Just wondering what people think about the two matchups taking place next weekend, and if there is any useful information before making a decision on who to back? Also, what do people think the lines will be? I'll just say what I think, and hopefully others can contribute.
BC Lions @ Hamilton Tiger Cats
Guestimate of the lines: Hamilton -2.5, o/u 50
Where I go with this game depends a lot on the line that the bookies hang. Potentially losing Casey Printers (this is very much up in the air still) all but ends the Grey Cup hopes for the Lions, but beating Hamilton is not out of the question. BC's run defence has been so bad this year that whenever they play a pass-happy team, they have a chance. Hamilton has been more pass-oriented ever since Kevin Glenn was appointed starting QB. Hamilton is coming off a big win, and have their first home game in 8 years. Despite the veteran presence of guys like Glenn, they may have some jitters in this game. However, who's to say BC, after getting in through the back door, don't continue their downfall until their season is over. I'm really not sure where to go with this game. BC got torched in the secondary last week, you'd think a secondary as good as theirs will perform better next week. If they give me 4+ points, I might be inclined to take the Lions, who have played a lot of close games this year.
Edmonton Eskimos @ Calgary Stampeders
Guestimate of the lines: Calgary -6, o/u 55
I don't see any reason not to like Calgary here. I really doubt Edmonton can repeat what they did against BC last week. As powerz pointed out, Ricky Ray loves BC. I just think that Calgary will be ready, and set to limit Ray as much as possible, while exploiting the hell out of that Eskimos secondary. Calgary can beat you so many ways offensively, I don't see how Edmonton will be able to stop them. If Calgary can limit Ray and the Eskies to less than 30 points, I think they can win this game. Again, give me a favourable number and I'll run with Calgary... something bigger and there might be some teasing value in this game. I hate to lay a big number in the playoffs, especially in the CFL where anything can (and usually does) happen.
BC Lions @ Hamilton Tiger Cats
Guestimate of the lines: Hamilton -2.5, o/u 50
Where I go with this game depends a lot on the line that the bookies hang. Potentially losing Casey Printers (this is very much up in the air still) all but ends the Grey Cup hopes for the Lions, but beating Hamilton is not out of the question. BC's run defence has been so bad this year that whenever they play a pass-happy team, they have a chance. Hamilton has been more pass-oriented ever since Kevin Glenn was appointed starting QB. Hamilton is coming off a big win, and have their first home game in 8 years. Despite the veteran presence of guys like Glenn, they may have some jitters in this game. However, who's to say BC, after getting in through the back door, don't continue their downfall until their season is over. I'm really not sure where to go with this game. BC got torched in the secondary last week, you'd think a secondary as good as theirs will perform better next week. If they give me 4+ points, I might be inclined to take the Lions, who have played a lot of close games this year.
Edmonton Eskimos @ Calgary Stampeders
Guestimate of the lines: Calgary -6, o/u 55
I don't see any reason not to like Calgary here. I really doubt Edmonton can repeat what they did against BC last week. As powerz pointed out, Ricky Ray loves BC. I just think that Calgary will be ready, and set to limit Ray as much as possible, while exploiting the hell out of that Eskimos secondary. Calgary can beat you so many ways offensively, I don't see how Edmonton will be able to stop them. If Calgary can limit Ray and the Eskies to less than 30 points, I think they can win this game. Again, give me a favourable number and I'll run with Calgary... something bigger and there might be some teasing value in this game. I hate to lay a big number in the playoffs, especially in the CFL where anything can (and usually does) happen.
