Saskatchewan has scored 39 and 36 points in its first two games this season. Note that the Riders have posted back-to-back 30+ point performances only four times in the past three seasons. In their next game they've put up 25, 23, 5, and 20 points.
I'm expecting some regression from the Riders offense again in this spot.
Week 3 is all about adjustments, and I'm confident we'll see the Argos make the necessary ones defensively after allowing 45 first half points in their first two games this season. Of course, a big key will be slowing down Riders RB Kory Sheets who has ran for 264 yards and two touchdowns already this season. Stopping the run should certainly be a point of emphasis this week, as Toronto has allowed 131.5 rush yards per game in two games this season.
Keep in mind, this is a young Argos defense after losing a number of key cogs from last year's championship caliber unit. That doesn't mean the cupboard is bare, however. Toronto's defense is young, but talented, and this is a big step-up spot against an undefeated opponent.
Saskatchewan has gotten off to a perfect start not only thanks to its offense, but its stellar defensive play as well. The Riders may not have gained a ton of respect for holding the Eskmos to 18 points in Week 1, but they received plenty of praise for last week's awesome second half performance against the Stampeders, holding them scoreless over the game's final 30 minutes.
The Riders may not be an elite-level defensive team yet, but they're getting there. Note that they've held the Argos to 24 points or less in each of their last three trips to Toronto, although I will point out that the Argos were without Ricky Ray in their home matchup with the Riders last year. While this is a big step-up spot for the Argos, the same can be said for the Riders - Toronto is the defending Grey Cup champion after all.
Last year, we saw this same matchup feature closing totals of 47.5 and 51 points. The Riders have a significantly better defense this year, while the Argos should play with a chip on their shoulder after last week's tough loss in B.C. The 'under' has cashed in five of the last six meetings in this series, and I expect that trend to continue here. Take the under.
Best of luck this week.
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