CNOTES CFL BEST BETS-NEWS-NOTES-WRITEUPS !

[CNOTES]

AMSOIL Power Rankings: Parity is the name of the game​

TORONTO — Welcome to the Week 10 edition of the AMSOIL Power Rankings, or shall we say, the hardest edition of the AMSOIL Power Rankings to put together.

That’s because parity is the name of the game and, after a clear top two with Saskatchewan and Hamilton, there are many arguments to be made for (or against) the rest of the group.

Interested to see where each team ranks? Let’s get to it.

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (7-1)

Last week: 1
Last game: 34-6 win over Montreal
Next Game: vs. Hamilton, August 16​

Worth noting: One could make an argument for the Tiger-Cats at No. 1, but a league-best record and a dominant win against one of the best defences in the CFL gives Saskatchewan the edge. That is, until they meet two weeks from now in Regina to match strength on strength. Trevor Harris was once again the top quarterback of the week according to Pro Football Focus and the defence didn’t allow the Alouettes to do anything except kick very long field goals. Jameer Thurman had an interception while Shane Ray and Mike Rose each recorded a quarterback sack in the win that improved Saskatchewan to 7-1 heading into their bye week.

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2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2)​

Last week: 2
Last game: 28-24 win over Edmonton
Next game: vs. BC, August 7​

Worth noting: Make it six wins in a row for Bo Levi Mitchell and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who are just one win away from matching their 2024 total. Thinking about doubling Kenny Lawler? No worries, Kiondré Smith and Tim White can finish the job. In fact, nine different players caught passes from Mitchell in Week 9, highlighting that this team is very far from a one-trick pony. The Ticats now welcome a rested BC Lions squad on Thursday before heading to Regina for what should be a much anticipated Week 11 battle.

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3. Calgary Stampeders (5-3)​

Last week: 3
Last game: 31-11 loss to Ottawa
Next game: vs. Winnipeg, August 9​

Worth noting: Calgary holds on to the No. 3 spot despite losing to the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 9. The Stamps have struggled over the last five quarters of football, but are still the same team that was No. 1 just a few weeks ago. Health is the name of the game for the group that went into Week 9 missing its starting quarterback, a couple of playmakers in Jalen Philpot and Damien Alford alongside defensive back Adrian Greene. With Vernon Adams Jr. back practicing in full, a Week 10 matchup against the Blue Bombers should provide some clarity as teams ranked third to sixth are separated by just a razor thin margin.

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4. Montreal Alouettes (5-3)​

Last week: 4
Last game: 34-6 loss to Saskatchewan
Next game: vs. Edmonton, August 8​

Worth noting: The Alouettes weren’t able to get anything going against the Roughriders in Week 9. It’s important to note that some of their key players like quarterback Davis Alexander, receiver Tyson Philpot and defensive back Kabion Ento were not available as injuries continue to derail the Alouettes season. Montreal will look to get back on track as they host the Edmonton Elks and former quarterback Cody Fajardo in Week 10.

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5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-3)​

Last week: 6
Last game: 40-31 win over Toronto
Next game: at Calgary, August 9​

Worth noting: The Blue Bombers won the rematch against the Toronto Argonauts thanks to their defence and special teams taking over scoring duties. The offence was once again unable to get past the Double Blue in back-to-back weeks, but Winnipeg has shown time and time again they can find different ways to win games under Mike O’Shea. The Bombers are also only two points back of the Stampeders for second place, which could go either down to zero – or up to four – as they face off in Week 10 at McMahon Stadium.

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6. Toronto Argonauts (2-6)​

Last week: 5
Last game: 40-31 loss to Winnipeg
Next game: vs. Ottawa, August 9​

Worth noting: Toronto outgained Winnipeg 321-265 in Week 10, but were unable to keep the Bombers from scoring in multiple different phases. There’s a lot of positives to build on, like a defence that registered three interceptions and five sacks, led by linebacker Aaron Casey with two. The Boatmen now shift their focus in-division to face the REDBLACKS in Week 10 as they battle for third place in the East.

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7. BC Lions (3-5)​

Last week: 7
Last game: 37-33 loss to Hamilton
Next game: at Hamilton, August 7​

Worth noting: BC comes out of their Week 9 bye hoping to rebound from back-to-back losses to the top two teams in these rankings. As Nathan Rourke gets more and more comfortable as the head of an offence that is averaging a league-best 408.3 yards per game, the Lions could potentially go on a run of their own. It starts with a tough rematch against the Tiger-Cats on Thursday to open Week 10, but the Ticats are on a short turnaround. Can BC take advantage?

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8. Ottawa REDBLACKS (2-6)​

Last week: 9
Last game: 31-11 win over Calgary
Next game: at Toronto, August 9​

Worth noting: The REDBLACKS dominated the Stampeders to earn their second win of the season, both of which coming against Calgary. A good sign for Ottawa is the play of some of their biggest stars like Justin Hardy (two touchdowns) and Eugene Lewis (110 receiving yards). The win ties them with the Argos for third place in the East Division ahead of their important Week 10 matchup.

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9. Edmonton Elks (1-6)​

Last week: 8
Last Game: 28-24 loss to Hamilton
Next game: at Montreal, August 8​

Worth noting: Edmonton faced the No. 1 and No 2. team in back-to-back weeks and put up a serious fight in both games, losing by a combined seven points. That is something to build on as they look towards keeping track of third place in the West Division before it’s too late. Edmonton now travels to Montreal to face a team that QB Cody Fajardo helped win the 110th Grey Cup.

 

[Udog]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 10

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR BC AT HAMILTON
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: BC 115.091; Hamilton 113.514
Dunkel Line & Total: BC by 1 1/2; 59
Vegas Line & Total: Hamilton by 3 1/2; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (+3 1/2); Over

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR EDMONTON AT MONTREAL
Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 108.629; Montreal 106.719
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 2; 48
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal by 4 1/2; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+4 1/2); Under

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR OTTAWA AT TORONTO
Date: August 9, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 104.093; Toronto 119.520
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 15 1/2; 45
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 3; 53
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-3); Under

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR WINNIPEG AT CALGARY
Date: August 9, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 111.472; Calgary 121.016
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 9 1/2; 55
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary by 5; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-5); Over




CFL

Week 10

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Trend Report
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Thursday, August 7
7:30 PM ET
British Columbia VS Hamilton
British Columbia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of British Columbia's last 12 games.
British Columbia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games.
British Columbia is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games against Hamilton.
Hamilton is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Hamilton's last 18 games.
Hamilton is 6-0 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games against British Columbia.

Friday, August 8
7:30 PM ET
Edmonton VS Montreal
Edmonton is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games.
Edmonton is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games.
Edmonton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games against Montreal.
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road.
Montreal is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
Montreal is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home.
Montreal is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games against an opponent in the West conference.

Saturday, August 9
3:00 PM ET
Ottawa VS Toronto
Ottawa is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games.
Ottawa is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games.
Ottawa is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games against Toronto.
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games against Ottawa.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games at home.
Toronto is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Ottawa.

7:00 PM ET
Winnipeg VS Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Winnipeg's last 10 games.
Winnipeg is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games.
Winnipeg is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games against Calgary.
Winnipeg is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games against Calgary.
Calgary is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games.
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games against Winnipeg.


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[CNOTES]

Prediction Time: CFL.ca writers’ Week 10 picks​

TORONTO — The competition is still anyone’s game in this year’s writer picks standings.

Pat Steinberg stands alone at the top, but Vicki Hall is just one game behind, while Kristina Costabile trails by two.

Jamie Nye and Matt Cauz aren’t far off either, with the pair sitting three games behind the leader.

Unlike last week, where most of the writers were in agreement, there’s plenty of differing opinions heading into Week 10.

BC AT HAMILTON​

Thursday, August 7
7:30 p.m. ET
TSN/RDS2/CBSSN/CFL+



The Hamilton Tiger-Cats haven’t lost a game since mid-June and are looking to extend their winning streak to seven on Thursday night. Bo Levi Mitchell has used all of his receivers, whether it’s Kiondré Smith, Kenny Lawler, or Tim White, in their success over the last while and all signs point to that continuing this week. BC is heading to Hamilton Stadium coming off a bye week, ready to avenge their Week 8 loss against these same Ticats. The writers are almost split on this one but are leaning more towards the home team getting two points.

WRITERS’ PICK: 60% Hamilton

EDMONTON AT MONTREAL​

Friday, August 8
7:30 p.m. ET
TSN/RDS/CFL+



Both the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes are coming off losses last week but things looked different for each of them. The Elks kept things close with the red hot Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but couldn’t hold off Bo Levi Mitchell and his high-octane offence late in the game when they orchestrated a game-winning touchdown drive. Montreal, on the other hand, was dominated by the Roughriders, scoring just two field goals in the loss. The pick makers aren’t on the same page on this one either, with the majority taking the Elks to get their second win of the season on Friday Night Football.

WRITERS’ PICK: 60% Edmonton

OTTAWA AT TORONTO​

Saturday, August 9
3:00 p.m. ET
TSN/RDS/CTV/CBSSN/CFL+



The Ottawa REDBLACKS had a good performance against the Stampeders last week, getting a much-needed win. This week they head to Toronto in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Semi-Final as they hope to string a pair of victories in a row. The Argos had another great performance from their offence, with Nick Arbuckle connecting on 22 of 39 passes for 327 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, and Damonte Coxie hauling in 187 yards and those two majors. The difference in that one was their special teams giving up a pair of return touchdowns to Trey Vaval. Most of the writers are thinking Toronto can make some adjustments on special teams and get a home win at BMO Field.

WRITERS’ PICK: 80% Toronto

WINNIPEG AT CALGARY​

Saturday, August 9
7:00 p.m. ET
TSN/CBSSN/CFL+



There’s some good news out of both Winnipeg and Calgary to start the week of practice ahead of the Bombers and Stampeders meeting on Saturday night. Zach Collaros and Vernon Adams Jr. were full participants on Tuesday after both missed their team’s Week 9 contests. Winnipeg’s special teams unit excelled in their win last week, helping snap a three-game losing skid. Calgary is coming off back-to-back losses and will be hoping that having Adams Jr. back in the fold (he didn’t finish the contest in Week 8 and, as mentioned, didn’t play last week) will help them turn things around. Almost all of the writers are thinking they will do just that.

WRITERS’ PICK: 80% Calgary

 

[CNOTES]

Most Outstanding Canadian Watch: Top 5 contenders heading into Week 10​

Another couple of weeks have passed since we last looked at the Most Outstanding Canadian race and the performances across the country from Canucks have been special.

Some have been so special that a player was able to leapfrog into the top five.

Before we get to the list, I’d like to take a quick moment on the big picture that I’ve had intriguing discussions with my CFL on TSN crew about following the emergence of Damien Alford as a standout deep shot touchdown producer.


We all knew his range and Vernon Adams Jr.’s downfield playmaking ability would yield positive results, but averaging nearly a touchdown per game was truly special stuff before he was slowed with a hamstring injury. In previous rebuttals to this article, I’ve had people questioning why Alford hasn’t been included and the answer is simple.

He doesn’t have enough overall targets (17) and catches (13) and that holds him back despite the stunning scoring rate compared to other Canadian receivers such as Toronto’s Kevin Mital (43/50, 2 touchdowns) or Winnipeg’s Nic Demski (32/42 with five touchdowns) with Demski being the most well rounded threat likely to take home the top honour by season’s end.

Which do you value more: catch rate or touchdown percentage? Mass production or game-changing plays? It’s a great discussion fuelled by great Canadian performances that offer a variety of outputs.

Also, shoutout to the kickers as Sean Whyte and Marc Liegghio are a combined 35 for 35. At what point does their greatness validate consideration and what would it take for a kicker to topple a quarterback or receiver’s stat line?

1. CAMERON JUDGE | LINEBACKER | TORONTO ARGONAUTS​

51 total tackles for the Argonauts’ weak side linebacker and sixty defensive plays made including a stat line which only misses a fumble recovery and a blocked kick means Cameron Judge is changing the game in multiple ways.

His early-game interception returned for touchdown last week at Winnipeg being the most memorable mark of the first half this season.

2. NATHAN ROURKE | QUARTERBACK | BC LIONS​

I know some of you don’t like this rule, but if a Canadian is starting at quarterback in the CFL they are never going to be far from the top of the list so long as their play is starter worthy and Nathan Rourke has all that and more going in his favour for the reminder of the season.

He’s a 68 per cent passer with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions and will have to do something shocking to play his way out of the conversation.

3. ADRIAN GREENE | DEFENSIVE BACK | CALGARY STAMPEDERS​

Leading the CFL in interceptions, Adrian Greene has a magnetism to his game and coverage skills that have put the rest of the league on notice.

Seeing the way Montreal and Tyler Snead went after Ben Labrosse when Greene got dinged a few weeks ago goes to show the coaches decision to start Greene came through consistent standout play more than any other factor.

Stavros Katsantonis is just a few plays away, but Greene stands alone for now.

4. BRADY OLIVEIRA | RUNNING BACK | WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS​

I would never call Brady Oliveira‘s game slow, patient, methodical or measured as he hits the hole with great power but this campaign has a freight train vibe to it as he started slow due to injury and is now steadily climbing the mountain as his offensive line throws as much coal in the furnace as possible.

That Bombers running game is lethal when it’s clicking and Brady will likely stand atop the hill by OK Tire Labour Day Weekend in Canadian rushing yardage.

5. KIONDRÉ SMITH | RECEIVER | HAMILTON TIGER-CATS​

I watched every snap of BC and Hamilton in real time and I can honestly say when the Kiondré Smith stat line flashed up on the screen at the end of the game I had no idea what a wild 14-catch performance he had put together. Such is life in a Bo Levi Mitchell powered passing attack with an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Smith now ranks as the top Canadian by receiving yards and should hold onto that mark if the Tiger-Cats keep chucking it all over the place.

 

[CNOTES]

3 keys to victory for BC, Hamilton in Week 10​

HAMILTON — The BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats meet for the second time in three weeks in the Week 10 opener on Thursday night.

Hamilton came from behind to win the first meeting, 37-33, in Week 8.

When the Lions arrive at Hamilton Stadium – where the Ticats are hosting the “Shai Rally Day” to celebrate hometown hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his record-breaking 2024-25 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, they’ll be hoping their bye can help them find the win column for the first time since Week 6.

Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBSSN in the U.S., and CFL+ internationally.

BC LIONS​

1. JAMES BUTLER BACK IN HAMILTON

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season for running back James Butler. He rushed for over 100 yards in Weeks 4, 6 and 8, but followed it up with less than 45 in each ensuing game. Thursday is his first trip back to Hamilton after spending 2023 and 2024 with the Tiger-Cats.

2. STANLEY BERRYHILL III’S IMPACT

Receiver Stanley Berryhill III has already surpassed his 2024 rookie season receiving yards total with 392, and is six receptions shy of a new career high. He also leads the team in touchdown passes with five, giving quarterback Nathan Rourke another weapon when trying to find the end zone against a talented Ticats secondary.

3. TEST FOR THE SECONDARY

Bo Levi Mitchell loves to throw the football, as represented by his league-leading 2,551 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, no team has been better at defending the pass than the Lions’ secondary, which is holding opposing teams to 234.4 yards per game. And who can forget Robert Carter Jr.’s highlight reel interception the last time these two met?

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS​

1. BO LEVI MITCHELL GOES FOR ANOTHER 300

Mitchell has thrown for 300-plus passing yards in three straight games and six times on the season, with one of his most impressive performances coming against the Lions when he threw for 389 yards and two touchdowns. Safe to say, it’s going to be a showdown of pass offence versus pass defence.

2. SHUTTING IT DOWN IN THE SECONDARY

The Ticats secondary continues to play well and held quarterback Nathan Rourke out of the end zone in their first matchup. Stavros Katsantonis and Jamal Peters lead the team with three interceptions apiece and will focus on shutting down Lions’ leading receiver Keon Hatcher.

3. KIONDRÉ SMITH KEEPS PRODUCING

Kiondré Smith has stolen the show with 138 yards in each of the past two weeks to go along with three touchdowns, two of which were against BC. Mitchell will need both Smith and Kenny Lawler to flash their game-changing ability against a stout Lions’ secondary.

NEED TO KNOW:​

• Hamilton is trying to extend their winning streak to seven games.
• This is the final meeting between BC and Hamilton this season.
• Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN and RDS2 in Canada, CBSSN in the U.S., and CFL+ internationally.

 

[CNOTES]

Game Notes: What you need to know ahead of Week 10​

TORONTO — Week 10 is here and that means Game Notes is back with plenty of information about this week’s matchups, including:

• Cody Fajardo will take on his former team for the first time since being traded last winter.
• McLeod Bethel-Thompson is a career 1-2 against Edmonton. He will be making his first start against his former team since joining the Alouettes.
• James Butler tops the CFL with 619 rushing yards. In Week 8, he notched 115 yards and a touchdown against his former team.
• Last week, Willie Jefferson had four pass knockdowns – one short of the single-game record held by Emanuel Martin, Kavis Reed and Davis Sanchez. Jefferson’s total of 85 is good for third behind Adrion Smith (90) and Eddie Davis (111).
• Vernon Adams Jr. passed for 489 yards and five touchdowns in the teams’ two matchups this season. He is a career 6-3 against Winnipeg.

Check out all CFL.ca’s Game Notes for Week 10 below:

ETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON

• Cody Fajardo will take on his former team for the first time since being traded last winter.
• As an Alouette, he amassed a 16-12-1 record (.569), with 6,952 passing yards, a completion percentage of 72.5 and 36 touchdowns (30 pass, six rush).
• In the postseason, he went 2-1, including a victory in the 110th Grey Cup and MVP honours.
• Fajardo is a career 4-1 versus Montreal. In his two starts this season with Edmonton, he was 79.3 per cent passing for 603 yards and three touchdowns to one interception.

QUICK SLANTS

LEAGUE-WIDE

• The CFL has begun keeping the passes defended statistic, measuring the number of interceptions or pass knockdowns per passing attempts. Hamilton leads the league at 16.5 per cent, slightly ahead of Winnipeg’s 16.1.
• There have been 25 return touchdowns, including four last week in Toronto at Winnipeg. After 35 games last season, there were 14, representing an increase of 79 per cent.
• Possible milestone game(s):
  • 100th | Jake Ceresna (EDM), Sean Thomas Erlington (MTL)

BC (3-5) at HAM (6-2)

• Week 8: HAM 37 – BC 33
• The teams’ kickers are a combined 35-for-35 on field goal attempts.
• Hamilton leads the league in passing yards (320.3) while BC has allowed the fewest (234.4).
• The Lions average a league-high 5.7 yards per rush, while the Tiger-Cats have allowed a league-high 5.4 yards per carry.
• BC is coming off a bye week. The team has won its past two games in Hamilton.
• BC leads the league in net yards per game (408.3).
• Nathan Rourke is a career 1-2 against Hamilton.
• James Butler tops the CFL with 619 rushing yards. In Week 8, he notched 115 yards and a touchdown against his former team.
• Hamilton (16) leads the CFL in red zone TDs, followed by BC Lions (15).
• Hamiton leads the league with 253 points scored. The team last led the CFL in scoring in 2019, going 15-3 en route to an East Division title.
• The Tiger-Cats have outscored every opponent in the fourth quarter, totaling a +44 mark. Last season, they were -56 in the final quarter.
• Hamilton finished the 2024 campaign with a -6 turnover ratio; they lead the league at +9 this season.
• Bo Levi Mitchell holds a 13-7 mark against BC. In his past five games, he has passed for 1,703 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• In his last two contests, Kiondré Smith has totaled 21 receptions, 276 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
• Tim White is 16 receiving yards from becoming the 12th Tiger-Cat to reach the 5,000 mark.

EDM (1-6) at MTL (5-3)

• Week 3: MTL 38 – EDM 28
• In their Week 3 matchup, the Elks averaged seven yards per carry.
• Last week in his first CFL start, 2024 first overall pick, Joel Dublanko, had a career-high nine defensive tackles.
• Justin Rankin had 19 touches for 133 yards and two touchdowns last week. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry in the teams’ first meeting.
• Javon Leake leads the league in punt return average (15.1 yards) and 30+ yard returns (four).
• Montreal has won the teams’ past five matchups.
• Jason Maas’ next win will tie him with Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons (68) for 23rd all-time.
• McLeod Bethel-Thompson is a career 1-2 against Edmonton. He will be making his first start against his former team since joining the Alouettes.
• In his last two games, Tyler Snead has 14 receptions for 191 yards.
• José Maltos Díaz is a career 25-for-27 on field goal attempts. Last week, he made two 50+ yard attempts, improving to 4-for-4 from that distance this season and 7-for-7 overall.
• Tyrell Richards and Alexandre Gagné are tied for the league-lead in special teams tackles (13) with BC’s Patrice René.

OTT (2-6) at TOR (2-6)

• Week 4: TOR 29 – OTT 16
• Dru Brown is a career 1-1 against Toronto, totaling 749 passing yards for five touchdowns last season. His next TD pass will be the 40th of his career.
• Justin Hardy (3,191) is 18 receiving yards shy of passing Margene Adkins for 10th all-time in Ottawa.
• Last week, Eugene Lewis registered his 20th 100+ yard receiving game.
• Toronto is 19-6 in the teams’ matchups since the REDBLACKS’ entered the league in 2014.
• The Argonauts have allowed a league-high 23 sacks.
• Nick Arbuckle sits second in the league in passing yards (2,334) and touchdown passes (13).
• Damonte Coxie leads the CFL in receiving yards (774). Last week, he set career-highs in receptions (nine) and receiving yards (187), while adding two TDs.
• In his past five games, Cameron Judge has collected 34 defensive tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
• Former REDBLACKS player, Andrew Chatfield leads the league in sacks (six).

WPG (4-3) at CGY (5-3)

• Week 5: WPG 16 – CGY 37
• Week 7: CGY 41 – WPG 20
• Against the West, Calgary is 3-0, while Winnipeg is 3-2.
• Since 2022, Winnipeg is 7-3 against Calgary.
• Zach Collaros is a career 10-8 versus the Stampeders.
• Last week, Trey Vaval became the first Winnipeg player to score punt and kickoff return touchdowns in the same game.
• Last week, Willie Jefferson had four pass knockdowns – one short of the single-game record held by Emanuel Martin, Kavis Reed and Davis Sanchez. Jefferson’s total of 85 is good for third behind Adrion Smith (90) and Eddie Davis (111).
• Calgary last swept a three-game season series between the teams in 2016.
• The Stampeders have allowed the fewest big plays (12) and offensive touchdowns (11).
• Vernon Adams Jr. passed for 489 yards and five touchdowns in the teams’ two matchups this season. He is a career 6-3 against Winnipeg.
• Dominique Rhymes has recorded a touchdown in each of his past three games.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s 6-pack:
Passing yardage leaders for the Detroit Lions:
45,109— Matthew Stafford
16,887— Jared Goff
15,710— Bobby Layne
12,647— Scott Mitchell
12,451— Greg Landry
11,885— Gary Danielson

Quote of the Day
“ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro

Thursday’s quiz
Tennessee Titans lost their only Super Bowl appearance after the 1999 season; who was their quarterback in that game?

Wednesday’s quiz
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2002, they beat the Oakland Raiders; Bucs coach Jon Gruden was the Raiders’ coach the year before.

Tuesday’s quiz
Washington Nationals won the World Series in 2019; they beat the Astros, in seven games.

********************************************

Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud…….​

— NFL preseason games start in earnest tonight; interesting scheduling, with Pete Carroll’s first game with the Las Vegas Raiders back in Seattle, where he coached the Seahawks for 14 years (147-98-1 and a Super Bowl title).
QB Geno Smith is also a Raider now; he was 28-25 in five years with Seattle (0-1 in playoffs).

— ESPN has bought the NFL Network and other NFL media assets, including the linear rights to the RedZone channel, in a deal that will see the NFL get a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
ESPN will also buy the NFL’s fantasy product and merge it into its existing platform, making ESPN Fantasy Football the official game of the NFL.
Later this month, ESPN is starting its direct-to-consumer streaming product, which I think is going to be $22/month.

— There are only five NFL teams left who take their training camp on the road to a college campus; Buffalo Bills go to St John Fisher College in Rochester.
Bills are on Hard Knocks this summer; first episode ran this week, with decent amount of interesting stuff in there, including a look at their new stadium, scheduled to open in 2026.

— Los Angeles Rams signed RB Kyren Williams to a 3-year, $33M contract extension; last two years, Williams ran ball for 2,443 yards and 26 touchdowns.

— Washington Nationals P MacKenzie Gore is struggling; in his last four starts, Gore has given up 23 runs in 15.2 IP. Not good.

— This week, A’s catcher Shea Langeliers became the first player EVER to hit three home runs in his first game as the leadoff hitter.
Langeliers has 79 career home runs in 395 games; you don’t see a lot of catchers batting leadoff, but he made the most of his chance in this game.

— Seattle Mariners’ P Bryan Woo has started 22 games this season, and pitched 6+ innings in all 22 games, which is a huge plus for the Mariners, taking a lot of strain off their bullpen.

— Famous birthdays, August 7th:
David Rasche, 81
Alan Page, 80
Fred Brown, 77
Steve Kemp, 71
Wayne Knight, 70
Joe Cocozzo, 55
Danny Graves, 52
Charlize Theron, 50
Édgar Rentería, 49
Tommy Kahnle, 36
DeMar DeRozan, 36
Mike Trout, 34
Josh Smith, 28
Kyler Murray, 28
Jalen Hurts, 27

— Guardians 4, Mets 1
Gavin Williams threw 126 pitches, didn’t give up a hit until the 9th inning. Juan Soto’s home run broke up the no-hitter.
Angel Martinez hit a two-run homer.
Williams’ 126 pitches are by any pitcher in a game this year; Zack Littell threw 117 pitches in a game for Tampa Bay in a 16-3 win May 31st.

— Boston Red Sox signed rookie OF Roman Anthony to an 8-year, $130M extension; Anthony is hitting .276 this year, with an .809 OPS.

— Brewers 5, Braves 4
In his last 12 games, Andrew Vaughn is hitting .435 with 16 RBI.
Milwaukee has won six in a row overall, is 33-24 on the road.

— New York 3, Rangers 2
Paul Goldschmidt’s pinch-hit HR in 7th inning was a game-winner.
Mark Leiter Jr got the win in relief.
His cousin, Jack Leiter, started and threw 3.1 IP for Texas.
With the win, New York holds on to the AL’s last Wild Card slot.

— Orioles 5, Phillies 1
Coby Mayo hit a three-run homer.
Trevor Rogers improved 5-2, 1.44 in ten starts this season.
Phillies still lead NL East by 2.5 games.

— Rays 5, Angels 4
Junior Caminero hit two homers for Tampa Bay.
Six Tampa Bay pitchers combined to strike out 16 Angels.
Just the fourth win for the Rays in their last 14 games.

— Random football trivia; back in the 1960’s, the first-ever game between an NFL team and an AFL squad ended with the Denver Broncos upsetting the Detroit Lions 13-7 in an exhibition game at Mile High Stadium.

If the baseball playoffs started today (they do not):
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: Red Sox, Mariners, New York
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Cubs, Mets, Padres

 

[Udog]

British Columbia Lions @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday, August 7​

Game	Time(ET)	Pick	Units
BC at HAM	07:30 PM	HAM -3.0 U 55.5	+500 +500

 

[CNOTES]

AUGUST CFL BEST BETS !!

08/07/2025.....................0 - 2 - 0.........................00.00%......................- 11.00
08/02/2025......................3 - 1 - 0........................75.00%......................+ 9.50
08/01/2025......................1 - 1 - 0........................50.00%......................- 0.50

TOTALS..............................4 - 4 - 0........................50.00%......................- 1.00

***********************************
JULY'S TOTALS..........17 - 15 - 0..................53.12%..............+ 2.50
JUNE'S TOTALS.........19 - 13 - 0..................59.37%..............+ 23.50

 

[Udog]

Edmonton Elks @ Montreal Alouettes

 

[CNOTES]

Friday, August 8​

Game	Time(ET)	Pick	Units
EDM at MTL	07:30 PM	EDM +2.0 U 51.0	+500 +500

 

[CNOTES]

AUGUST CFL BEST BETS !!

08/08/2025......................2 - 0 - 0........................100.00%.....................+ 10.00
08/07/2025......................0 - 2 - 0.........................00.00%......................- 11.00
08/02/2025......................3 - 1 - 0.........................75.00%......................+ 9.50
08/01/2025......................1 - 1 - 0.........................50.00%......................- 0.50

TOTALS..............................6 - 4 - 0..........................60.00%......................+ 9.00

***********************************
JULY'S TOTALS..........17 - 15 - 0..................53.12%..............+ 2.50
JUNE'S TOTALS.........19 - 13 - 0..................59.37%..............+ 23.50

 

[Udog]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday, August 9​

Game	Time(ET)	Pick	Units
OTT at TOR	03:00 PM	TOR -3.0 U 53.0	+500 +500

 

[CNOTES]

AUGUST CFL BEST BETS !!

08/09/2025......................0 - 2 - 0.........................00.00%.....................- 11.00
08/08/2025......................2 - 0 - 0........................100.00%.....................+ 10.00
08/07/2025......................0 - 2 - 0.........................00.00%......................- 11.00
08/02/2025......................3 - 1 - 0.........................75.00%......................+ 9.50
08/01/2025......................1 - 1 - 0.........................50.00%......................- 0.50

TOTALS...........................6 - 6 - 0.........................50.00%....................... - 3.00

***********************************

JULY'S TOTALS..........17 - 15 - 0..................53.12%..............+ 2.50
JUNE'S TOTALS.........19 - 13 - 0..................59.37%..............+ 23.50

 

[CNOTES]

» Lions beat Ticats in overtime after back-and-forth affair
» Rene Paredes leads Stampeders to victory on last-second field goal
» Dru Brown leads resilient REDBLACKS over Argos
» Cody Fajardo fuels Elks’ rally over Als in return to Montreal
» Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates

 

[CNOTES]

Weekly Predictor: Who wins in Week 11?​

Week 10 of the CFL fell the right way (for the most part) for this prognosticator.

Since there were wild finishes in all four games, it could have had you look like you picked the right team only to see it turn on a dime and go the other way.

The entertainment value of the week, especially at the end of the games, hasn’t been this good all year and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.

RELATED
» Play CFL Pick ‘Em presented by Old Dutch now!
» MMQB: 5 non-traditional mid-season awards
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» Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates

The downside is that everyone across the league is starting to find their legs. There are no automatic picks any more and the secret is to sense the trend of a team. It could be small or it could be as obvious as Cody Fajardo putting a belief in the Elks that they’re never out of a game.

Fajardo fought the Elks back in his first start, hit a game-winning touchdown pass that was dropped in his second, and then finished the job with a win in his third.

It’s clear the Elks are trending in the right direction. Are the REDBLACKS following suit with back-to-back wins? Is something truly wrong in Winnipeg or will they turn it around like they did last year around this time?

These are just some of the questions to answer this week and in the weeks ahead. The CFL is not a sprint and the marathon is only half over.

Good luck again this week.

OTTAWA AT WINNIPEG​

Thursday, August 14
8:30 p.m. ET
TSN/RDS/CBSSN/CFL+

Dru Brown’s return to Winnipeg ended far too prematurely last year after leaving the game with a head injury. This year, Brown leads the REDBLACKS back to Winnipeg on a two-game winning streak after throwing five touchdown passes in Ottawa’s Week 10 victory over Toronto.

Yes, the Bombers defence is a more consistent unit than Toronto’s, but we’ve seen rare inconsistencies across the board from the Bombers this season.

I really do believe Ottawa can go into Winnipeg and do some damage, but what I can’t get my head around is if Nick Arbuckle and the Argonauts can move the ball that well against Ottawa’s defence, what can Zach Collaros and company do?

But I’m going to take my own advice and try to read the tea leaves of momentum and confidence in a team and when you go head-to-head at quarterback right now, Dru Brown is feeling it. And he returns to Winnipeg to haunt his former team.

PICK: OTTAWA

TORONTO AT EDMONTON​

Friday, August 15
9:00 p.m. ET
TSN/CFL+

Cody Fajardo has played Saskatchewan, Hamilton, and Montreal tough with two of those games on the road.

Now he’s home against a team that just got lit up for five touchdown passes by Dru Brown. The Elks are starting to believe in each other and the system that they’re all just learning together this season.

The dual threat of Justin Rankin in the run game and pass game adds an extremely difficult matchup for defenders. Rankin isn’t just floating out to catch swing passes or screens, he’s going downfield and finding holes in the zone or running away from a linebacker tasked to him.

Toronto has been on a wild ride over the last few weeks, even when they score big like they did with Ottawa last week or Hamilton in Week 5, they’ve lost. They’ve also been downed by last-second field goals.

A 1-4 record over their last five games and sliding into the basement of the East Division should send off alarm bells around the Argonauts facility.

They need to show a certain amount of urgency, but the Elks have already shown that in their own game and I think it continues for Edmonton.

PICK: EDMONTON

HAMILTON AT SASKATCHEWAN​

Saturday, August 16
3:00 p.m. ET
TSN/CTV/CBSSN/CFL+

I’m calling this one the game of the week with two top teams in each division squaring off in what realistically could be a 112th Grey Cup preview. Sorry if I’m getting ahead of myself, but it’s true.

Bo Levi Mitchell and Trevor Harris are proving age is but a number as they are having two of the finest seasons of their careers.

The Tiger-Cats finally get some rest this week after three consecutive short weeks of preparation, but that rest doesn’t match what the Roughriders got as they come off a bye week.

The Riders laid an egg a few weeks ago after their first bye week of the season so the veterans on the team should have learned from that.

Hamilton’s offence, and specifically the passing game, is electric, which is a great thing for Hamilton as they take on Saskatchewan, who allow a lot of yards through the air. But the Riders come in with a strong rushing attack against a Hamilton defence that struggles in stopping the run.

Saskatchewan sent a message in Montreal that they are the team to beat and until someone beats them, it’ll be hard for me to pick against them, especially in front of what could be a capacity crowd of 33,000 on Saturday.

PICK: SASKATCHEWAN

MONTREAL AT BC​

Saturday, August 16
7:00 p.m. ET
TSN/RDS/CBSSN/CFL+

Is Davis Alexander back?

Probably not?

Okay, this will be a trend of picking Alouette games moving forward as their quarterback play is just not good enough right now and their strong defence can only do so much.

Now they have to take that long trip West to battle a Nathan Rourke-led Lions team who just walked it off in a big win on the road in Hamilton.

BC has already proven they can beat the Alouettes this season with a 21-20 victory in Montreal. Now they’re at home and Nathan Rourke is finding himself at quarterback again.

The Lions defence still leaves much to be desired, but so does the Als offence without their starting quarterback.

PICK: BC

 

[Udog]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 11

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR OTTAWA AT WINNIPEG
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 114.281; Winnipeg 111.206
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 3; 49
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg by 6 1/2; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+6 1/2); Under

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR TORONTO AT EDMONTON
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 110.936; Edmonton 107.521
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 3 1/2; 61
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton by 2 1/2; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Over

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR HAMILTON AT SASKATCHEWAN
Date: August 16, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 113.562; Saskatchewan 123.090
Dunkel Line & Total: Saskatchewan by 9 1/2; 57
Vegas Line & Total: Saskatchewan by 3; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-3); Over

DUNKEL INDEX PREDICTION FOR MONTREAL AT BC
Date: August 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 106.589; BC 114.979
Dunkel Line & Total: BC by 8 1/2; 46
Vegas Line & Total: BC by 4; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BC (-4); Under





CFL

Week 11

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, August 14
8:30 PM ET
Ottawa VS Winnipeg
Ottawa is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games.
Ottawa is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games.
Ottawa is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games against Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games.
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Winnipeg's last 7 games against Ottawa.

Friday, August 15
9:00 PM ET
Toronto VS Edmonton
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Toronto's last 20 games.
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games against Edmonton.
Edmonton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games.
Edmonton is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games against Toronto.

Saturday, August 16
3:00 PM ET
Hamilton VS Saskatchewan
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Hamilton's last 16 games.
Hamilton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games.
Hamilton is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games against Saskatchewan.
Hamilton is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games against Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games.
Saskatchewan is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Saskatchewan's last 20 games against Hamilton.
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home.

7:00 PM ET
Montreal VS British Columbia
Montreal is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games.
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
Montreal is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games against British Columbia.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of British Columbia's last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of British Columbia's last 11 games against Montreal.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of British Columbia's last 10 games at home.
British Columbia is 6-0 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Montreal.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Major League leaders in stolen bases:
35— Caballero, TB/NYY
34— Cruz, Pitt
33— Ramirez Clev/Simpson TB
31— Robert CWS/Scott StL/De La Cruz Cin
30— Witt KC/Crow-Armstrong Chi
26— Turner Phil/Abrams Wash

Quote of the Day
“Three-time Pro Bowl WR Odell Beckham Jr. has drawn interest from several teams and plans to play somewhere in 2025, per source. As OBJ posted himself, he is not retiring, and he continues to train in anticipation of being on the field soon.”
Tom Pelissero

Thursday’s quiz
Where did Odell Beckham Jr. play his college football?

Wednesday’s quiz
Other than Hank Aaron, Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews hit the most home runs for the Braves.

Tuesday’s quiz
Bills’ QB Josh Allen played his college football at Wyoming.


********************************************

Thursday’s Den: Trends for Big 18 football teams and other stuff……​

Trends for Big 18 football teams:

— Illinois
Under Bret Bielema, Illini is 15-4 ATS in road games.

— Indiana
In four years as a I-A coach, Curt Cignetti is 23-8 ATS as a favorite.

— Iowa
Since 2015, Hawkeyes are 19-8-1 ATS as a road favorite. Iowa’s new QB this season started 55 games at I-AA South Dakota State.

— Maryland
In his career, Mike Locksley is 10-17 ATS as a home favorite, 11-22 as a road underdog.

— Michigan
Last three years, Wolverines are 7-11-1 ATS as a home favorite, 6-3 as a road favorite

— Michigan State
Last three years, Spartans are 9-16-2 ATS in conference games.

— Minnesota
Since 2019, Golden Gophers are 5-0 SU/4-1 ATS in bowl games.

— Nebraska
In nine years as a college coach, Matt Rhule is 34-19-1 ATS as an underdog.

— Northwestern
Since 2018, Wildcats are 5-14-1 ATS as a home favorite.

— Famous birthdays, August 14th:
Steve Martin, 80
Guido Merkens, 70
Earvin (Magic) Johnson, 66
Mark Gubicza, 63
Halle Berry, 58
Wayne Chrebet, 52
Mike Vrabel, 50
Mila Kunis, 42
Tim Tebow, 38
Josh Bell, 33
TJ Friedl, 30
Eric Wagaman, 28

— Ohio State
Buckeyes won/covered last four bowl games, with all four wins by 14+ points.

— Oregon
Under Dan Lanning, Ducks are 21-11 ATS as a favorite.

— Penn State
Last four years, Nittany Lions are 28-11-1 ATS as a favorite.

— Purdue
Since 2018, Boilermakers are 5-16 ATS as a home favorite.

— Rutgers
Scarlet Knights are 12-6 ATS last 18 games as a home favorite, 14-6-2 last 22 games as a road dog.

— USC
In eight years as a college coach, Lincoln Riley is 9-21-1 ATS as a road favorite.

— UCLA
Since 2015, Bruins are 14-27 ATS as a home favorite.

— Washington
Since 2018, Huskies are 22-38 ATS in conference games..

— Wisconsin
Since 2015, Badgers are 23-11 ATS as a road favorite.