Edmonton at Hamilton (Pick, 52)
This is this week’s only Canadien conflict that involves two winning teams. Another win and Hamilton (3-2, 4-1 ATS) will start garnering respect around the league and not be recognized as pushover anymore. The Tiger-Cats bend but don’t break defense concedes the most yards at 393.4 per game, yet they rank third in points allowed at 22 per outing. DeAndra' Cobb and quarterback Quinton Porter control the pace, with CFL’s best rushing attack (126.6 YPG), making it a big reason why they have covered last four games.
Edmonton (3-2, 2-3 ATS) is tied with Saskatchewan for first out West, with signal caller Ricky Ray pacing the Eskimos to a pair of upset wins. Ray is completing almost 70 percent of pass attempts for the league’s best passing offense. Ray wouldn’t mind if the defense made a stronger contribution, ranked seventh in pass defense and having forced one turnover all season.
This sets up to be terrible situation for the Eks, as they are 0-7 ATS after two or more straight up wins since 2007 and are 1-8 ATS in last nine meetings with Hamilton.
Winnipeg at Calgary (-14, 52)
Calgary (2-3 SU & ATS) has not worn the crown of champion well, trying to get back to .500 for the second time this season. Be it a lack of focus or too many breakdowns, the Stampeders are finding ways to lose games. The defense was throttled the first two weeks before showing improvement, yet gave up big play late to Saskatchewan that gave them one-point loss. Henry Burris’ play has matched his team’s inconsistencies and now deep threat Ken-Yon Rambo is out for the year with a knee injury. In their favor is 15-5 ATS record off an upset loss to a conference rival as a favorite.
Everything might be a littler cheerier in Winnipeg (2-3, 3-2 ATS) with a new quarterback. After weeks of languishing passing game, the Blue Bombers signed CFL vet Michael Bishop and thrust him into starting lineup ahead a trio of unimpressive quarterbacks. As usual, Bishop used his legs and arm to give Winnipeg a win last week and has to be looking forward to facing his former team. The Blue Bombers are 5-1-1 ATS vs teams with losing records.
Calgary has won six straight at home (5-1 ATS) over Winnipeg and is 11-2 in the long haul. With this many points, the value is on the Blue Bombers and watch
