly stymied the Riders’ following offensive possession. From there, with the ball at the Edmonton 51, the Riders were called for a time count violation before Crapigna could attempt a 58-yard field goal attempt.
That sent things to overtime, where the Rider defence did its job by forcing Whyte onto the field for his fifth field goal of the game, giving Durant and the Rider offence the opportunity to win it.
Durant’s pass to Ryan Lankford moved the Riders down to the eight, then, after Steele was stopped for a pickup of just a couple, Durant did the rest on his own, pushing the play outside with his legs and finding the end zone for the game-winning run.
Bell finished with 88 yards on 14 carries and a 6.3 average for the Eskimos as he filled in for John White. The Riders, meanwhile, got a huge boost to their usually enigmatic ground game, as Steele returned to the lineup with 87 yards on 13 carries (6.7 yards per carry). Durant added 61 yards on five carries, including the game-winning touchdown on the team’s first possession in overtime.
The Riders will look to keep the momentum rolling and pick up win No. 3 next Saturday at home against the Ticats, while the Eskimos look to get back on track with a return home to face the Lions on Friday night.
DURANT RUNS, RALLIES RIDERS TO OVERTIME WIN OVER ESKIMOS
REGINA — Darian Durant set up a game-tying touchdown with two minutes left, then did the rest himself, scoring the winning touchdown in overtime to lift the Riders to a 26-23 win over the Edmonton Eskimos on Sunday afternoon in Regina.
The Riders trailed throughout most of the second half but tied the game late on Armanti Edwards’ rushing touchdown. Then, after holding the Esks to a Sean Whyte field goal in overtime, Durant and the offence took care of the rest, setting up a six-yard rushing touchdown by the veteran quarterback to win the game.
The win marks the second of the season for the rebuilding Riders and the first for Durant in two years — a much-needed result for a Rider team balancing on the edge of playoff contention, particularly after losing three straight games by a single possession.
This time, two key defensive plays and some timely scoring helped the Riders finish on the right end of a late-game decision, keeping Saskatchewan three games back of the fourth-place Eskimos and four games out of a playoff spot.
Mike Reilly threw for a game-high 306 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-36 passing for the Eskimos but threw a costly fourth-quarter interception that helped the Riders get to overtime. Adarius Bowman also had a strong game for the Eskimos with nine catches for 152 yards, but was stripped by Ed Gainey on a second-quarter defensive touchdown.
Nate Coehoorn scored on a 72-yard touchdown for the Eskimos while the Riders, without top receivers Naaman Roosevelt and Ricky Collins, were led by contributions from Edwards (six catches, 60 yards and a rushing touchdown) and Caleb Holley (four catches, 60 yards).
Durant finished his day with 174 passing yards and an interception on 20-of-29 passing and, most importantly for the Riders, a win.
While the Riders’ victory keeps their season hanging by a thread, it comes at a major cost for the Edmonton Eskimos. The Esks dropped their third straight outcome and remain on the outside looking in at a playoff spot, whether via the crossover or the third-place Bombers who were victorious on Saturday afternoon.
Pinned deep in their own end for their first possession of the game, the Eskimos quickly quieted the Riders’ faithful when Reilly found Bowman in single coverage, who out-muscled Justin Cox for the football and sprinted for a 63-yard gain.
An ensuing drop by Bowman ended the drive quickly, but a 34-yard field goal by Whyte helped Edmonton get on the board first and also flip field position in their favour.
The Rider offence struggled to get in sync and was forced to punt on each of its opening two drives. Josh Bartel’s second punt of the game, a wind-aided 85-yard boot that got over the head of the Esks return man, found the end zone and got the Green and White on the board with a single point.
With Cox left on an island against Bowman, the league’s leading receiver continued to get the best of the rookie 23-year-old defensive back but the Rider defence held strong, forcing the Eskimos to punt for the first time in the game.
The field position game truly defined the first 15 minutes of the contest with howling wind at the Riders’ back putting the Eskimos in poor starting field position more often than not. By the end of the first quarter the Riders finally capitalized, pinning Edmonton back at the one and forcing a quick two and out along with a safety.
While it looked like the Eskimos had the edge after escaping the first quarter in a 3-3 draw and going with the wind in the second, it wasn’t until late in the frame that the visitors seized momentum.
It was Shakir Bell who got the Eskimos’ offence moving, bouncing one long-gainer outside and setting up a chip shot field goal from Whyte, the veteran kicker’s second of the game.
On the Riders’ next play from scrimmage, Durant’s pass into the wind hit a wall and fell into the hands of Eskimos linebacker Kenny Ladler.
The Riders flipped the script very suddenly after that. With Edmonton having all the momentum, what looked like a completion to Bowman was ripped from the receiver’s grasp by Gainey and returned all the way for a 50-yard go-ahead touchdown, giving Saskatchewan a sudden 9-6 lead much to the delight of the Riders’ faithful.
With what went down in the books as a fumble return touchdown, the Riders’ brief lead was erased by a tying Whyte field goal heading into the half.
A defensive duel in the first half, Sunday’s matinee changed course almost immediately in the third quarter. With the Esks’ offence in motion and the wind at its back, Coehoorn got to the second level of the defence and turned on the after-burners, running 72 yards untouched to put the Eskimos ahead 16-9.
The Eskimos added a single point to extend their lead to 17-9, but the eight-point third quarter was all they could muster before it was the Riders’ turn to move with the wind.
A late third quarter drive for the Riders led to a three-pointer on the first play of the fourth quarter, cutting Saskatchewan’s deficit to 17-12 on Crapigna’s first field goal of the game, a 48-yarder.
Just as the Rider crowd turned up the volume, however, the Eskimos promptly extinguished the momentum with a pair of first down runs by Reilly and a 37-yard field goal by Whyte to once again make it an eight-point edge.
The Riders added a punt single, then stopped Reilly and the Esks in their tracks when former Eskimos Otha Foster met Reilly in the backfield for Saskatchewan’s third sack of the afternoon.
As seconds ticked off the clock past the 6:00 mark, the Riders needed to make their move soon if they were going to avoid their 11th loss of the season.
Edwards got the wheels in motion, finding open field on a swing pass and moving the Riders into scoring range. After converting on third and short, Caleb Holley kept the drive moving in the right direction, converting once again and picking up some yards after the catch on a hard-thrown ball by Durant over the middle.
It wasn’t long later that Edwards was reaching his outstretched arms and the football over the goal line, scoring on an end-around with 2:05 remaining for the Riders’ first offensive major of the game. The eight-play, 65-yard drive was capped off by Crapigna’s extra point, knotting the score for the third time in the game, this time at 20 apiece.
Facing heavy winds and a raucous Regina crowd, the Eskimos were pinned back at their own 10 and needed to respond or face a continuing Rider rally. And while Reilly’s completion to Bowman provided some much-needed breathing room, on the very next play his long pass for Bowman — in one-on-one coverage against Cox — hung up in the air and was undercut and intercepted by the first-year defender.
After the play was challenged by Jason Maas but upheld, a holding penalty quickly stymied the Riders’ following offensive possession. From there, with the ball at the Edmonton 51, the Riders were called for a time count violation before Crapigna could attempt a 58-yard field goal attempt.
That sent things to overtime, where the Rider defence did its job by forcing Whyte onto the field for his fifth field goal of the game, giving Durant and the Rider offence the opportunity to win it.
Durant’s pass to Ryan Lankford moved the Riders down to the eight, then, after Steele was stopped for a pickup of just a couple, Durant did the rest on his own, pushing the play outside with his legs and finding the end zone for the game-winning run.
Bell finished with 88 yards on 14 carries and a 6.3 average for the Eskimos as he filled in for John White. The Riders, meanwhile, got a huge boost to their usually enigmatic ground game, as Steele returned to the lineup with 87 yards on 13 carries (6.7 yards per carry). Durant added 61 yards on five carries, including the game-winning touchdown on the team’s first possession in overtime.
The Riders will look to keep the momentum rolling and pick up win No. 3 next Saturday at home against the Ticats, while the Eskimos look to get back on track with a return home to face the Lions on Friday night.
WEEK 14
Friday, September 23, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Ottawa Redblacks
10:00 PM British Columbia Lions Edmonton Eskimos
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Calgary Stampeders
9:30 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Saskatchewan Roughriders
Friday, September 23, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Toronto Argonauts Ottawa Redblacks
10:00 PM British Columbia Lions Edmonton Eskimos
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home
4:00 PM Winnipeg Blue Bombers Calgary Stampeders
9:30 PM Hamilton Tiger Cats Saskatchewan Roughriders
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 12 10 1 1 21 405 260 6-0-0 4-1-1 8-1-0
2 BC 11 8 3 0 16 318 273 3-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 12 8 4 0 16 322 268 3-3-0 5-1-0 3-3-0
4 Edmonton 12 5 7 0 10 347 352 3-4-0 2-3-0 3-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 12 2 10 0 4 231 387 2-4-0 0-6-0 1-7-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Hamilton 12 6 6 0 12 353 319 3-2-0 3-4-0 4-1-0
2 Ottawa 11 5 5 1 11 285 303 1-3-1 4-2-0 3-2-0
3 Toronto 12 5 7 0 10 299 352 2-5-0 3-2-0 3-3-0
4 Montreal 12 3 9 0 6 249 295 1-5-0 2-4-0 1-5-0
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 12 10 1 1 21 405 260 6-0-0 4-1-1 8-1-0
2 BC 11 8 3 0 16 318 273 3-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 12 8 4 0 16 322 268 3-3-0 5-1-0 3-3-0
4 Edmonton 12 5 7 0 10 347 352 3-4-0 2-3-0 3-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 12 2 10 0 4 231 387 2-4-0 0-6-0 1-7-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Hamilton 12 6 6 0 12 353 319 3-2-0 3-4-0 4-1-0
2 Ottawa 11 5 5 1 11 285 303 1-3-1 4-2-0 3-2-0
3 Toronto 12 5 7 0 10 299 352 2-5-0 3-2-0 3-3-0
4 Montreal 12 3 9 0 6 249 295 1-5-0 2-4-0 1-5-0
CFL Betting Recap - Week 13
September 20, 2016
League Betting Notes
-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 13
-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 ATS in Week 13
-- Home teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 13
-- Home teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 13
-- The 'Over' went 3-1 in Week 13
Team Betting Notes
-- Hamilton (6-6) kept lowly Montreal (3-9) buried in the basement of the East Division, but they won by just three despite entering as double-digit favorites. The Tiger-Cats have managed a 1-3 ATS mark over the past four outings, and 2-5 ATS over the past seven.
-- The cover for the Alouettes snapped an 0-3 ATS skid. They're just 4-8 ATS in 12 games this season, and they haven't covered in back-to-back games in 2016. Remember that in their game Oct. 2 against Toronto (5-7).
-- The Argonauts were pounded 46-29 against high-flying Winnipeg (9-4), losing for the fifth time in six games. The Argos are also 1-5 ATS during the span with the 'over' going 5-1 during the stretch.
-- Edmonton (5-7) continues to go downhill in a hurry, slipping up 26-23 at Saskatchewan (2-10). The Eskimos have failed to cover in a season-high four stragiht games, and they're just 3-8-1 ATS in 12 games overall. Their 'under' result snapped a four-game 'over' run.
-- The Roughriders might not have a great overall record, but they're an impressive 3-0-1 ATS in their past four games.
-- Calgary (10-1-1) met Ottawa (5-5-1) for the first time since their 26-26 tie back on July 8. The Stampeders have won nine straight games since that tie, and they have covered seven straight games, and 10 of the past 11. The 'over' has cashed in three straight for the Stamps, mainly due to the fact they're averaging 42.3 points per game during the span.
September 20, 2016
League Betting Notes
-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 13
-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 ATS in Week 13
-- Home teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 13
-- Home teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 13
-- The 'Over' went 3-1 in Week 13
Team Betting Notes
-- Hamilton (6-6) kept lowly Montreal (3-9) buried in the basement of the East Division, but they won by just three despite entering as double-digit favorites. The Tiger-Cats have managed a 1-3 ATS mark over the past four outings, and 2-5 ATS over the past seven.
-- The cover for the Alouettes snapped an 0-3 ATS skid. They're just 4-8 ATS in 12 games this season, and they haven't covered in back-to-back games in 2016. Remember that in their game Oct. 2 against Toronto (5-7).
-- The Argonauts were pounded 46-29 against high-flying Winnipeg (9-4), losing for the fifth time in six games. The Argos are also 1-5 ATS during the span with the 'over' going 5-1 during the stretch.
-- Edmonton (5-7) continues to go downhill in a hurry, slipping up 26-23 at Saskatchewan (2-10). The Eskimos have failed to cover in a season-high four stragiht games, and they're just 3-8-1 ATS in 12 games overall. Their 'under' result snapped a four-game 'over' run.
-- The Roughriders might not have a great overall record, but they're an impressive 3-0-1 ATS in their past four games.
-- Calgary (10-1-1) met Ottawa (5-5-1) for the first time since their 26-26 tie back on July 8. The Stampeders have won nine straight games since that tie, and they have covered seven straight games, and 10 of the past 11. The 'over' has cashed in three straight for the Stamps, mainly due to the fact they're averaging 42.3 points per game during the span.
CFL Betting Notes - Week 14
September 19, 2016
Hamilton was able to outlast Montreal 20-17 to open Week 13 of the CFL regular season last Friday night, but it came nowhere close to covering the 10-point closing spread as a home favorite.
In the first of two Saturday games, Winnipeg kept its winning streak alive with a 46-29 victory against Toronto as a 5 ½-point home favorite.
Later that day, Calgary took another step towards a West Division title with a dominating 48-23 win over Ottawa as an eight-point favorite at home.
The week’s action wrapped things up on Sunday with Saskatchewan stunning Edmonton 26-23 in overtime as a 5 ½-point home underdog in just its second straight-up win of the year.
Friday, Sept. 23
Toronto Argonauts (5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (5-5-1 SU, 4-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
The Argonauts has now lost five of its last six games both SU and against the spread, but they still remain right in the thick of the East Division race. They have had most of their success this season playing on the road at 3-2 both SU and ATS with the total staying UNDER in all three road wins. Dan LeFevour continues to fill in at quarterback for an injured Ricky Ray and in last week’s loss he threw for four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Ottawa has also been on a downward slide in the second half of the season with a 1-3 SU record in its last four games. The RedBlacks have failed to cover a spread in six of their last seven games and the total has stayed UNDER in four of those contests. In last week’s loss to Calgary, Trevor Harris put the ball up 29 times for 17 receptions and two touchdowns as part of his 289 yards passing.
Betting Trends
These two East Division foes have split the first two meetings this season both SU and ATS with the road team winning each game. Toronto has a SU 5-1 edge in the last six meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the first two games this year.
British Columbia Lions (8-3 SU, 8-3 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (5-7 SU, 3-8-1)
Point-spread: Edmonton -1 ½
Total: 54 ½
Game Overview
BC knows it needs a strong effort on the road against the embattled Eskimos to keep hold of the No. 2 spot in the West Division standings ahead of surging Winnipeg. Coming off a bye week, the Lions are 5-1 both SU and ATS in six previous road games this season and the total has gone an even 3-3. Quarterback Jonathon Jennings is third in the CFL in total passing yards (3,030) and Jeremiah Johnson is the team’s leading rusher with 468 yards.
You would have to think that the defending CFL champs hit rock bottom with Sunday’s loss and they are in serious danger of not even making the playoffs this year. Mike Reilly once again threw the ball all over the field to add another 306 yards to his CFL-high 4,053 passing yards on the year, but Edmonton’s defense once again came up short when it needed a stop the most. The Eskimos only gave up 174 yards through the air, but it was gouged for 146 yards on the ground.
Betting Trends
This will be the first meeting this season and the home team comes into this West Division tilt riding a SU four-game winning streak. The Lions have a 3-1 edge ATS and the total has gone OVER in the last three games between these two.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (10-1-1 SU, 10-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -9 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
Winnipeg’s current SU winning streak stands at seven games with last week’s win, but it was the first time it covered a spread in its last three outings. The total in that game went OVER the closing 50 ½-point line and it has gone OVER in four of its last five games. The Blue Bombers got another strong effort from quarterback Matt Nichols. He only threw for 232 yards and a score, but he completed a highly efficient 72.7 percent of his 33 passing attempts.
The Stampeders have now won their last nine games SU and they are a highly profitable 8-1 ATS during this run. The total went OVER 54 against the RedBlacks last week and it has gone OVER in their last three games. In what is beginning to sound like a broken record, Bo Levi Mitchell was once again highly successful moving the ball up and down the field through the air with 353 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 23-of-25 passing attempts.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers’ last loss this season was against Calgary 33-18 on July 21 as 5 ½-point home underdogs. The Stampeders have now won the last five meetings in this West Division tilt SU with a slight 3-2 edge ATS. The total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in the last three meetings.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4 ½
Total: 53 ½
Game Overview
The Tiger-Cats have not won back-to-back games either SU or ATS since mid-July in what has been a wild roller-coaster ride to an even 6-6 SU mark. In last week’s close call against Montreal, Zach Collaros connected with Luke Tasker and Andrew Fantuz a combined 10 times for 109 yards and a score. He ended the game with 291 yards passing while completing 25-of-36 attempts. Ross Scheurman added another 79 yards on the ground to pace the running game.
The Roughriders’ second win of the season can be mainly attributed to the elevated play of quarterback Darian Durant. He set up the game-tying touchdown with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and he ran in the winning score in overtime. Despite the SU 2-10 record on the year, Saskatchewan has now covered the spread in its last four games.
Betting Trends
In the only interdivision matchup on the Week 14 schedule, Hamilton brings a four-game winning streak both SU and ATS against the Roughriders into this Saturday’s game. This includes a late-August 53-7 romp this season as a 10-point home favorite. The total went OVER 54 in that game after staying UNDER in the four previous meetings.
September 19, 2016
Hamilton was able to outlast Montreal 20-17 to open Week 13 of the CFL regular season last Friday night, but it came nowhere close to covering the 10-point closing spread as a home favorite.
In the first of two Saturday games, Winnipeg kept its winning streak alive with a 46-29 victory against Toronto as a 5 ½-point home favorite.
Later that day, Calgary took another step towards a West Division title with a dominating 48-23 win over Ottawa as an eight-point favorite at home.
The week’s action wrapped things up on Sunday with Saskatchewan stunning Edmonton 26-23 in overtime as a 5 ½-point home underdog in just its second straight-up win of the year.
Friday, Sept. 23
Toronto Argonauts (5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (5-5-1 SU, 4-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -6
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
The Argonauts has now lost five of its last six games both SU and against the spread, but they still remain right in the thick of the East Division race. They have had most of their success this season playing on the road at 3-2 both SU and ATS with the total staying UNDER in all three road wins. Dan LeFevour continues to fill in at quarterback for an injured Ricky Ray and in last week’s loss he threw for four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Ottawa has also been on a downward slide in the second half of the season with a 1-3 SU record in its last four games. The RedBlacks have failed to cover a spread in six of their last seven games and the total has stayed UNDER in four of those contests. In last week’s loss to Calgary, Trevor Harris put the ball up 29 times for 17 receptions and two touchdowns as part of his 289 yards passing.
Betting Trends
These two East Division foes have split the first two meetings this season both SU and ATS with the road team winning each game. Toronto has a SU 5-1 edge in the last six meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the first two games this year.
British Columbia Lions (8-3 SU, 8-3 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (5-7 SU, 3-8-1)
Point-spread: Edmonton -1 ½
Total: 54 ½
Game Overview
BC knows it needs a strong effort on the road against the embattled Eskimos to keep hold of the No. 2 spot in the West Division standings ahead of surging Winnipeg. Coming off a bye week, the Lions are 5-1 both SU and ATS in six previous road games this season and the total has gone an even 3-3. Quarterback Jonathon Jennings is third in the CFL in total passing yards (3,030) and Jeremiah Johnson is the team’s leading rusher with 468 yards.
You would have to think that the defending CFL champs hit rock bottom with Sunday’s loss and they are in serious danger of not even making the playoffs this year. Mike Reilly once again threw the ball all over the field to add another 306 yards to his CFL-high 4,053 passing yards on the year, but Edmonton’s defense once again came up short when it needed a stop the most. The Eskimos only gave up 174 yards through the air, but it was gouged for 146 yards on the ground.
Betting Trends
This will be the first meeting this season and the home team comes into this West Division tilt riding a SU four-game winning streak. The Lions have a 3-1 edge ATS and the total has gone OVER in the last three games between these two.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (10-1-1 SU, 10-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -9 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
Winnipeg’s current SU winning streak stands at seven games with last week’s win, but it was the first time it covered a spread in its last three outings. The total in that game went OVER the closing 50 ½-point line and it has gone OVER in four of its last five games. The Blue Bombers got another strong effort from quarterback Matt Nichols. He only threw for 232 yards and a score, but he completed a highly efficient 72.7 percent of his 33 passing attempts.
The Stampeders have now won their last nine games SU and they are a highly profitable 8-1 ATS during this run. The total went OVER 54 against the RedBlacks last week and it has gone OVER in their last three games. In what is beginning to sound like a broken record, Bo Levi Mitchell was once again highly successful moving the ball up and down the field through the air with 353 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 23-of-25 passing attempts.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers’ last loss this season was against Calgary 33-18 on July 21 as 5 ½-point home underdogs. The Stampeders have now won the last five meetings in this West Division tilt SU with a slight 3-2 edge ATS. The total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in the last three meetings.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4 ½
Total: 53 ½
Game Overview
The Tiger-Cats have not won back-to-back games either SU or ATS since mid-July in what has been a wild roller-coaster ride to an even 6-6 SU mark. In last week’s close call against Montreal, Zach Collaros connected with Luke Tasker and Andrew Fantuz a combined 10 times for 109 yards and a score. He ended the game with 291 yards passing while completing 25-of-36 attempts. Ross Scheurman added another 79 yards on the ground to pace the running game.
The Roughriders’ second win of the season can be mainly attributed to the elevated play of quarterback Darian Durant. He set up the game-tying touchdown with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and he ran in the winning score in overtime. Despite the SU 2-10 record on the year, Saskatchewan has now covered the spread in its last four games.
Betting Trends
In the only interdivision matchup on the Week 14 schedule, Hamilton brings a four-game winning streak both SU and ATS against the Roughriders into this Saturday’s game. This includes a late-August 53-7 romp this season as a 10-point home favorite. The total went OVER 54 in that game after staying UNDER in the four previous meetings.
CFL
Long Sheet
Week 14
Friday, September 23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TORONTO (5 - 7) at OTTAWA (5 - 5 - 1) - 9/23/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-3 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRITISH COLUMBIA (8 - 3) at EDMONTON (5 - 7) - 9/23/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
EDMONTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) versus division opponents this season.
EDMONTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-1 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Saturday, September 24
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WINNIPEG (8 - 4) at CALGARY (10 - 1 - 1) - 9/24/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CALGARY is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
CALGARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
CALGARY is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-1 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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HAMILTON (6 - 6) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 10) - 9/24/2016, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 125-91 ATS (+24.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 4-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Week 14
Friday, September 23
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TORONTO (5 - 7) at OTTAWA (5 - 5 - 1) - 9/23/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 4-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-3 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRITISH COLUMBIA (8 - 3) at EDMONTON (5 - 7) - 9/23/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road lined games this season.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
EDMONTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 this season.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) versus division opponents this season.
EDMONTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-2 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 4-1 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Saturday, September 24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WINNIPEG (8 - 4) at CALGARY (10 - 1 - 1) - 9/24/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CALGARY is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
CALGARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
CALGARY is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-1 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (6 - 6) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 10) - 9/24/2016, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 125-91 ATS (+24.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 4-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CFL
Week 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 23
7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. OTTAWA
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa's last 12 games at home
10:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. EDMONTON
British Columbia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of British Columbia's last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
Friday, September 23
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games at home
9:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Hamilton is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Saskatchewan's last 10 games at home
Saskatchewan is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Week 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 23
7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. OTTAWA
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa's last 12 games at home
10:00 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. EDMONTON
British Columbia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of British Columbia's last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing British Columbia
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing British Columbia
Friday, September 23
4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Winnipeg is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 6 games at home
9:30 PM
HAMILTON vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Hamilton is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Saskatchewan's last 10 games at home
Saskatchewan is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 14
Toronto (5-7) @ Ottawa (5-5-1)– Argonauts won five of last six series games; road team won both meetings this year, with two games staying under total. Toronto lost five of its last six games, with four of the five losses by 13+ points; they’re 3-2 as a road underdog this year, allowing 95 points in last two road tilts. Ottawa lost four of last six games; under is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. RedBlacks are 0-5 vs spread at home this year (1-3-1 SU), with only win by FG over Edmonton- they lost their last two home games, to Alouettes/Lions.
British Columbia (8-3) @ Edmonton (5-7)– Eskimos lost last three games, the last two in OT; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four games. Edmonton is 3-4 SU at home, 1-5 vs spread as home favorite; they won four of last five series games- this is teams’ first meeting this year. Lions lost last three visits here, by 34-6-3 points. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Lions won five of last six games; they’re 5-1 SU on road, 5-0 vs spread as an underdog- their only road loss this season was 23-20 (+3.5) at Ottawa. .
Winnipeg (8-4) @ Calgary (10-1-1)– Stampeders won 36-22/33-18 in two games vs Winnipeg this year; they’re 15-1 in last 16 series games, winning last 13 games played here (3-1-2 last six vs spread). Bombers won their last seven games after a 1-4 start; they’re 3-1 as a road dog this season. Winnipeg is 5-1 SU on road, with only loss 36-22 at Calgary in Week 2; Bombers are 3-1 as road dogs. Calgary won its last nine games, covered its last seven; they’re 6-0 SU at home, 5-1 vs spread as home favorites.
Hamilton (6-6) @ Saskatchewan (2-10)– TiCats pounded Saskatchewan 53-7 on August 20; they’ve won four in row over the Riders, with all four wins by 10+ points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Roughriders snapped an 8-game skid with an OT win over Edmonton LW; Riders are 2-4 SU at home, covering three of last four in Regina (3-1 as home dog). Hamilton is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win this year; they’ve lost last four road games SU, are 1-2 vs spread as road favorites this year.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 14
Toronto (5-7) @ Ottawa (5-5-1)– Argonauts won five of last six series games; road team won both meetings this year, with two games staying under total. Toronto lost five of its last six games, with four of the five losses by 13+ points; they’re 3-2 as a road underdog this year, allowing 95 points in last two road tilts. Ottawa lost four of last six games; under is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. RedBlacks are 0-5 vs spread at home this year (1-3-1 SU), with only win by FG over Edmonton- they lost their last two home games, to Alouettes/Lions.
British Columbia (8-3) @ Edmonton (5-7)– Eskimos lost last three games, the last two in OT; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four games. Edmonton is 3-4 SU at home, 1-5 vs spread as home favorite; they won four of last five series games- this is teams’ first meeting this year. Lions lost last three visits here, by 34-6-3 points. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Lions won five of last six games; they’re 5-1 SU on road, 5-0 vs spread as an underdog- their only road loss this season was 23-20 (+3.5) at Ottawa. .
Winnipeg (8-4) @ Calgary (10-1-1)– Stampeders won 36-22/33-18 in two games vs Winnipeg this year; they’re 15-1 in last 16 series games, winning last 13 games played here (3-1-2 last six vs spread). Bombers won their last seven games after a 1-4 start; they’re 3-1 as a road dog this season. Winnipeg is 5-1 SU on road, with only loss 36-22 at Calgary in Week 2; Bombers are 3-1 as road dogs. Calgary won its last nine games, covered its last seven; they’re 6-0 SU at home, 5-1 vs spread as home favorites.
Hamilton (6-6) @ Saskatchewan (2-10)– TiCats pounded Saskatchewan 53-7 on August 20; they’ve won four in row over the Riders, with all four wins by 10+ points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Roughriders snapped an 8-game skid with an OT win over Edmonton LW; Riders are 2-4 SU at home, covering three of last four in Regina (3-1 as home dog). Hamilton is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win this year; they’ve lost last four road games SU, are 1-2 vs spread as road favorites this year.
CFL
Dunkel
Week 14
Friday, September 23
BC Lions @ Edmonton
Game 493-494
September 23, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
113.704
Edmonton
111.939
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 1
55
Dunkel Pick:
BC Lions
(+1); Under
Toronto @ Ottawa
Game 491-492
September 23, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
106.212
Ottawa
113.265
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 7
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 5 1/2
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-5 1/2); Over
Saturday, September 24
Hamilton @ Saskatchewan
Game 497-498
September 24, 2016 @ 9:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
115.546
Saskatchewan
103.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 12 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 5
53
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-5); Under
Winnipeg @ Calgary
Game 495-496
September 24, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
118.581
Calgary
125.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 7
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+10 1/2); Over
Dunkel
Week 14
Friday, September 23
BC Lions @ Edmonton
Game 493-494
September 23, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
113.704
Edmonton
111.939
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
BC Lions
by 2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Edmonton
by 1
55
Dunkel Pick:
BC Lions
(+1); Under
Toronto @ Ottawa
Game 491-492
September 23, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
106.212
Ottawa
113.265
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 7
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 5 1/2
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-5 1/2); Over
Saturday, September 24
Hamilton @ Saskatchewan
Game 497-498
September 24, 2016 @ 9:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
115.546
Saskatchewan
103.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 12 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 5
53
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-5); Under
Winnipeg @ Calgary
Game 495-496
September 24, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
118.581
Calgary
125.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 7
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+10 1/2); Over
PREVIEW
BATTLE OF ONTARIO: REDBLACKS, ARGOS FIGHT FOR POSITION IN THE EAST
OTTAWA — With a combined record of 10-12-1, it’s fair to say the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Toronto Argonauts aren’t happy with their respective seasons thus far.
Ottawa’s offence has seen the REDBLACKS falter from a 3-0-1 start to their current 5-5-1 mark. In Toronto, the absence of Ricky Ray has been magnified by the Argo defence’s inability to stop the big play en route to a 5-7 record.
The good news for both is with seven weeks remaining in the regular season, neither is out of the East Division’s playoff race: Hamilton leads Ottawa by a single point and Toronto by just two, adding another layer of intrigue to Friday night’s Battle of Ontario in the nation’s capital.
It’s been a rough last few weeks for the Toronto Argos.
Scott Milanovich’s team has seen quarterback Ricky Ray knocked out with an injury and has gone 1-4 in its last five outings. Despite their struggles and some major personnel changes — namely the acquisition of Drew Willy from Winnipeg — the Argos are confident that first in the East can still be theirs.
“It seems like everybody’s in a funk (so) everybody still has an opportunity,” Toronto linebacker Brandon Isaacs told Argonauts.ca. “There’s a lot of optimism that we can finish first place, (but) first we need to consistently win, and if we can be consistent across four quarters, I think we’ll be in a good place.”
One of the reasons for the Argos’ struggles the past month is a defence that hasn’t been able to come up with big stops when needed.
“Hopefully we redeem ourselves (this week), come out sharp and make plays when faced with adversity,” said Isaac, who’s registered 39 tackles on the season. “We’re going into a must-win and we’re going to do what we need to do to be victorious — it’s going to be a playoff atmosphere.”
Many within the Argo locker room believe their team to be better than its current record, with injuries and a lack of consistency the main culprits for their perceived underachievement.
“Every team in our league’s been through it,” explained head coach Scott Milanovich. “At one point, we had all of our defensive backs hurt, at (another) point we had none of our starting receivers.”
Coming up against an equally-struggling REDBLACKS team is certainly not cause for complacency, and Toronto is looking to come out firing in the nation’s capital on Friday night.
“We’re not in a position to take anybody lightly,” said Milanovich. “This is a tiebreak game for us with a playoff competitor — if anything, the rivalry will amp up this week.”
The Argos will once again hand the ball to Dan LeFevour under centre on Friday, with Drew Willy forced to wait at least one more week to make his double blue debut. The 29-year-old has been decent through two games with Toronto, throwing for 600 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
“He played well two weeks in a row (and) he’s given us the best chance to win,” said Milanovich of his new quarterback. “He’s given us another dimension with his feet, (and) Drew hasn’t taken a ton of reps — Dan’s just the better option.”
Up the highway in eastern Ontario, things haven’t been much better as of late for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Rick Campbell’s football team has won just two of its last seven, and will make seven changes to the roster that dropped a 48-23 decision in Calgary.
“It’s a work in progress,” Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “It wasn’t a performance that we wanted out in Calgary, but we still sit in a good spot. We’re in a business where there’s going to be ups and downs, there’s no guarantees.”
The importance of Friday night’s game is obvious for all involved on the Ottawa sideline.
“We showed that we can do some good stuff (last week, but) we’re not a finished product,” continued Campbell. “We’ve got to have a laser focus on this one, it’s a big swing game in the standings. We really got to make sure we take care of (this games) then worry about the rest after that.”
The REDBLACKS defensive line will receive a boost this week with the return of defensive end Aston Whiteside, who will dress for the first time since Week 6.
“It’s truly a blessing, to be back out on the field with the guys,” said Whiteside, who recorded seven sacks in just five games with Ottawa last season after a move from Toronto. “When you play your ex-team, it’s a chip on your shoulder, so I’m ready to get out there and get after it.”
The REDBLACKS have struggled on offence, scoring 23 points or less in every game since Week 5, but could rediscover the run game with the addition of Mossis Madu this week.
The 28 year-old Madu, an Oklahoma product, dressed in nine games with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 and has previous CFL experience with Hamilton (2014).
“We could rotate three or four linebackers through a game. The good thing about them is they can all play multiple spots,” said Campbell. “It’s a work in progress. It wasn’t a performance that we wanted out in Calgary, but we still sit in a good spot. We’re in a business where there’s going to be ups and downs, there’s no guarantees. We know that if we keep working, we’ll be where we want to be.
“We got to limit mistakes. We showed that we can do some good stuff. We’re not a finished product. We’ve got to have a laser focus on this one, it’s a big swing game in the standings. We really got to make sure we take care of (this games) then worry about the rest after that.”
By the Numbers
5 – Receiving yards needed by Ottawa wideout Chris Williams to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in as many CFL seasons.
6 – Team-high sacks registered by Ottawa defensive lineman Zach Evans.
352 – Points allowed by the Argos — the worst mark in the East and second-worst in the league.
700 – Rush yards for Toronto running back Brandon Whitaker — second-most in the CFL.
The Skinny
It’s hard to pick a favourite between the Argos and REDBLACKS simply because neither team has been very good over the last six weeks.
Though Ottawa does have its number-one quarterback — Trevor Harris — healthy and Toronto does not, Ottawa’s offence has put in some pretty mediocre shifts in its own right as of late.
The winner of this game could move into sole possession (Ottawa) or a tie (Toronto) for first place in the East, so expect both to come out firing in the hopes of snapping out of their respective weeks-long funk.
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
BATTLE OF ONTARIO: REDBLACKS, ARGOS FIGHT FOR POSITION IN THE EAST
OTTAWA — With a combined record of 10-12-1, it’s fair to say the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Toronto Argonauts aren’t happy with their respective seasons thus far.
Ottawa’s offence has seen the REDBLACKS falter from a 3-0-1 start to their current 5-5-1 mark. In Toronto, the absence of Ricky Ray has been magnified by the Argo defence’s inability to stop the big play en route to a 5-7 record.
The good news for both is with seven weeks remaining in the regular season, neither is out of the East Division’s playoff race: Hamilton leads Ottawa by a single point and Toronto by just two, adding another layer of intrigue to Friday night’s Battle of Ontario in the nation’s capital.
It’s been a rough last few weeks for the Toronto Argos.
Scott Milanovich’s team has seen quarterback Ricky Ray knocked out with an injury and has gone 1-4 in its last five outings. Despite their struggles and some major personnel changes — namely the acquisition of Drew Willy from Winnipeg — the Argos are confident that first in the East can still be theirs.
“It seems like everybody’s in a funk (so) everybody still has an opportunity,” Toronto linebacker Brandon Isaacs told Argonauts.ca. “There’s a lot of optimism that we can finish first place, (but) first we need to consistently win, and if we can be consistent across four quarters, I think we’ll be in a good place.”
One of the reasons for the Argos’ struggles the past month is a defence that hasn’t been able to come up with big stops when needed.
“Hopefully we redeem ourselves (this week), come out sharp and make plays when faced with adversity,” said Isaac, who’s registered 39 tackles on the season. “We’re going into a must-win and we’re going to do what we need to do to be victorious — it’s going to be a playoff atmosphere.”
Many within the Argo locker room believe their team to be better than its current record, with injuries and a lack of consistency the main culprits for their perceived underachievement.
“Every team in our league’s been through it,” explained head coach Scott Milanovich. “At one point, we had all of our defensive backs hurt, at (another) point we had none of our starting receivers.”
Coming up against an equally-struggling REDBLACKS team is certainly not cause for complacency, and Toronto is looking to come out firing in the nation’s capital on Friday night.
“We’re not in a position to take anybody lightly,” said Milanovich. “This is a tiebreak game for us with a playoff competitor — if anything, the rivalry will amp up this week.”
The Argos will once again hand the ball to Dan LeFevour under centre on Friday, with Drew Willy forced to wait at least one more week to make his double blue debut. The 29-year-old has been decent through two games with Toronto, throwing for 600 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
“He played well two weeks in a row (and) he’s given us the best chance to win,” said Milanovich of his new quarterback. “He’s given us another dimension with his feet, (and) Drew hasn’t taken a ton of reps — Dan’s just the better option.”
Up the highway in eastern Ontario, things haven’t been much better as of late for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Rick Campbell’s football team has won just two of its last seven, and will make seven changes to the roster that dropped a 48-23 decision in Calgary.
“It’s a work in progress,” Campbell told OttawaREDBLACKS.com. “It wasn’t a performance that we wanted out in Calgary, but we still sit in a good spot. We’re in a business where there’s going to be ups and downs, there’s no guarantees.”
The importance of Friday night’s game is obvious for all involved on the Ottawa sideline.
“We showed that we can do some good stuff (last week, but) we’re not a finished product,” continued Campbell. “We’ve got to have a laser focus on this one, it’s a big swing game in the standings. We really got to make sure we take care of (this games) then worry about the rest after that.”
The REDBLACKS defensive line will receive a boost this week with the return of defensive end Aston Whiteside, who will dress for the first time since Week 6.
“It’s truly a blessing, to be back out on the field with the guys,” said Whiteside, who recorded seven sacks in just five games with Ottawa last season after a move from Toronto. “When you play your ex-team, it’s a chip on your shoulder, so I’m ready to get out there and get after it.”
The REDBLACKS have struggled on offence, scoring 23 points or less in every game since Week 5, but could rediscover the run game with the addition of Mossis Madu this week.
The 28 year-old Madu, an Oklahoma product, dressed in nine games with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 and has previous CFL experience with Hamilton (2014).
“We could rotate three or four linebackers through a game. The good thing about them is they can all play multiple spots,” said Campbell. “It’s a work in progress. It wasn’t a performance that we wanted out in Calgary, but we still sit in a good spot. We’re in a business where there’s going to be ups and downs, there’s no guarantees. We know that if we keep working, we’ll be where we want to be.
“We got to limit mistakes. We showed that we can do some good stuff. We’re not a finished product. We’ve got to have a laser focus on this one, it’s a big swing game in the standings. We really got to make sure we take care of (this games) then worry about the rest after that.”
By the Numbers
5 – Receiving yards needed by Ottawa wideout Chris Williams to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in as many CFL seasons.
6 – Team-high sacks registered by Ottawa defensive lineman Zach Evans.
352 – Points allowed by the Argos — the worst mark in the East and second-worst in the league.
700 – Rush yards for Toronto running back Brandon Whitaker — second-most in the CFL.
The Skinny
It’s hard to pick a favourite between the Argos and REDBLACKS simply because neither team has been very good over the last six weeks.
Though Ottawa does have its number-one quarterback — Trevor Harris — healthy and Toronto does not, Ottawa’s offence has put in some pretty mediocre shifts in its own right as of late.
The winner of this game could move into sole possession (Ottawa) or a tie (Toronto) for first place in the East, so expect both to come out firing in the hopes of snapping out of their respective weeks-long funk.
Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
PREVIEW
LIONS, ESKIMOS SET FOR WEST-DIVISION CLASH AT COMMONWEALTH
EDMONTON — It’s do-or-die time for the Edmonton Eskimos.
Entering the final third of the regular season, the Esks are three games back of Winnipeg for third in the West Division at 5-7. Edmonton’s defensive numbers are amongst the league’s worst. Most impactful might be the fact the Esks are coming off a 26-23 OT defeat in Saskatchewan — just the Riders’ second win of 2016.
On the flip side of the back end of Friday night’s doubleheader are the BC Lions, who at 8-3 have proven to be one of the league’s most-efficient teams both on the ground and on defence. Wally Buono’s squad is also a remarkable 5-1 on the road this season, and enters Friday’s game on a three-game win streak — off a bye no less.
The Eskimos need to do something to salvage their season, while the Leos need to keep pace with the best in the West.
The BC Lions have to be feeling pretty good about their game right now.
The Leos boast some of the league’s best defensive and special teams units, and have responded well following their humbling Week 9 loss to Calgary.
“If we’ve done anything, we’ve tried to simplify things so players can go out and play,” BC head coach Wally Buono told BCLions.com. “There’s no secret to success: You’ve got to get coaches, players (and) staff to buy into what you’re selling. When you buy in, you stay healthy and your key guys play well…”
The importance of his team’s Week 14 trip to northern Alberta isn’t lost on Buono.
“Every game is important, especially the last seven games of the season,” said the veteran coach. “Every game is a new adventure, every game has a new flavour — we’ve been on a bye, (so) we’ve tried to make sure that players have their adrenaline going.”
The test for the Lions’ elite defence this week will be the air-raid game of Esks quarterback Mike Reilly, the lone CFL pivot to have already eclipsed the 4,000-yard passing mark (4,053).
“Offensively they have some great weapons,” admitted BC linebacker Solomon Elimimian. “They’re very capable of putting up points (and) it’s going to be a good test for us — we have to come with intensity.”
While Reilly’s arm strength and football IQ are well-known to fans and media alike, Elimimian stresses there’s more than meets the eye with Edmonton’s quarterback.
“He has a strong arm, he knows where his receivers are, (but) one thing you can’t measure with Reilly is his grit, his toughness,” explained Elimimian, whose 76 tackles this season lead the Lions. “(He’s) a quarterback that will lower his shoulder on opposing linebackers just to get a first down.”
With three defensive backs including Ronnie Yell on the six-game, there’s been plenty of turnover in the Leos’ secondary.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries in the secondary, and (defensive coordinator) Mark Washington has done a great job of bringing guys in that are ready to play,” said Elimimian. “As a group, you have to come with the right mindset: Run to the ball, make plays, focus on the call, execute an assignment. If we do that, we’ll be successful.”
The Lions could receive an offensive boost from debut receiver Terrell Sinkfield, who was snapped up after being released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Things haven’t been as rosy for Edmonton, which after last week’s loss in Saskatchewan is teetering on the periphery of the West Division’s playoff picture.
The Eskimos have lost three in a row and still have decisive divisional games in front of them against Winnipeg and BC — again — beyond this week.
“Our guys are very excited to wipe the slate clean,” Edmonton head coach Jason Maas told Esks.com. “When you’re playing a team like BC, with their record, coming off a bye, you know what you’re in for.”
On a short week no less.
The Esks will have had just four days off since their loss in Regina to BC’s 14.
“We were focused more on physically getting (our players) ready than anything (else),” explained Maas, whose team will need an exceptional final-third of the season to catch the likes of Winnipeg and BC. “There’s no more thinking about the gloom of the last twelve games — our last third is upon us, and we want to be playing our best football in the last third of the season.”
While the pressure is on the Eskimos, the team’s veterans understand how to deal with it and don’t seem to fazed by their current situation.
“Every individual game is a must-win. If you start to think about certain games as a must-win, then you clearly didn’t care about some of the other games,” quarterback Mike Reilly said flatly. “It’s certainly an important game, this late in the season and with us being behind the eight ball. Based on the circumstances we’re in, all the (remaining) games are going to feel this way.”
While Friday’s Week 14 matchup is the first meeting between the divisional opponents, Reilly says there will be few secrets between the two.
“They’re going to have a lot of tape on us, we have a lot of tape on them,” explained the Esks all-star pivot. “There’s not going to be a ton of surprises, but when you’re playing a team that’s coming off a bye week, you always have to be ready for a couple wrinkles.”
To have success against the Lions’ new-look secondary, Reilly will have to establish his favourite targets — Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker — early and often on Friday night. The Bowman-Walker duo is on pace for 3,670 receiving yards this season, which would stand as a league record.
Eskimos defensive back Kenny Ladler will hope to build on his ball-hawking exploits of the past three weeks: The Vanderbilt product has snatched two interceptions in the Esks’ last three games, including a pick-six against Calgary.
By the Numbers
14.8 – Average punt return for the Leos, the best mark in the CFL thanks in large part to main return man Chris Rainey (16.6 avg/punt ret).
16 – League-high rush touchdowns for BC this season.
238 – Combined targets between Bowman (127) and Walker (111), the two highest marks in the league. Game plan?
1,279 – League-leading receiving yards for Edmonton’s Adarius Bowman, with teammate Derel Walker (1,168) sitting in second.
The Skinny
The BC Lions have been road warriors all season (5-1 road record) and the Edmonton Eskimos have struggled at Commonwealth Stadium (3-4 home record).
Friday’s game promises to be a hard-hitting affair.
Whether it’s won on defence or offence could determine the winner; the Lions defence appears to be capable of breaking down Edmonton’s inconsistent offensive line, while the Mike Reilly factor could exploit a seemingly ever-changing BC secondary.
Playoff implications galore — don’t miss it.
Kickoff is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
LIONS, ESKIMOS SET FOR WEST-DIVISION CLASH AT COMMONWEALTH
EDMONTON — It’s do-or-die time for the Edmonton Eskimos.
Entering the final third of the regular season, the Esks are three games back of Winnipeg for third in the West Division at 5-7. Edmonton’s defensive numbers are amongst the league’s worst. Most impactful might be the fact the Esks are coming off a 26-23 OT defeat in Saskatchewan — just the Riders’ second win of 2016.
On the flip side of the back end of Friday night’s doubleheader are the BC Lions, who at 8-3 have proven to be one of the league’s most-efficient teams both on the ground and on defence. Wally Buono’s squad is also a remarkable 5-1 on the road this season, and enters Friday’s game on a three-game win streak — off a bye no less.
The Eskimos need to do something to salvage their season, while the Leos need to keep pace with the best in the West.
The BC Lions have to be feeling pretty good about their game right now.
The Leos boast some of the league’s best defensive and special teams units, and have responded well following their humbling Week 9 loss to Calgary.
“If we’ve done anything, we’ve tried to simplify things so players can go out and play,” BC head coach Wally Buono told BCLions.com. “There’s no secret to success: You’ve got to get coaches, players (and) staff to buy into what you’re selling. When you buy in, you stay healthy and your key guys play well…”
The importance of his team’s Week 14 trip to northern Alberta isn’t lost on Buono.
“Every game is important, especially the last seven games of the season,” said the veteran coach. “Every game is a new adventure, every game has a new flavour — we’ve been on a bye, (so) we’ve tried to make sure that players have their adrenaline going.”
The test for the Lions’ elite defence this week will be the air-raid game of Esks quarterback Mike Reilly, the lone CFL pivot to have already eclipsed the 4,000-yard passing mark (4,053).
“Offensively they have some great weapons,” admitted BC linebacker Solomon Elimimian. “They’re very capable of putting up points (and) it’s going to be a good test for us — we have to come with intensity.”
While Reilly’s arm strength and football IQ are well-known to fans and media alike, Elimimian stresses there’s more than meets the eye with Edmonton’s quarterback.
“He has a strong arm, he knows where his receivers are, (but) one thing you can’t measure with Reilly is his grit, his toughness,” explained Elimimian, whose 76 tackles this season lead the Lions. “(He’s) a quarterback that will lower his shoulder on opposing linebackers just to get a first down.”
With three defensive backs including Ronnie Yell on the six-game, there’s been plenty of turnover in the Leos’ secondary.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries in the secondary, and (defensive coordinator) Mark Washington has done a great job of bringing guys in that are ready to play,” said Elimimian. “As a group, you have to come with the right mindset: Run to the ball, make plays, focus on the call, execute an assignment. If we do that, we’ll be successful.”
The Lions could receive an offensive boost from debut receiver Terrell Sinkfield, who was snapped up after being released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Things haven’t been as rosy for Edmonton, which after last week’s loss in Saskatchewan is teetering on the periphery of the West Division’s playoff picture.
The Eskimos have lost three in a row and still have decisive divisional games in front of them against Winnipeg and BC — again — beyond this week.
“Our guys are very excited to wipe the slate clean,” Edmonton head coach Jason Maas told Esks.com. “When you’re playing a team like BC, with their record, coming off a bye, you know what you’re in for.”
On a short week no less.
The Esks will have had just four days off since their loss in Regina to BC’s 14.
“We were focused more on physically getting (our players) ready than anything (else),” explained Maas, whose team will need an exceptional final-third of the season to catch the likes of Winnipeg and BC. “There’s no more thinking about the gloom of the last twelve games — our last third is upon us, and we want to be playing our best football in the last third of the season.”
While the pressure is on the Eskimos, the team’s veterans understand how to deal with it and don’t seem to fazed by their current situation.
“Every individual game is a must-win. If you start to think about certain games as a must-win, then you clearly didn’t care about some of the other games,” quarterback Mike Reilly said flatly. “It’s certainly an important game, this late in the season and with us being behind the eight ball. Based on the circumstances we’re in, all the (remaining) games are going to feel this way.”
While Friday’s Week 14 matchup is the first meeting between the divisional opponents, Reilly says there will be few secrets between the two.
“They’re going to have a lot of tape on us, we have a lot of tape on them,” explained the Esks all-star pivot. “There’s not going to be a ton of surprises, but when you’re playing a team that’s coming off a bye week, you always have to be ready for a couple wrinkles.”
To have success against the Lions’ new-look secondary, Reilly will have to establish his favourite targets — Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker — early and often on Friday night. The Bowman-Walker duo is on pace for 3,670 receiving yards this season, which would stand as a league record.
Eskimos defensive back Kenny Ladler will hope to build on his ball-hawking exploits of the past three weeks: The Vanderbilt product has snatched two interceptions in the Esks’ last three games, including a pick-six against Calgary.
By the Numbers
14.8 – Average punt return for the Leos, the best mark in the CFL thanks in large part to main return man Chris Rainey (16.6 avg/punt ret).
16 – League-high rush touchdowns for BC this season.
238 – Combined targets between Bowman (127) and Walker (111), the two highest marks in the league. Game plan?
1,279 – League-leading receiving yards for Edmonton’s Adarius Bowman, with teammate Derel Walker (1,168) sitting in second.
The Skinny
The BC Lions have been road warriors all season (5-1 road record) and the Edmonton Eskimos have struggled at Commonwealth Stadium (3-4 home record).
Friday’s game promises to be a hard-hitting affair.
Whether it’s won on defence or offence could determine the winner; the Lions defence appears to be capable of breaking down Edmonton’s inconsistent offensive line, while the Mike Reilly factor could exploit a seemingly ever-changing BC secondary.
Playoff implications galore — don’t miss it.
Kickoff is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary x 12 10 1 1 21 405 260 6-0-0 4-1-1 8-1-0
2 BC 11 8 3 0 16 318 273 3-2-0 5-1-0 2-2-0
3 Winnipeg 12 8 4 0 16 322 268 3-3-0 5-1-0 3-3-0
4 Edmonton 12 5 7 0 10 347 352 3-4-0 2-3-0 3-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 12 2 10 0 4 231 387 2-4-0 0-6-0 1-7-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Hamilton 12 6 6 0 12 353 319 3-2-0 3-4-0 4-1-0
2 Ottawa 11 5 5 1 11 285 303 1-3-1 4-2-0 3-2-0
3 Toronto 12 5 7 0 10 299 352 2-5-0 3-2-0 3-3-0
4 Montreal 12 3 9 0 6 249 295 1-5-0 2-4-0 1-5-0
y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
c - Clinched Crossover
GAME RECAP
NO FLY ZONE: REDBLACKS SPOIL WILLY’S DEBUT FOR KEY DIVISIONAL WIN
OTTAWA — Both teams needed it but the Ottawa REDBLACKS went and got it on Friday night, earning a 29-12 win over the Toronto Argonauts at Ottawa’s TD Place.
Dan LeFevour got the start for the Argos while Drew Willy came in at halftime, but in the end it made no difference as the Boatmen failed to overcome a 109-yard missed field goal return touchdown by REDBLACKS return man Jamill Smith in the second quarter.
Smith’s touchdown opened up a 13-0 lead for the REDBLACKS while Chris Milo booted five field goals, helping Ottawa re-gain at least a temporary lead atop the CFL East Division at 6-5-1.
Trevor Harris added a late touchdown on the ground, finishing his night 25-for-35 (71.4 per cent) with 274 yards while moving to 2-0 lifetime against his former team and 6-0 in the Ottawa-Toronto matchup.
Willy threw for 153 yards and a touchdown on 16-of-24 passing (66.7 per cent) in his Argo debut while LeFevour was pulled after completing 13 of his 19 attempts with 72 yards and an interception. Kevin Elliott caught the Argos’ lone touchdown pass and Brandon Whitaker checked in with a team-high nine catches for 46 yards.
Mossis Madu rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries in his first start in nearly two years for Ottawa, complemented by Brad Sinopoli’s 116 receiving yards on nine catches.
The win also gives Ottawa the season series after taking two of three games this season, while the Argos fall to 5-8 and are in danger of falling out of playoff position with the West Division Eskimos threatening to cross over.
Two quick stops by Ottawa’s defence and Harris was at work for the REDBLACKS. A first-down completion to Sinopoli, then a flea-flicker leading to a wide open Chris Williams moved the offence deep into Toronto territory.
Williams’ first catch of the game put him over the 1,000-yard mark, but Harris’ second-down pass to Williams was overthrown, forcing Ottawa to settle on a 19-yard field goal by Milo to go up 3-0.
While the Argos’ offence continued to struggle and both teams exchanged punts, Ottawa’s offence picked it up again late in the first quarter, generating multiple first downs on the way to Milo’s second field goal of the evening.
Just when it looked like the REDBLACKS’ defensive dominance had continued, penalty troubles got in the way. A pass interference penalty extended the drive after a second down stop, then a holding penalty against Jerrell Gavins gave the Argos another first down.
Set to settle on a makeable field goal attempt, a 15-yard penalty against the Argos pushed Lirim Hajrullahu’s first field goal attempt of the game back to the 52-yard-line. His kick against the wind came up short, and Smith found a crease and returned the missed kick 109 yards for the game’s first major, pushing Ottawa’s lead to 13-0.
Milo’s third field goal of the game made it 16-0, but the Argos replied with some offence of their own. A one-handed snare by Elliott plus a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness against Abdul Kanneh got the offence moving, while Anthony Coombs kept the wheels moving with a first down run up the middle.
Two plays later, however, another Argos drive came to an abrupt end when first-year defensive back Jonathan Rose jumped in front of Elliott to make a diving interception and extinguish the threat.
Just when the Argos needed a spark, their special teams came up big. Devon Wylie blocked the punt off the foot of Milo, at least setting up an Argo field goal heading into the half to cut the deficit to 16-3.
Milo added a 44-yard field goal to start the second half while the Argos, looking for a spark, made a switch at quarterback as Willy went under centre for the first time wearing Double Blue.
The Argos’ newest pivot set up a field goal before the end of the third, making it a 19-6 game heading into the fourth. But Milo’s fifth field goal restored Ottawa’s 16-point lead as neither offence could generate a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter.
When the fourth quarter arrived, Willy and the Argos showed signs of life. A long ball to Tori Gurley set the Argos up deep in scoring range, then on the very next play Willy put up a one-on-one ball for Elliott in the back of the end zone and the Argos’ second-year receiver came up with the catch.
That score marked Willy’s first touchdown pass as an Argonaut and while the second-down conversion failed, the Argos cut the deficit to 22-12 with seven minutes left in the game.
The Argos got the ball back with 5:40 remaining with a chance to put another dent in Ottawa’s lead, but this time Willy’s pass to Vidal Hazelton on third down fell incomplete, turning the ball back over to the REDBLACKS on downs for the second time of the evening. Scott Milanovich challenged for pass interference but the play was upheld, costing the Argos their final timeout.
The REDBLACKS went for the kill shot after that, drawing a pass interference penalty and setting up Ottawa at the goal line. Harris scored on second down on the QB keeper, pushing Ottawa’s lead to 17 points with under 2:00 remaining.
Ottawa’s secondary played a key role in the victory, holding the Argos quarterbacks to just 225 passing yards on 43 attempts for an average of 5.2 yards per attempt — despite the defence not picking up a sack.
REDBLACKS offensive linemen SirVincent Rogers and Matt Albright both exited the game with injuries while defensive lineman Zack Evans filled in up front for Ottawa.
With the win, Ottawa ends a run of five losses in seven games while the Argos have now lost six of their last seven.
Both the REDBLACKS and Argos will be on the road in Week 15 as the REDBLACKS visit BC on Saturday, Oct. 1 while the Argos head to Montreal for a date with the Als on Oct. 2.
NO FLY ZONE: REDBLACKS SPOIL WILLY’S DEBUT FOR KEY DIVISIONAL WIN
OTTAWA — Both teams needed it but the Ottawa REDBLACKS went and got it on Friday night, earning a 29-12 win over the Toronto Argonauts at Ottawa’s TD Place.
Dan LeFevour got the start for the Argos while Drew Willy came in at halftime, but in the end it made no difference as the Boatmen failed to overcome a 109-yard missed field goal return touchdown by REDBLACKS return man Jamill Smith in the second quarter.
Smith’s touchdown opened up a 13-0 lead for the REDBLACKS while Chris Milo booted five field goals, helping Ottawa re-gain at least a temporary lead atop the CFL East Division at 6-5-1.
Trevor Harris added a late touchdown on the ground, finishing his night 25-for-35 (71.4 per cent) with 274 yards while moving to 2-0 lifetime against his former team and 6-0 in the Ottawa-Toronto matchup.
Willy threw for 153 yards and a touchdown on 16-of-24 passing (66.7 per cent) in his Argo debut while LeFevour was pulled after completing 13 of his 19 attempts with 72 yards and an interception. Kevin Elliott caught the Argos’ lone touchdown pass and Brandon Whitaker checked in with a team-high nine catches for 46 yards.
Mossis Madu rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries in his first start in nearly two years for Ottawa, complemented by Brad Sinopoli’s 116 receiving yards on nine catches.
The win also gives Ottawa the season series after taking two of three games this season, while the Argos fall to 5-8 and are in danger of falling out of playoff position with the West Division Eskimos threatening to cross over.
Two quick stops by Ottawa’s defence and Harris was at work for the REDBLACKS. A first-down completion to Sinopoli, then a flea-flicker leading to a wide open Chris Williams moved the offence deep into Toronto territory.
Williams’ first catch of the game put him over the 1,000-yard mark, but Harris’ second-down pass to Williams was overthrown, forcing Ottawa to settle on a 19-yard field goal by Milo to go up 3-0.
While the Argos’ offence continued to struggle and both teams exchanged punts, Ottawa’s offence picked it up again late in the first quarter, generating multiple first downs on the way to Milo’s second field goal of the evening.
Just when it looked like the REDBLACKS’ defensive dominance had continued, penalty troubles got in the way. A pass interference penalty extended the drive after a second down stop, then a holding penalty against Jerrell Gavins gave the Argos another first down.
Set to settle on a makeable field goal attempt, a 15-yard penalty against the Argos pushed Lirim Hajrullahu’s first field goal attempt of the game back to the 52-yard-line. His kick against the wind came up short, and Smith found a crease and returned the missed kick 109 yards for the game’s first major, pushing Ottawa’s lead to 13-0.
Milo’s third field goal of the game made it 16-0, but the Argos replied with some offence of their own. A one-handed snare by Elliott plus a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness against Abdul Kanneh got the offence moving, while Anthony Coombs kept the wheels moving with a first down run up the middle.
Two plays later, however, another Argos drive came to an abrupt end when first-year defensive back Jonathan Rose jumped in front of Elliott to make a diving interception and extinguish the threat.
Just when the Argos needed a spark, their special teams came up big. Devon Wylie blocked the punt off the foot of Milo, at least setting up an Argo field goal heading into the half to cut the deficit to 16-3.
Milo added a 44-yard field goal to start the second half while the Argos, looking for a spark, made a switch at quarterback as Willy went under centre for the first time wearing Double Blue.
The Argos’ newest pivot set up a field goal before the end of the third, making it a 19-6 game heading into the fourth. But Milo’s fifth field goal restored Ottawa’s 16-point lead as neither offence could generate a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter.
When the fourth quarter arrived, Willy and the Argos showed signs of life. A long ball to Tori Gurley set the Argos up deep in scoring range, then on the very next play Willy put up a one-on-one ball for Elliott in the back of the end zone and the Argos’ second-year receiver came up with the catch.
That score marked Willy’s first touchdown pass as an Argonaut and while the second-down conversion failed, the Argos cut the deficit to 22-12 with seven minutes left in the game.
The Argos got the ball back with 5:40 remaining with a chance to put another dent in Ottawa’s lead, but this time Willy’s pass to Vidal Hazelton on third down fell incomplete, turning the ball back over to the REDBLACKS on downs for the second time of the evening. Scott Milanovich challenged for pass interference but the play was upheld, costing the Argos their final timeout.
The REDBLACKS went for the kill shot after that, drawing a pass interference penalty and setting up Ottawa at the goal line. Harris scored on second down on the QB keeper, pushing Ottawa’s lead to 17 points with under 2:00 remaining.
Ottawa’s secondary played a key role in the victory, holding the Argos quarterbacks to just 225 passing yards on 43 attempts for an average of 5.2 yards per attempt — despite the defence not picking up a sack.
REDBLACKS offensive linemen SirVincent Rogers and Matt Albright both exited the game with injuries while defensive lineman Zack Evans filled in up front for Ottawa.
With the win, Ottawa ends a run of five losses in seven games while the Argos have now lost six of their last seven.
Both the REDBLACKS and Argos will be on the road in Week 15 as the REDBLACKS visit BC on Saturday, Oct. 1 while the Argos head to Montreal for a date with the Als on Oct. 2.
GAME RECAP
MAKING GAINS: BELL RUNS ESKIMOS PAST LIONS
EDMONTON — Sean Whyte kicked two late field goals while Shakir Bell reached the century mark on the ground, leading the Edmonton Eskimos to a timely 27-23 win over the BC Lions on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
Bell added a touchdown to his 108 rushing yards on 23 carries while Deon Lacey’s late interception helped seal the deal, notching a pivotal division win for the Green and Gold and ending a three-game losing streak.
The win moves the Eskimos into a playoff spot via the East Division crossover following the Argos’ loss on Friday night.
Mike Reilly threw for 300 yards on 24-of-31 passing in the win, scoring once on the ground and once through the air while also throwing an interception. Adarius Bowman caught six passes for 121 yards, including a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.
The Lions failed to win despite jumping out to a 14-point lead in the first half and getting major contributions from Jonathon Jennings and Emmanuel Arceneaux. The latter caught seven passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, the majority of his production coming in the opening 30 minutes.
Jennings finished with 249 passing yards and two touchdowns, but was contained throughout most of the second half and threw a crucial late-game interception to Lacey.
After first feeling each other out, it wasn’t until late in the first quarter that the Lions and Eskimos started to pick things up offensively.
It started when the Lions took over possession near midfield with just under five minutes left, when Jennings completed four straight passes, the last one coming in stride to Arceneaux in the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown.
The Lions missed the two-point try but on their next possession went right back to work. A six-yard completion to Arceneaux kept the drive alive on second-and-five, then, on the very first play of the second quarter, Jennings dropped back and delivered a strike downfield to Arceneaux behind coverage.
The veteran receiver took that pass 68 yards untouched for his second touchdown of the night, while Jeremiah Johnson scored on the two-point convert to extend BC’s lead to 14-0 in the early going.
The Eskimos, needing a win to climb into a playoff spot via the East Division crossover, got the response they desperately needed not long later.
A 19-yard completion to Bowman moved the chains on second and 10, and that sparked what was to come – a 16-yard completion to Chris Getzlaf and a 13-yard run by Bell on the way to a one-yard touchdown run by Reilly, cutting the Eskimos’ deficit to 14-7.
With time running out in the second quarter, the Eskimos completed the opening-half comeback. Reilly connected with Bowman on a 58-yard completion on second and long, while on the next play Bell finished things off with his lone touchdown of the night, pulling the Esks into a 14-14 draw.
That capped off a seven-play, 62-yard drive, while the Lions added a punt single from Richie Leone to take a 15-14 lead into the half. While the Lions’ lead may have been slim, Arceneaux was easily the star of the first two quarters, hauling in six catches for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
After scoring twice to end the first half, Reilly and the Esks’ offence picked up exactly where they left off out of break. Bell ran for a first down and Reilly moved the chains twice on completions to Walker, eventually setting up a 22-yard touchdown pass to Bowman.
That capped off a nine-play scoring drive that took 4:30 off the clock, while Reilly’s first touchdown pass of the game was his 21st of the season, moving him into a tie for sixth on the Eskimos’ all-time list with Damon Allen.
Down for the first time all evening, the visiting Lions chipped away at Edmonton’s lead, sacking Reilly and forcing a safety before later adding a field goal, making it a 21-20 Eskimo lead heading into the fourth quarter.
After the Lions’ passing attack couldn’t be stopped through the game’s first 20 minutes, Edmonton’s defence made life difficult for Jennings and co. in the form of constant pressure and heavy hits. That appeared to continue into the fourth when the Eskimos stymied what looked like a promising drive with Almondo Sewell’s eighth sack of the season back towards midfield — but on second and 18, Jennings rifled a pass into the mitts of Gore, again moving the sticks on a clutch completion.
That led to a go-ahead field goal from Leone, giving BC a 23-21 lead with half a quarter left in the game.
Brandon Zylstra’s third catch of the night from Reilly moved the Esks across midfield on a 15-yard gain, while the Eskimos’ field general in Reilly showed his toughness once again when he took a hit to pick up extra yards with his legs down to the BC 19.
The Lions tightened up and forced a field goal, but Whtye’s first three-pointer of the night put the Green and Gold back in front, 24-23.
On the very next play, Jennings’ pass was intercepted by Deon Lacey, giving Edmonton the ball right back with a chance to add to the lead or better yet run valuable time off the clock. Reilly and the Esks milked some clock then extended the lead on Whyte’s second field goal of the game, extending the lead to 27-23.
The Lions had a slight window to steal the game late, but after Jennings moved that unit up near midfield, a Hail Mary attempt with zeroes on the clock ended in an interception by Brandyn Thompson.
Running the ball was an issue for the Lions, who entered the night as the CFL’s number one rushing team, as BC managed only 69 yards on the ground, including 41 for Johnson on only eight attempts.
Adam Bighill was a monster on the BC defence, coming up with 12 defensive tackles and a quarterback sack. Solomon Elimimian checked in with 10 tackles of his own.
Jennings was sacked only twice, but both sacks came in key situations in the second half as the Esks’ defence turned up the pressure in the final 30 minutes.
Edmonton looks to build on Friday’s victory with a visit to third-place Winnipeg next Friday in a game with major playoff implications. The Lions, who had their three-game winning streak ended, aim to get back on track when they welcome the Ottawa REDBLACKS to BC Place on Saturday, Oct. 1.
MAKING GAINS: BELL RUNS ESKIMOS PAST LIONS
EDMONTON — Sean Whyte kicked two late field goals while Shakir Bell reached the century mark on the ground, leading the Edmonton Eskimos to a timely 27-23 win over the BC Lions on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
Bell added a touchdown to his 108 rushing yards on 23 carries while Deon Lacey’s late interception helped seal the deal, notching a pivotal division win for the Green and Gold and ending a three-game losing streak.
The win moves the Eskimos into a playoff spot via the East Division crossover following the Argos’ loss on Friday night.
Mike Reilly threw for 300 yards on 24-of-31 passing in the win, scoring once on the ground and once through the air while also throwing an interception. Adarius Bowman caught six passes for 121 yards, including a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.
The Lions failed to win despite jumping out to a 14-point lead in the first half and getting major contributions from Jonathon Jennings and Emmanuel Arceneaux. The latter caught seven passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, the majority of his production coming in the opening 30 minutes.
Jennings finished with 249 passing yards and two touchdowns, but was contained throughout most of the second half and threw a crucial late-game interception to Lacey.
After first feeling each other out, it wasn’t until late in the first quarter that the Lions and Eskimos started to pick things up offensively.
It started when the Lions took over possession near midfield with just under five minutes left, when Jennings completed four straight passes, the last one coming in stride to Arceneaux in the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown.
The Lions missed the two-point try but on their next possession went right back to work. A six-yard completion to Arceneaux kept the drive alive on second-and-five, then, on the very first play of the second quarter, Jennings dropped back and delivered a strike downfield to Arceneaux behind coverage.
The veteran receiver took that pass 68 yards untouched for his second touchdown of the night, while Jeremiah Johnson scored on the two-point convert to extend BC’s lead to 14-0 in the early going.
The Eskimos, needing a win to climb into a playoff spot via the East Division crossover, got the response they desperately needed not long later.
A 19-yard completion to Bowman moved the chains on second and 10, and that sparked what was to come – a 16-yard completion to Chris Getzlaf and a 13-yard run by Bell on the way to a one-yard touchdown run by Reilly, cutting the Eskimos’ deficit to 14-7.
With time running out in the second quarter, the Eskimos completed the opening-half comeback. Reilly connected with Bowman on a 58-yard completion on second and long, while on the next play Bell finished things off with his lone touchdown of the night, pulling the Esks into a 14-14 draw.
That capped off a seven-play, 62-yard drive, while the Lions added a punt single from Richie Leone to take a 15-14 lead into the half. While the Lions’ lead may have been slim, Arceneaux was easily the star of the first two quarters, hauling in six catches for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
After scoring twice to end the first half, Reilly and the Esks’ offence picked up exactly where they left off out of break. Bell ran for a first down and Reilly moved the chains twice on completions to Walker, eventually setting up a 22-yard touchdown pass to Bowman.
That capped off a nine-play scoring drive that took 4:30 off the clock, while Reilly’s first touchdown pass of the game was his 21st of the season, moving him into a tie for sixth on the Eskimos’ all-time list with Damon Allen.
Down for the first time all evening, the visiting Lions chipped away at Edmonton’s lead, sacking Reilly and forcing a safety before later adding a field goal, making it a 21-20 Eskimo lead heading into the fourth quarter.
After the Lions’ passing attack couldn’t be stopped through the game’s first 20 minutes, Edmonton’s defence made life difficult for Jennings and co. in the form of constant pressure and heavy hits. That appeared to continue into the fourth when the Eskimos stymied what looked like a promising drive with Almondo Sewell’s eighth sack of the season back towards midfield — but on second and 18, Jennings rifled a pass into the mitts of Gore, again moving the sticks on a clutch completion.
That led to a go-ahead field goal from Leone, giving BC a 23-21 lead with half a quarter left in the game.
Brandon Zylstra’s third catch of the night from Reilly moved the Esks across midfield on a 15-yard gain, while the Eskimos’ field general in Reilly showed his toughness once again when he took a hit to pick up extra yards with his legs down to the BC 19.
The Lions tightened up and forced a field goal, but Whtye’s first three-pointer of the night put the Green and Gold back in front, 24-23.
On the very next play, Jennings’ pass was intercepted by Deon Lacey, giving Edmonton the ball right back with a chance to add to the lead or better yet run valuable time off the clock. Reilly and the Esks milked some clock then extended the lead on Whyte’s second field goal of the game, extending the lead to 27-23.
The Lions had a slight window to steal the game late, but after Jennings moved that unit up near midfield, a Hail Mary attempt with zeroes on the clock ended in an interception by Brandyn Thompson.
Running the ball was an issue for the Lions, who entered the night as the CFL’s number one rushing team, as BC managed only 69 yards on the ground, including 41 for Johnson on only eight attempts.
Adam Bighill was a monster on the BC defence, coming up with 12 defensive tackles and a quarterback sack. Solomon Elimimian checked in with 10 tackles of his own.
Jennings was sacked only twice, but both sacks came in key situations in the second half as the Esks’ defence turned up the pressure in the final 30 minutes.
Edmonton looks to build on Friday’s victory with a visit to third-place Winnipeg next Friday in a game with major playoff implications. The Lions, who had their three-game winning streak ended, aim to get back on track when they welcome the Ottawa REDBLACKS to BC Place on Saturday, Oct. 1.
REGULAR SEASON
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 12 10 1 1 21 405 260 6-0-0 4-1-1 8-1-0
2 Winnipeg 12 8 4 0 16 322 268 3-3-0 5-1-0 3-3-0
3 BC 12 8 4 0 16 341 300 3-2-0 5-2-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton c 13 6 7 0 12 374 375 4-4-0 2-3-0 4-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 12 2 10 0 4 231 387 2-4-0 0-6-0 1-7-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 12 6 5 1 13 314 315 2-3-1 4-2-0 4-2-0
2 Hamilton 12 6 6 0 12 353 319 3-2-0 3-4-0 4-1-0
3 Toronto 13 5 8 0 10 311 381 2-5-0 3-3-0 3-4-0
4 Montreal 12 3 9 0 6 249 295 1-5-0 2-4-0 1-5-0
y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
c - Clinched Crossover
WEST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Calgary 12 10 1 1 21 405 260 6-0-0 4-1-1 8-1-0
2 Winnipeg 12 8 4 0 16 322 268 3-3-0 5-1-0 3-3-0
3 BC 12 8 4 0 16 341 300 3-2-0 5-2-0 2-3-0
4 Edmonton c 13 6 7 0 12 374 375 4-4-0 2-3-0 4-4-0
5 Saskatchewan 12 2 10 0 4 231 387 2-4-0 0-6-0 1-7-0
EAST DIVISION
RK TEAM GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV
1 Ottawa 12 6 5 1 13 314 315 2-3-1 4-2-0 4-2-0
2 Hamilton 12 6 6 0 12 353 319 3-2-0 3-4-0 4-1-0
3 Toronto 13 5 8 0 10 311 381 2-5-0 3-3-0 3-4-0
4 Montreal 12 3 9 0 6 249 295 1-5-0 2-4-0 1-5-0
y - Clinched Division
x - Clinched Playoff Berth
c - Clinched Crossover
Saturday, Sept. 24
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (10-1-1 SU, 10-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -9 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
Winnipeg’s current SU winning streak stands at seven games with last week’s win, but it was the first time it covered a spread in its last three outings. The total in that game went OVER the closing 50 ½-point line and it has gone OVER in four of its last five games. The Blue Bombers got another strong effort from quarterback Matt Nichols. He only threw for 232 yards and a score, but he completed a highly efficient 72.7 percent of his 33 passing attempts.
The Stampeders have now won their last nine games SU and they are a highly profitable 8-1 ATS during this run. The total went OVER 54 against the RedBlacks last week and it has gone OVER in their last three games. In what is beginning to sound like a broken record, Bo Levi Mitchell was once again highly successful moving the ball up and down the field through the air with 353 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 23-of-25 passing attempts.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers’ last loss this season was against Calgary 33-18 on July 21 as 5 ½-point home underdogs. The Stampeders have now won the last five meetings in this West Division tilt SU with a slight 3-2 edge ATS. The total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in the last three meetings.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4 ½
Total: 53 ½
Game Overview
The Tiger-Cats have not won back-to-back games either SU or ATS since mid-July in what has been a wild roller-coaster ride to an even 6-6 SU mark. In last week’s close call against Montreal, Zach Collaros connected with Luke Tasker and Andrew Fantuz a combined 10 times for 109 yards and a score. He ended the game with 291 yards passing while completing 25-of-36 attempts. Ross Scheurman added another 79 yards on the ground to pace the running game.
The Roughriders’ second win of the season can be mainly attributed to the elevated play of quarterback Darian Durant. He set up the game-tying touchdown with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and he ran in the winning score in overtime. Despite the SU 2-10 record on the year, Saskatchewan has now covered the spread in its last four games.
Betting Trends
In the only interdivision matchup on the Week 14 schedule, Hamilton brings a four-game winning streak both SU and ATS against the Roughriders into this Saturday’s game. This includes a late-August 53-7 romp this season as a 10-point home favorite. The total went OVER 54 in that game after staying UNDER in the four previous meetings.
----------------------------------
Saturday, September 24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WINNIPEG (8 - 4) at CALGARY (10 - 1 - 1) - 9/24/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CALGARY is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
CALGARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
CALGARY is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-1 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (6 - 6) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 10) - 9/24/2016, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 125-91 ATS (+24.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 4-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 14
Winnipeg (8-4) @ Calgary (10-1-1)– Stampeders won 36-22/33-18 in two games vs Winnipeg this year; they’re 15-1 in last 16 series games, winning last 13 games played here (3-1-2 last six vs spread). Bombers won their last seven games after a 1-4 start; they’re 3-1 as a road dog this season. Winnipeg is 5-1 SU on road, with only loss 36-22 at Calgary in Week 2; Bombers are 3-1 as road dogs. Calgary won its last nine games, covered its last seven; they’re 6-0 SU at home, 5-1 vs spread as home favorites.
Hamilton (6-6) @ Saskatchewan (2-10)– TiCats pounded Saskatchewan 53-7 on August 20; they’ve won four in row over the Riders, with all four wins by 10+ points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Roughriders snapped an 8-game skid with an OT win over Edmonton LW; Riders are 2-4 SU at home, covering three of last four in Regina (3-1 as home dog). Hamilton is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win this year; they’ve lost last four road games SU, are 1-2 vs spread as road favorites this year.
---------------------------------
Saturday, September 24
Hamilton @ Saskatchewan
Game 497-498
September 24, 2016 @ 9:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
115.546
Saskatchewan
103.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 12 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 5
53
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-5); Under
Winnipeg @ Calgary
Game 495-496
September 24, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
118.581
Calgary
125.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 7
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+10 1/2); Over
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-4 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (10-1-1 SU, 10-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -9 ½
Total: 52 ½
Game Overview
Winnipeg’s current SU winning streak stands at seven games with last week’s win, but it was the first time it covered a spread in its last three outings. The total in that game went OVER the closing 50 ½-point line and it has gone OVER in four of its last five games. The Blue Bombers got another strong effort from quarterback Matt Nichols. He only threw for 232 yards and a score, but he completed a highly efficient 72.7 percent of his 33 passing attempts.
The Stampeders have now won their last nine games SU and they are a highly profitable 8-1 ATS during this run. The total went OVER 54 against the RedBlacks last week and it has gone OVER in their last three games. In what is beginning to sound like a broken record, Bo Levi Mitchell was once again highly successful moving the ball up and down the field through the air with 353 yards passing and two touchdowns while completing 23-of-25 passing attempts.
Betting Trends
The Blue Bombers’ last loss this season was against Calgary 33-18 on July 21 as 5 ½-point home underdogs. The Stampeders have now won the last five meetings in this West Division tilt SU with a slight 3-2 edge ATS. The total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in the last three meetings.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -4 ½
Total: 53 ½
Game Overview
The Tiger-Cats have not won back-to-back games either SU or ATS since mid-July in what has been a wild roller-coaster ride to an even 6-6 SU mark. In last week’s close call against Montreal, Zach Collaros connected with Luke Tasker and Andrew Fantuz a combined 10 times for 109 yards and a score. He ended the game with 291 yards passing while completing 25-of-36 attempts. Ross Scheurman added another 79 yards on the ground to pace the running game.
The Roughriders’ second win of the season can be mainly attributed to the elevated play of quarterback Darian Durant. He set up the game-tying touchdown with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and he ran in the winning score in overtime. Despite the SU 2-10 record on the year, Saskatchewan has now covered the spread in its last four games.
Betting Trends
In the only interdivision matchup on the Week 14 schedule, Hamilton brings a four-game winning streak both SU and ATS against the Roughriders into this Saturday’s game. This includes a late-August 53-7 romp this season as a 10-point home favorite. The total went OVER 54 in that game after staying UNDER in the four previous meetings.
----------------------------------
Saturday, September 24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WINNIPEG (8 - 4) at CALGARY (10 - 1 - 1) - 9/24/2016, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games in September games since 1996.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALGARY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CALGARY is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
CALGARY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins this season.
CALGARY is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-1 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAMILTON (6 - 6) at SASKATCHEWAN (2 - 10) - 9/24/2016, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 125-91 ATS (+24.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-1 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
HAMILTON is 4-1 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 14
Winnipeg (8-4) @ Calgary (10-1-1)– Stampeders won 36-22/33-18 in two games vs Winnipeg this year; they’re 15-1 in last 16 series games, winning last 13 games played here (3-1-2 last six vs spread). Bombers won their last seven games after a 1-4 start; they’re 3-1 as a road dog this season. Winnipeg is 5-1 SU on road, with only loss 36-22 at Calgary in Week 2; Bombers are 3-1 as road dogs. Calgary won its last nine games, covered its last seven; they’re 6-0 SU at home, 5-1 vs spread as home favorites.
Hamilton (6-6) @ Saskatchewan (2-10)– TiCats pounded Saskatchewan 53-7 on August 20; they’ve won four in row over the Riders, with all four wins by 10+ points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Roughriders snapped an 8-game skid with an OT win over Edmonton LW; Riders are 2-4 SU at home, covering three of last four in Regina (3-1 as home dog). Hamilton is 1-4 vs spread in game following a win this year; they’ve lost last four road games SU, are 1-2 vs spread as road favorites this year.
---------------------------------
Saturday, September 24
Hamilton @ Saskatchewan
Game 497-498
September 24, 2016 @ 9:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
115.546
Saskatchewan
103.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hamilton
by 12 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 5
53
Dunkel Pick:
Hamilton
(-5); Under
Winnipeg @ Calgary
Game 495-496
September 24, 2016 @ 4:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Winnipeg
118.581
Calgary
125.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 7
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10 1/2
53
Dunkel Pick:
Winnipeg
(+10 1/2); Over
PREVIEW
BOMBERS, STAMPS PUT STREAKS ON THE LINE IN WESTERN DUEL
CALGARY — When two teams with a combined record of 18-5-1 meet up, you know it’s going to be a good football game.
Such will be the case on Saturday afternoon in Calgary, where the 10-1-1 Stamps will host the 8-4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium.
The Bombers are 1-13 in their last 14 trips to McMahon, but are also on their best run in recent memory: Winnipeg’s last loss came on July 21, and Mike O’Shea’s team has maneuvered itself into the mix near the top of the West Division.
Of course, the Stampeders are on a run of their own: Bo Levi Mitchell and co. haven’t dropped points since an early-July tie in Ottawa, and Calgary is yet to lose at McMahon in 2016.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are en fuego right now. On fire.
Even in the absence of star running back Andrew Harris, Winnipeg was able to brush aside the Toronto Argos last week to extend its winning streak to seven.
“As players, we always move on to the next week fairly quickly,” receiver Weston Dressler told BlueBombers.com. “For us, we’re trying to approach it like we have for the past 12 games now — we’ve done a good job the last few weeks on staying focused on the present and what’s in front of us.”
It appears the Bombers will once again be without Harris, their dual-threat back, after Timothy Flanders took first-team reps at practice this week.
“All these guys, you develop a little trust with them and give them every opportunity you can, said Head Coach Mike O’Shea. “You give them the most amount of time you can for them to be able to compete on game day, and I’ve got no problem with that.
“These guys have been through training camp, they know the system and you’ve certainly got to give them that opportunity.”
Another spot of concern for Winnipeg ahead of its trip to Cowtown is the absence of leading linebacker Ian Wild, whose 69 total tackles lead the Bombers. Wild will not dress on Saturday, and his presence will be missed in the second-tier of the Winnipeg defence.
Going up against a premier quarterback in Bo Levi Mitchell will be a difficult challenge for Winnipeg’s defence, which has established itself as a big-play, high-turnover unit.
“He’s certainly competitive,” O’Shea said of Mitchell. “He’s been in the system for quite some time (and) gets good protection. He gets rid of the ball quickly (and) they say he’s got unbelievable vision in terms of seeing the field.”
The Bomber defence has been nothing short of superb this season, ranking first in interceptions (22) and second in points allowed (268) and forced fumbles (15). As far as individuals go, the Bombers have the league’s two top ball hawks in their secondary in Maurice Leggett (league-best six INTs) and the recently-acquired TJ Heath (five INTs).
“It’s going to come down to who’s more disciplined,” Leggett said of Saturday’s game. “It’s going to be a hard-fought battle — win or lose, we’re confident and we feel like we’re not respected at all.”
The Calgary Stampeders are certainly respected around the CFL by this point.
Dave Dickenson’s football team is coming off a dominant 48-23 win against Ottawa at home last week, becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the process.
“I think the guys in the locker room saw this (success) coming. We believe in ourselves, in the guys around us, and our talent,” Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell told Stampeders.com. “We’re happy with where we are, but not satisfied with it.”
As for facing the red-hot Matt Nichols-led Bombers, Mitchell understands Winnipeg’s path to success.
“They’re kind of tailoring the offence to Matt now, and once you do that with a quarterback, that’s when you get comfortable and start putting up points,” said Mitchell. “We have to make sure we go out and treat this team with the respect they deserve.”
Veteran Calgary defensive lineman Charleston Hughes remains confident heading into Saturday’s game against Winnipeg.
“We’re going to get to Nichols a lot this game, I’m not too worried about that,” said Hughes, who leads the league in sacks (10) at age 32. “I’m experienced in this league — I know how to beat certain things and what teams throw at me. There’s nothing I haven’t faced in this league.”
The Stamps were able to effectively shut down the Bombers in their two prior meetings this season — 36-22 and 33-18 Calgary wins — but know Winnipeg is a much different team since their last matchup in Week 5.
“It’s getting to be that time,” said Head Coach Dave Dickenson this week. “It’s Fall, which is football season in my opinion (and) it’s been a bit of a grind, so we’re hoping to get that energy and crowd behind us.”
The Stamps will hope to find their run game early on Saturday with league-leading running back Jerome Messam. The Toronto-native Messam leads the league in rush yards (739) and touchdowns (8).
By the Numbers
6 – Turnovers created by Calgary DB Jamar Wall (three interceptions, three forced fumbles).
22 – League-high pass TDs for Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell.
41 – League-leading field goals for Winnipeg K Justin Medlock.
528 – Combined points allowed by Calgary (260) and Winnipeg (268), the league’s two best defences.
The Skinny
What a matchup.
Two of Eastern Washington’s best-ever quarterbacks meeting on the professional field — there’s a storyline.
The league’s two hottest teams, with a combined 16-game winning streak — there’s another.
A potential tightening of the gap at the top of the West Division — there’s a third.
Should be a fun afternoon of football in Cowtown.
Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
BOMBERS, STAMPS PUT STREAKS ON THE LINE IN WESTERN DUEL
CALGARY — When two teams with a combined record of 18-5-1 meet up, you know it’s going to be a good football game.
Such will be the case on Saturday afternoon in Calgary, where the 10-1-1 Stamps will host the 8-4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium.
The Bombers are 1-13 in their last 14 trips to McMahon, but are also on their best run in recent memory: Winnipeg’s last loss came on July 21, and Mike O’Shea’s team has maneuvered itself into the mix near the top of the West Division.
Of course, the Stampeders are on a run of their own: Bo Levi Mitchell and co. haven’t dropped points since an early-July tie in Ottawa, and Calgary is yet to lose at McMahon in 2016.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are en fuego right now. On fire.
Even in the absence of star running back Andrew Harris, Winnipeg was able to brush aside the Toronto Argos last week to extend its winning streak to seven.
“As players, we always move on to the next week fairly quickly,” receiver Weston Dressler told BlueBombers.com. “For us, we’re trying to approach it like we have for the past 12 games now — we’ve done a good job the last few weeks on staying focused on the present and what’s in front of us.”
It appears the Bombers will once again be without Harris, their dual-threat back, after Timothy Flanders took first-team reps at practice this week.
“All these guys, you develop a little trust with them and give them every opportunity you can, said Head Coach Mike O’Shea. “You give them the most amount of time you can for them to be able to compete on game day, and I’ve got no problem with that.
“These guys have been through training camp, they know the system and you’ve certainly got to give them that opportunity.”
Another spot of concern for Winnipeg ahead of its trip to Cowtown is the absence of leading linebacker Ian Wild, whose 69 total tackles lead the Bombers. Wild will not dress on Saturday, and his presence will be missed in the second-tier of the Winnipeg defence.
Going up against a premier quarterback in Bo Levi Mitchell will be a difficult challenge for Winnipeg’s defence, which has established itself as a big-play, high-turnover unit.
“He’s certainly competitive,” O’Shea said of Mitchell. “He’s been in the system for quite some time (and) gets good protection. He gets rid of the ball quickly (and) they say he’s got unbelievable vision in terms of seeing the field.”
The Bomber defence has been nothing short of superb this season, ranking first in interceptions (22) and second in points allowed (268) and forced fumbles (15). As far as individuals go, the Bombers have the league’s two top ball hawks in their secondary in Maurice Leggett (league-best six INTs) and the recently-acquired TJ Heath (five INTs).
“It’s going to come down to who’s more disciplined,” Leggett said of Saturday’s game. “It’s going to be a hard-fought battle — win or lose, we’re confident and we feel like we’re not respected at all.”
The Calgary Stampeders are certainly respected around the CFL by this point.
Dave Dickenson’s football team is coming off a dominant 48-23 win against Ottawa at home last week, becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the process.
“I think the guys in the locker room saw this (success) coming. We believe in ourselves, in the guys around us, and our talent,” Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell told Stampeders.com. “We’re happy with where we are, but not satisfied with it.”
As for facing the red-hot Matt Nichols-led Bombers, Mitchell understands Winnipeg’s path to success.
“They’re kind of tailoring the offence to Matt now, and once you do that with a quarterback, that’s when you get comfortable and start putting up points,” said Mitchell. “We have to make sure we go out and treat this team with the respect they deserve.”
Veteran Calgary defensive lineman Charleston Hughes remains confident heading into Saturday’s game against Winnipeg.
“We’re going to get to Nichols a lot this game, I’m not too worried about that,” said Hughes, who leads the league in sacks (10) at age 32. “I’m experienced in this league — I know how to beat certain things and what teams throw at me. There’s nothing I haven’t faced in this league.”
The Stamps were able to effectively shut down the Bombers in their two prior meetings this season — 36-22 and 33-18 Calgary wins — but know Winnipeg is a much different team since their last matchup in Week 5.
“It’s getting to be that time,” said Head Coach Dave Dickenson this week. “It’s Fall, which is football season in my opinion (and) it’s been a bit of a grind, so we’re hoping to get that energy and crowd behind us.”
The Stamps will hope to find their run game early on Saturday with league-leading running back Jerome Messam. The Toronto-native Messam leads the league in rush yards (739) and touchdowns (8).
By the Numbers
6 – Turnovers created by Calgary DB Jamar Wall (three interceptions, three forced fumbles).
22 – League-high pass TDs for Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell.
41 – League-leading field goals for Winnipeg K Justin Medlock.
528 – Combined points allowed by Calgary (260) and Winnipeg (268), the league’s two best defences.
The Skinny
What a matchup.
Two of Eastern Washington’s best-ever quarterbacks meeting on the professional field — there’s a storyline.
The league’s two hottest teams, with a combined 16-game winning streak — there’s another.
A potential tightening of the gap at the top of the West Division — there’s a third.
Should be a fun afternoon of football in Cowtown.
Kickoff is slated for 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen live on TSN or followed online via CFL.ca Game Tracker.
