It's Labour Day weekend in the CFL, which means plenty of rivalry games that include a clash between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
We saw just 28 points on the board when these two teams met earlier this year, and my Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders predictions are expecting another low-scoring slugfest. Here are my best free CFL picks for Sunday, September 1.
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders prediction
My best bet
Under 47.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
After a shockingly poor start to the year, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have turned things around and now trail the Saskatchewan Roughriders by just half a game in the West Division. Winnipeg's defense has been the key to that turnaround, with the Bombers allowing just 270 yards and 13.8 points per game over their last five contests.
That stretch began with a 19-9 loss to the Riders in Week 7, and while the Riders have starting quarterback Trevor Harris under center this time around, I'm not sure they'll be much better on offense.
It initially looked like the Riders may have solved their offensive problems when Harris came off the IL in Week 11 to throw for 355 yards against the Alouettes. However, he regressed last week, throwing for just 190 yards and a pair of picks in a 20-19 loss to the Argos.
That said, Saskatchewan's defense has been doing its part and leads the league with 33 takeaways. Meanwhile, Winnipeg's offense is inefficient and former MOP Zach Collaros has looked pedestrian behind a struggling offensive line. Collaros has thrown twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (6) and his pass efficiency rating (82.5) ranks dead-last among 10 qualifying QBs.
The Bombers have needed stud running back Brady Oliveira to ignite their offense, but the Riders have the run defense to keep him in check. Other than an ugly outlier performance against the Elks in Week 9, Saskatchewan has allowed just 54.7 rushing yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry in its other 10 contests.
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 47.5
Trevor Harris Under 298.5 passing yards
Brady Oliveira Under 74.5 rushing yards
The Riders need a big performance from Harris if they want their offense to put up points, and the Bombers typically need a strong game from Oliveira if they want to move the ball. Since we're fading these offenses with our best bet, it also makes sense to fade both of those guys as well.
With cornerback Tyrell Ford emerging as one of the best corners in the league, Winnipeg's pass defense has been on fire over the last month. The Bombers now rank first in the league in opponent pass efficiency rating (83.1) and passing yards allowed per game (222.5).
Although Oliveira is the best running back in the CFL, his rushing yards prop is too high when you consider how stingy Saskatchewan has been against the run. Keep in mind that Oliveira was limited to just 49 yards on nine carries when these teams last clashed.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders odds
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders live odds
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders opening odds
- Spread: Winnipeg +2.5 (-110) | Saskatchewan -2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Winnipeg +125 | Saskatchewan -250
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Bombers have gone just 1-4 on the road, while the Roughriders are 3-2 at home.
- These teams have been trending in opposite directions. The Riders started the year 5-1 straight up and against the spread but haven't won since. Meanwhile, the Bombers began 2-6 SU and 1-7 ATS but are now on a three-game winning streak.
- Winnipeg is the only team that has yet to have a single big play return this season, while the Riders rank third in the CFL with eight big play returns.
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders trend
The Under has gone an incredible 10-1 in Winnipeg's 11 games this year. Find more CFL betting trends for Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders
Elks vs Stampeders game info
| Location: | Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK |
| Date: | Sunday, 9-1-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders key injuries
Blue Bombers: Stanley Bryant LT (Questionable), Gabe Wallace OL (Questionable), Patrick Neufeld G (Out), Dalton Schoen WR (Out), Cam Lawson DT (Out).
Roughriders: Amari Henderson DB (Questionable), Nelson Lokombo DB (Questionable). Jermarcus Hardrick RT (Out), Jacob Brammer RT (Out), Ryan Sceviour G (Out), Anthony Lanier II DT (Out), Christian Albright DE (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders weather
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